Rod's Favorite Ride's cont.





4.View from the Mesa The Grand Mesa is the highest flat topped mountain in the world, reaching an elevation of over 10,000 feet on top. The climb up either side is a great ride, nice twisty roads to keep you awake, and a view that is unbelievable. To go up the northside of the mesa you leave Grand Junction and head east on I-70. About 13 miles or so out of town get off at the Powderhorn exit and start up Hwy. 65. The first part of the ride takes you up Plateau Canyon. This is a nice winding canyon that starts your climb up the mesa. Once you come out to the canyon there is a long fairly straight ride through the town of Mesa, heading toward the Powderhorn Ski area. Before you get to Powderhorn you are back into the curves, some switchbacks. The climb is pretty steep so don't be suprised if you get caught in traffic, but there are places to pass if you are patient. The first picture on this ride was taken just past the ski area looking north. From the ski area on the road can be damaged and is full of switchback and curves. In a few places there is no guard rail and a long drop off. Once you have reached the top the road is fairly straight, with enough curves to keep you interested. Cherri's Place Almost half way across the top there is a major dirt road heading to your right. It is labeled Lands End Road. I would not try this on a road bike, but if you are willing the view at the end is great. Don't take the road down the mesa though. That is more than a road bike deserves. The second picture was taken at the Lands End turnoff. It is a very special place to me and several friends. The ashes of our dear friend Cherri Ankenman were scattered along the tree line several years ago. Rest Easy Sis. Continuing on past Lands end you pass by Mesa lakes and through miles of beautiful pine forests. On the south side of the Mesa you will drop down into the town of Cedaredge, (which hosts the Serinity Run every summer) and on down to Hwy. 92 which will take you back to Delta or up to Paonia. If you are coming from Paonia or Crawford you take the same route in reverse. Either way it is a nice way to spend an afternoon. One additional word of caution. The top of the Mesa can be a very chilly place even in the middle of summer. Having a jacket and pair of gloves is a good idea. There may be snow along the sides of the road even in late May or early June.



4.Gateway One of the lesser known rides out of Grand Junction is through Unaweep Canyon to Gateway. Heading south on Hwy 50 about 5 miles out of Grand Junction is the small town of Whitewater. Just past Whitewater is Hwy 141, you'll take a left here and head southwest for Gateway. Don't expect to passing much on this road, going up Nine mile hill there are a couple of plaes to pass, but once you have dropped off the hill and into Unaweep Canyon the road doesn't give a lot of places to get by people. You also don't have to worry about going straight for any long streches either. Gateway is about 44 miles from Whitewater on a road that was made for riding. A couple of things to be aware of, there are lots of ranches and homes a long the canyon so traffic can get heavy. If you are leaving at night gas my be hard to come by. Anytime you are riding on this road there is the chance of animals on the road. Anything from rabbits to cattle to deer and elk. From Gateway you have several options, depending on how much time you have. You can continue on to Uravan (another 37 miles), and then on to Naturita. From Naturita you can take Hwy 145 on to Norwood and then to Telluride, or stay with Hwy 141 and go to Dove Creek. Of course if your time is limited you can head back to Grand Junction. Watch your fuel on this ride as gas stops are spread out 30 to 50 miles apart.



5.Douglas Pass If you would like to spend a day riding a loop that will take you through several different types of country and return you to the Grand Junction area, taking Douglas Pass to Rangley, then heading for Meeker and returning to Grand Junction by way of Rifle is a great ride. Leave Grand Junction heading west on I-70. Take the Loma exit, Hwy 139 and head North. From Loma to Rangley is 78 miles so if you have a small tank topping off in Loma might be a good idea. From Loma you go North through the desert to the base of Douglas Pass. The closer you get to the pass you can watch the change in the plant life as you begin to climb. Douglas Pass can be in bad shape at times, so be prepared for construction and potholes on the south side of the pass. After coming over the top of Douglas Pass it's back down into the desert to Rangley. At Rangley make sure you gas up, and head east on Hwy 64 to Meeker 54 miles away. This is a fun road, made for a bike, lots of nice corners but with places to get aroung what little traffic you may incounter. At Meeker head south on Hwy 13. to Rifle about 36 miles. At Rifle you take I-70 west to Grand Junction, a ride of 60 miles. this makes for a very nice day ride, you don't have to push hard to make it and you get a chance to see several different types of terrain.



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