It's One More Day Up In The Canyon

With winter playing hard to get in this here mountain town, the unseasonably warm weather has allowed for some fantastic early November bike rides. Today I took a break from my fatherly duties (read: financial support and spankings) and headed out for a quick jaunt up to Ruedi Reservoir.

While Denver and the surrounding foothills were pounded by a late October storm, the Roaring Fork Valley hasn't seen any significant accumulation as of yet. Here's the rather green view from 7,500 feet, a few miles up the Frying Pan Road. Coincidentally named Frying Pan River to the right.

Once out of the shade, here's the Frying Pan River illuminated by the vibrant sunshine that's been the norm around these parts for the past few weeks.

Fifteen miles and 1,200 vertical feet from the start of the ride, here's my goal for the day, the Ruedi Reservoir. Not much to look at here.

Zoom towards Hagerman Pass. While the valley is green, the high country is donning its traditional coating of white.

A beautiful view from the descent. This pretty much sums up why I live here.

Nearing the town of Basalt, Mt. Sopris peeks out from behind the foothills.

A close-up of the twin summits of Mt. Sopris. Thomas Lakes bowl begging to be skied from 12,995 feet.