Day 11: Guffey to Fairplay, CO

Bison in the wide open range


46.3 miles, 2876 ft ascent, 7.5% max grade, 4:51 riding time, elevation 9953 ft.
This morning we had breakfast with our gracious hosts at the Wild Spirit Mountain Lodge, Beth and Wilbur. To anyone currently on the TramsAm, or considering it in the future, I highly recommend staying at this Lodge.
Beth and Wilbur
Before continuing our journey, Bill and I took a quick tour through the town of Guffey.  It is a unique, and a bit eccentric town, but really fascinating.
Used car lot

Antique store

City Hall
The temps started out in the 60’s with clear skies and the wind was out of the west at 15 - 20 mph.  We are still headed NW, so we rode into the wind all day.  We climbed about 1,000 ft up onto a high valley.
Valley and Rocky Mtns in the distance

Where I saw Bison for the second time this trip.
Bison on the wide open range
The scenery in what I think would be considered the front range of the Rockies is beautiful.
Wide open country with the Rockies in the distance

There are many more trees in the high country, and water is not as scarce as in the Eastern Colorado plains.  I came across this house my way to Fairplay.  According to Kelly, who has a house in Guffey, the owner built it as a FU to the local authorities that would not let him build a house where he wanted to. It is a monstrosity!
The FU house

My final destination today was Fairplay.  Kelly decided to continue on over Hoosier pass, which I will do tomorrow.  Bill hooked up with an old friend and is taking a couple rest days.  I hope to cross paths with Bill and Kelly again.  As I was leaving for dinner, I ran into another westbound TransAm cyclist (Brian) that is staying in the same hotel.  We had dinner together and found that we have a lot in common.  We may both be headed north from Frisco after a couple rest days, so perhaps I will have another riding companion.  I know my wife appreciates that.  Here is the view from my hotel room.  
View from “The Hand” hotel in FairPlay







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