I feel asleep ridiculously early last night and was up at 4 am, which was just too early. I slowed rolled the morning routine and was eventually on the bike path out of Frisco by 5:15 am. It did not take long for me to pull over and put on my rain pants for a little extra warmth as it slipped into the 30s as I approached Breckenridge on my slow gradual ascent.

I made it to Breckenridge before the summer tourist were walking the main street, which is full of coffee shops, boutiques and various other catch-all stores. It was quiet and peaceful and just the perfect way to enjoy this hip and affluent ski town.

Immediately turning off main street, the climb up to Boreas Pass began and offered some amazing views of the slopes sitting behind Breckenridge. The road up to the gravel portion would be the steepest because once on the Boreas Corridor, I enjoyed the gentle grade of what was once a railroad that ran up and over the pass down to the town of Como.

Once on top, the ghost town of Boreas was really non-existent. With only a few structures, I turned my attention to the unbelievable views and was not disappointed.

The coast down to Como was a little slow going due to road conditions. I was in no rush because I was simply enjoying the views.

I have to admit that after Como I became a little frustrated. I was fine with the washboard road as it became almost comical as trucks and cars wizzed by with their wheels vibrating like they would eventually just fly off. Even the ones pulling travel trailers had no time to slow down and rocks were flying.

What got to me, yes I do get frustrated despite always painting a pretty picture on this blog, were the damn small biting flies. They were freaking relentless. On any climb where my speed was slow, they swarmed my legs and bit the living hell out of them. I cursed them and swatted as many as possible. I dared not take any breaks as they would see this as a sign of weakness and would really attack.

Close to Hartsel and away from the flies, I followed my ACA app to avoid the Sunday traffic on a highway with no shoulder. I may have ridden a couple extra miles, but they were stress free and enjoyable.

I soon arrived to Hartsel and had lunch at the Highline Cafe and Saloon and inquired about sleeping behind the building. They have allowed cyclists the opportunity to do so for numerous years and I will definitely take them up on it to tonight. Meanwhile, snooping on the locals in the saloon is priceless, let me tell you!