Salida: Ride 50 - The Crater
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This ride takes you to the brim of the Crater, one of Chaffee County's many natural wonders. While it is not an actual crater created by volcanic activity or a meteor strike, the Crater is actually a headwall and rock outcropping exposed by erosion.
The ride itself is tough. While the majority of the climb is a steady grind up fairly well-graded roads, the last two miles get steeper as the road surface deteriorates. Strong riders will have no problem pushing the entire route, but some less experienced riders may encounter a little hike-a-bike. As with every ride in the Salida area, the sweeping vistas of the lower Arkansas Valley and Sangre de Cristo range are spectacular.
The ride itself is tough. While the majority of the climb is a steady grind up fairly well-graded roads, the last two miles get steeper as the road surface deteriorates. Strong riders will have no problem pushing the entire route, but some less experienced riders may encounter a little hike-a-bike. As with every ride in the Salida area, the sweeping vistas of the lower Arkansas Valley and Sangre de Cristo range are spectacular.