Aspen to Ruedi Reservoir

This was the biggest ride I ended up doing on the trip. It was about a 77 mile trip from the Silver Bar campground to Basalt, up the Frying Pan River to the Ruedi Reservoir and back.

Here are some of the pictures of the reservoir from up above, the upward road and the Frying Pan River canyon towards Basalt on the way back to Aspen.

I rode up the hill in the picture below to look down upon the reservoir in the above picture. You can see the road going down to the right of the reservoir. It drops about 300-400 off the edge at about a 10-12% grade when you round the bend.

The 10-12 miles up the river to the bottom of the reservoir were pretty easy at about a 2-3% grade. The headwind was so strong that it was easy to average over 18mph for those miles. Actually, I averaged 18mph + for the first 55 miles.
I stopped at the Woody Creek Tavern for a bite to eat on the way back. It's one of many unique places in Colorado. It's just off the main highway, Rt. 82, and worth the trip. Try the BBQ pork.

These guys were hanging out in the parking lot as I was heading back on the road.
And, here is a profile of the ride. Nothing crazy, but the wind went from steady to heavy the last 35 miles. It took my average down below 17mph by the time I finished. Sad.