The Triple By Pass run has been one that I’ve always wanted to do, yet it never seemed to work out for me to be able to go. With this years run honoring our good friend, Bruce Miller, I was excited to finally be going on this most fantastic run.

We had eleven we built rigs for the day. Covering 76 miles over 11 hours, we crossed three mountain passes; Italian Creek, Pearl and Taylor Pass in one day. Highest point being Pearl Pass at 12,705 ft. The weather was perfect, scenery fantastic and the company even better. It was a bit humbling for me to know that most of us on the trail that day had been wheeling together for almost 20 years. My good pal Ross did a fantastic job leading the group. Everyone was well set up for the trails and nice to get through the day with no mechanical issues.

Back at camp, my pal Nathaniel had a big pot of Slumgullion Spaghetti ready for us along with some delicious beer from his own brewery, Big Choice Brewery. We hung around the fire talking about Bruce and all the runs we have done with the club over the years. A great way to end a long day on the trail, and a great way to celebrate our good friend Bruce. Thanks to my pal Matt for letting me ride along for the day so I could take pics.

Enjoy!

Camp.

Evening sets in.

Matt.

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After leaving the Great Sand Dunes, I set out to explore more of Colorado. With Creede, Lake City and Marble being highlights for this leg of the trip. For all the times I’ve driven over McClure Pass and what few times i’ve spent in the San Juan’s, this would be my first time visiting Lake City and Marble. Nice to have a few days in each place and not be so rushed.

Enjoy:).

Evening stroll around Creede, CO. First night in town.

I had originally planned to check out Wheeler Geological Area during my full day in Creede, but with all the recent rain and folks getting stuck on the road in, the Forest Service closed off the road. So instead, I spent some time photographing the Commodore Mine. A most fantastic mine just outside of town.

The Commodore Mine started operating in 1892. Finally closing in 1976. By 1902, the Nelson Tunnel connected the Bachlor, Last Chance, New York, Amethyst, and Park Regent Mines and was some 11,000 feet long. Currently, the level 5 Nelson Tunnel is a Superfund Site. So much to see at the Commodore Mine. This is just the tip of what’s in Creede:).

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