CT Segment 22

[russatiad]

Has anyone here ridden section 22? It appears to be a long arduous climb. I occurred to me that if you continue on the La Garita wilderness detour to Wager gulch and then went up and rode 22 backwards to SH149 optional detour it would be a sweet downhill ride. Would I be missing a better ride on Segment 23?

I am an experienced rider from the VA. Rock gardens are plentiful where I ride, so I beleive my technical skills are solid.

Thanks!

[Done]

I don't have my CT book with me, but I think that section 22 is up under Coney, right? If so, I think that it would be a fun ride, with some walking. Amazing views along the continental divide, just keep an eye on the weather--you will be very exposed up there!

Segment 23 is fantastic too, although I unfortunately rode some of it in dark during a storm.

Why not just ride both 22 and 23 at the same time? You'll walk a bit--but it'll be worth it. Probably my favorite sections of the whole Colorado Trail!

[jeremy11]

seg 22 used to be right in my backyard.
Wager Gulch is a big climb, and you would start lower than at Spring Creek Pass.
No matter how you do it, there's a wee bit of hiking, but its worth it.




a great trip report from Mikesee:
http://lacemine29.blogspot.com/2009/09/big.html

For some reason I never got to ride seg 23..... so much to do in Lake City....




It is a must do ride.  Ride some, ride all, ride any direction, its a big push no matter what, and well worth it.

[Done]

Nice photos, Jeremy. Thanks!

[russatiad]

Wow great video! Thanks for the encouragement.  We will definitely ride it from east to west.

[sanjuanrider]

Section 22 is a great section but also one of the easiest spots to miss the route on.  I lost my GPS and had to ride most of the CTR without any navigation (CT signs only).  This section causes a lot of people to miss the route at mile 7.9 (of this section).  Most of it is rideable untill you get on the ridge past Ruby Creek then it is hard to ride the rocky ridge line.  Also very exposed to weather.  No doubt about it  - one of the toughest sections  but also one of the most enjoyable.

[jeremy11]

on weather........
June 20, 2009 I was running the Lake City 50, and we got about 5 inches of new snow with low visibility between 11,600 ft and 13,300 ft going from Wager Gulch along the CT then down Rambouillet to Sawmill
Those without enough stuff in their drop bags had a rough go of it..... or dropped out... 40% drop rate instead of the usual 20%
I had fun though.  There's something fun about challenging weather, as long as I'm warm enough.

lower down, after the Camp Trail aid station (best cup of noodles in my entire life) and its getting warm and clear - down to the t-shirt and smiling!

San Juan Solstice 50M Continental Divide (mile 25ish)

Note the guy wearing a trash bag.  the Carson Aid station(1/2 way up Wager Gulch) ran out of trash bags.... the favorite fashion accessory of the day....

better put in a bike pic.....