Day Eight – Silverton CO. to Crested Butte CO. - Miles: 309
We got an early start and rode the Million Dollar Highway down to Durango for breakfast since nothing opened in Silverton before 8:00. We went to Oscar's Cafe and it was a very good decision, great food and great service. After breakfast we rode US160 east and north stopping at Treasure Falls. It had gotten hot and the hike to the falls was going to be a little long so we did something we don't normally do which was to strip down to our shorts put on some comfortable shoes and off we went. It wasn't a major hike but climbing up the trail was nice in shorts. The falls were nothing spectacular but it was worth the walk. We continued on US160 until we reached CO149 where we headed west and stopped in Creede at Spare Keg Brewery. This was by far the longest amount of time we've ever spent in Creede. It seems like every time we rode through here it was early in the day and we never had much of a chance to look around. It is a nice small town and it was quite busy while we were there. Just a little further down the road we stopped at North Clear Creek Falls where we have visited several times. The falls are quite big and the drop is pretty impressive and there always seems to be a good amount of water. Another short distance and we were in Lake City where we stopped at Lake City Brewery for a quick pint before continuing north on CO149. This is a favorite road and we were greatly enjoying the ride. We stopped along the Gunnison River and a newly built bridge in an area seemingly used by fishermen. We finished the ride up CO149 and rode a short distance on US50 to Gunnison where we caught CO135 into Crested Butte. We got a little wet on the way in but nothing major. Our hotel wasn't the best but it was ok. The place was completely full as there was a group of Adventure riders all dual-sports that were riding in the area. There must have been at least 50 riders. We talked to therm about the trails and shared some stories before walking into town for some dinner. It was our first time in Crested Butte and we really the town. Dinner was very good and we sat outside on the upstairs deck with a good view of the town.
