Here are some more photos from Loveland Pass. The summit of Loveland Pass is only 10 feet from reaching 12,000 feet. Loveland Pass is probably the highest elevation I will travel by bicycle while I am out here. The views from the summit are simply stunning. I had a perfect day for the ride, riding in bike shorts and a short sleeve jersey. Riding up to a 12,000 foot summit in short sleeves and back down is very unusual. Usually a long sleeve wind and rain jacket are worn at these elevations.
The mountains of the continental divide are called the backbone of America. The water west of the continental divide flows into the Pacific ocean. The water flowing east of the continental divide eventually ends up in the Atlantic Ocean. Several years ago I saw a historical information display of the Great Divide at Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado. A copper strip is embedded in the concrete deck of the display. The copper strip represents the dividing line between east and west of the continental divide. I went behind the display where no one could see me and peed. I figured half would go to the Pacific, the other half would go to the Atlantic. And even if my marking did not make it to either ocean, I knew at least my scent would confuse whatever bear had claimed that territory.