This adventure begins with friends, that, despite all our shortcomings, invited us to share their camp site at Haviland Lake near Purgatory Resort.

If you ask me, I'd say we're all super cute.

Emily and I did a dope ride in the south area of Durango during which we observed what appeared to be a biking bachelorette party. One of them had a giant pink "rocket ship" stuck to their helmet like a perverted unicorn. If I had more courage I would have taken a photo, but when they're in a group like that it's very intimidating.

The next day Emily did a paint. Of a lake. There seems to be someone SUPing it.

I enjoyed my first experience of the Purgatory Bike park, overall. Everyone I ran into was super nice. There are not many trails; a determined biker could probably ride them all in an evening. Regardless, a lift ticket is only $45 and they have immense quality. Pirate trail and Divinity were probably my favourite. There's also this ending section called Last Chance that I tried to hit a bunch of times, it's short but sweet. I did manage to get into a bit of trouble on the World Cup trail. I blame the recent moisture but I am fine. That trail has some tricky sections for sure.

That night we headed to "The Switzerland of America" (Ouray) where someone appears to have painted a mural of Braden ice climbing.

Near Dexter trailhead, we discovered a wonderful camping area. It just-so-happens to be near a creek too!

Pretty much everywhere you look around Ouray a view is waiting to take your breath away.

We also managed to have a quick chat with some Coloradians in a very determined subaru. They seem to run this merchandising store and Emily tried to steal their kid's cool hat. Anyway, they are mountain bikers and recommended we check out the RAT trail system.

The next day we did just that.

These are easily up there with the best flow trails I've ever ridden in my life. 10/10, would highly recommend and we are definitely coming back. I need to go now, but more is coming as this trip has just begun.