.. title: Fun but also Traveling
.. slug: 2022-jul-1
.. date: 2022-07-1 02:04:36 UTC
.. tags: roadtrip, friends, mtb
.. category:
.. link: 
.. description: 
.. type: text

.. image:: /images/matt-emily-haviland.jpg
   :width: 100%


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

.. image:: /images/chris-melissa-haviland.jpg
   :width: 100%

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. 

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

.. image:: /images/emily-haviland.jpg
   :width: 100%

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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.

.. image:: /images/beer-at-purg.jpg
   :width: 100%

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

.. image:: /images/ouray-braden.jpg
   :width: 100%

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

.. image:: /images/dexter-trail.jpg
   :width: 100%

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

.. image:: /images/ouray-mountain.jpg
   :width: 100%

We also managed to have a quick chat with some Coloradians in a very determined subaru. They seem to run this `merchandising store <https://www.valleylidz.com/>`_ and Emily tried to steal their kid's cool hat. Anyway, they are mountain bikers and recommended we check out the `RAT <https://www.trailforks.com/region/rat-trail-system/>`_ trail system. 

The next day we did just that.

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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.

.. image:: /images/rat-pano.jpg
   :width: 100%