This challenging route is a mix of paved and unpaved riding through high desert terrain. It is difficult, but rewarding. Leaving Palisade, you ride towards the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers before hitting the Tabeguache overland trail outside of Whitewater. Tabeguache Trail packs a punch, and consists of rough technical gravel. Sand, slick-rock, and rocky double-track are all part of the experience, before climbing into the Colorado National Monument. This a place where 45+ mm tires and mountain bike shoes are recommended. Rim Rock Drive is an iconic climb and descent into Fruita. It was made famous by the Tour of the Moon stage in the 1980s Coors Classic bike race and later inspired the fictional “Hell of the West” race in the sports film American Flyers.