This is a great write up. Thanks for putting it out for us John. Having had clothes catch on fire and melt into my skin, I'm inclined toward going the military surplus route versus a fishing vest. All of their aircrew gear is tested for flame resistance which a boon to me.
One resource I found t
Great article covering the main routes past the divide. I always think of Bugs Bunny when the mountains are socked in and I have to fly south and hang a right at Albuquerque. What a maroon.
Great article. I would mention Milner pass as a great alternative to Rollins - just a tiny bit further north, and can cross 1000' lower than rollins and often below and more protected from high winds from the west. Once over you can drop down into the valley and it's an all downhill run over the C