Well, I'll continue to explore and hopefully
report back. I did buy that book and it's great - the backroads part, especially. FWIW, and I can't check if they're in the book because I left the books out there, some nice roads to wander if anyone gets over there, are the Last Dollar from Tell to Ridgeway and Trout Lake. They're H2able. Last Dollar has a fork and two ways to come out in Telluride and both are doable. They're all a little hairy to me the first time through. I drove a little bit of Alta and there was a big chunk out in one place in the road and I got out and practically checked it with a ruler. Trout Lake circles all the way from one place on 145 and comes back out on 145 further south. Easy. And the drive up to the trailhead is rough but pleasant. Last Dollar is an incredibly beautiful drive either direction, either fork. The easier drive goes through ranches and the harder (narrower) drive just knocks you out with steep dropoffs in parts and incredible views and Aspens. My friends wanted to do Black Bear (NO FREAKIN WAY. I hiked it and it's like 12" wide in places) and Ophir Pass, but I asked around and got hugely differing opinions on that so I vetoed. We ended up taking a Tahoe up to Bridal Veil. I could've done it in the H2 but I was feeling a little wimpy that day. Sharp switchbacks. As it was I got out and walked a few of them.
Okay, no cracks about the bike if I can get a photo to post. Someone in Telluride asked me if I used the baskets on the back to deliver papers.
Thanks!
Joan