When I entered the park I was informed that there was still ice on the road near the top and was asked if I still wanted to proceed. Of course, I said yes. As I neared the top (about 3 miles from summit) the ice had melted into water and that was evaporating. If you haven't seen water evaporate on the highways in Colorado then you're missing the steam that rises from the road. This is a condition that occurs well below zero or equally above.
Near Denver the temperature was between 80-85F. At the summit the temperature had dropped 40-45 degrees to 40. Fortunately I was carrying my polar fleece jacket which I put on under my 'stitch' at around 10300' and the temperature had dropped to the mid 60s.
As I neared the summit it began to sleet. While I was up there it began a slight drizzle with lightening and thunder. I had a short conversation with a couple from Ft. Worth, TX. I asked them if they were getting ready to head back down. They weren't sure. I cautioned them that the slight drizzle could turn to snow and without guard rails on the sheer drops along the highway it was wise to consider, seriously, heading down.
Mt. Evans Summit
As I headed back down the rain began to become more intense. Now, with 40F temperature AND rain thermal cooling could have a nasty effect on my body. Fortunately the only part of me that got really cold were my hands. The rain continued until I reached below 8000' and then on-and-off till I returned home. Fortunately temperatures rose to 80-85F.
~12300'
The roads were very slippery and there were many hairpin turns. I only had one challenge when I entered one of these hairpin turns a tad too fast. As I braked, the bike slid a bit and slowed sufficiently to turn just before going over the side of a 50' drop. Now that was exciting! AND I was far more cautious the rest of the way down. Sheesh... that was a dumb rookie mistake.
~11000'
In the rain and cold my face shield was fogging up and it was difficult to see. I kept wiping the inside of my shield with my glove but it was challenging because of the tight curves.
Echo Lake - ~10300'