When we awoke in Fraser, we did not like what we saw--rain. We had been lucky this whole tour without a day of rain. The heat hadn't been too bad either. It was very overcast with gray clouds looming over us. I was not quick to get out of bed. We gave ourselves the luxury of sleeping in an extra hour (6 am) since we were getting a 15 mile headstart from Fraser. We got dressed in our warmer clothes and enjoyed a nice breakfast at the hotel. We saw several sag vehicles go by with a load of bikes--people packing it in. I didn't want to do that. I said I wanted to try and climb Berthoud (which I have done before). If I got wet and miserable, I would sag.
By the time we got out on the road, the rain had almost stopped. It was just drizzling and we even saw some hint of blue sky poking through. The ride into Winter Park was short--the first aid station. I looked for the Shamano truck so I could get some gear help again--but they weren't at that aid station. I trudged on the gradual up hill to the foot of Berthoud where the switchbacks start. I spotted my sag vehicle--my crew had switched riders. Janis was climbing on up the pass and Jane was now the driver. She told me the Shamano crew was up at the next aid station. I spotted my mechanic, Jamie. He came on over for my road side service. He had been terrific to me this whole ride. He spent lots of time helping me. He would prop me and my bike on his cooler and work on my gears. I had told him how if felt some play in the cable as I cranked and he said he'd check the housing. Sure enough, that was the problem. I needed a new cable as the cable had frayed. He made quick work of that, made the necessary adjustments and I thanked him and began to climb the steep switchbacks. I just want to say how much I appreciate Jamie and the Shamano crew. They were helpful, and cheerful to anyone in need. I couldn't have done this tour without them.
I have driven Berthoud so many times in my car--but you get to know it intimately when you are doing 3 to 4 miles per hour up the pass. I was thankful that the uphill has the two lanes so the many vehicles trying to pass may do so without veering into to the downhill lane. It took me a couple of hours to summit. When I got up there, all this steam was rising from the ground and it was cold. We were told that it had been snowing up there earlier--with some accumulation. It's a good thing I was a slower rider!! I don't think I had my snow tires on! I had some concerns about my brake cable when I had reached the top and wanted that checked out before my descent down the winding pass. We had to wait quite awhile to get service at the top. Jane had to go to the tent to get a place in line and when it was her turn to bring the mechanic to me. He replaced the black outside cable--but he charged for it. Shamano did their work for free (including a free cable) and didn't accept tips. He got the brake fixed and I was anxious to head down the pass. It was a fast downhill--with so many turns I had to keep it under 30. About half way down there was a pretty nice shoulder to ride on so you didn't have to worry about the traffic behind--only other cyclists passing. (however, I did most of the passing on the downhills). Once I rounded the corner of Henderson mine, it was pretty straight downhill. I just let her fly--it was awesome. My gears were working so I could crank harder to gain more speed. I think I got up to 45 MPH on this dowhill. I never even realized it was downhill when I drove it. I made it into Empire and found John and Chris and Al from adaptive. They wanted to meet up and ride into Georgetown together. Rich was still at least an hour behind since he had started back in Grandby.
It was looking cloudier and ready to rain--so we decided to ride the last 5 miles to Georgetown. My crew was already at Georgetown and were going to ride up to meet us to ride in with us. That last 5 miles wasn't downhill. It was some climbing that I wasn't ready for. My muscles had already decided that the ride was over--but it wasn't so I rode on. We all stayed together so we could get a finish line shot. The crowd cheered us as we crossed the finish line--and the rains came. It began to rain pretty hard. I just wanted off the bike. Everyone dispersed very quickly to get out of the rain. There was no celebration after the ride--we just loaded up and headed for home. I didn't even get to thank the Adaptive crew or say goodbye to John. I didn't get to watch Rich come in. Usually, the end is a time to bask in the accomplishment of the tour. You get to see friends and wish them well until next time. It was a great tour this year--just wish we could have enjoyed the finish.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What's up Doc? Rabbit Ears Pass!
It was a cool and cloudy start of the day. Janis and I got out at 6:20. We left from our luxurious hotel. Yesterday was a rest day or a 50 mile loop if you couldn't get enough riding. We decided to do an easy 22 miles and then play in the town. We enjoyed shopping and eating at some good restaurants. We also spent some needed pool time relaxing.
So we were rested and raring to go--the big climb of Rabbit Ears Pass. The first 20 miles was a fairly steep climb. Luckily it was cool and cloudy so we didn't get too hot. I slowly cranked up that pass. There were some steep pitches, but then it would level out a bit and allow for alittle recovery. I made it up the East Peak, which took several hours. After a bit of rest and refueling, we tackled the west peak. It wasn't nearly as long or as hard. It was amazing how much snow was still up there. It was very cool for the climb which was a welcome relief. Climbing the west peak didn't take too long and soon I was to enjoy an awesome downhill on the other side. It was pretty steep and winding, so I never got to blast down too fast. Those sweeping curves are hard to take at high speeds since you can only lean so much to keep all wheels on the ground. Of course the descent was done in minutes after hours of climbing. There was a strong side wind that tried to knock us over on the descent. I made sure to keep both hads firmly on my cranks.
Once at the bottom, wouldn't you know that side wind became a headwind. We all struggled and fought into the headwind with a promise of a tail wind when we made the turn off at Kremmling. My gears began to jump again even after I had met up with Jamie from Shamano in Steamboat. It seemed like my middle gears weren't working. I either had to spin a too easy gear, or push a hard gear and get fatigued. We made it into Kremmling and met up with Adaptive crew. John was spent from the climb and the day before, he wanted to sag there but I told him there was supposed to be a tail wind and I wanted to ride that. So, we said we'd meet at Parshall and decide if we could make it through Hot Sulphur on into Grandby or call it a day.
There was a tail wind, but it was very hot and no winds to cool you down. It was a gradual climb of 13 miles to get to Parshall. When I saw my sag crew, I knew my decision. I had done 67 miles that day and was done. John was also ready to sag on in. Rich, however, wanted to do the whole thing. He had done every mile of the tour. This was his first (and most likely his last he said) and wanted to do it right. He came into Grandby a few hours later. He never went to dinners, or socialized--just ate and went to bed. What's the fun in that? I think Ride the Rockies full experience is the social part. You want to share stories and get to know other people on the ride.
When stayed in Fraser since there aren't many hotels in Grandby. It cut off 15 miles of the next ride, but I wasn't too heartbroken. I would not drive back to Grandby to get the full milage the next day. We went to one of they guy's houses in Tabernash for a barbeque with the Adaptive crew. It was a beautiful place with an awesome view of the mountain and the golf course. We enjoyed burgers, brats and brews. They sure tasted good after such a long day--I had been on my bike for 10 hours on that day. I have to get ready to ride Berthoud.
So we were rested and raring to go--the big climb of Rabbit Ears Pass. The first 20 miles was a fairly steep climb. Luckily it was cool and cloudy so we didn't get too hot. I slowly cranked up that pass. There were some steep pitches, but then it would level out a bit and allow for alittle recovery. I made it up the East Peak, which took several hours. After a bit of rest and refueling, we tackled the west peak. It wasn't nearly as long or as hard. It was amazing how much snow was still up there. It was very cool for the climb which was a welcome relief. Climbing the west peak didn't take too long and soon I was to enjoy an awesome downhill on the other side. It was pretty steep and winding, so I never got to blast down too fast. Those sweeping curves are hard to take at high speeds since you can only lean so much to keep all wheels on the ground. Of course the descent was done in minutes after hours of climbing. There was a strong side wind that tried to knock us over on the descent. I made sure to keep both hads firmly on my cranks.
Once at the bottom, wouldn't you know that side wind became a headwind. We all struggled and fought into the headwind with a promise of a tail wind when we made the turn off at Kremmling. My gears began to jump again even after I had met up with Jamie from Shamano in Steamboat. It seemed like my middle gears weren't working. I either had to spin a too easy gear, or push a hard gear and get fatigued. We made it into Kremmling and met up with Adaptive crew. John was spent from the climb and the day before, he wanted to sag there but I told him there was supposed to be a tail wind and I wanted to ride that. So, we said we'd meet at Parshall and decide if we could make it through Hot Sulphur on into Grandby or call it a day.
There was a tail wind, but it was very hot and no winds to cool you down. It was a gradual climb of 13 miles to get to Parshall. When I saw my sag crew, I knew my decision. I had done 67 miles that day and was done. John was also ready to sag on in. Rich, however, wanted to do the whole thing. He had done every mile of the tour. This was his first (and most likely his last he said) and wanted to do it right. He came into Grandby a few hours later. He never went to dinners, or socialized--just ate and went to bed. What's the fun in that? I think Ride the Rockies full experience is the social part. You want to share stories and get to know other people on the ride.
When stayed in Fraser since there aren't many hotels in Grandby. It cut off 15 miles of the next ride, but I wasn't too heartbroken. I would not drive back to Grandby to get the full milage the next day. We went to one of they guy's houses in Tabernash for a barbeque with the Adaptive crew. It was a beautiful place with an awesome view of the mountain and the golf course. We enjoyed burgers, brats and brews. They sure tasted good after such a long day--I had been on my bike for 10 hours on that day. I have to get ready to ride Berthoud.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Rockin' the Boat
We thought that the 80 mile trek to Steamboat would be "an easy day." Oh how wrong we were. We started out with a strong headwind with a constant climb, even though we skipped up to Wolcott (which was mostly downhill). Janis had mechanical problems so I started out with Jane. We have really been plagued with lots of mechanical troubles on this tour. We have had flats,
gear problems and brake problems--good thing that we have good mechanical support.
It was a very slow grind as I climbed the Wolcott Divide and then up Toponas. Neither one wad considered a "pass" but there was still about a 2,000 foot elevation gain. It was tough. In my new sitting postion (more reclined), my hands have been getting numb. It's really hard to keep cranking and shifting when you can't feel your hands. I would stop for a minute or so and then keep cranking. It was my goal to make the climbs and I did. The map showed that it was downhill on into Steamboat. There were some nice downhills but in a tough side wind which tried to knock you over on your way down.
Then we all suffered a brutal headwind the closer we got. I was so psyched that I was able to grab the wheels of a fast moving pace line (a bunch of young studs). They were moving at 18-19 MPH--and I could hang with them!! My gears started jumping again and frustrated me as I worked hard to stay in the pace line. I would lose contact as they passed slower riders and I would work really hard to catch up--all with messed up gears. They pulled over to rest and I just went on alone and found another line that was slower. It felt good to be able to power through the wind.
I did 64 miles of the 80 miles on that day--I was happy and tired. Gotta get up early and ride Rabbit Ears tomorrow. Later
gear problems and brake problems--good thing that we have good mechanical support.
It was a very slow grind as I climbed the Wolcott Divide and then up Toponas. Neither one wad considered a "pass" but there was still about a 2,000 foot elevation gain. It was tough. In my new sitting postion (more reclined), my hands have been getting numb. It's really hard to keep cranking and shifting when you can't feel your hands. I would stop for a minute or so and then keep cranking. It was my goal to make the climbs and I did. The map showed that it was downhill on into Steamboat. There were some nice downhills but in a tough side wind which tried to knock you over on your way down.
Then we all suffered a brutal headwind the closer we got. I was so psyched that I was able to grab the wheels of a fast moving pace line (a bunch of young studs). They were moving at 18-19 MPH--and I could hang with them!! My gears started jumping again and frustrated me as I worked hard to stay in the pace line. I would lose contact as they passed slower riders and I would work really hard to catch up--all with messed up gears. They pulled over to rest and I just went on alone and found another line that was slower. It felt good to be able to power through the wind.
I did 64 miles of the 80 miles on that day--I was happy and tired. Gotta get up early and ride Rabbit Ears tomorrow. Later
Monday, June 13, 2011
Double Pass Triumph
It was a little harder getting out of bed this morning at 5:00--but I did. We were heading to Avon from Buena vista--a 75 mile ride. It was a double pass ride--Tennessee and Battle Mountain. At the start we were hit in the face with punishing 35 mile per hour head winds. It was a tough way to start out the day. By the end of the first 13 miles to the aid station, most of us were exhaused. It was a slow grind with a gradual climb--but add in the headwind and a tough day yesterday and it seems impossible.
My crew and I trudged on another 13 miles--the wind was a bit less, but the fatigue was already there. When I do Ride the Rockies, I always want to summit the passes and don't necessarily care if I ride every mile. I've done that before and know I can if I choose that but I have to have fun. This is a vacation so it should have a modicum of fun. So I sagged to the next aid station (10 miles) and enjoyed lunch in Leadville. It was great getting off the bike and recentering my thinking. I still wanted to climb. So I mounted up and headed up Tennessee Pass. It was a nice pass with turns and some good climbs with an a fun down hill here and there. I came upon John and Rich (two other handcyclists) who had started out 30 minutes or so before me. They were riding together so I just got in a groove and caught up with them. We all summited about the same time. We got our picture by the summit elevation sign--as expected. It was a 10,500 ft. pass and not a bad climb. I was looking forward to the downhill--which was fast with lots of winding turns and bad pavement. I wasn't looking forward to the bad pavement or turns, but a downhill is a great payoff for hours of hard work. I headed out and began picking up speed quickly--I had to slow down a bit to negotiate the turns. I was anxious to see how the bike handled at higher speed. I got up to 43 MPH which was pretty fast for the poor pavement and winding turns.
It was very sobering when we riders were signaled to slow down and practically stop. A rider had gone down and was severely injured. As I rolled past him laying there in a puddle of blood, I sent up a quick prayer that he would be okay. It turns out that he didn't survive that crash. I heard that this was the first death on RTR since 2006. This should make people more aware when decending those passes. But I'll probably still see people doing stupid things like drafting vehicles and crossing the double yellow line. I know I will think twice before I let it go full tilt.
After that decent it was time to climb Battle Mountain. We had done this pass before but from the other side. The massive walls of rock just radiated heat from them as I slowly grinded up that mountain. One man was walking his bike up and was going about the same speed as I was!! It got alittle annoying so I geared up alittle and left him while I made it to the top. There was no celebration--just the next descent. The thought of that rider who had gone down weighed heavily on my mind. I didn't try to set any speed records just got down to Minturn and then on to Avon where we were staying.
I felt proud of my accomplishment of making those passes today. The fact that a fellow rider died today--made it a sad day. The ride will go on with one of our "family" no longer on the tour.
My crew and I trudged on another 13 miles--the wind was a bit less, but the fatigue was already there. When I do Ride the Rockies, I always want to summit the passes and don't necessarily care if I ride every mile. I've done that before and know I can if I choose that but I have to have fun. This is a vacation so it should have a modicum of fun. So I sagged to the next aid station (10 miles) and enjoyed lunch in Leadville. It was great getting off the bike and recentering my thinking. I still wanted to climb. So I mounted up and headed up Tennessee Pass. It was a nice pass with turns and some good climbs with an a fun down hill here and there. I came upon John and Rich (two other handcyclists) who had started out 30 minutes or so before me. They were riding together so I just got in a groove and caught up with them. We all summited about the same time. We got our picture by the summit elevation sign--as expected. It was a 10,500 ft. pass and not a bad climb. I was looking forward to the downhill--which was fast with lots of winding turns and bad pavement. I wasn't looking forward to the bad pavement or turns, but a downhill is a great payoff for hours of hard work. I headed out and began picking up speed quickly--I had to slow down a bit to negotiate the turns. I was anxious to see how the bike handled at higher speed. I got up to 43 MPH which was pretty fast for the poor pavement and winding turns.
It was very sobering when we riders were signaled to slow down and practically stop. A rider had gone down and was severely injured. As I rolled past him laying there in a puddle of blood, I sent up a quick prayer that he would be okay. It turns out that he didn't survive that crash. I heard that this was the first death on RTR since 2006. This should make people more aware when decending those passes. But I'll probably still see people doing stupid things like drafting vehicles and crossing the double yellow line. I know I will think twice before I let it go full tilt.
After that decent it was time to climb Battle Mountain. We had done this pass before but from the other side. The massive walls of rock just radiated heat from them as I slowly grinded up that mountain. One man was walking his bike up and was going about the same speed as I was!! It got alittle annoying so I geared up alittle and left him while I made it to the top. There was no celebration--just the next descent. The thought of that rider who had gone down weighed heavily on my mind. I didn't try to set any speed records just got down to Minturn and then on to Avon where we were staying.
I felt proud of my accomplishment of making those passes today. The fact that a fellow rider died today--made it a sad day. The ride will go on with one of our "family" no longer on the tour.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Cottonwood Initiation
Well, the first day of Ride the Rockies is in the books. We were all excited and eager to take on the challenge of Cottonwood Pass today. We got a bright and early start (6 a.m.) the first ride out, forgot things like my extra little cushion, my sweat rag, extra food for the ride, but we'll get it right tomorrow. Janis was doing the first leg of the ride with me. The start out of Crested Butte was flat to slight downhill and fast. It was a brisk 37 degrees at the start. We bundled up and headed out--I was cruising!! I racked up at least 12 "on your lefts!" on this section. The new bike is really awesome on flats and downhills. The ride out of Crested Butte is beautiful--lots of farms and animals as he peddled out of town. When we made the turn to Taylor Reservoir, the fun was over. The road was so bumpy--it slowed me down at least 2 miles an hour. There were gradual and some steeper hills to ride. I missed going so fast.
At mile 36 we switched off riding partners. Jane, the new recruit was charged with riding up Cottonwood Pass. Janis has ridden it twice, as have I. She would have to ride it with me as her initiation to "Sherry's Sherpa's" The first 3 miles are paved with some gentle climbs--it's pleasant. Then we cross over the dirt road threshold--and I always think--yuck! Climbing a pass is hard enough, but when it's dirt and some lose gravel and sand--forget it. I blast in there and practically stop by the bumpiness and dirt. Cars pass us and kick up clouds of dust. It blows in my face, gets in my mouth and eyes. This is what happens every time a car passes us. I trudge on up at a blazing 3 or 4 miles per hour. One time I even got to 6!! When I first started that day I noticed that my gears were jumping. They wouldn't stay in gear and the more I rode, the worse it became. I struggled to an aid station. The first guy adjusted the derailer--but when i rode off, it still jumped. I messed around with it and made it even worse. After a while, I couldn't even get into my easiest gear. The steeper section was yet to come. I limped into the next aid station and found my new best friend. Shamano had a guy working there (Jamie) who happened to know handcycles! He came to me and gave me curb side service. He propped me up on his cooler and worked on my derailer. He really adjusted it and worked on it for awhile. He even followed me a bit up the hill to make sure the gears were working properly. It did. I was able to carry on. There was 6 more miles to the top--I knew I probably could do it. I'd done it before. However, the third time was not a charm. I was so tired of fighting the sand and dirt I gave it up when I spotted my private sag wagon. Janis helped me in the van--I was so tired, I almost couldn't get off my bike. I had spent 9 hours on it--6 and a half of riding time. I hadn't spent that much time on the new bike before--I was at my limit. I had done 60 miles and that was good enough for me. I learned this years ago--don't be too proud to sag!! I didn't even take the fast and fun 15 mile downhill.
I didn't prevail over Cottonwood this year--but Jane did. She summited and took the downhill. I have more passes to climb, it's only the first day. It was the experience, meeting new people and old friends, and pushing myself as far as I could on that day. That's what counts in Ride the Rockies.
At mile 36 we switched off riding partners. Jane, the new recruit was charged with riding up Cottonwood Pass. Janis has ridden it twice, as have I. She would have to ride it with me as her initiation to "Sherry's Sherpa's" The first 3 miles are paved with some gentle climbs--it's pleasant. Then we cross over the dirt road threshold--and I always think--yuck! Climbing a pass is hard enough, but when it's dirt and some lose gravel and sand--forget it. I blast in there and practically stop by the bumpiness and dirt. Cars pass us and kick up clouds of dust. It blows in my face, gets in my mouth and eyes. This is what happens every time a car passes us. I trudge on up at a blazing 3 or 4 miles per hour. One time I even got to 6!! When I first started that day I noticed that my gears were jumping. They wouldn't stay in gear and the more I rode, the worse it became. I struggled to an aid station. The first guy adjusted the derailer--but when i rode off, it still jumped. I messed around with it and made it even worse. After a while, I couldn't even get into my easiest gear. The steeper section was yet to come. I limped into the next aid station and found my new best friend. Shamano had a guy working there (Jamie) who happened to know handcycles! He came to me and gave me curb side service. He propped me up on his cooler and worked on my derailer. He really adjusted it and worked on it for awhile. He even followed me a bit up the hill to make sure the gears were working properly. It did. I was able to carry on. There was 6 more miles to the top--I knew I probably could do it. I'd done it before. However, the third time was not a charm. I was so tired of fighting the sand and dirt I gave it up when I spotted my private sag wagon. Janis helped me in the van--I was so tired, I almost couldn't get off my bike. I had spent 9 hours on it--6 and a half of riding time. I hadn't spent that much time on the new bike before--I was at my limit. I had done 60 miles and that was good enough for me. I learned this years ago--don't be too proud to sag!! I didn't even take the fast and fun 15 mile downhill.
I didn't prevail over Cottonwood this year--but Jane did. She summited and took the downhill. I have more passes to climb, it's only the first day. It was the experience, meeting new people and old friends, and pushing myself as far as I could on that day. That's what counts in Ride the Rockies.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Crested Butte Welcomes us
After about a 4 hour drive down 285 and a tangle with a gaggle of Hell Angels we arrived at Crested Butte. It is such a scenic drive and it was so green from all the snow melt. Soon as we entered the city you could see the registration with the multitude of tents. That will be the home for many riders who don't mind riding long hard hours, then putting up their tents and sleeping on the hard and unforgiving ground. Not for these gals--we like the luxury of a hotel and a nice soft bed. By the end of the ride, you're just happy for a bed.
After I picked up my jersey and coveted route book, we went into the town. They were having a street Festival with lots of biking stuff. Crested Butte really knows how to host riders. It such a laid back, sleepy town that you immediately feel comfortable here. It feels like a place that you could live. You don't feel scorned by the "townies"--but welcomed to their summer long party.
I got the opportunity to go out for a ride with Jake O'Conner and his new off road bike. We took off down what seemed like a fairly easy road, next thing I know, I'm shaking as I'm negotiating some sketchy terrain. I made it though, and gained confidence the more I rode it. It was a blast--I wanted more, but alas I need to get on my regular handcycle and stay on the paved roads for the next six days.
Tomorrow's route is 74 miles to Buena Vista--over Cottonwood Pass. I've done it twice before and it's never been a favorite as there are 14 unpaved miles on the uphill. The downhill on the other side is a screamer though. Hours of climbing and minutes in the descent--such is the life on Ride the Rockies.
I have to give a big shout out to the Elevation Hotel on the mountain. The room we got wasn't too accessible in the bathroom--and they gave me my own accessible room NO CHARGE!! It's an awesome room and I was able to shower easily and just relax.
Conversely, I'd have to give thumbs down to Tequila's Restaurant. We waited 2 hours for food (and it wasn't even crowded)-- it wasn't worth the wait. I've had better food at Taco Bell. Next time it's Danita's for sure. Thanks Crested Butte, wish we could have stayed longer.
After I picked up my jersey and coveted route book, we went into the town. They were having a street Festival with lots of biking stuff. Crested Butte really knows how to host riders. It such a laid back, sleepy town that you immediately feel comfortable here. It feels like a place that you could live. You don't feel scorned by the "townies"--but welcomed to their summer long party.
I got the opportunity to go out for a ride with Jake O'Conner and his new off road bike. We took off down what seemed like a fairly easy road, next thing I know, I'm shaking as I'm negotiating some sketchy terrain. I made it though, and gained confidence the more I rode it. It was a blast--I wanted more, but alas I need to get on my regular handcycle and stay on the paved roads for the next six days.
Tomorrow's route is 74 miles to Buena Vista--over Cottonwood Pass. I've done it twice before and it's never been a favorite as there are 14 unpaved miles on the uphill. The downhill on the other side is a screamer though. Hours of climbing and minutes in the descent--such is the life on Ride the Rockies.
I have to give a big shout out to the Elevation Hotel on the mountain. The room we got wasn't too accessible in the bathroom--and they gave me my own accessible room NO CHARGE!! It's an awesome room and I was able to shower easily and just relax.
Conversely, I'd have to give thumbs down to Tequila's Restaurant. We waited 2 hours for food (and it wasn't even crowded)-- it wasn't worth the wait. I've had better food at Taco Bell. Next time it's Danita's for sure. Thanks Crested Butte, wish we could have stayed longer.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Getting Ready!!
I can't believe that this will be the 10th time I've done Ride the Rockies. Those of you who do not cycle might even think it crazy that 2,000 people will get on their bikes (many with very hard seats and low slung handlebars) and peddle up long and winding mountain passes bearing the wind, heat and rain and sometimes even hail or snow, bask at the top by eating anything not nailed down, posing at the summit elevation sign with their bike hoisted over their head, gear back up for the screaming, bone crushing downhill that's usually not for the faint-hearted--and pay them for the pleasure of doing this.
Well, it is an experience that is like none other. The feeling of slowly ascending a mountain pass--at extremely slow speeds enables you to absorb the beauty of the Rockies. You notice things like the shades of green that the trees wear. You hear and feel the rushing rivers or streams as you accompany them on their journey to where ever. You may be lucky enough to see wild life such a deer, elk or moose. One time there was a bear spotted and cyclists were falling all over themselves to get a picture--not thinking that the bear might have been thinking "hmmm...meals on wheels," I admit, I tried to get a look, but he was gone by the time I got there.
I had never really been to many of the small towns that Ride the Rockies travels through. They are many times wonderful treasures to be explored. The highlight on many nights are the town picnics or dinners that are held in each host city. Eating a large piece of homemade pie ala mode can taste no better than after a long and arduous ride. This is also the place where you get to know your fellow riders. This seeing each other suffering and triumphing day after day makes it seem like a big family. People cheer you and encourage you when you feel like you want to quit. The feeling that we are all in this together permeates this undertaking.
So, when I'm asked, "What are you doing on you summer vacation?" I'll give them a little smile and say, "I'm riding the rockies and going to love every minute of it!" Why do we climb all of those passes? Because they're there and we're so glad that they are.
Well, it is an experience that is like none other. The feeling of slowly ascending a mountain pass--at extremely slow speeds enables you to absorb the beauty of the Rockies. You notice things like the shades of green that the trees wear. You hear and feel the rushing rivers or streams as you accompany them on their journey to where ever. You may be lucky enough to see wild life such a deer, elk or moose. One time there was a bear spotted and cyclists were falling all over themselves to get a picture--not thinking that the bear might have been thinking "hmmm...meals on wheels," I admit, I tried to get a look, but he was gone by the time I got there.
I had never really been to many of the small towns that Ride the Rockies travels through. They are many times wonderful treasures to be explored. The highlight on many nights are the town picnics or dinners that are held in each host city. Eating a large piece of homemade pie ala mode can taste no better than after a long and arduous ride. This is also the place where you get to know your fellow riders. This seeing each other suffering and triumphing day after day makes it seem like a big family. People cheer you and encourage you when you feel like you want to quit. The feeling that we are all in this together permeates this undertaking.
So, when I'm asked, "What are you doing on you summer vacation?" I'll give them a little smile and say, "I'm riding the rockies and going to love every minute of it!" Why do we climb all of those passes? Because they're there and we're so glad that they are.
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