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.