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.