It was hard to believe that another Ride the Rockies was over. There were so many scenic and peaceful places we visited. We all started as 2,000 strangers pedaling through the rockies, but as the days wore on...and we shared pain, agony, victory and joy--it ended more like a big family.
We stared out of our awesome hotel--The Estes Park Resort. It was flat with some climb but not much before we hit the downhill--and I do mean Downhill! There were many very sharp 180 degree turns at the start. Luckily they had lots of people there reminding you to slow it down. There weren't too many people on it when Janis and I rode it. I think since it was only 47 miles, that many people slept in and rode later. We were worried about headwinds and the heat so we got out early.
Janis and I were riding with another handcyclist Rich and our friend Paul. Paul had a flat and some tube trouble--but we didn't know that as we waited at one of the rest stops. Janis and I continued on while Rich stayed and waited for Paul. As I was heading down and out of the aid station, Robert, another handcyclist came zipping by me. He had a bad brake, so I don't think he used them at on on this downhill! It wasn't too windy. The Big Thompson Canyon was beautiful--only wished I wouldn't have passed it so fast, but you can't pass up a good downhill.
When we got into Loveland, the temps were much hotter--but at least there was some breeze. It seemed like no time at all and we were in Ft. Collins, ridiing through town to the O'Dell's Brewery. We had Susan who was our sag that day, park and get on her bike so she could ride with us through the finish line. It's always tremendous when you come across the line to lots of cheering people. We got lots of congratulations as everyone celebrated another great tour.
This year the weather cooperated and people stuck around to visit and enjoy the music and food at the end. We got in at around 11:00--I had never finished that early before. This time we got to say our proper farewells, and hope to see you next years.
The group Adaptive Sports Center from Crested Butte were awesome as they usually are. They were hard working and supportive of everyone. It's always a little bit of a let down when it is over because being out in nature and riding for hours on end isn't something I do daily. I do get out and ride--but not like this. A fond farewell to another great year of Ride the Rockies--and hope that I will be able to do it again next year.
Highlights:
Summiting McClure Pass
Summiting Independence Pass
Summiting Trail Ridge (only the first one)
Meeting great new friends: Lonnie, Kelly, Jose, Adam, Rocky, Robert, Rich
The the peach ice cream in Twin Lakes
The Estes Park Resort
The Adaptive Crew
Shamano--especially Jamie, the mechanic
My sag crew Janis and Susan
Seeing Mike along the way (Susan's husband)
Saying, "ON YOUR LEFT!" on the downhills
The downhills
Lowlights:
Frayed Brake cable
missed cut-off time on Trail Ridge
Flat tire on day 1
sunburn
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
High on Trail Ridge Road!
It was the big day--the part I was most looking forward to in Ride the Rockies this year. I had done Trail Ridge several years ago from the other side and was able to summit. It was unbelievable to be up that high and to actually think I had gotten myself there by arm cranking--crank by crank.
This time they had a more stringent time cut-offs. I knew we couldn't ride from Granby and make the gate by the time of 8 AM, so we drove up to the first rest stop just before the gate of Rocky Mtn. National Park. There was still 42 miles of climbing to get to the summit. I had originally thought I'd start at the second rest stop which was 10 miles into the park--but my pride in wanting to do ALL of Trail Ridge wouldn't let me, after all, I had done it before.
Once we entered the park, it was magical. The cool, crisp air, the green trees and smell of pine filled me. This was why I was here. This is why I love Ride the Rockies. The road wasn't too climby at the beginning. It allowed me to get into my big ring several times and crank hard. (It was about 8,500 ft to start with) I rode hard, no time to dawdle as I had time constraints to worry about. I reached the aid station at about 11:09--which was 9 minutes after the time cut off. I asked if it was okay to go on and was told yes, but don't stay there too long. I didn't really stop, I took a few sips of water and went on. I had to be at the top by 12:30--an hour and a half to climb 5 miles of steep road that went from 10,500 ft to 12,000 ft. I knew that steep of climb, I would be going between 3 and 2 mphs up the hill--and wouldn't make the cut-off.
I kept on cranking, as I rode above tree line, I knew it was getting closer. I was pretty sure I was the last rider, when there would come a stray lone ride gutting their way up slowly past me. I rounded a corner and saw lots of cars and people and got excited that this was it--but it wasn't. It was the visitor's center and it had lots of cars going in and out. It wasn't a rest stop--or the summit. It was scary negotiating around the cars trying to get in as I had to ride on their right and wasn't sure they could see me as I sit so low. I did get past them and kept climbing. I saw one of the sag vehicles with a friend "Worm" in it. He was sagging a few people who had given up. I asked him how far from the top and he said 1.3 miles.
I thought, wow...I'm close I can do it. But it was 12:35 right then. He didn't attempt to make me sag for which I was grateful. He knew how much I wanted to make it. I keep on slowly making my way up. The traffic had been metered by the police so it wasn't too bad yet. By this time the wind had really picked up and I had to ride in a head wind too.
I rounded another corner (there was always another corner to climb around) in hopes of seeing the top. I finally saw the porta-potties--that meant I was there!! I wanted to go fast....but I couldn't. I slowly limped up to where everyone was. They were taking everything down. There was no celebration, music or food. Only people being put in the sag vehicles. I was very windy and cold up there. Those of us who had just gotten there were well past the cut-off time. There was another summit--and we couldn't ride it. Worm said that the wind was very gusty going up to the second summit--and the traffic was not controlled any longer. He wanted to get me into a vehicle. I said I was looking for my crew. Then down the hill came my sag crew.
Susan, who had ridden with me that day had summited the second summit and they were on the way to find me. I got into my sag vehicle a little disappointed. I had summited, but felt I didn't make it because I couldn't do the second one or the downhill. Janis offered to let me off at the second summit--but there were lots of vehicles at this time and it isn't fun when you have to ride behind a car sucking in their exhaust fumes. The other hancyclists had started at the second rest stop and that had given them the time they had needed to make the cut-offs. I should have done that as I knew my climbing speed and ability. I just didn't know if they'd make me adhere to them.
Even though I didn't make it to the second summit--I did make it to the top. It felt good and I loved every minute of that climb. The park rangers were so gracious and helpful to all of us cyclists. I had hoped to see some wildlife as I was traveling very slowly. I heard from Robert who had started earlier, and up further that they had seen lots of wildlife in the park when they climbed--they were the only ones up there. A lesson well learned--to find out what's most important--do all of it, or the best part of it? That still was the highlight of the ride for me.
This time they had a more stringent time cut-offs. I knew we couldn't ride from Granby and make the gate by the time of 8 AM, so we drove up to the first rest stop just before the gate of Rocky Mtn. National Park. There was still 42 miles of climbing to get to the summit. I had originally thought I'd start at the second rest stop which was 10 miles into the park--but my pride in wanting to do ALL of Trail Ridge wouldn't let me, after all, I had done it before.
Once we entered the park, it was magical. The cool, crisp air, the green trees and smell of pine filled me. This was why I was here. This is why I love Ride the Rockies. The road wasn't too climby at the beginning. It allowed me to get into my big ring several times and crank hard. (It was about 8,500 ft to start with) I rode hard, no time to dawdle as I had time constraints to worry about. I reached the aid station at about 11:09--which was 9 minutes after the time cut off. I asked if it was okay to go on and was told yes, but don't stay there too long. I didn't really stop, I took a few sips of water and went on. I had to be at the top by 12:30--an hour and a half to climb 5 miles of steep road that went from 10,500 ft to 12,000 ft. I knew that steep of climb, I would be going between 3 and 2 mphs up the hill--and wouldn't make the cut-off.
I kept on cranking, as I rode above tree line, I knew it was getting closer. I was pretty sure I was the last rider, when there would come a stray lone ride gutting their way up slowly past me. I rounded a corner and saw lots of cars and people and got excited that this was it--but it wasn't. It was the visitor's center and it had lots of cars going in and out. It wasn't a rest stop--or the summit. It was scary negotiating around the cars trying to get in as I had to ride on their right and wasn't sure they could see me as I sit so low. I did get past them and kept climbing. I saw one of the sag vehicles with a friend "Worm" in it. He was sagging a few people who had given up. I asked him how far from the top and he said 1.3 miles.
I thought, wow...I'm close I can do it. But it was 12:35 right then. He didn't attempt to make me sag for which I was grateful. He knew how much I wanted to make it. I keep on slowly making my way up. The traffic had been metered by the police so it wasn't too bad yet. By this time the wind had really picked up and I had to ride in a head wind too.
I rounded another corner (there was always another corner to climb around) in hopes of seeing the top. I finally saw the porta-potties--that meant I was there!! I wanted to go fast....but I couldn't. I slowly limped up to where everyone was. They were taking everything down. There was no celebration, music or food. Only people being put in the sag vehicles. I was very windy and cold up there. Those of us who had just gotten there were well past the cut-off time. There was another summit--and we couldn't ride it. Worm said that the wind was very gusty going up to the second summit--and the traffic was not controlled any longer. He wanted to get me into a vehicle. I said I was looking for my crew. Then down the hill came my sag crew.
Susan, who had ridden with me that day had summited the second summit and they were on the way to find me. I got into my sag vehicle a little disappointed. I had summited, but felt I didn't make it because I couldn't do the second one or the downhill. Janis offered to let me off at the second summit--but there were lots of vehicles at this time and it isn't fun when you have to ride behind a car sucking in their exhaust fumes. The other hancyclists had started at the second rest stop and that had given them the time they had needed to make the cut-offs. I should have done that as I knew my climbing speed and ability. I just didn't know if they'd make me adhere to them.
Even though I didn't make it to the second summit--I did make it to the top. It felt good and I loved every minute of that climb. The park rangers were so gracious and helpful to all of us cyclists. I had hoped to see some wildlife as I was traveling very slowly. I heard from Robert who had started earlier, and up further that they had seen lots of wildlife in the park when they climbed--they were the only ones up there. A lesson well learned--to find out what's most important--do all of it, or the best part of it? That still was the highlight of the ride for me.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Catching up with RTR-days 1-4
Well, here we are on day 4 of ride the rockies....am I tired. I was having trouble getting logged on to my blog so, I didn't get to share the daily trials and tribulations. The biggest worry right now is our finish--the big fire is on our route home to Ft. Collins. That road is closed so we don't know yet where they will route us. I'll try to recap some of the ride.
The first day took us from Gunnison to Hotchkiss. Now there really wasn't a pass per se--but boy there was climbing. I dub this the "no name" pass. I did make it to the the highest point which was around 9,000 ft. So, our map profile shows a good fast downhill into Hotchkiss. I started off after being so exhausted from the climb--and psyched for the downhill but there was another long climb. I was so angry--the maps showed downhill and I kept having to climb. I asked one of the staff if this was a true downhill--and he said there were a few "blips", but the rest was downhill. I said, okay I'll give this one more chance. I started off with a gradual downhill, nothing fast, and then another long uphill. Was this the blip? I kept going and there was another one--was this the second blip? I kept seeing more blips than were on the map. So I gave up on that "blipping" day and called over my sag crew and just called it a day. That was enough for day one.
On day two we headed to Carbondale. Since there was 44 miles of climbing--and my goal was to summit McClure--I jumped up to the first rest stop in Paonia to begin. This ride would take us to a 2,500 ft elevation gain. I got an early start and slowly cranked up the pass. It really kicked my butt, it was tough. The last 5 miles had a 1,500 ft elevation gain. I almost gave up but my faithful sag crew got me up there with lots of encouragement (and Janis' cookies) At the base of the climb I looked at my brake and it looked like it might be frayed, so I went to a bike place to have it looked at. Janis had to wait in line for about 40 minutes for me to get to see a mechanic. He looked at my cable and said the plastic had failed but the cable was good and it would be okay. Part way up the climb--it felt strange when I used it to stop and rest. Hours later I made it to the top and they were pretty much taking everything away. The bike mechanics up there said that it was frayed--but they didn't carry long enough cables and it wasn't safe to ride down. I felt pretty bummed to do the work and not get the pay off. I sagged down to carbondale and looked for my friend Jamie from Shamano. He was back again this year. He was a lifesaver last year with my gears. My friends hunted him down and he brought his equipment to me and changed the cable. He is a super guy--and Shamano is awesome. They don't even charge for anything! At least I got ready for the next big day's ride.
Day 3 took us to Leadville over Independence Pass. I was a little leery of this because of a past ride where I struggled up in freezing temps, hail and lightening. (and no sag crew) I started right in Aspen so I could get a jump on the climb. I'd ridden the bike trails--and there was 4 miles of it in gravel. I began climbing right away. Today's climb was from 7,000 ft to 12,000 ft. I felt pretty good but my sag crew went on around and was meeting me in Twin Lakes, so I wouldn't have any sag support. Luckily people along the way were more than happy to lend a hand when needed. (like refilling my camelback). I was feeling pretty good and didn't know where the actual pass was beginning. Then I saw the Pro Cycling Challenge Flags and a clock. It was the King of the Mountain Stage for the tour. I took a look at my own clock--and began the trek up. So many people passed me--but most were encouraging and surprised to see me there. Several times I saw huge van loads of people being sagged to the top--wimps, I thought. After the second aid station I stopped at it really began to get steep. Everyone said, "It's just around the corner!" That was some long corner! When I got to the top--it took about 5 hours and 30 minutes. Not so speedy, but persistent. I had a celebratory crepe, got my picture taken at the summit sign, geared up in my warm clothes and flew down the other side. I think it took about a half an hour or less to get down those 17 miles. I was so happy to complete it.
Day 4 was today--Leadville to Granby. I don't know who planned this ride--but it was better suited for a mountain bike today! Heading out of Leadville was so cold. It was a fast downhill in the shade of the mountain. I was happy to see the sunshine so my fingers could thaw out. Freemont pass was only 4 miles so that seemed like nothing compared to yesterday. I made it up in a few hours but it was the descent was a nightmare! They had road work and the road was all torn up (milled, ready for new asphalt) for four miles. It was bone jarring, even with controlled speed. I was so happy to get on smooth pavement. I did expect to get a flat on that terrain but was luck I didn't. My crew switched out and Susan rode with me. We were on bike paths from Copper all the way to Silverthorn. It was nice. We were back enough in the tour that there weren't lots of people on it. We enjoyed Lake Dillon, neighborhoods, and the factory outlet stores.(but didn't have time to shop) I decided I didn't want to try and ride the Co road 9 that was dirt for miles and I'm sure glad I didn't. It was deep loose gravel, dusty--and just miserable looking. (reminded me of Cottonwood Pass without as much of the climb) The total ride today was 93 miles--of which I only rode 42. I am happy with that as I have Trail Ridge tomorrow. I have to work hard to not get sagged. I'd better get some sleep.
The first day took us from Gunnison to Hotchkiss. Now there really wasn't a pass per se--but boy there was climbing. I dub this the "no name" pass. I did make it to the the highest point which was around 9,000 ft. So, our map profile shows a good fast downhill into Hotchkiss. I started off after being so exhausted from the climb--and psyched for the downhill but there was another long climb. I was so angry--the maps showed downhill and I kept having to climb. I asked one of the staff if this was a true downhill--and he said there were a few "blips", but the rest was downhill. I said, okay I'll give this one more chance. I started off with a gradual downhill, nothing fast, and then another long uphill. Was this the blip? I kept going and there was another one--was this the second blip? I kept seeing more blips than were on the map. So I gave up on that "blipping" day and called over my sag crew and just called it a day. That was enough for day one.
On day two we headed to Carbondale. Since there was 44 miles of climbing--and my goal was to summit McClure--I jumped up to the first rest stop in Paonia to begin. This ride would take us to a 2,500 ft elevation gain. I got an early start and slowly cranked up the pass. It really kicked my butt, it was tough. The last 5 miles had a 1,500 ft elevation gain. I almost gave up but my faithful sag crew got me up there with lots of encouragement (and Janis' cookies) At the base of the climb I looked at my brake and it looked like it might be frayed, so I went to a bike place to have it looked at. Janis had to wait in line for about 40 minutes for me to get to see a mechanic. He looked at my cable and said the plastic had failed but the cable was good and it would be okay. Part way up the climb--it felt strange when I used it to stop and rest. Hours later I made it to the top and they were pretty much taking everything away. The bike mechanics up there said that it was frayed--but they didn't carry long enough cables and it wasn't safe to ride down. I felt pretty bummed to do the work and not get the pay off. I sagged down to carbondale and looked for my friend Jamie from Shamano. He was back again this year. He was a lifesaver last year with my gears. My friends hunted him down and he brought his equipment to me and changed the cable. He is a super guy--and Shamano is awesome. They don't even charge for anything! At least I got ready for the next big day's ride.
Day 3 took us to Leadville over Independence Pass. I was a little leery of this because of a past ride where I struggled up in freezing temps, hail and lightening. (and no sag crew) I started right in Aspen so I could get a jump on the climb. I'd ridden the bike trails--and there was 4 miles of it in gravel. I began climbing right away. Today's climb was from 7,000 ft to 12,000 ft. I felt pretty good but my sag crew went on around and was meeting me in Twin Lakes, so I wouldn't have any sag support. Luckily people along the way were more than happy to lend a hand when needed. (like refilling my camelback). I was feeling pretty good and didn't know where the actual pass was beginning. Then I saw the Pro Cycling Challenge Flags and a clock. It was the King of the Mountain Stage for the tour. I took a look at my own clock--and began the trek up. So many people passed me--but most were encouraging and surprised to see me there. Several times I saw huge van loads of people being sagged to the top--wimps, I thought. After the second aid station I stopped at it really began to get steep. Everyone said, "It's just around the corner!" That was some long corner! When I got to the top--it took about 5 hours and 30 minutes. Not so speedy, but persistent. I had a celebratory crepe, got my picture taken at the summit sign, geared up in my warm clothes and flew down the other side. I think it took about a half an hour or less to get down those 17 miles. I was so happy to complete it.
Day 4 was today--Leadville to Granby. I don't know who planned this ride--but it was better suited for a mountain bike today! Heading out of Leadville was so cold. It was a fast downhill in the shade of the mountain. I was happy to see the sunshine so my fingers could thaw out. Freemont pass was only 4 miles so that seemed like nothing compared to yesterday. I made it up in a few hours but it was the descent was a nightmare! They had road work and the road was all torn up (milled, ready for new asphalt) for four miles. It was bone jarring, even with controlled speed. I was so happy to get on smooth pavement. I did expect to get a flat on that terrain but was luck I didn't. My crew switched out and Susan rode with me. We were on bike paths from Copper all the way to Silverthorn. It was nice. We were back enough in the tour that there weren't lots of people on it. We enjoyed Lake Dillon, neighborhoods, and the factory outlet stores.(but didn't have time to shop) I decided I didn't want to try and ride the Co road 9 that was dirt for miles and I'm sure glad I didn't. It was deep loose gravel, dusty--and just miserable looking. (reminded me of Cottonwood Pass without as much of the climb) The total ride today was 93 miles--of which I only rode 42. I am happy with that as I have Trail Ridge tomorrow. I have to work hard to not get sagged. I'd better get some sleep.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The Start of my 11th Ride the Rockies
Well, it's another year and time for another ride through the rockies. We have our regular crew together--Janis and Susan and myself. This year it starts in Gunnison. We enjoyed the beautiful views as we made our way down 285.
I picked up my registration packet and met up with the Adaptive crew. It's a big group this year with 3 handcyclists and a bunch of other new riders. We met up for dinner and a meeting at Pita's in Paradise. We got the low down on the coming week. My crew and I are pretty self sufficient--after 10 tours, we got it down pretty well.
We got great accommodations in Crested Butte thanks to Robert who owns a condo. It's so beautiful up here--I'd love to live here. He renovated this condo and it is awesome with lots of accessibility and attention to detail.
Tomorrow no passes but a 45 mile climb up past Blue Mesa. Once we get to the top--it's about 30 miles of nice downhill into Hotchkiss. The secret is to get out early. The winds will come up and haunt us the later we go in the day. I hate head winds!! So I hope we get riding by 6:00. That's the plan anyway--it's hard the first day out trying to get in the groove of loading and unloading. (well, for the sherpa's anyway)
Got to try and get some sleep. I always have trouble sleeping the first night--but sheer exhaustion takes care of that. Can't wait to get that first day under my belt.
See you tomorrow!!
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