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.
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