Re-routed to Ft. Collins

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