Saturday, July 9, 2011
Day 7 Snowmass village to Glenwood springs
Today was officially the last day of riding on our 9 day trip. We ate breakfast at 7am in the mall and then we had luggage load at 8am. After taking pictures of the group we had 2 options for the ride today. 1st option was to go directly to Glenwood Springs which was 50 miles or do a side trip to the Maroon Bells which would add another 20 miles to the day. 2 riders chose to go direct to Gleenwood and the other 12 decided to make the side trip.
Thursday when the side trip was being discussed, I told everyone that asked me that I probably would not do it. The climb up to the resort really wasted me and my legs were trashed. But with a fair nights sleep I elected to make the extra 20 mile loop with a 1500' climb in the 9.2 miles up to Maroon Bells. The group of 12 that made the extra loop stayed together until the turn off to start the upward trek. Then everyone once again climbed at their own pace. It started our to be a 1-3% climb and the road was winding before it began to go up the valley. Then it pitched up to 5-6% with spots going up to 7-9% for short distance.
Everyone made it to the top and took pictures. I was glad to have made the choice to see this as it was worth the trip. The only thing wrong was the weather did not cooperate as the top of the 3 peaks were surrounded by clouds. Well you can't control the weather and we all left for the terrific descent back down and into the town of Aspen. Once again everyone descends as their own pace and each one decides how much rick you want to take on the downhills. I have become much more cautious after doing over 50mph in Wyoming 2 years ago. I got up to 40 on this downhill and that was fast enough for me. While going down I saw numerous Rock Chucks and they were whistling to each other as we zoomed by. Then on the road I spotted some kind of a bird with little ones, when I got close I changed to the other side of the road as it was a mother Blue Grouse with 3 very small chicks. She was herding then back off the road where they were all safe.
After everyone got to the bottom we regrouped and ate a snack and filled the bottles up for the 44 mile trip to Glenwood Springs via the Rio Grand Bike Path. This is a really nice path that was an old railroad bed that has been turned into a bike path and it runs all the way to Glenwood Springs.
The total climb today was 2898 ft. with the descent of 5732 ft., which meant that we had a really nice downhill all the way in. At noon we passed a town and stopped and got a sandwich and then were on our Way once again. The miles were going by fast and we could see the clouds building and it was go ing to rain and we had 8 miles to go. We started picking up the pace and were breaking the speed limit on the path which is 20mph and when I looked we were going 26.9 mph on the flats. Well we did not out run the storm and got caught in the rain with 2.5 miles to go. Everyone got in safely and a little wet, but with all the riding in the Mtns, and the chance of rain everyday at high elevation, we really lucked out and the weather gods were on our side this week.
After getting to the Hotel and showering, we had RAP at 445PM and then loaded our bikes in a horse trailer for their ride back to Boulder tomorrow and most of us are riding Amtrak back to Denver and then there will be cars at the depot to take us back to Boulder or Berthoud, where our cars were left.
It has really been a great week of riding with old friends and some new ones in the great state of Colorado. The views, scenery, wildlife and flowers are magnificent. This trip challenged me every day, but if you put your mind to it you can do anything.
Looking forward to coming back home, but will miss the cooler weather, but it will be nice to not have to get on the bike on Sat.
Thursday when the side trip was being discussed, I told everyone that asked me that I probably would not do it. The climb up to the resort really wasted me and my legs were trashed. But with a fair nights sleep I elected to make the extra 20 mile loop with a 1500' climb in the 9.2 miles up to Maroon Bells. The group of 12 that made the extra loop stayed together until the turn off to start the upward trek. Then everyone once again climbed at their own pace. It started our to be a 1-3% climb and the road was winding before it began to go up the valley. Then it pitched up to 5-6% with spots going up to 7-9% for short distance.
Everyone made it to the top and took pictures. I was glad to have made the choice to see this as it was worth the trip. The only thing wrong was the weather did not cooperate as the top of the 3 peaks were surrounded by clouds. Well you can't control the weather and we all left for the terrific descent back down and into the town of Aspen. Once again everyone descends as their own pace and each one decides how much rick you want to take on the downhills. I have become much more cautious after doing over 50mph in Wyoming 2 years ago. I got up to 40 on this downhill and that was fast enough for me. While going down I saw numerous Rock Chucks and they were whistling to each other as we zoomed by. Then on the road I spotted some kind of a bird with little ones, when I got close I changed to the other side of the road as it was a mother Blue Grouse with 3 very small chicks. She was herding then back off the road where they were all safe.
After everyone got to the bottom we regrouped and ate a snack and filled the bottles up for the 44 mile trip to Glenwood Springs via the Rio Grand Bike Path. This is a really nice path that was an old railroad bed that has been turned into a bike path and it runs all the way to Glenwood Springs.
The total climb today was 2898 ft. with the descent of 5732 ft., which meant that we had a really nice downhill all the way in. At noon we passed a town and stopped and got a sandwich and then were on our Way once again. The miles were going by fast and we could see the clouds building and it was go ing to rain and we had 8 miles to go. We started picking up the pace and were breaking the speed limit on the path which is 20mph and when I looked we were going 26.9 mph on the flats. Well we did not out run the storm and got caught in the rain with 2.5 miles to go. Everyone got in safely and a little wet, but with all the riding in the Mtns, and the chance of rain everyday at high elevation, we really lucked out and the weather gods were on our side this week.
After getting to the Hotel and showering, we had RAP at 445PM and then loaded our bikes in a horse trailer for their ride back to Boulder tomorrow and most of us are riding Amtrak back to Denver and then there will be cars at the depot to take us back to Boulder or Berthoud, where our cars were left.
It has really been a great week of riding with old friends and some new ones in the great state of Colorado. The views, scenery, wildlife and flowers are magnificent. This trip challenged me every day, but if you put your mind to it you can do anything.
Looking forward to coming back home, but will miss the cooler weather, but it will be nice to not have to get on the bike on Sat.
Day 7 Snowmass village to Glenwood springs
Today was officially the last day of riding on our 9 day trip. We ate breakfast at 7am in the mall and then we had luggage load at 8am. After taking pictures of the group we had 2 options for the ride today. 1st option was to go directly to Glenwood Springs which was 50 miles or do a side trip to the Maroon Bells which would add another 20 miles to the day. 2 riders chose to go direct to Gleenwood and the other 12 decided to make the side trip.
Thursday when the side trip was being discussed, I told everyone that asked me that I probably would not do it. The climb up to the resort really wasted me and my legs were trashed. But with a fair nights sleep I elected to make the extra 20 mile loop with a 1500' climb in the 9.2 miles up to Maroon Bells. The group of 12 that made the extra loop stayed together until the turn off to start the upward trek. Then everyone once again climbed at their own pace. It started our to be a 1-3% climb and the road was winding before it began to go up the valley. Then it pitched up to 5-6% with spots going up to 7-9% for short distance.
Everyone made it to the top and took pictures. I was glad to have made the choice to see this as it was worth the trip. The only thing wrong was the weather did not cooperate as the top of the 3 peaks were surrounded by clouds. Well you can't control the weather and we all left for the terrific descent back down and into the town of Aspen. Once again everyone descends as their own pace and each one decides how much rick you want to take on the downhills. I have become much more cautious after doing over 50mph in Wyoming 2 years ago. I got up to 40 on this downhill and that was fast enough for me. While going down I saw numerous Rock Chucks and they were whistling to each other as we zoomed by. Then on the road I spotted some kind of a bird with little ones, when I got close I changed to the other side of the road as it was a mother Blue Grouse with 3 very small chicks. She was uherding then back off the road where they were all safe.
After everyone got to the bottom we regrouped and ate a snack and filled the bottles up for the 44 mile trip to Glenwood Springs via the Rio Grand Bike Path. This is a really nice path that was an old railroad bed that has been turned into a bike path and it runs all the way to Glenwood Springs.
The total climb today was 2898 ft. with the descent of 5732 ft., which meant that we had a really nice downhill all the way in. At noon we passed a town and stopped and got a sandwich and then were on our Way once again. The miles were going by fast and we could see the clouds building and it was go ing to rain and we had 8 miles to go. We started picking up the pace and were breaking the speed limit on the path which is 20mph and when I looked we were going 26.9 mph on the flats. Well we did not out run the storm and got caught in the rain with 2.5 miles to go. Everyone got in safely and a little wet, but with all the riding in the Mtns, and the chance of rain everyday at high elevation, we really lucked out and the weather gods were on our side this week.
After getting to the Hotel and showering, we had RAP at 445PM and then loaded our bikes in a horse trailer for their ride back to Boulder tomorrow and most of us are riding Amtrak back to Denver and then there will be cars at the depot to take us back to Boulder or Berthoud, where our cars were left.
It has really been a great week of riding with old friends and some new ones in the great state of Colorado. The views, scenery, wildlife and flowers are magnificent. This trip challenged me every day, but if you put your mind to it you can do anything.
Looking forward to coming back home, but will miss the cooler weather, but it will be nice to not have to get on the bike on Sat.
Thursday when the side trip was being discussed, I told everyone that asked me that I probably would not do it. The climb up to the resort really wasted me and my legs were trashed. But with a fair nights sleep I elected to make the extra 20 mile loop with a 1500' climb in the 9.2 miles up to Maroon Bells. The group of 12 that made the extra loop stayed together until the turn off to start the upward trek. Then everyone once again climbed at their own pace. It started our to be a 1-3% climb and the road was winding before it began to go up the valley. Then it pitched up to 5-6% with spots going up to 7-9% for short distance.
Everyone made it to the top and took pictures. I was glad to have made the choice to see this as it was worth the trip. The only thing wrong was the weather did not cooperate as the top of the 3 peaks were surrounded by clouds. Well you can't control the weather and we all left for the terrific descent back down and into the town of Aspen. Once again everyone descends as their own pace and each one decides how much rick you want to take on the downhills. I have become much more cautious after doing over 50mph in Wyoming 2 years ago. I got up to 40 on this downhill and that was fast enough for me. While going down I saw numerous Rock Chucks and they were whistling to each other as we zoomed by. Then on the road I spotted some kind of a bird with little ones, when I got close I changed to the other side of the road as it was a mother Blue Grouse with 3 very small chicks. She was uherding then back off the road where they were all safe.
After everyone got to the bottom we regrouped and ate a snack and filled the bottles up for the 44 mile trip to Glenwood Springs via the Rio Grand Bike Path. This is a really nice path that was an old railroad bed that has been turned into a bike path and it runs all the way to Glenwood Springs.
The total climb today was 2898 ft. with the descent of 5732 ft., which meant that we had a really nice downhill all the way in. At noon we passed a town and stopped and got a sandwich and then were on our Way once again. The miles were going by fast and we could see the clouds building and it was go ing to rain and we had 8 miles to go. We started picking up the pace and were breaking the speed limit on the path which is 20mph and when I looked we were going 26.9 mph on the flats. Well we did not out run the storm and got caught in the rain with 2.5 miles to go. Everyone got in safely and a little wet, but with all the riding in the Mtns, and the chance of rain everyday at high elevation, we really lucked out and the weather gods were on our side this week.
After getting to the Hotel and showering, we had RAP at 445PM and then loaded our bikes in a horse trailer for their ride back to Boulder tomorrow and most of us are riding Amtrak back to Denver and then there will be cars at the depot to take us back to Boulder or Berthoud, where our cars were left.
It has really been a great week of riding with old friends and some new ones in the great state of Colorado. The views, scenery, wildlife and flowers are magnificent. This trip challenged me every day, but if you put your mind to it you can do anything.
Looking forward to coming back home, but will miss the cooler weather, but it will be nice to not have to get on the bike on Sat.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Day 6 Leadville to Snowmass Village 68.5 miles with 4426' of climbing
Last night we were at the Delaware Hotel in Leadville. This is an old original building from the gold rush days and it is a really neat building. The only downside I saw was being on the third floor and very steep stairs. With the altitude at 10152 it was really tough climbing the stairs with our luggage. We left our bikes at a local bike shop as they do not allow bikes or cycling shoes in the Hotel.
Today we loaded our luggage at 645 and then ate at the Hotel as the meal was included with the room and then we got on the road at 715. The temperature was 46 when we started and we had a 15 mile downhill out of town and it was a little cool coasting at 20 MPH with little or no effort. We then turned and started a slow climb up the valley. We had an official rest stop at mile 20 and then the road started to kick up a little bit. We all knew it was going to climb as we were topping out at the pass a little over 12000 ft. We dropped about 1000' after leaving Leadville and we had to make that up.
After going up the valley for quite awhile we then could see where the climb really started as the switchbacks started and the road most of the time was between 6 and 7% all the way to the top. After we got to the top another rest stop was on top and we ate fueled up and took the traditional top of the pass picture.
We then decided it was time to descend and we put on our jackets and arm warmers and began the 15 mile descent into the town of Aspen. The road down was really rough with pot holes and we were real cautious so no one had any misshaps. After arriving into Aspen we stopped and ate lunch and then Rick who was eating with us said we had the big climb still to come to the Hotel. We had 10 miles to go and it really was a steep climb or between 9-13% grade most of the way up to the Snow mass village. Everyone was really tired after all the ups today and we are all resting up for the last day tomorrow into Glenwood Springs. The route is only for 52 miles and it is all downhill. We have and optional ride up to the Maroon Bells which will add another 20 miles with 1500' of climbing, so most of us are doing this extra loop.
That's it for today and more on tomorrows post,
Today we loaded our luggage at 645 and then ate at the Hotel as the meal was included with the room and then we got on the road at 715. The temperature was 46 when we started and we had a 15 mile downhill out of town and it was a little cool coasting at 20 MPH with little or no effort. We then turned and started a slow climb up the valley. We had an official rest stop at mile 20 and then the road started to kick up a little bit. We all knew it was going to climb as we were topping out at the pass a little over 12000 ft. We dropped about 1000' after leaving Leadville and we had to make that up.
After going up the valley for quite awhile we then could see where the climb really started as the switchbacks started and the road most of the time was between 6 and 7% all the way to the top. After we got to the top another rest stop was on top and we ate fueled up and took the traditional top of the pass picture.
We then decided it was time to descend and we put on our jackets and arm warmers and began the 15 mile descent into the town of Aspen. The road down was really rough with pot holes and we were real cautious so no one had any misshaps. After arriving into Aspen we stopped and ate lunch and then Rick who was eating with us said we had the big climb still to come to the Hotel. We had 10 miles to go and it really was a steep climb or between 9-13% grade most of the way up to the Snow mass village. Everyone was really tired after all the ups today and we are all resting up for the last day tomorrow into Glenwood Springs. The route is only for 52 miles and it is all downhill. We have and optional ride up to the Maroon Bells which will add another 20 miles with 1500' of climbing, so most of us are doing this extra loop.
That's it for today and more on tomorrows post,
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Day 5 off day in Copper Mtn and day 6 Copper Mtn to Leadville 32 miles with 2346' of climbing
On our day off in Copper Mtn we got up and went to eat breakfast as a group and then about 11 of us rode the chair lift up to the top of the mountain and then 6 of us walked back down the 3 miles to the bottom. It was really refreshing just to hang out and not have to get on the bike. When we got to the bottom it started to rain. Than off and on it rained most of the rest of the day. I woke up at 3 30 this morning and it was a downpour. I was thinking we might have to ride in the rain today, but it was gone by the time we loaded our luggage at 7am and then ate and were off. It was 44 degrees when we left and we had a short 26 miles to Leadville with a loop trip after arriving there. The climb up Freemont pass was much easier than the last 4 days we have done, which was really nice. We got to the top and had our only rest stop of the day and we took pictures and then ate and headed the last leg into town.
We arrived into town at 11am and we could not check in to our rooms until 2pm, so the group split and some did the lake loop and the others did the mine loop in town. Everyone then ate lunch and we all checked in and showered and then had our rap session where we talked about tomorrows ride which goes over Independence pass and then into snow mass.
We have 68 miles tomorrow and one major climb. I will update the blog again tomorrow.
We arrived into town at 11am and we could not check in to our rooms until 2pm, so the group split and some did the lake loop and the others did the mine loop in town. Everyone then ate lunch and we all checked in and showered and then had our rap session where we talked about tomorrows ride which goes over Independence pass and then into snow mass.
We have 68 miles tomorrow and one major climb. I will update the blog again tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Day 4 Georgetown to Copper Mtn 45 Miles with 4760' of Climbing
Today when we got up it was 55 degrees, clear sky and breezy. We ate breakfast at the Motel and were on the road by 7am. We had a climb right out of town which was difficult as we did not get very much time to warm up the legs before the climb started. After about 1.5 miles we stopped to shed some gear as you warm up quick when you climb. We were on a bike path for almost all the way to the Loveland Ski Area and this is where we had our 1st official rest stop of the day at mile 12. This stop was at the bottom of the big climb of the day which was a 4 mile climb at 6%, which isn't that bad of a climb, but you add the elevation in and it makes it it difficult for most of us that came from much lower elevations.
Everyone made it to the top and it was once again time for pictures and the 2nd rest stop of the day. Then everyone started the descent and went by many people skiing on the last day of the season for them. They estimated that there were 4000 skiers out, and I believe it as there were cars everywhere when we went by on the descent. We then got to the town of Keystone and stopped and ate lunch.
After a long lunch stop due to the restaurant being busy and with 7 of us sharing a table it was a 30 minute wait for a table and then another 30 minutes to get out food, we were off once again for the last 19 miles into Copper Mtn. After leaving Keystone we were on the road and at mile 33 we were on the bike path once again for 10 miles all the way to Copper Mtn. The bike path was really great and we had to climb all the way up to Copper. By this time my legs were getting very tired and I was glad to finally get done for the day.
We now had a day off in Copper Mtn and there are many things to see and do . I will quite for now and update again on Wed. as long as we have Internet access in Leadville.
Everyone made it to the top and it was once again time for pictures and the 2nd rest stop of the day. Then everyone started the descent and went by many people skiing on the last day of the season for them. They estimated that there were 4000 skiers out, and I believe it as there were cars everywhere when we went by on the descent. We then got to the town of Keystone and stopped and ate lunch.
After a long lunch stop due to the restaurant being busy and with 7 of us sharing a table it was a 30 minute wait for a table and then another 30 minutes to get out food, we were off once again for the last 19 miles into Copper Mtn. After leaving Keystone we were on the road and at mile 33 we were on the bike path once again for 10 miles all the way to Copper Mtn. The bike path was really great and we had to climb all the way up to Copper. By this time my legs were getting very tired and I was glad to finally get done for the day.
We now had a day off in Copper Mtn and there are many things to see and do . I will quite for now and update again on Wed. as long as we have Internet access in Leadville.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
day 3, Grandby to Georgetown. 48 miles with 3816 ' of climbing.
Today started out at 40 degrees at 6am when we got up. We were scheduled to load our bags at 7am and breakfast was a 730 at the hotel where we were staying. After eating we left and rode really easy for the 1st 20 miles and went by the Winter Park skiing area. Right after that we had our 1st rest stop of the day to fuel up and eat before the climb stated.
After eating and fueling up I rode by my self as everyone climbs at their own pace and my legs were really sore from the ride yesterday and they had nothing in the tank today. I stopped many times on the 9 mile climb up to the top of the pass and took the opportunity to take some pictures as I was tying to get my breathing down and resting the legs so they could go once again. It too almost 2 hours to get to the top and it was a relief to see the other rest stop of the day at the top. I got off the bike and ate and then we went across the road for a picture of the sign at the top of the pass. This was great because there was not a sign from the climb yesterday.
Then John and I went down the other side and when we got to the bottom we stopped and ate lunch at a small place in the town of Empire. After eating we rode the additional 6 miles to Georgetown and checked in to the motel and went to the stream and all soaked our legs, which felt really good , however you did not stay in very long with the water temperature at 34 degrees.
Another good day even with the legs that complained all day. But tomorrows another day and we will see what that brings.
After eating and fueling up I rode by my self as everyone climbs at their own pace and my legs were really sore from the ride yesterday and they had nothing in the tank today. I stopped many times on the 9 mile climb up to the top of the pass and took the opportunity to take some pictures as I was tying to get my breathing down and resting the legs so they could go once again. It too almost 2 hours to get to the top and it was a relief to see the other rest stop of the day at the top. I got off the bike and ate and then we went across the road for a picture of the sign at the top of the pass. This was great because there was not a sign from the climb yesterday.
Then John and I went down the other side and when we got to the bottom we stopped and ate lunch at a small place in the town of Empire. After eating we rode the additional 6 miles to Georgetown and checked in to the motel and went to the stream and all soaked our legs, which felt really good , however you did not stay in very long with the water temperature at 34 degrees.
Another good day even with the legs that complained all day. But tomorrows another day and we will see what that brings.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
day 2 Estes Park to Grandby 67.4 miles with 5600' of climbing.
This morning we got up and got ready at 5am as we were loading our luggage at 6am. The temperature was 55 degrees with not a cloud in the sky and no wind. After loading luggage 10 of us went to McDonald's and ate breakfast and were on the road by 645am. We had a slight climb from town up to Rocky Mountain National Park. When we got there there was not anyone at the booth so everyone got in for free. There were 4 of us that have the parks pass, but did not get a chance to use it
After leaving the gate the view and scenery only gets better as you go up. We saw lots of wildlife today, more on that below.
I rode with John and Barb Solely from Ohio. John did the ride across with us last year and his wife meet him in Sioux Falls and was at the beach at the end. This year she is riding with us and she is having a great time and we all stuck together until the very top of the climb. We all we going uphill at our own pace and we would stop every 2 to 4 miles for a break to give our legs a chance to get oxygen back in them. the higher you go the worse it gets and the legs don't want to function. So we took many breaks as we went upward. We had our 1st rest stop at mile 13 and we were ready to eat and refuel the water bottles. I drink allot when I climb and whenever we get a chance I fill them up. The next stop was at the top of the climb at mile 27 which is all uphill. We started the day at about 7400 ' and climbed up to over 12,000 today. This was a personal best for me as I had been to 10880 before 2 years ago in Wyoming.
At mile 18 we hit a pull off that had portable toilets and I was getting low on water and thought I would fill the bottles up, wrong no running water. A couple from Enid Oklahoma overheard me and said we have all the water you need in the back seat help yourself. I filled up the bottles and thanked them for the water and we moved on.
The trail ridge road is very narrow in spots and there are not any shoulder to keep out of the way of cars. I have to say that the drivers were very good and gave us a wide berth when they could.
When we got above the tree line above 11000 feet we saw some elk and there was a great big 6 point pull in velvet that was crossing the road right in front of us. I got a few pictures but after he was almost across the road. John got a really good one that I asked him to give me a copy of.
We was more elk all the way up to 12000 feet as they are up high to get away from the insects.
After getting to the visitor center before we started the downhill we stopped at our 2nd rest stop of the day and filled the bottles and ate. Johns wife Barb doesn't like the downhills so they stayed and were going in the truck down to bottom and ride the rest of the way in from there. I was going to ride by myself, but Sarah who is a Police Officer from Longmont along on our ride was ready at the same time. We left and rode the rest of the way in to town and had a stiff headwind all the way.
All in All this has been one of the best and scenic rides I have ever been on, the weather was great, sky was clear and the wildlife were very cooperative. I felt allot better today than yesterday even though we were 3000 feet height in elevation which was a plus for me.
Tomorrow we have only 48 miles with 3600 feet of climbing so it should be another great day.
After leaving the gate the view and scenery only gets better as you go up. We saw lots of wildlife today, more on that below.
I rode with John and Barb Solely from Ohio. John did the ride across with us last year and his wife meet him in Sioux Falls and was at the beach at the end. This year she is riding with us and she is having a great time and we all stuck together until the very top of the climb. We all we going uphill at our own pace and we would stop every 2 to 4 miles for a break to give our legs a chance to get oxygen back in them. the higher you go the worse it gets and the legs don't want to function. So we took many breaks as we went upward. We had our 1st rest stop at mile 13 and we were ready to eat and refuel the water bottles. I drink allot when I climb and whenever we get a chance I fill them up. The next stop was at the top of the climb at mile 27 which is all uphill. We started the day at about 7400 ' and climbed up to over 12,000 today. This was a personal best for me as I had been to 10880 before 2 years ago in Wyoming.
At mile 18 we hit a pull off that had portable toilets and I was getting low on water and thought I would fill the bottles up, wrong no running water. A couple from Enid Oklahoma overheard me and said we have all the water you need in the back seat help yourself. I filled up the bottles and thanked them for the water and we moved on.
The trail ridge road is very narrow in spots and there are not any shoulder to keep out of the way of cars. I have to say that the drivers were very good and gave us a wide berth when they could.
When we got above the tree line above 11000 feet we saw some elk and there was a great big 6 point pull in velvet that was crossing the road right in front of us. I got a few pictures but after he was almost across the road. John got a really good one that I asked him to give me a copy of.
We was more elk all the way up to 12000 feet as they are up high to get away from the insects.
After getting to the visitor center before we started the downhill we stopped at our 2nd rest stop of the day and filled the bottles and ate. Johns wife Barb doesn't like the downhills so they stayed and were going in the truck down to bottom and ride the rest of the way in from there. I was going to ride by myself, but Sarah who is a Police Officer from Longmont along on our ride was ready at the same time. We left and rode the rest of the way in to town and had a stiff headwind all the way.
All in All this has been one of the best and scenic rides I have ever been on, the weather was great, sky was clear and the wildlife were very cooperative. I felt allot better today than yesterday even though we were 3000 feet height in elevation which was a plus for me.
Tomorrow we have only 48 miles with 3600 feet of climbing so it should be another great day.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Day one Boulder to Estes Park 60 Miles 6300' of climbing
This morning half the group meet at Beths house in Boulder which was 12 riders and the others left from Sandy's house in Berthoud. we meet 13 miles down the road and there we had our 1st rest stop of the day.
The temperature this morning was 68 when we left Boulder and it slowly climbed during the day. When we got to Estes park it showed 90. We left at 710AM and I got in at 3PM. I don't have the total climbing for today yet as I have not uploaded the information from my Garmin. I will update this later
Today was a tough day on the bike for me. I think the altitude got to me and early on did not drink enough fluids. Later on I was good on fluids but the legs were really tired. We climbed from Boulder which is about 5300 ft. and topped out at the town of Ward at 9054 ft. We then dropped down to 7400 ft and once again began to climb. By the time we got to the overlook of the valley into Estes Park it showed we were back to 8982. I was glad to see the last hill for today and am now resting up for the day tomorrow. We are going from Estes Park to Granby
The temperature this morning was 68 when we left Boulder and it slowly climbed during the day. When we got to Estes park it showed 90. We left at 710AM and I got in at 3PM. I don't have the total climbing for today yet as I have not uploaded the information from my Garmin. I will update this later
Today was a tough day on the bike for me. I think the altitude got to me and early on did not drink enough fluids. Later on I was good on fluids but the legs were really tired. We climbed from Boulder which is about 5300 ft. and topped out at the town of Ward at 9054 ft. We then dropped down to 7400 ft and once again began to climb. By the time we got to the overlook of the valley into Estes Park it showed we were back to 8982. I was glad to see the last hill for today and am now resting up for the day tomorrow. We are going from Estes Park to Granby
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