a very memorable challenge
Sometimes, we need a break from the business, and enjoy life in other ways. This month, I'd like to share a bit of my bicycle tour experiences in Ride the Rockies bike tour. You may have heard of it. It generally occurrs the 2nd week in June each year, and is a 6 day tour around Colorado. Over 2000 riders take part in this mix of hard exersize, great scenery, story sharing, and pain relievers, along the 400+ mile route.
A friend and I decided to enter the selection lottery this year, and my first reaction to getting selected was "oh crap!" Now I had to train. The training consisted of lots of rides up Lookout Mountain and Squaw Pass Rd. And interval training, to get the legs and lungs improved. So this was 3 months of frequent rides.
Then the big day arrived. Starting in Gunnison, our first day we rode to Hotchkiss, up Hwy 92, on the north side of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. What a great view of Gould Reservoir and surrounding area from the Aid Station at the top!!
From Hotchkiss, we rode over McClure Pass to Carbondale. Boy, the last 5 miles to the pass were steep.
Then the "Queen's" day; Carbondale to Leadville over Independence Pass. OMG, 7000 ft of climbing and 85 miles!!! After 10 hours, we pulled into Leadville, thoroughly drained. I was dragging, big time.
The next day was lots of downhill, so that was great; going from Copper Mountain to Granby. We still had to climb Ute Pass, north of Silverthorne. Another great view of snow-capped mountains.
Day 5 was Granby to Estes Park on Trail Ridge Rd, through Rocky Mountain National Park. This was only about 3000 ft of climbing, oh boy! Another day above treeline. But steady as she goes up, then we had lots of fun on the 15 miles of downhill into Estes. What great views along the way!
Last day was all dowhill into Loveland, where we stopped, due to the fire in Fort Collins. Wow, 380 miles!!
We had the great benefit of having our wives "sag" for us, and stayed in hotels along the way. We had great weather, good food, and a good bed each night. Our butts made it. And no flat tires or mechanical problems!
It was one of those experiences in life you will never forget, and you will forever appreciate the effort and commitment made to accomplish it. I strongly recommend every "roadie" out there seriously consider it.
Will I do it again next year? Well......
Greg
303-349-6035
greg@constructedimages.net
www.constructedimages.net
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