Friday, June 16, 2017
Start: YMCA of the Rockies/Spring Mountain Ranch, Granby, CO
Finish: Idaho Springs, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 50.5 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1612.2
Awoke feeling refreshed and invigorated. An awesome 360 degree view of the Rocky Mountains from this massive YMCA ranch property dotted with cabins, hotel blocks, swimming pool, archery, horseback riding, cafeteria, play areas, walking trails, etc. This would be an ideal spot for a family vacation, especially for younger elementary-middle school age children. Just the view itself from the well-appointed spacious room is majestic (see photo). We enjoyed a hearty breakfast variety, cleaned our bikes, and planned the day's ride.Another beautiful sunny day. Cool morning air as we have enjoyed daily in the Rockies. We cycled from the YMCA heading east along Rt40, through Tabernash and then a relaxing long flat stretch along the Fraser Valley with mountains on each side and ahead. Some grazing cattle enjoying verdant grasses underneath snow covered mountains. Any direction you turn to is a postcard image of stone-crafted mountains and dark green pines dabbed with vanilla snow drizzle down their slopes.
We passed through the town of Fraser, then on to the resort town of Winter Park, bustling with mountain bikers this time of year. Climbing soon began as we approached the first turn of many high-pitched switchbacks ahead to reach another Continental Divide.
To succeed at a long grinding challenging climb for many miles is not easy. A number of variables are at play as a cyclist - what is your general energy level and aerobic fitness, did you rest well the night prior, have you eaten properly to store sufficient energy, do you have a positive mental state or are you brooding or ruminating over frustrations - these and others influence one's climb. Sometimes you conquer the mountain, other times the mountain defeats you, and occasionally it is a draw - both you and the mountain suffered but each provided the other with a sufficient and balanced challenge.
Balance truly is the key to be a successful long distance cyclist. Yes, there is the more fundamental balance mastered at perhaps 4-5yo when the tricycle wheels are removed as you fearfully but excitedly experience that first need to right oneself like a keel in a ship as you race faster and twist right and left and believe there is no stopping point after that first rush of two-wheeled mastery. I am sure young gymnasts and acrobats also experience that initial thrill of physical balance on the beams and bars. As do painters in perspective balancing a developing dimensional work on canvas.
But while a mature cyclist's balance involves these more primitive right-left brained autonomic tasks, the real balance of an extended climb to a mountain top involves the art of managing gear changes, occasional out of seat peddling, body positioning into a headwind or with a tailwind, nutritional needs and fluid intake, and proper breathing, especially if at a higher altitude. Having a buddy along for the climb never hurts either as additional motivation to "get 'er done!" together.
These dynamics change by the minute, of course, and so as we climbed and climbed for the next many miles, quads burning, it was not easy or a whole lot of fun. Take a sip from water bottle, gasp for air from immediate oxygen debt, pause periodically to regain strength but also suffer the consequence of having the vital blood drained from your leg muscles in the pause period, needing a minute or so to return to its proper place as you peddle once again.
Some enjoy a grinding multi-mile climb in a sadistic way. Pain and suffering can also elicit endorphin rushes that compare to other elated highs from achievements. Sometimes I will erupt in laughter, the giggles consuming me, when challenged in this way. After all, the fresh mountain air and chef d'oeuvre views surrounding me cold not possibly deflate an inspired soul. And so it was the case today. Laughter in the midst of pain and suffering, all stewing in the same pot.
We suffered together, us Blaze Brothers, with Peter diligently setting mileage markers and offering needed nutrition and fluids between gasps. We reached the apex of the Continental Divide at Berthoud Pass (elevation 11,307ft)! Sherpa far ahead as expected of our lithe friend with admittedly superior cycling DNA.
Breathe. Steady Peddle. Nutrition. Fluids. Brief Rests.
What goes up must come down! I've suffered enough. The mountain now needs to suffer my weight on its downward spine! I smile and laugh, this time not from pain and suffering but because if ever there was a man blessed with the right ratio of body proportion, weight for height and center of gravity, for taking a downhill swiftly and possessing a seemingly unlimited endorphin storage pool I must confess it would be myself.
"Engage!" I shift to the highest gear ratio on my Shimano Ultegra cassette. The cranking follows swiftly - faster and faster I peddle, squeezing out the lactic acid from my quadriceps. Wind rushing on my cheeks and st my chest. I position as aerodynamically as Zi can on the bike frame. Extended firearms grasping my aero bars, my elbows on the aero rests.
Ah yes, fresh mountain pine air in my nostrils as I inhale like Tyrannosaurus Rex salivating over a meal. Round the bends, switchbacks, straightaways I go ever faster. 42, 46, 50, 53.3mph! I hold on tight. I am in the cyclist's downhill Zen stream. Body and Bike working together in unity. Scanning for any road imperfections, dips, gravel or wildlife that could impede my path. Fourteen miles of exhilarating downhill speed and technical prowess! I am one with the mountain. The mountain was kind, after all, to me. We made our amends and time to move on.
These descents tend to separate us Blaze Brothers temporarily. Each with his own rhythm and desired speed downstream. We collect at the intersection of I-70 just after the town of Empire then continue a very relaxing spin further descending in elevation along Allvarado Rd which parallels I-70 heading east and along the banks of Clear Creek filled with rafters in the afternoon sun. We arrive at the bustling town of Idaho Springs, CO and our night's stay at the historic Indian Hot Springs Inn. I was happy and joyful for yet another full day of challenges and beauty in the Rocky Mountains among friends.
Dinner at Beau Jo's Pizza. We ordered the Mountain Man 5lb pizza! Wow! Delicious thick crust pie. Salad bar on top. Bellies full of refuel! More climbing ahead...
Back to the Inn. Famous for a century for its revitalizing hot springs water from deep within the earth. We descend to the underground natural mountain stone encased grotto where a handful of steaming small pools are our oasis for a hot hazy soak. Hottest elicits an ouch on entry. Time for sore muscles to gelatinate. I worry if their may be consequences tomorrow. Will it soften or seep their energy as a hot soak has deprived from prior experience. But it just feels so good! I linger a bit longer. Mellowed. Soft. On to the milder tropical-like arboretum pool for additional soaking. Pruned. Happy. To hotel room. Sleep time. Big climbing day tomorrow! Mt Evans, 14,130ft high. Soft muscles. Jello. Mellow. Downhill Zen stream. I worry a bit. I sleep fretfully in a Hot Springs Haze.
Photos
Indexes:
Weather: (10)
Terrain: (9)
Sadistic climb, day #2. Who designed this itinerary, I ask myself rhetorically?!
Scenic: (10)
Rockies continue to inspire...
Endurance: (8.5)
Challenging climb to Continental Divide #2. Legs are starting to feel the burn
Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-songbirds
R-songbirds, butterflies
Medical Report:
All good except steady quad soreness
Bike Report:
All good
Still Having Fun: (10)
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