Current Status

Current Status: Success! Ride completed Monday, July 3, 2017 - Stage 38: Velo-Vini-Vidi-Vici Victory Ride! - from Calistoga, CA to San Francisco, CA - 115 miles

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

News Article about the Successful Blaze Ride

Here's a great article summing up the ride, published by The North Fulton Herald:

Local cyclists celebrate completing cross-country journey



$20,000 raised by Blaze Across America!

The tally from BlazeSports is in: over $20,000 was donated by all of you Blaze Across America fans!

To all who donated to BlazeSports in honor of our cross country cycling journey, I salute you and wholeheartedly thank you for making a very positive contribution to the lives of children and military veterans with special needs.



Friday, July 7, 2017

Remaining Blog Entries Coming Soon...

A note to my few but loyal blog readers: time challenges precluded me from being as efficient with blog updates over the last 11 days of our ride across America. I will be sending out the final stage reports (27-38) in time despite our ride being successfully completed on 07/03. Need to juggle back to work and finishing off the trip blog for posterity. Hope you will continue to enjoy the entries and also view photos on the blog (linked to each stage report) in better resolution.

If you would like to be notified when a new entry is posted, you can enter your email in the box on the right-hand sidebar of this blog page.

And stay tuned. While writing the blog offered readers some tasty appetizers, I am hoping to compose a deeper analysis of thoughts about our journey through a journal adventure novel for publication to an even wider audience.

To Health and Happiness,
David


Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Reflections, Events, Statistics

Here are some statistics and interesting tidbits about the ride...

  • Total of 3064 cycling miles
  • Crossed 14 states
  • 14 stages were Century rides (100 miles or more)
  • Five consecutive Continental Divide stages in Colorado 
  • High Point: Mt Evans, 14,000 feet. Highest paved road
  • Low Point: Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level
  • Highest temp in Death Valley at 123 F
  • Over 1,000,000 peddle strokes. 
  • Over 1,000 cups of water consumed
  • Said good morning and evening to way over 100,000 cows and horses and goats, and sheep, and llamas and pigs and chickens
  • Enjoyed over 1,000,000 bird songs
  • Slept under a billion milky way stars in Utah
  • Got to know "Dances With Wolves"
  • Cycled with wild mustangs in Kansas
  • Fell in love with the Nebraska Sandhills 
  • Transformed spiritually into "Soaring Hawk" in Oklahoma
  • Became "King of the Mountain" in Colorado.

Monday, July 3, 2017

Success! Blaze Brothers Cross the Finish Line in San Francisco

The Blaze Brothers crossed the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco on Monday July 3rd at 7 PM after 120 mile ride from Calistoga. Several family members joined them in Sausalito to ride the last few miles across the finish line.

Stay tuned for more details, photos, and video.


Blaze Final Stage Today! Wine Country to San Francisco

Today, July 3rd is the "Velo-Vini-Vidi-Vici Victory Ride!" from California's Wine Country in Napa Valley, across the Golden Gate Bridge and across the finish line in San Francisco. Check back for pictures as they cross the finish line.

In the mean time, see the latest on Facebook


Friday, June 30, 2017

Death Valley: 100 miles, 123 degrees! On to Yosemite...

Michael: Well, we did it! We literally Blazed our way 100 miles across Death Valley! We started in the dark but temps had risen to 123 degrees by the time we finished! It is amazing what the human spirit is capable of accomplishing with the proper inspiration, grit and determination! Today was for you, BlazeSports athletes!

David: Long amazing day through Death Valley. 100 mi piece of (burnt) cake! Won't ever forget today's ride for the exceptional beauty and the heat. We're fine with desert riding now. Looking forward to Yosemite and seeing the family tomorrow. Three big days ahead of us. Excited to see the Pacific now.

Spent the night in Lone Pine with Mt. Whitney over our shoulder.

Watch the Death Valley Victory Video (Facebook)

More Photos and Video below and on Facebook









120 Degree Forecast for Death Valley today!

Fortunately the Blaze Brothers got an early start today for their ride through hell on earth!




Sunday, June 25, 2017

Blazing Heat for Grand Canyon ride!


Today's ride is from Bryce Canyon, Utah to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Temperatures over 100 are forecast for that area!

Friday, June 23, 2017

Stage 28 Report: Lake Powell Speedway


Friday, June 23, 2017
Start: Lake Powell, UT
Finish: Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT
Total Bike Mileage: 0 mi
Total Shared Mileage: 48 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 2088.9 miles
Photos

Beautiful morning on awakening and stepping outside to see Lake Powell under sunshine. Breakfast at the Defiance House Lodge on the veranda overlooking the lake. Very nice Russian hostess. Life is good, indeed. We pack our rations for the day and head down to the marina dock to finalize the lease of a 19ft powerboat. It is warm but as I captain the boat out of the marina wake zone we enjoy the breeze as we head near full throttle for the mouth of the great canyon. Of the two million visitors to this lake annually there are few today on this Friday morning. Winds make the waters choppy but we are heading southward to explore the various bays of this waterworld.

Lake Powell was originally the enormous Glen Canyon with the Colorado River meandering through southward towards the Grand Canyon and beyond. It was deemed critical for human and agricultural needs to build the Glen Canyon Dam at the Utah-Arizona border which, in 1972, after years of filling post-dam completion, created the largest man-made reservoir in the USA. It supplies water to seven states – the Upper Basin region (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico) and the Lower Basin (Arizona, Nevada, and California). Joining Lake Powell are the Escalante and San Juan Rivers whose inflows one can explore while enjoying the lake. Lake Powell is 186mi long and has an average depth of about 130-150ft; water levels fluctuate annually based on the quantity of runoff from winter Colorado mountain snowfall and water release rates through the Glen Canyon Dam southward towards Lake Mead near Las Vegas. However the statistics play, it is a massive fresh water bath for swimming, houseboating, speedboating, jetskiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, skinny dipping, or whatever else happens under the billion-star nightly natural fireworks show. To be here is to be lost in time; it feels ancient, cavernous, or planetarily intergalactic. This is water solitude, Native American flute pipe melodious, dramatically echoic, nourishing, life-giving womb of warmth surrounding you as you dive into its summer waters. On the lake there remains few relics of human society despite the comforts and hopeful reliability of one’s boat to return you to shore. Off shore one can explore canyons for miles, dock and hike to magnificent Rainbow Arch, or just admire the canvases of rock and vegetation.

Today, we stay water-bound. A six hour cruise. We take turns captaining (and who doesn’t like to drive a boat?) and enjoying the breeze. We stop for lunch in a quiet bay. Jump in and enjoy the waters. Refreshing. Next is waterski attempts. Sherpa, well…splat, splat, and splat; not so good. Curry sprayed all over the lake top. Soaring Hawk… well…like a rodeo rider, I was all bull horns out of the gate, then got bucked pretty quick. Had better luck the last go-around a few years back. Walks With Buffalo, hmmm...tough guy cruises like he’s done this a few hundred times before! Nice! Successful envy. I dump him on a sharp turn into the wake. Sherpa and I wonder if we must be getting too old for this kind of fun.

Nevertheless, how much fun! Just a relaxing morning and afternoon with close friends on a lake, albeit a big lake! Canyon walls 20-30 stories high. All the desert colors. The light shimmering geodesically in one area off the rimmed cave walls. Fantastic echoes!

We return to the marina. Sun-drenched. Dried out from the afternoon warmth. Rested and healthy. Waterski soreness not quite setting in yet. Drive to Hanksville junction. Bikes put-in there for an early evening 50mi ride to Capitol Reef National Park. Surprise fun accommodations awaiting my travel colleagues. Perhaps the funnest of the trip.

The road turns to parched desert. A few cow herds here and there tortured by flies. Cattle guards along the road to annoy us riders with their metal horizontal grids and vertical seams. Care taken to not ruin our bike tires. I drive this section as Mike and Vik cycle. I enjoyed the evening off the bike after relaxing on Lake Powell. A solar recharge day for me.

Off in the distance as we traveled Scenic Byway Rt24 westward one could see the buttes and formations take shape ahead. We were entering another no man’s land zone of other worldliness. Pass through Caineville and then Fruita, a small oasis of fruit trees lining the roadside. Beautiful wandering Fremont River tracks our path through the canyon. I make out a few Anasazi petroglyphs on the mountain walls illuminated by the evening sun.

Darkness. I leave my colleagues as they near completing the evening’s cycling journey by headlamps. Food will be needed ahead and restaurant closes by 10pm. I van ahead to secure a table and order a pizza and some beers for us. Then head across the street to the registration desk at the Capitol Reef Resort in the National Park. I turn to see a man in a white cowboy hat exiting the restaurant and heading to my same registration spot. I turn again. “Holy Cow,” I say to myself, that’s “Dances With Wolves.” I mean, that’s Kevin Costner.

“Hello Sir,” as I extend my hand in greeting him. “It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Costner.” We chat briefly. I am in cycling attire with my cowboy hat on, South Dakota hawk feather-capped. I offer my place so Mr. Costner can take care of his needs at the desk. “Yes, sir” the clerk replies, “the Wagons.” Mr. Costner departs. I ask the very young clerk if he knows who that was. “I think he’s an actor,” he replies. I ask him, “Have you heard of the movies, Field of Dreams, how about Bull Durham, maybe Dances With Wolves, American Flier, The Bodyguard?” “Nope.” “OK,” I’m humored, “how about the last Superman movie, he plays Superman’s dad.” “Oh yeah, haven’t seen it but I get it now.”

OK... Different generation. Wow. So I take care of our own Wagon booking as well, as scheduled. All set. A ring of Conestoga Wagons awaited us out in the fields. A hundred yards away were the tribe of teepees, Native American canvases lit by firelight. It is perfectly quiet. I’m Zening again. This is my kind of place. My fellow cyclists show up. I inform them of the registration proceedings. No worries mates, we’ll see him in the morning. We’re ring roommates, after all. We devour the pizza and enjoy the beers at Rim Rock Patio across the street. We schlep our night belongings to the Wagons. Costner, his wife and kids doing the same right across from us in the ring.

We head to sleep after adjusting to Conestoga Wagon glamping life. This is really sweet. I keep my cowboy hat on as I climb up to the top bunk. I text my wife Judy a photo, just checking in if she still thinks I’m more handsome than the other guy across the way. At least I’m twelve years younger, I wishfully hope she realizes. I still think I'm closer in age, after all, to playing Superman rather than his dad.

The Wagon has plenty of room – two bunk beds and a king size bed, meant for families interested in a morsel of the Wild West American dream. Teepees are for romancing couples; I remind myself of that option next time I’m around these parts. Young men, keep in mind this fact - when you move from Teepee life to Wagon life, your own life is moving real fast from Superman to Superman's dad. So slow down, enjoy the Teepee ring whilst the fires still burn bright.

Tonight, wagon top bunk is definitely the way to go. Closer to the cowboy canvas and the stars.

I’m dreaming about vast lakes and snow-peaked mountains, desert canyons and rivers running through them. I am at peace and I am Soaring Hawk. Soaring above the buffalo and my prairie dog friends in the Badlands of South Dakota. And I was going to make a new friend in the morning, Dances With Wolves.

Stage 28 Photos and Videos


Indexes:


Weather: (10)

Terrain: (10)

Scenic: (11)

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-jackrabbits
R-jackrabbits

Endurance: (n/a); didn't bike today but I felt strong captaining the speedboat

Medical Report: none

Bike Report: none

Still Having Fun: (11)


Thursday, June 22, 2017

Stage 27 Report: Stretch Those Arches

Thursday, June 22, 2017
Start: Moab, UT
Finish: Lake Powell, UT
Total Bike Miles: 43.6 mi
Total Shared Miles: 65 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 2040.9
Photos

(Note: due to Peter's temporary absence, the three Blaze Brothers needed to rotate driving/van support amongst ourselves over the next six stages; as a result our individual mileages were partially curtailed; the "Total Shared Miles" is the total riding day's cumulative mileage accrued)

Yurt-sleep was the most deep and comfortable of the trip to date. All of us commented on this surprising unexpected gift. We awoke refreshed in the early morning. We packed and found pancake breakfast a few miles north of the campground in Moab.

Peter finalized flight arrangements from Moab with the help of his lovely wife, Elaine. He would begin on a small propellor plane to depart late morning. We stop to give the van a much needed bath at a do-it-yourself car wash. Peter handles the chore like a kid in a candy store. Gone are the splattered ankle-biting insects of Arkansas from the windshield, the rain-stained Alabama roof, the Georgia clay tire treads, the Nebraska Sandhills underbody, the Colorado desert dust. Van refreshed, clean, glistening,like a loyal motorized chariot once again.

Enough time to explore some of Arches National Park just north of town. Arches is yet another other-worldly place in the desert created by millennia of receding ancient oceans leading to petrified eroding hardened sand sculptures. Then, the seeping and freezing of water cause fissures that gradually lead to the arch formations we see today; elements and minerals adding their artisan palette of colors to the weeping stones. We drive through a portion of the Arches, snapping photos along the way, before returning to Rt191; a bit rushed for time we drive to Moab airport to bid temporary good-byes to Peter for his return trip to South Africa for his mom's funeral.

Peter returns with an elder son's responsibility and love for his mother. There is no age without pain when one loses a loving parent. Mike lost his mother just a few months prior and it has been over two years since my own mother passed. The memory well fills and so we drink sips daily to nourish us and our own offspring eternally.

The Blaze Brothers regroup. We temporarily lose Peter's guidance, wisdom, fatherly spirit, supply organization, and sense of humor. "Some Water?," as Peter's name could otherwise be, will return to us. He will quench our desert thirst once again in due time.

We van together - "Sherpa," "Soaring Hawk," and "Walks With Buffalo" - to visit the Canyonlands National Park. Another desert erosive masterpiece. We drive to the Grand View at the end of the road for the stare-down to the abyss.

Awe. Silence. Mystery.

Earth's grandeur before us. No photo could possibly capture the majesty of the passage of time and place here.

We then turn to Dead Horse Point State Park adjacent to Canyonlands. A view of the Colorado River snaking its way through the enormous canyon wallls. I review the exhibit in the information center - nuggets of information about the geology of the land, temperature extremes, desert life fragility and complexity of ecosystems within small pools of fresh water, the animals that fight survival and death inhabiting this arid area, man's impact on this world...

Our mouths and lips now persistently dry. Parched throats. Sunburn danger. Dehydration always a risk. We slake like thirsty fraternity camels at an oasis bar.

Mike and I put in for cycling in our triurnal outing as Vik drives for the first of many rotating sessions amongst us. We will need to adapt to off-bike shifts driving our mother-ship support vehicle as the other two Blaze Brothers cycle. Not ideal given our rabid lust for each day's outdoor adventure but the journey must continue as scheduled until Peter returns.

A beautiful descent from the Canyonlands plateau puts us back onto Rt191 heading north. We stop at a convenience store for food and drink and then drive north together to the junction of I-70 and head west to the town of Green River. Dinner at the Tamarisk Restaurant along the river. Nice spot. Large nourishing burrito. Satiated.

We drive on, exit I-70 onto Scenic Rt24 and drive south to put-in at Hanksville junction. We are bound for Bullftog Marina at Lake Powell, Utah where we will stay tonight. A blazing powerboat awaits us the next morning.

Vik and Mike begin the ride to Bullfrog along Bicentennial Highway 95. They cross over the Dirty Devil River. Late afternoon sun. The road seems endless desert before us. Beautiful desolation.

My cycle shift starts some miles later. I enjoy the evening cooler ride. My energy level restored. Bikeoo Buddha in his desert Zen mode. The rich hues of reds, oranges, and pinks from the setting sun contrast perfectly with the burnt sand-earth and native plants. How beautiful the desert truly is in evening light!

We turn at a junction onto Rt276. The road climbs and eventually begins a long series of descents and rollers. Spooky nightfall approaches as buttes and rock formations take on faces. Legs can go on forever tonight. No fatigue but apparent endless road.

Darkness. We've stolen the sun's last desserts. We load up the van, ride past Ticaboo and complete the day at Bullfrog Marina's hotel, the Defiance House Lodge. I had been here two years earlier with Judy's family to celebrate her parents' 50year anniversary for an unforgettable houseboat journey. My Blaze Brothers will be in for quite a treat tomorrow. I was excited to show them the vastness of Lake Powell. We settle in for a good night's sleep. Stars to infinity everywhere tonight. Milky Way Galaxy splashed above us. Hopefully one star is shining safe light on Peter as he traverses the globe.

Stage 27 Photos


Indexes:


Weather: (10)

Terrain: (10)

Scenic: (10)

Endurance: (10)

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-none
R-none

Medical Report:
None

Bike Report:
None

Still Having Fun: (10)

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Stage 26 Report: Desert Deliverance

Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Start: Delta, CO
Finish: Moab, UT
Total Bike Mileage: 105.0
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1975.9 miles

Excited to begin our desert journeys over the next 10 days, we awoke early, had quick but nourishing breakfast at the hotel and then packed and drove 30 mi northwest from Delta to out-in on cycles at the junction of Hwy 50 and Rt141 (the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway) near Whitewater, CO.

Sunny, clear skies, warming temperatures; we crossed the Gunnison River which was coursing its way towards Grand Junction where it would meet with the ever thirst-quenching Colorado River. Our desert entry commenced abruptly at this scenic Rt141 byway. Very few cars or trucks, glorious chiseled stone edifices on each side sprinkled with desert plants and dry wash beds for miles. We climbed arduously with sweating brows for about 20 miles as we followed the East Creek to the apex of the Unaweep Divide at 7048 ft dividing the watershed areas of East and West Creek. Then, we descended a beautiful valley as the road veered westwards following West Creek's headwaters into Gateway, CO.

Here at Gateway stands giant majestic red buttes of the Palisade Wilderness Area  - proud, aged to perfection by waters and winds over millions of years, sentinels to the hidden gems of the Dolores River canyon ahead. At this junction also stood the Gateway Canyons Resort, a compelling RITA spot to enjoy on return someday. Adobe accommodations interspersed with desert landscaping and all the fixings of resort comforts truly secreted in a spiritually uplifting place.

The Canyons Resort grounds includes the Gateway Auto Museum which houses an amazing private collection of vintage automobiles owned by collector and Discovery Channel founder, John Hendricks. Anyone remotely interested in the history of cars or their design beauty should visit. These are fantastic specimens housed here and restored to perfection.

We continued onward. A 50 mi slowly ascending section now through a tremendously picturesque mini-Grand Canyon, with the Dolores River swimming towards and weaving beside us, that would ultimately bring us to Naturita, CO by mile 94.

Soon after departing Gateway, Peter very sadly receives word from South Africa that his dear 96yo mother has passed away. We are in a desolate area. Except for an occasional car we see no other humans, very few cattle in the summer heat. Peter will need to return to South Africa for funeral arrangements. No cell phone service for 50 miles. We determine our options. Peter will depart tomorrow from Moab, UT to begin his long journey home. He wants to return and rejoin the Blaze journey afterwards. His dedication to the trip and our ongoing bonds of friendship very evident. Journeys will occasionally take unpredictable turns.

We continue on to Naturita, CO. Small town at the mouth of the great canyon ride. We eat dinner at Blondies Drive-In and Cafe, a simple burger-type joint. Nourishing and refreshing vanilla shake.

Evening. Only 1-2hrs of sun remaining. We drive from Naturita along Rt90 through the town of Bedrock and steeply climb up the eastern section of the La Sal mountain pass. Peter drops us off at the apex. We spin down through a beautiful passage during sundown which leads to challenging rollers that eventually brings us across the Utah state border. Sunset over La Sal. Beautiful! Nightfall. We end the ride and van the remainder to Moab, UT. Check-in to ACT Campground where the four of us stay in an enormous yurt. Sleeping futons on floor.

Peter makes flight arrangements for the morning. Moab, UT to Denver, Co to Atlanta, GA to Johannesburg, South Africa. He will rejoin us a week later in Las Vegas, NV. He will be just about circumnavigating the globe and then returning.

The Blaze Brothers respect Peter's desire to return. Vik, Mike and I will continue on the next day sharing van driving duties on a rotating basis. We will share the bicycling miles collaboratively. No other option presents itself well. Team effort. The journey continues. Our hearts quieted by Peter's loss. We sleep in the yurt together like a bonded Bedouin family.

Stage 26 Photos


Indexes


Weather: (9)
toasty in the desert but we a good day to acclimate

Terrain: (8)
Tough chip road was jarring on body for a large extent of the day

Scenic: (10)

Endurance: (8.5)
Less energy in am, improved significantly after first 25mi

Medical Report:
sore hands

Bike Report:
None

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-lizards, jackrabbits, deer
R-snakes, jackrabbits, cow

Still Having Fun: (9)

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Stage 25 Report: Mountains to Desert

Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Start; Snowmass, CO
Finish: Delta, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 120.0 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1870.9 mi

From Mountains to Desert!

Today would unfold gradually like a series of patiently disclosed gifts to be unwrapped as we crossed through different biomes departing the Rocky Mountains with some ennui for the mountain climbs to new heights.

The morning opened early with a beautiful spinning descent of Snowmass Resort via its dedicated well-groomed cycling path to the main road. We turned west onto Rt82 and enjoyed the gradual descent beside the Roaring Fork River which emanated westward from the high gathering of trickling streams at Independence Pass and traversed through Aspen and beyond. A ferocious display of rapidly melting snow as the river slushes down the valleys into a true lion's violent powerful roar. We tried to keep pace with its surges as the river poured over its banks and swept me up in passion for nature's beauty surrounding me.

The road descended the Rockies for a very enjoyable morning spin as we continued to a junction where we turned south onto Rt133 at the town of Carbondale. A vast mountain, Mount Sopris, off in the distance standing volcanically tall above a gorgeous valley fed by its own waters, the Crystal River traversing the Crystal Valley. The first morsel of red stone vaulted cliffs here (we will see even grander days later) jutted angular rock formations, rich grazing and farmland soils - one could not pray for a more lovely valley to bicycle through on a beautiful summer day.

We continued to a absorb this picturesque valley to the small town of Redstone where we stopped for a nice lunch at its historic Redstone Inn, originally built in 1902 to house coal miners, but now renovated for guests with similar enjoyment of the Crystal River byway. A note to myself to return to this pleasant well-appointed Inn someday on more relaxing terms.

Past Hays Creek Falls, then a 3.4 mi, 8-9% graded switchback climb brought us to the peak of McClure Pass, elevation 8755 ft, and over westward to another valley fed by the north fork of the Gunnison River; the landscape darkening with volcanic rock, gradually drying, harsher stone cliffs, less vegetation, leading to a long sinewy dammed cliff-hugging lake, known as Paonia State Park. The road wound round the slot canyon lake for miles bringing us to a few huge industrial mines with shoots and ladders that reminded me of an amusement park ride, ultimately dumping coal into mile-long train cars. Colorado coal country.

We emerged from the hot windless long winding canyon at the town of Hotchkiss and continued through a long valley, a cobbler-full of fruit-growing trees and berries in farms along the path. No time to stop now. Hungry and seat-sore we pushed forward. We climbed a crest of a hill and I looked out upon the horizon. Desert everywhere. Not a single tree. Swirling sand dunes and ashen mountains and parched desert flora lay before me for a hundred miles of visible terrain. A dead young prairie dog on entry. Other live ones foraging in the evening light. Welcome to the desert! Your journey's wandering has only begun!

We pulled into Delta, CO; settles into the Quality Inn, drank nourishing chocolate milk, showered and enjoyed multiple dinner plates at a delicious Asian restaurant, House of Chin.

Our longest day cycling this trip. 120 miles completed. Not the most strenuous day of our journey in terms of chain gritty work effort needed. But we stood at a crossroads. Delta, CO was our entry point to America's vast western desert. A dry mouth informed, yet I immersed myself in the knowing.

I enjoy the tranquility and gentle shaded nuances of sandy and mineral-enriched colors  that the desert offers. We will venture forward tomorrow. First, rest and digest. I am excited for tomorrow.

Blaze Stage 25 Photos and Video


Indexes:


Weather: (10)

Terrain: (10)
Good roads, only one significant climb to McClure Pass

Scenic: (12)
Beautiful mix of rivers, canyons, climbs, and desert; if ever in CO I encourage you to take Scenic Rt133 through the Crystal Valley

Endurance: (10)

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-deer, Eagle with eaglets in a giant nest near Basalt, CO, prairie dogs
R-raccoon, skunk, birds, unidentifiable fur, prairie dogs

Medical Report:
None

Bike report:
None

Still Having Fun: (11)

Monday, June 19, 2017

Stage 24 Report: Independence Pass

Monday, June 19, 2017
Start: Twin Lakes, CO
Finish: Snowmass, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 47.6 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1750.9 mi


Once again, as we have enjoyed every day in the Rockies, a beautiful blue-skies crisp-air day broke our sleep. I arose early and took a stroll outside the Inn and then wrote a bit in the comfortable foyer. My colleagues arrived and we enjoyed a relaxing tasty breakfast chatting with the Twin Lakes Inn proprietors, husband and wife, Doug and Maggie along with the very kind and helpful manager, Andy. Turns out Doug has finished a number of the Leadville Man 100mi runs in the past number of years. He was proud to show off his earned belt buckle as he should be. Quite a feat! And multiple times for good measure. Peter chuckled how crazy Americans are, pushing themselves to the limits. He feels a bit the same about us Blaze Brothers on this journey tackling Continental Divide climbs like they were rock candy to chomp and savor, and then pop another, of course. Endorphin inebriation?! What else can explain the unceasing desire to conquer mountains, to capture the clouds in one's nostrils, to taste the salty secretions from one's brow, to hear every echo, chirp, screech, or snap in the forest, to feel the texture of the winds from every angle on one's torso and whistling through one's helmeted hair.

Cycling is both microscopic and macroscopic introversion into the sensory world that abounds. A fluttering butterfly or songbird accompanies you playfully and you experience and study the precise magical nuances of flight. A vast view of the snow-capped peaks, or lush pine-covered slopes, or verdant valleys where odiferous pastures lay quietly in the sunshine, or grains growing in unison swaying like massive schools of fish darting through the seas.

We depart Twin Lakes. Refreshed. Happy. Excited for the Independent Pass climb ahead. A steady grade upward begins shortly after. Other cyclists soon join the march upwards. Absolutely beautiful concerto sings forth from Lake Creek, musical lyrics of water and boulders, as it rushes down the mountain beside me to its encore in Twin Lakes. This unsullen  territory seems to be a secret. Not heavily traversed by motorized engines this time of day.

I feel both heart and leg-strong this morning. I decide to set a personal goal - a persistent non-stop climb to the apex. It will be an 18 mile challenge  (there's that Kabbalistic number 18 again, numerological equivalent for 'Life' force) and, to some degree, a way for me to feel as if I can conquer Goliath (of Mt Evans of days gone by) on any given other day. The churning thigh-march continues. Switchbacks begin as the degree of difficulty increases with the pitch of the mountain road. A breathtaking view arises of the valley from which we traversed, green grass palates dotted with aspens and creek waters. Spectacular! Steady, onward, no stopping now. I ascend further and can see the snowy apex approaching. Steady in the saddle. No need to get bucked. I give a full throttle sprint for the final ascent. Endorphins abound. Zen has returned to me. I have no pain. I am very happy and I laugh well. The continuous climb is done. The apex and fifth consecutive Continental Divide has been devoured in these milk-chocolate covered Rockies.

Brief rest and photos and celebration as my friends complete the climb. Along comes three older gentlemen driving classy British Morgan Roadster cars. Hmm. Three cars aligned at the summit, three Blaze Brothers... I kindly swagger over, my cool sunglasses and Blaze jacket on, and ask one gentlemen, "Sir, that's a beautiful car. My son Jonah, who loves cars and probably knows all about these, would envy a photo of me sitting in the driver's seat. Can I?" And so a memorable photo is born as the contagion spreads to my friends. We delight in the musketeer moment. Someday, perhaps when the legs won't quite peddle as we ask, a classy Roadster will be my way to other life adventures! Or a real nice Harley with my biking babe holding on!

You take what the road gives you. You make lemonade from life's lemons or, in this case, you squeeze every drop of pure joy from the long winding downhill traverse into Aspen. Cool air, Aspen groves, angel-crafted massive boulder walls, river creating marshlands, sculpted homes tucked around rushing waters.

Arrive into center of Aspen. A visit to one of my spiritual kin, John Denver's Sanctuary. Here is an urban garden like none other I have seen. Marsh ponds and boulders meandering through, solitude, John's songs chiseled into stones that line the path beside a natural amphitheater of a grassy knoll overlooking rushing waters. Nature in harmony at this very spot. I intently read the lyrics on the stones - Rocky Mountain High, Sunshine On My Shoulders, Windsong, Perhaps Love, The Eagle and the Hawk...

Here are a few selected verses I'd like to share etched from his "Poems, Prayers, and Promises":



I've been lately thinking
About my life's time
All the things I've done
And how it's been
I can't help believing
In my own mind
I'm going to hate to see it end...

And talk of poems, and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long it's been since yesterday
What about tomorrow
And what about our dreams
And all the memories we share




We have lunch at a Deli in Aspen. Filling. Ride-on as we exit town westward. Climb steadily through beautiful horse country estates and arrive at Snowmass Resort. A cushy stopover at the Westin hotel (a fantastic summer room rate for us booking 6mo earlier). Thank you to registration clerk, Lindelwa from South Africa - very curteous and helpful at check-in. Warm jetted hot tub soak at the outside pool. Water not muscle-jelly hot as in Idaho Springs, CO or Hot Springs, AR. Just right. Short Gondola ride to dinner at Snowmass village. Life is very good among friends in the mountain setting on a pleasant evening.

Restful sleep after a wonderful day!

Blaze Stage 24 Photos & Video


Indexes:


Weather: (10)

Terrain: (10)

Scenic: (10)

Endurance: (11)

Medical Report:
none

Bike Report:
none

Still Having Fun: (11)

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Stage 23 Report: Leadville Legs

Sunday, June 18, 2017
Start: Dillon, CO
Finish: Twin Lakes, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 53.3 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1703.3 mi

A new day. I awoke feeling refreshed and reflective. Absolutely beautiful blue sky, cool mountain air. Took advantage of an early awakening to take a quiet walk along Lake Dillon's path before breakfast, stretch out the legs and mind from yesterday's challenges. Surrounded by mountains, Dillon, elevation 9,100ft, is a relaxed high-altitude town, has a nice outdoor amphitheater for free concerts by the huge lake with views of Keystone and Breckenridge ski slopes as well as Copper Mountain.

Called my dad to wish him a happy Father's Day. Hopefully he's been peddling on his exercise bicycle at home to keep those 91 yo legs in shape! Received calls/texts from my three kids. Love you all. Hopefully this journey will make me a better son and father.

I chatted with a sprightly retiree who was walking his dog. He and his wife split their time between Tucson, AZ (winter) and Dillon, CO (summer). He had crossed the US on bicycle on two separate occasions when younger so we had a lot in common to share. All one needs to do to make a new friend is to just be willing to say "Hi, how are you this morning?" You never know what magic can occur.

Enjoyed usual breakfast at the hotel. We decided to van over about 30 mi west along I-70 to Vail, CO to stretch out the legs and check out the ski town and its first farmer's market of the summer. Beautiful stretch of road over Vail Pass and through a long tunnel. Adjacent to the highway was a paved meandering biking/walking path that stretched for miles beside a creek. 'We should be on that,' I thought.

Vail center is just off I-70. Ski town with usual nice layout of hotels, condos, and town homes lining the manicured streets and beautiful stream under a covered bridge. Bustling with a high-end farmer's market of tents with food stalls and other sundries. Maple syrup made in aged liquor barrels, jewelry, photography, handcrafted goods, sweets, etc. No farmer here selling fresh corn or tomatoes in overalls. This was boutique-land. Fit the location. The Blaze "chain gang" enjoyed the clean-hands ambiance. Had some delicious fish tacos from one of the stands. Got advice about best bike route to Twin Lakes from Vail from the lady at the Vail Information Center in town.

Enough pampering. Another "RITA" spot, I catalogued, to return to with my loving wife, Judy, who has been increasingly in my mind through the Rockies.

My dearest Judy, my loving wife, has a laughing smile and Moab stony colored eyes and natural hair color of Kansas winter red wheat. Her freckles are the speckled Nebraska Sandhills dunes. And her persistent twenty-something petite figure curves just like the switchbacks of the Rockies.

"RITA" spots are my acronym for 'Romance In The Air' and I've been collecting at least a few hundred along this journey. Yes, I would honestly say I like romance. What I really like is to share a wonderful inspiring spot, preferably with beautiful nature surrounds, with the woman I love, my life partner, who knows me so well and believes in my abilities and has been nourishing my confidence for over the past twenty five years together (soon to be twenty four in marriage) to pursue my youthful dreams. How do I shout loud enough from the windswept mountain tops so that Judy, you can hear how much I love you?! Let the winds carry my voice and love to you. You are my love, mother to my children, spiritual spark. Thank you for being you-always honest, giving, tough-minded, witty, ever beautiful on a rainwalk, roadtrip, or romantic evening.

Where was I? Oh yes, RITA stops. Back to Vail. So we got back to cycling. Vail restroom  transformation back to cool cyclist attire. Road warriors once again. We drove a short way west to the junction of I-70W and Rt24 (known as Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway) and put in alongside the road near the town of Minturn.

The road headed southeast from Minturn as we then climbed a thigh-awakening 5 mi switchback climb, passing a ghost mining town and crossing a beautiful high gorge span known as Eagle River Bridge. Wonderful descent through the mountains followed by a flat passage adjacent to a WWII army training center, known as Camp Hale, whose battalion fought a significant battle in Italy.  4-5 mi climb now to Tennessee Pass, elevation 10,424 ft, another Continental Divide achieved!, our fourth in four days (why is this pass called 'Tennessee'?, strange I thought; memories, flashbacks surging suddenly into my sensory neurons, dancing in my mind like fireflies, of my long distance Southern Appalachian Trail hikes with my family and friends, dancing in my mind as I surge to the apex, elevation ........, salivating for the next Zen downhill stream.

Yes! Cool air, sizzling wheel-spinning squeals as I rapidly approach warp speed. What pleasure! A wide open valley greets me at the base. Usual eye-spoiling expanse of inspiring snow covered mountains layered behind the lower hills. Grazing land. I ascend a curve and we meet up again to ride through the historic mining town of Leadville, CO. Old western saloon but no time or desire for a sip now. We continue south on Rt24, leaving town quickly like bank robbers on horseback.

It is early evening, cooling, gentle warmth to my cheeks. Another beautiful valley, this one wetlands for miles. Mountains beside us. Road gently spinning downhill for miles. Streams coalescing, churning through grasses. A river is born. Here is the infant crawling of the mighty Arkansas River. Oh my! How many times earlier in our ride through Arkansas and the Midwest had we crossed this endless river and all the humans, cattle, horses, wildlife of all kinds, insects, trees and plants who utilize its vital Colorado snowfall for their nourishing waters. Right here, in this valley, between Leadville and Twin Lakes this river is created. I see it happen. If flies narrowly at first, only a mere 5-10 feet across, easy to traversed, but in just a few miles its velocity streams forward, incessant towards the Mississippi, its own journey's end. Why the rush, I ask.

I am enjoying the evening ride. I have no lead in my legs from the shortened Mt Evans climb of yesterday. I am over my trials now. I am Bikeoo Buddha once again. I am in love with nature and all its wonders. I have seen the water's origins that sustain life. I am at peace and very happy in my soul.

I travel onward. Arkansas beside me. She is beautiful rushing faster now than my legs can peddle this man-made machine. A turn on Rt82 to head west. Last climb to test the stalky legs into the sundown. A massive lake appears to my left. Then its smaller twin. We are near. Further ascent to a crest then a final descent. Two mountain peaks invaginated at their center core. Snow-covered. They will be our breakfast to engorge on tomorrow.

We arrive at the historic Twin Lakes Inn. A quiet secretive gem in the Rockies along this great scenic roadway. Hard to not feel romantic with the cozy appointed unique rooms. We shower and settle into a delicious dinner. I enjoy the very generous portion of eggplant parmigiana and know instinctively that I have refilled my energy stores. The Inn is a genuine RITA stop making me long all the more for my wife to return here with me someday to walk along the lakes and enjoy each other's being in the mountains. For Doug, Maggie, and Andy - who own and manage the Inn with a relaxed demeanor, ever seeming to make their guests comfortable - let's just say that I really hope to see you again soon! (next time, of course, with my wife!).

A wonderful day. No lead in my Leadville legs. I have recovered. I sleep well. RITA on my mind... Famed cyclist's climbing lore - Independence Pass - awaits us tomorrow morning.

Photos


Indexes:


Weather: (10)

Terrain: (9)

Scenic: (8)

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-birds
R-raccoon, skunk, birds

Medical Report:
none

Bike Report:
none

Still Having Fun: (10)

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Stage 22 Report: Top of the World

Saturday, June 17, 2017
Start: Idaho Springs, CO
Finish: Dillon, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 37.8 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1650 mi

Awoke to another beautiful clear forever sky in the Rockies. We gathered our bags and drove to Bergen Park about 8mi east along I-70 at exit 247. Had a enjoyable french toast breakfast at Dandelion's Cafe near the put-in spot. Started cycling from the junction of Squaw Pass Rd and Evergreen Parkway (Rt74).

Immediately our gradual persistent thigh-tiring ascent began. Our goal for the day: to reach the pinnacle of the highest paved road in North America, the apex of Mt Evans standing tall at an elevation of 14,130ft. There are 56 mountains in CO over 14,000ft high (known among climbers as the "Fourteeners"). Yet only Mt Evans is accessible by a road. The 56 are separated by a mere total of about 400ft in elevation from 1-56 with Mt Elbert as the king at 14,433ft.

Why a road was built to Mt Evans Peak I do not know. Our lowlands climb passed a beautiful sloping green valley; one could see for mikes further east as I e hours the beauty of the morning.from my bike seat, the steady cadence of a continuous 4-5% graded climb  settling into my legs.

Elevation meant further views as we enter the Arapaho National Forest and past the Arapaho Springs Campground. Snow starting to line the roadway, Aspen trees giving way to only pine. Over Chief Mountain and then Warrior Mountain. Climb, climb, incessant climb. Legs tired. Breathing heavier.

We arrive at the Echo Lake Campground junction at about climbing mile 18. There is a gift shop/restaurant and campground. Snow, high winds, chilly. I am shivering and put on my North Face sister and Blaze jacket. A brief rest. The entrance to the Mt Evans Byway. About 14.5mi further to reach the apex. Where is my energy? I worry about the hot soak in Idaho Springs the night prior. Nutrition-bread with peanut butter and honey. Fluids.

We start our ascent of Mt Evans. 1mi later I am sweating profusely with too many layers on my torso. Sun gives a brief reprieve from the crisp air. I strip off the upper layers, Peter reprieves, and continue upwards around switchbacks with my Blaze Brothers. I am beginning the sense of exhaustion, the looming "bonk" of energy draining from my whole body. It is done. Mt Evans has won this battle. I turned off at the next parking area. Peter was there with the van. I cannot go on. "Go," I said to my brothers. "I need rest. Today is not my day." Vik and Mike continued. I sat despondent on the side bar of the van door. A few exhausted tears in my eyes. It is not easy to accept defeat.

A few minutes rest. I contemplate my situation. Fluids. Stand and try to enjoy the snow swept bowl of a mountain pass at the parking area. A sign. Mount Goliath, it says. You have reached Mount Goliath! I start laughing sardonically from my core. Goliath defeats David?! But that's not how the ancient Biblical story ends! Why here? Why at this cursed cold mountain of drudgery and wind-chilled exhaustion. Goliath, you cannot win this battle. It is not in the prophecy.

I rest and add layers of warmth. I leave my bike shoes on. Peter and I are now the support crew tracking Vik and Mike as they continue to ascend. The narrow road hangs by cliff edges. One mistake and death awaits bicyclist or car driver.

Tundra now, no trees. Marmot scurrying on the rocks. Pass mostly frozen Summit Lake where a family of hesitant mountain goats are seeking minerals near a rest area. Onward. 3miles of peak climbing remain. My Brothers are doing it, slowly but steadily. I want to try again. Goliath lingers in my mind. Perhaps it was only the final battle that history records between the future king and Philistine giant.

I exit the van, bike shoes still on my feet. Clipping into my peddles I ask for strength from the mountain creator. I join my Brothers with a surge forward. More switchbacks. Snow drifts high alongside. Views for hundreds of miles off the cliffs beside us. The nearby mountain peaks now below us. Switchback after switchback. Where is the top?

I see cars parked. Ever more narrow roadway. People scurrying up a pile of rocks and boulders. The apex is now in view. "Not today Goliath, not today!" as I slingshot up the final switchback. We reach the summit! Elation and joy and exhaustion, for certain. There will be no more climbing for today. Time for celebration. I feel pride for my Blaze Brothers for what they accomplished. I feel somewhat despondent for my earlier exhaustion. Today, I and the mountain struggled to a draw.

The pile of rocks extended another 50-100ft higher than the signage. We stood and took our memorable photos. The rocks, to me, signified the top of the world, the burdens of life lived all below them. Only sky and heavens above us. Hawk's spirit was soaring anew.

Late afternoon now. Danger lurks around every bend. We descend gingerly by van back to the Echo Lake junction. Awesome views of the Rockies and chasms along the way. A piece of blueberry pie awaits me at the junction restaurant. Hummingbirds taking sweet sugar from feeders. I purchase commemorative Mt Evans shot glasses for my Brothers to gift at dinner later that night. They accomplished a great and memorable feat.

Return to bikes. A 16mi fast descent of the mountain on Rt103. Early evening now. Sun low in the sky. Joy again. I fly down the mountain swishing switchbacks and planing straightaways. We collect just before the junction of I-70. Pack the van and head west on I-70 to the town of Dillon, CO to for spend the night at the Best Western hotel beside the beautiful lake. Pasta and salmon - vital carbs and protein. I smuggled in a bottle of Bourbon (I rarely drink alcohol). Present Mt Evans glasses  to Vik and Mike. Chai glasses for Peter and me. A toast to a successful and safe and very memorable day.

Photos


Indexes


Weather: (10)

Terrain: (8)
Almost constant climbing, good road

Scenic: (15)
Highest views from a mountaintop byway I may ever see

Endurance: (7)
Difficult end, stay away from Hot Springs when climbing mountains

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-mountain goats, marmot, quail
R-none

Medical Report:
Fatigue, sore quads

Bike Report:
No concerns

Still Having Fun: (8)
Goliath stole a few points

From the Top of the World

Summited Mt. Evans today! 14,130 feet


Top of the world!

There's a pile of rocks there. No pot of gold.
Exhausting climb.

55 to go?!

Friday, June 16, 2017

Stage 21 Report: Hot Springs Haze


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


Blaze Stage 21 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)

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Stage 20 Report: Rocky Mountain High


Thursday, June 15, 2017
Start: Estes Park, CO
Finish: YMCA of the Rockies, near Granby, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 76.8 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1561.7 mi

Usual preparations this morning. The tension had not yet evaporated from the still of emotions to be confronted by the climbing task which awaited us.

Some bread and yogurt and fruit for breakfast, cycles cleaned and lubricated, we set off from the hotel and Estes Park. A pleasant clear sky morning as we spun along W Wonderview Ave/Rt34, which became Fall River Rd; following the beautiful river flowing against our trajectory, coolness past cottages and cabins that dotted its banks and hillsides. Past the fish hatchery. The stone jutted cliffs rose steeply to the occasion as we entered the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park. It would be a twenty mile climb to the apex of our day.

Beautiful green valleys with gurgling streams invited us into the park grounds. Ascension began with a series of switchbacks up the mountainside, gaining altitude steadily through pristine forest.

My mood was one of solitude and reflection rather than friendship and comraderie. I just needed some time and space for myself today. A hangover of emotions and ennui and memories coursing through my mind. Nature's beauty would be my salve today. That and my own need to conquer a mountain to uplift my confidence and determination.

I separated from Buffalo and Sherpa early into the initial switchback climbs along Trail Ridge Rd. Past Rainbow Curve and Forest Canyon, steadily advancing upwards, views of grandeur of distant mountains and valleys beyond compare. Tears and joy intermixed today in my catharsis. My heart was strong and my legs wanted to push forward, to separate from anyone and everything. Just me and the mountain today. And so onward and upward, through beautiful vanilla Aspen groves, checkpoints along the way signaled ever closer to the summit. Tundra arrived as the tree line receded. Past Rock Cut and Iceberg Pass, thick crusted snow drifts beside me, temperature cooling markedly and winds howling and battling once again. Not today Zephyrus! I will defeat you boldly if you even attempt to sway my ambitions. Like my namesake, King David of the ancient Israelites, my shield of resiliency and determination was my strength to overcome any obstacle in my path. The ancient cauldron of the Lava Cliffs stood stoically at the entrance to the final climb. Once burning from the core of the earth the mineraled jutting rock face strengthened my own core resolve. Cleats pressing into hardened pedals, bike and biker summited as one. Elevation 12,183 feet above sea level. I had past the great Continental Divide of this mighty range.l and passed this cyclist's first major biking test. The climbs through the rabid dog chases through Alabama and Mississippi, the climbs through the Arkansas Ouachita Mountains, the Nebraska Sandhills winds - all had prepared us well for the Rockies climbs.

This mountain in this park yielded to my still youthful strength today. The deed was done. I could laugh again now. I could move on to the other side. I felt reenergized and emboldened but suddenly felt alone and longed for the comraderie of my friends to share the victory. Solitude needed to end. Buffalo and Sherpa were not far behind. They too summited and we celebrated our victory at the Alpine Visitor Center. Coffee and hot chocolate with heavy whipped cream. I was a child reborn. Refreshed. Filled now with happiness and laughter again. This David was 'King of the Mountain' today. And I realized I needed that pat on the back, not to gloat, but to emerge as a more compassionate leader who better understands the human emotional aspects of all our lives.

When I was a child I could remember running downhill through summer camp grassy sloped fields. Perhaps it was down the hill to a lake or playground. If you were in a hurry then even better to air out the youthful legs of summer. The cool winds in my face, wet grass against my calves, I would race the meadow and be happy. As a cyclist the same rapture exists for me from the sweet raw energy and edginess that arrives from a winding mountain road descent. Geared up to the max, I ignite the turbo-charged mitochondrial ignition switch in my quads and hamstrings and calves. A voice in my head times the process just right as the pitch in the road descends. I call out to my mind, "Engage." Rocket ship sore! Pumping pistons on either side of my bike frame exert downward gravitational and centripetal forces as I lean my torso rightward and leftward into every curve, breaking only if the road demands it as the meadow and morning dew of my childhood returns anew. Acceleration multiplied by my physical mass equals force and raw power as my adrenaline-fueled "turbones" discharge their storage pools and vault me forward and down the conquered mountain.

Horses? No, a herd of Elk greet us in the pristine stream-laced meadow towards the end of our descent to the valley floor.  We stop to regroup. Blaze Brothers reunited. Remove cold-weather gear in the warming sunshine. Continuing through the valley of snow covered mountains in our midst, John Denver's mystical song, "Rocky Mountain  High," finds kinship in my ears:

"Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake
Rocky Mountain high, Colorado"

We coast downhill to exit the park at the town of Grand Lake. We take a short hike to visit Adams Falls, its icy waters scrambling powerfully down the mountain scape towards the blue lake below. Return to town for Mexican lunch beside the lake. Then cycle onward along Rt34 past massive Grand Lake and then past sister Lake Granby as we then head southward and eastward along Rt40 through the town of Granby to finally arrive at our evening destination, YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch. Refreshed and Spring-bear hungry I thoroughly enjoy a cafeteria-style heaping plate of pasta and rice and salad and catfish. The chocolate pudding would wait briefly but be devoured soon enough as I enjoyed the breathtaking view of the snow-covered mountains from the room balcony.

We toasted our day's achievement crossing the Continental Divide, a milestone to be repeated by other climbs in the days ahead. Sherpa was honored by receiving his own colorful Blaze Across America custom jacket. And Peter, ever mindful of our needs, we thank you for your kind efforts on this journey! The mood had shifted positively in our group. We could relax our guard. Tease and joke amiably. Gratitude for friendship and kinship in the lust for adventure among us.

Photos and Video


Indexes:


Weather: (10)

Terrain: (15)
Excellent roads through the park, enjoyable climbing due to scenery

Scenic: (15)
Pristine National Park, ecosystem changes with elevation, just a magnificent day

Endurance: (10)
Legs responded well to my power requests today

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-Elk, Bighorn sheep, Marmot, colorful butterflies, water fowl at the lakes
R-raccoon upon departing Estes Park

Medical Report:
No concerns

Bike Report:
No concerns

Still Having Fun: (20)


Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Stage 19 Report: Stanley Steamer

Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Start: Fort Collins, CO
Finish: Estes Park, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 47.4mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1484.9

Another beautiful CO morning. Arose early to write some personal thoughts, have a hardy breakfast at the comfortable Best Western University Hotel consisting of usual cereals, fruits, and breads to store necessary energy for the day.

As an amateur cyclist climbing the Rocky Mountains, apexing a Continental Divide (or two or three or more) is one of those Bucket List goals should the time and effort coincide in one's lifetime. It has taken us only 18 days to reach this pinnacle on our journey westward and Mike andI I honestly stand proud of this achievement by itself.

But we were aware what was in store today. To first acclimate to altitude by cycling to Estes Park, CO. The dynamics changed with Vik now with us for his first day. We would ride in threes, or twos, or occasionally in a breakaway isolation should one choose.

I was still ruminating on yesterday's heartfelt thoughts as we finished the daily morning bicycle preparations - wiping clean frames and wheels, cleaning and oiling chains, pumping tires to desired pressures - as we departed the hotel parking lot and headed west from the city center along West Laurel St; a series of turns brought us to South Overland Trail and then a right turn onto Dixon Canyon Rd. We switchback climbed our way out of Fort Collins, enjoying the view in the valley below, as we cycled over and around the scenic Horsetooth Dam and Reservoir. Rt38 continued to wind and climb as we made our way on a beautiful morning to the town of Masonville, turned left on Buckhorn Rd/County Rd27 for a 5mile relaxing flat stretch of roadway and then right onto Rt34W which became Big Thompson Canyon Rd extending all the way to Estes Park.

A gradual graded climb began. The road tracked the opposite rapidly rushing snow waters of the Big Thompson River as it meandered past an eclectic mix of cottages and cabins. Some picturesque twists of the road through carved-out mountain cliffs. The snow-covered Rockies began to peek their heads above the canyon floor, a teaser for what we would need to conquer over the next number of days of riding.

By mid-afternoon we had arrived at Estes Park. The dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Rocky Mountain National Park staring at us with any glance skyward. A cycle around Lake Estes. A lunch stop to refuel and also enjoy some delicious berry pies at the Estes Park Pie Shop (where we were greeted warmly by owner, Valerie who happens to be from GA). A stop to visit the historic landmark Stanley Hotel on the hill, and then check-in to our comfortable cabin for the evening.

Palpable slight anxiety existed in our party for tomorrow's planned summit ascent to the Continental Divide at over 12,000 feet in elevation. We could not deny that it was impossible to predict how our lungs and legs and brains would respond at such altitude and necessary climbing exertion.

The rhubarb and blueberry pie slices had digested well. Time for dinner in town at Mama Roses for Italian carbs. I enjoyed my plate of spaghetti pasta and salmon. A brief stroll through town, a friendly review of our routes through the Rockies by a very knowledgeable local and herpetologist and we headed back to our Discovery Lodge cabin for the night's mountain-dreamy sleep.

Blaze Stage 19 Photos


Indexes


Weather: (10)
Magnificent sunny comfortable temperatures

Terrain: (9)
Initial climb through foothills of Rockies, generally good road conditions with some construction ongoing through the canyon

Scenic: (8)
Even better is ahead

Endurance: (9)
Generally felt strong through the approach climb at steady grade for many miles

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-birds
R-raccoon, birds

Medical Report:
All good

Bike Report:
All good. Lee's Cyclery did a nice tune-up in Fort Collins; shifting and braking felt good and tight, and new handlebar wrap done well.

Still Having Fun: (9)
Felt a bit edgy/moody today after yesterday's day off; our new traveling party of four hasn't yet relaxed and found its swagger


Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Stage 18 Report: Rest Day in Fort Collins, CO

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Awoke to a beautiful morning in Fort Collins, CO. Dropped off our bikes nearby the hotel at Lee's Cyclery for tune-ups and minor repairs (new break cable, new bar tape). Very knowledgeable staff we could trust to be sure our teleporting spoke machines could alight us to our final destination.

I arranged and enjoyed a needed massage at the Massage Envy on East Harmony Street. Jade, the therapist, worked her magic on my sore spots and we enjoyed conversing about the cycle trip and her GA roots and her plans to marry her fiancé soon and return south to Auburn, Alabama.

I thought about what love between two human beings can do. We are transformed as a couple who each have personal affection needs, their dreams for living a productive and meaningful life. We want to be loved and we all need to be loved. I believe that extends to all creatures, great and small. The grand design of the universe arranged for it to be so. We heal from injury faster when we know we are loved. We achieve more lofty goals and challenge ourselves evermore when we know there is that special one who is supporting your quests.

And so, at about this midpoint, I thought about this summer's journey, the map drawn, the places chosen; some by chance, others by purposeful design to bring new experiences to enhance the palate of my life and to also revisit and reintroduce prior ones as if tasting a favorite dessert for the very first time.

Fort Collins, CO is flat and relaxed in its pace of life; it contains a vibrant city center about a well-sculpted university campus; it has the comforts of subdivisions housing white-collar workers with happy children enjoying the same trappings as anywhere in successful America - good schools, swim clubs, bicycle-friendly streets, and home entertainment systems to occupy any young child's summer afternoon. It resembles my own comforts and family life in Johns Creek, GA as if parallel universes existed.

It feels good to reflect on one's blessings. It also brings happiness to tell others they are loved dearly for who they are or how important they have been to your life story.

The afternoon hour passed, a walk in a park surrounded by young children at play reminded me of the purity of young love, of adventure, of taking chances, of not holding back from challenges, of sharing happy moments, and of laughter.

I composed a poem from these thoughts as I reminisced and stood face-to-face with so much beauty before me:

Jeweled rose quartz, how I love

An open soul and swan's heart

Chance or design to reminisce

Knowing what is genuine, yet

Isolated by life otherwise well lived

Endless is Love and Laughter


-------


The afternoon progressed. A hint of longing - like caressing a favorite smoothened stone that comforts one's hand and soul by the mere touch of it - as I departed from one frame of thought to other tasks at hand. The quiet time for reflection ended for now.

Returning to the hotel, Mike and I met up with our good friend, Vik Nat and Peter Loeb, our final driver on this westward journey. They had flown in to Denver from Atlanta this afternoon, retrieved the van from Happy Api, and arrived to Fort Collins. Vik will be our new cycling Blaze Brother for about a thousand mile stretch from Fort Collins to Las Vegas helping to pull us over the Rockies and beyond. His climbing prowess is one of cyclist lore back home where steep hills are no stranger to our quadriceps along our training routes near our homes or amidst the beautiful GA mountains. We call him "Sherpa" out of great respect. And he is a very good friend. Thank you to his wife, Sukhmani, for sharing him with us these next few weeks.

Peter is an adventure traveler with his wife Elaine. They live in Johannesburg, South Africa and spend many months in Atlanta, GA to visit with his daughter, Sandra and her family. I serve as Pediatrician for Peter's grandchildren and so we connected to have him enjoy the western half of the USA which he has never truly experienced.

Welcome aboard senior statesman! I am sure his experienced wisdom and fellow lust for adventure will enable an exciting second half of our journey as we get to know each other better.

Through a friend back home, Mike arranged a personal tour of the New Belgium Brewing company's headquarters and manufacturing plant in the old town area of Fort Collins. We met Jared and Jen, husband and wife who have worked at the facility for many years. The company, a top craft brewery in the USA, maintains a vibrant bicycle-inspired culture as demonstrated by its numerous bicycle-designed creative sculptures and mechanisms and decorative elements. We were among friends in the cycling world. The tour included free samplings of numerous very tasty beers, particularly  their signature Flat Tire label, which all enjoyed. I also learned about sour beers, one which the company makes has the New Belgium label "Lafolie" made in giant barrel casks known as foeders (pronounced, "fooders").  I imagine it would pair well with a hearty dinner. After feeling a bit high on beer samples on an empty stomach since breakfast, and feeling the "foodies" we thanked Jared and Jen for their great tour and headed to dinner at a tasty Italian restaurant, Bisetti's on South College Ave, where I personally enjoyed one of the most delicious eggplant parmigiana I had ever tasted.

Back to hotel. Time for rest and more reflection from the pleasant relaxing day shared with friends, new and old. We would begin the second half of our migration in the morning. The Rockies were calling for us now.

Stage 18 Photos and Videos