The Ascent

Nothing like climbing to 12,000 feet!

A typical bike trail...you know, just like in BR!

Monday, July 14, 2008

The wonderful thing about not having a set agenda is you can make changes in your plans on a whim. As I was cycling the most incredible bike path up toward Loveland Pass, I heard music and decided to stop. There was a free Blues festival with art booths, many food booths and, of course, a cold beverage of choice. I found a little motel a half mile away and decided to stay for the music. I met a lot of great people and had a good time before I returned to my room and slept for a solid ten hours. It was also nice to have a whirlpool, shower and nice mexican meal. I mentioned the bike path. I want to tell you that Colorado has some fantastic bike paths. Yesterday I rode about twenty eight miles of beautiful bike paths that went through aspen glens, around a beautiful reservoir, up the mountian along a fast moving whitewater stream and into Keystone. If Colorado can do it, so can Louisiana. We have beautiful areas too. I can't find a computer (for rent) that will allow me to get my pics up yet so I'll send Jessica some camera shots and have her post them. Well, I'm going to eat and then tackle Loveland Pass. I'll send a photo from the top.

Coming into Frisco

I rode the freeway (Trout Creek Pass) yesterday and then across a 22 mile stretch called South Park. Unfortunately, the 30 mph wind was in my face the entire time and I could only muster about 6 mph average. By the time I arrived in Fairplay, I was out of water, tired as could be and ready for anyplace to bed down. Also unfortunately, Fairplay was hosting a group of about 2000 Harley Davidson Riders and suffice it to say there was no room at the inn. I asked a nice police officer where I could stay and she gave me permission of set up my tent in the Municipal park across the river (only a short 3 mile uphill ride in gravel). I awoke this morning to temperatures of 35 degrees and my hands were so cold I could barely put the tent away. As soon as I packed up, I went to a good family run breakfast joint and ate everything in sight. I cradled the coffee in my frozen hands. Then I climbed Hoosier Pass, an 11,000+ pass. On the way I saw, believe it or not, skateboarders flying down the mountain. No brakes except their hands. As I left the top of Hoosier and descended, the skateboarders did also. I hit forty + mph and couldn't keep up with the boarders. Arriving in Breckenridge, it looked like half of Denver was there so I kept going on an incredible fifteen mile bike path to Frisco where I am now. I will have to cross Loveland Pass tomorrow (another 11,000+ pass) so I will find a camping spot (hopefully with a shower) for tonight. I tried to put the pictures on Picasa but it says the security won't let that happen. I'll keep trying as I go. By the way, Joey, I DID pedal downhill on a couple of occasions. Now I think I'll go find a restaurant to have a leisurly lunch and charge up my phone. Stay tuned for the story of Loveland Pass.

Interim Pics

Here are some pics from the road that dad sent to me via his phone.

Quite the scenic route.
He said he's only seen 2 cyclists so far.

-Jessica

The Route...GoogleMaps style

Here's the map of the first leg of the trip....

Monarch Pass

Monarch Pass (11,000+ ft.) was a bear. I really used all my energy to get over this pass. The ride down was incredible. I had to hold the speed to 45 mph for fear of going over the edge. I went so fast that I passed the intended campground without even seeing it. I ended up at a reasonable (it had a shower) campground on a creek so all I could hear was the water. I rode to Buena Vista today to hit the library and add this blog. The computer here doesn't want to accept my pictures so I 'll try in Breckenridge. I am going to go over Trout Creek Pass today (about 9800 ft.) and probably camp near Fairplay. That will be about a seventy mile ride today. The weather is hot. I guess I brought the Louisiana weather sans humidity to Colorado. It's supposed to cool off today. Herre's hoping. I'll check in later in a day or two.

Colorado arrival!

Well, I've arrived in Colorado and Phil is a wonderful host. We biked through Gunnison today and will go sailing tomorrow in the Blue Mesa Reservoir. I'll start pedaling on Friday. The weather here is great....if you like cool nights and not too hot days!

Can't ride Texas

With my upcoming trip to Colorado to bicycle the Rockies, I will have to leave a footprint as I drive my Toyota to Colorado to begin. I just cannot bring myself to bicycle through Texas in July to get to my starting point in Gunnison.

pic

Pack Rat (Things to Take)

Here's a picture of what I'm planning to take on the upcoming trip. Believe it or not, it all fits in the bags on the left. I travel light. Traveling in the mountains requires that you are prepared for temperatures from the low 30's to the low 90's. Layering makes it all possible. I have also included a list of what I am carrying.
Tool Kit
Spare tube
Spare tire
Patch kit
Duct tape
Three water bottles
Maps
Swiss Army Knife
Cooking Kit w/stove
Fuel Bottle
Clothing
Long sleeve poly top
Long tights
Cycling shorts (2 pr.)
Jerseys (2)
Underwear (3 pr.)
Socks (3 pr.)
Flip flops
Cycling shoes
Sunglasses (2 pr.)
Glasses (2 pr.)
Gloves (1 warm, 2 cycling)
Wool long sleeve lightweight jersey
Rain/wind jacket
t-shirt (1)
Shorts (1 pr. Sports)
Miscellaneous:
Camera w/extra card and batteries
Ipod
Cell phone
Power cords
Solaris solar panel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Biodegradable soap
Towel
Freeze Dried Food
Power Gel Packets
Sunscreen
Sleeping Bag
SleepingPad
Tent w/footprint

opening post

Hi, I'm Steve and I have just begun this blog so I can share my upcoming bicycle trip with family and friends. I have been an educator for many years as well as a person who loves a challenge. I particularly love hiking, bicycling and camping in the mountains. I will be bicycling through Colorado this summer and want to share the experience with others.
Prior to my bicycle trip, I am taking part in a National Writing Project experience at Louisiana State University. I hope the experience I get in the NWP will enable me to write expressively in my blogs from the road. Here's hoping for good weather and no road rashes.