CRMBT '16

CRMBT '16  - Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour

There is definitely too much to write about this week.  So I will share some pictures and a small bit of my experience.

Day -3:  Driving...

Somehow a 10 hour drive took me 11+ hours.  I eventually made it to Idaho Springs.  I went out a few days early to help acclimate.

Spent a few days at the Columbine Inn in Idaho Springs

local burnt ends sandwich.  I think I like this place.

My new bike sees the mountains for the first time.

Day -2:  Idaho Springs

Of course food is a big part of any trip.  I did enjoy the food in Idaho Springs.

downtown Idaha Springs

The main purpose of going several days early was to do some light riding at altitude.  I made it from Idaho Springs to Echo Lake elevation 10,600.  I felt good and could have gone further but I thought it best to take it easy on my first day.

Day -1:  Idaho Springs

This was an awesome breakfast

One of the support cars for the week

Day 1: Idaho Spring to Breckenridge

Why not start the first day with a 28 mile climb from 7,526' to 11,990'.  I was very impressed that a fair part of this was on perfect bike trails that were even being maintained by inmates as we climbed.  The officer would blip his siren so they would stop their leaf blowers so we could pass easy.

I didn't have any real trouble climbing.  I went very slow but I never got out of breath.  Of course at the top when I got off the bike it took me a few minutes to catch my breath.  At the top I climbed a ~20' hill.  I did think I could have passed out when I got to the top.  After a minute I was okay.

looking back down the hill it was hard to believe I just climbed this.

Day 2:  Breckenridge to Edwards/Avon

Rocks really do slide

Not on the route I took about a 4 mile detour to Leadville

This picture doesn't do justice to the beauty

Day 3:  Edwards to Granby (Century Day)

It is amazing how many times the scenery changes on this ride.

train on the left side

Found a pace line for a bit.  The only one for the week

Day 4:  Granby to Estes Park

First 10 miles with Voytek.  Voytek is a bada** who has done lots of great adventures

Day 5:  Estes Park Rest Day

Must needed rest day

Even the Elk were resting.  Right in the middle of town.

Day 6:  Estes Park to Evergreen

The most climbing day but it was a relief that the longest single climb was only 6 miles

Day 7:  Evergreen to Idaho Springs

Lots of nice folks on this ride

This was kind of a reenactment; however after putting my boots on I was really light headed and did have to hold on to keep standing.

I rode with David off and on quite a bit.  For only riding this year David did great and was never far behind. 

Riding the 14 miles down Mt Evans was terrible.  The expansion cracks shook my body and I was not happy.

Luckily after we exited Mt Evans the last 14 miles was a smooth easy warm downhill from Echo Lake to my truck in Idaho Springs.  Overall a great week.