We started the day sort of like a snowball. I left my apartment at 6:40, rode to Becky's, then the two of us rolled on to Evie's place. We left at 8, amazingly only one hour after our goal! Though we rode 85 miles, climbed 6000 feet, and experienced 100 degree temperatures, our snowball had no meltdowns. Did you know these two had never ridden more than 45 miles on a road bike before?? I didn't either. I found this out at mile 75 today. Let me tell you friends, carrying 40+ pounds up these hills makes 85 miles no small task! And they did it glowingly with jokes and smiles all day. I'm thankful for their extensive mountain biking experience because they handled those BOB trailers skillfully, even through 4 miles of gravel with an 18 percent downhill grade. About 5 miles before we got to it, a man pulled over to ask us what we were doing. He described this particular stretch as "steeper than the back of God's head and rougher than all get out." Whatever that means, he was right. That steep of a grade would put some water slides to shame. We rode some peaceful miles by the Platte River, had ice cream cones in Deckers, then climbed up, up, up to Woodland Park where we are currently camped in a public park next to a fountain.
We excitedly welcome visitors along the route. Come join for a day, an evening, or even just a meal. My sweet parents met us in Sedalia today with breakfast burritos and orange juice. What a treat! We are so happy to share this adventure with all of you. Thanks for your love, enthusiasm, and prayers.
Kudos to the colorado super chicks! Caley, I've never met you but I never had any doubt that evie and becky could handle whatever comes your way. Two determined and stong sisters.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I know just how steep the back of God's head is, what an odd thing to say.
Keep it up girls, you're all in our prayers.
Becky's dad (dave)
I posted a comment earlier and it disappeared....hmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteAnyway glad you girls are BOBing through the mountains with such delight...and funny characters to meet along the way!! It's the end of day 3 and I bet you are hitting your stride. My mind is envious, my body not so much:) With love and prayers, Mama T
To the adventuresome trio:
ReplyDeleteI was driving home from Lake City yesterday and thought of you as I headed north on 285 from Trout Creek Pass to Fairplay - the flags were pegged straight to the east, and I couldn't help but think how brutal the headwind must have been from the top of Wilkerson Pass past Hartsel to the junction with 285. I hope you made it safely to Buena Vista!
I'll be climbing near Ouray this Saturday but if you stick to your schedule you will be headed to Delta by then. However, if you are delayed and are somewhere in the Montrose vicinity Saturday evening perhaps we can connect for dinner. I’ll also get you the phone number for the couple I know in Ouray, in case you opt for a quick jaunt over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton and back and need a place to stash your gear.
Be safe and enjoy Cerro Summit and the other climbs tomorrow – the final descent into Montrose is awesome on a bike!
Phil