United States - peaceonabike

May 15, 2018August 5, 2021

Loveland and Lebanon

May 15, 2018

LOVELAND, OHIO

I came to Ohio to ride the Little Miami Scenic Trail and to catch up with my friend, Bob. I parked in the beautiful little town of Loveland where we would meet and ride north.

Even before 9:00 a.m., it was a balmy 79º as we rolled out of Loveland. Our destination was initially was Morrow where we would find lunch.

We had ridden less than eight miles when we came to a spur. I saw the trail with the sign towards Lebanon. Although we stayed on the LMST for another 400 meters, I raised the possibility of following that trail.

We turned around and followed this trail for one mile before the trail ended and became signed bike path. At first, we followed Ohio Rte. 15 north before deciding that this wasn’t going to be the most bike-friendly route to Lebanon. We turned around and followed the bike route signs we initially missed (or ignored).

Surprisingly, we had a hill to climb. Yes, a hill. Although Ohio is generally flat, and the LMST is definitely flat, the closer you are to Cincinnati the hillier the terrain becomes.

We got over the hill but as we were descending to Lebanon, Bob had a flat. And no repair kit. I had a spare tube and we were able to repair his tire and keep going.

Lebanon is a pretty town. IMHO, almost all these Ohio towns are beautiful. The older the houses the wider the streets and the prettier the town.

We found a nice place to eat at the Cherry Street Cafe. With some outdoor seating it was the perfect place to eat, nestled in near the train museum.

We were on the other side of the hill from the LMST and with full stomachs had to ride back up over the hill from where we came. Of course, we got to enjoy a nice descent back to the spur trail then over to the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

Going back we remarked how many squirrels we saw. Shortly after that observation a squirrel darted out and just missed my wheels. Unfortunately, there was a thump as Bob hit it. Bob was lucky he did not go down. The squirrel was not so lucky.

Crossing the Little Miami River on the spur trail to Lebanon

The trail is lovely. Loveland is beautiful. I would love to come back someday and ride the entire trail.

May 4, 2018September 1, 2020

The Real Test

ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA

Two days ago was the first test of my rebuilt knee over Henrietta Mountain Road. Although that was a steep climb, it lasted just two miles. Today would be the real test.

I parked at Logan Valley Mall and headed up 58th Street to begin my climb up to and past Horseshoe Curve. It was windy with a westerly wind coming over the mountain and thus would be in my face as I climbed. It was okay though as it was great to be outside on a bike.

I began the climb with a diversion to Leopald Park to use their outhouse. Don’t want to climb with a full bladder.

Once back on the road I could see one train above me, slowly working its way down the mountain. As Reservoir One, I could see the acid mine runoff water in its own channel keeping it out of the good water. Someday I will have to see where that acid water goes.

I stopped briefly at the Horseshoe Curve site, just long enough for a photo op. Then it was through the 200 foot tunnel where the climb up Glenwhite Road really starts. It was cloudy and there was some moisture on the road from an earlier rain but I avoided any rain that was in the area.

The channel diverts acid mine drainage past the reservoirs

As I climbed it dawned on me that if I were to describe this road to a stranger I would tell them when they look ahead and see where the road kicks up and they think that’s the hard part – it isn’t. Oh no, it isn’t. And thus I decided to do something different today. Not look up.

I saw where the road turned and started to kick up. I looked down. I stared at my front tire and bike computer, never looking up at the road ahead. Of course, I have almost memorized this road having ridden it 3-4 times each year since 2009.

This road holds a special place in my heart. Not only does it like to kick my butt, but when I was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago, this was my happy place. This was the one place I could ride and not think about the dreaded disease.

I began the climb. Head down. My legs knew I was climbing. My heart knew I was climbing. And my GPS knew. I could see the grade go from 12% to 14% to 18% to 20%. Oh yea, I was on the wall.

Every time I climb this I state that I forget how hard it was. Today was not the case. It was hard. Damn hard. But not quitting time hard. And I think it really helped not looking up at all.

When the grade came back down to 12% I decided I could look. I knew I was near the summit and I had about 100 meters to go. Although even at the top it’s another mile to the real summit.

I rode the 2.5 miles across the ridge through Tunnel Hill and then descended Sugar Run Road. It was windy, although it felt like a bit of a crosswind. I hit 46 mph, without trying, on the descent. Made it back to the car at the Mall – it was locked this time.

It was a great day on the bike. Any day one can get up Horseshoe Curve is a good day. My knee gave me no problems other than some fluid/swelling. But no pain. This was the real test and my knee passed.

May 2, 2018August 29, 2020

A Test of the Knee

SAXTON, PENNSYLVANIA

It’s hard to believe that it has been 12 weeks since my knee replacement surgery. I don’t think my knee is where it should be but I will withhold judgment until my next doctor’s appointment.

Since surgery, I have ridden less than 200 miles in total. In many years I am over 1,000 miles and sometimes over 2,000 by this time. But I am not completely “without legs.” I have been riding a stationary bike almost every day, often for up to an hour at a time.

This road. Henrietta Mountain Road. I found it only because some Altoona locals told me about it a few years ago. And I rode it last year. It compared to some of the toughest two-mile climbs I have done.

Last year I struggled. I even thought about stopping on the climb. Or turning back. But this year I seemed at peace with it.

I drove to Saxton and looked for a place to park. I found one at the intersection of Pa. 26 and 913. The car was off the road but otherwise out in the open. I pedaled to the foot of the climb. Just after starting and no more than one-half mile in, I wondered if I had locked the car. I had left my car keys (I had the clicker), wallet, and laptop computer all in the car and available to anyone if it wasn’t locked.

Although I didn’t remember locking it, of course, I always lock it. I decided it would be foolish to go back to the car. There are somethings that you do automatically and locking your car is one of them, right?

The lower section of the climb starts at 6-8% then gets tougher. Soon the grades were 12% and some reached the 20s. I stayed seated, mostly, but occasionally got out of the saddle. It was hot (87°). For the two-mile climb, only six cars had to pass me. The road is lightly traveled.

At times, I could feel the knee clicking. I could hear the rhythm of the knee. But it didn’t hurt so I pushed on.

The road is steep. Period. I didn’t “paperboy” but I crept. I didn’t stop. I just kept the momentum going.

I did not review the route. The first/last time I turned around at the top. Today I went over the top. I expected to level off and come into Rt. 164 at the top of the mountain, and have a great ride back down. Oh boy, was I wrong.

It was a nice descent into a valley although I did not lose all the elevation I had climbed. It just felt like it. I followed Henrietta Mountain Road to the end, catching two Amish girls with a horse and wagon.

I came to Rt. 164. Instead of being at the top of the mountain, I was at the bottom. And here the road is high-speed, with a 55 mph speed limit. There were guard rails on both sides and no shoulder. And uphill of course because I had to cross back over the mountain. I regretted this route.

But I survived, with a note not to ride this way again. On the descent, I pedaled until I ran out of gears. I hit 49 mph. I so wanted 50 but with a 50 tooth front cassette, and a swollen knee, I just couldn’t find it today.

Back to the car but fully satisfied. I opened the car and found it was unlocked. Sick feeling. But checked. Keys there. Wallet there. Laptop computer there. The car was undisturbed. Whew! Dumb by me.

In the evening the legs felt sore. Like they had a workout. It’s been a long time since I was able to push myself on a climb like that. So glad I did. And looking at the map there may be another way back if I do this one again.

June 9, 2017August 29, 2020

A Mountain and a Rail Trail

HOPEWELL, PENNSYLVANIA

Probably eight years ago I asked some riders from Altoona what the hardest climb in the area was. I was thinking Blue Knob or Horseshoe Curve. One rider told me to find Henrietta Mountain Road. And today I did.

This was was tough. Although it wasn’t too long, just two miles. It’s always hard to compare climbs but I can compare it to some other two mile climbs or sections I have done.

Hurricane Mountain Road (NH)
Mount Washington Auto Road (NH) – Any two-mile section
San Pellegrino (Italy)
(And now…) Henrietta Mountain Road (PA)

That’s pretty good company, I would say.

I started my ride in Hopewell (Bedford Co.) on the H&BT rail trail. More on that later.

At Saxton I found the infamous Henrietta Mountain Road. I did no research and instead, just rode. It seemed to kick up to 7-8% right away. But after a quarter-mile just past an intersection, the real climb began.

Henrietta Mountain Road and intersection with Rte 164

It seemed to kick to 12% then went even higher. I have no real pictures because I wasn’t stopping although my body wanted me to. The road was winding but with only one sharp turn I hesitate to call a switchback. It was heavily wooded on both sides. It was beautiful. But it offered no panoramic views because it was so wooded.

Summit of Henrietta Road looking back towards Saxton (the tough side)

I tried to not look up the road because every time I did I could see it was going higher. After two miles, although I had no idea at the time, I could see the top. And here I made a mistake by not researching the climb. I assumed the road went over the top and down the other side. So I simply turned around.

The descent back was steep. Rough pavement. And windy if not sharp turns. It wasn’t fun. I couldn’t let the bike roll. What I learned after the fact was I should have kept going. I could have gone another 3-4 miles where I would have joined Rte 164 coming out of Martinsburg. Then It looks like a straight descent back to Saxton. In other words, a fun descent. Oh well, next time.

I rode back to Hopewell and explored the trail a little more. At Hopewell going north for two miles, the trail is crushed limestone in great shape. A road bike is fine although I wouldn’t want to ride 20 miles on this.

Going south the trail was a road. A gravel road that led to a camping area. That was harder on the bike. I rode a couple of miles then decided I had had enough. Wrong bike for this surface.

The signature landmark on the trail seemed to be the trestle over the Juniata River. I had decided the surface wasn’t right to pedal to it.

The trail head seemed to be on my way back to Somerset where I was headed. So I drove to Cypher to bike that section.

I don’t know if it was good or bad but the trestle was probably no more than a quarter mile away. But it was gorgeous. Maybe even more gorgeous was the cut in the hillside. The trail here was crushed limestone, again.

It’s a beautiful trail. If there wasn’t the section by the recreational area which was a gravel road, I’d have no problem recommending a road bike for the surface. But this trail needs wide tires. I may ride this on a mountain bike.

______________________

June 3, 2017July 26, 2023

Atlas

LAMPASAS, TEXAS

The event was the Texas 4000 Atlas Ride, the official first day of the Texas 4000. Riders had the option of riding 25, 50, or 70 miles, often determined by the friends and family that came to the Atlas Ride.

I drove to Cedar Park and met Will, who brought along a Garmin mount since my BarFly mount broke yesterday. I made it to the start with five minutes to spare.

After the National Anthem, the current 2017 team of Texas 4000 riders were the first to depart. They were followed by alumni riders. Then the rest of us.

I had no expectations for the ride. At first, I was sitting in with a group then decided to go faster and bridged up to the next group on the road. A “train” came by with about 10 riders and I jumped in. We were flying until we came to rest stop one. I stopped but no one else did.

Back on the road, I kept my own pace until another group came by. We had a good pace until we came to a rest stop. They all turned right (rest stop). I turned left (70-mile route). I was all alone.

I soloed for about two miles then pulled over to fix my handlebars which were misadjusted. Eventually, another group came by. One of the riders was Scott Towle from the 2004 group – the original group. The official story was that Chris Condit, the founder of the Texas 4000, was in San Francisco when the Hopkins 4K was just finishing. And that brief moment was the inspiration for the Texas 4000.

Later I saw a Hopkins 4K jersey from 2006. I did not get the rider’s name but he shared stories of the early years. He offered his opinion that the Texas 4000 does a much better job at building community within the teams than the 4K for Cancer does.

The 50-mile and 70-mile rides followed the same course except the 70-mile ride diverted to the west, probably 10 miles, and found some wonderful grazing areas protected by many cattle guards. It was a free message on the bike.

For much of the ride, it was overcast but humid. I was drenched. There were some raindrops but nothing of significance until safely in the food tent.

Will and I rode together the last 30 miles. We integrated with a group of 2017 riders and I started talking with Trey Curran, a rider with the Sierra route. As we got close I remembered the Silent Mile. Surprisingly Trey, nor his teammates had heard of it. When we came to the last mile, I slowed and looked for the signs. Jake. Alex. Amelia. I even doubled back to make sure I didn’t miss them. Found them all.

I ended and was greeted by name. I think that helmet sticker (and number) was a clue. I turned into the main area and saw Ayesha, my Bicycle Buddy from last year.

I got food and sat with the Rockies 2016 team, having met them last year. Then Vanessa found me. I moved to sit with her 2014 Ozarks team. While eating the skies opened up and poured. It lasted about 20 minutes but sent water throughout the tent we were sitting under.

I also got to meet my bicycle buddy from this year – Luis Salazar. Luis is a bright and athletic young man. I also learned that he will not make it all the way to Alaska as he will have to return on Day 48 to start medical school. Well done my friend!

After the rain we sought out the signs from the Silent Mile. We then found Amelia Schmidt’s bicycle buddy, Lauren Nix. She wrote a note on the sign for Amelia – to be delivered to her front yard on Tuesday.

As I was leaving, Trey came over to say goodbye. That was actually very touching.

The Texas 4000 does it right. A wonderful event where friends and family can ride with this year’s team – 25, 50, or 70 miles. And very well attended by alumni. I just wish we didn’t need cancer rides.

_____________________

A view of the ride using Relive.

October 16, 2016July 25, 2023

Livestrong Challenge 2016

AUSTIN, TEXAS

It was humid if not warm when I lined up in the 100-Mile riders’ coral. Our pre-ride instruction included a doctor who told us that number one we should have fun and number two “be safe.” Interesting. I think safety should always trump fun. But maybe that’s me.

At the start - 7:30 a.m. — At the start – 7:30 a.m.

The first 10 miles to Aid Station #1 is one big mass rollout. Police patrol the many intersections leaving the city and at most traffic lights we could roll through. The crowd started to thin out approaching the aid station but it was mostly one big group ride. At the Aid Station, I pulled in and found a mechanic, who happened to be from Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop which is where I rented my bike. Since I had no pump with me and had the bike since Friday, I knew I would need a little air. He pumped up the tire, refilled a water bottle, and was out of there in three and one-half minutes. I wanted to keep my rest stops short.

I rolled into the second stop for water. This time it was 90 seconds. I went by the third stop which used to be the cookie stop. I guess it still was. Damn. There was a sign warning riders the next stop was the cutoff for the 100-mile route at 10:30 a.m. I rolled into Aid Station #4 at 9:50 a.m.

Then it was off to the Wall. Or as it’s called, Devil’s Climb. I was on a rental bike. My guess is when I rode this route four years ago my Trek Pilot was fitted with a 30:28 gear ratio. It was difficult but I don’t remember struggling (like everyone else seemed to be). This bike was set up with a 34:28. I’m older. The ratio is worse. It’s not getting easier.

Texas 4000 Aid Station at top of Devils Climb — Texas 4000 Aid Station at the top of Devils Climb

The climb was hard. Damn hard. There were more people walking than riding. My Garmin was set up with a maximum heart rate of 180 and Garmin was going nuts because I was over that (186). I was displaying heart rate and knew that. My legs ached and my body wanted to quit. But I would keep going.

I pulled into the aid station near the top of the climb (essentially it was at the top) and talked to the kids from the Texas 4000. This was their aid station and they were quite helpful. I spent 24 minutes here which represents half the time I spent in all stops.

Pulled into this campground to check in for tomorrow's flight — Pulled into this campground to check in for tomorrow’s flight

The roads from here back to the finish were very “heavy.” Chip and tar, heavy on the chips. Not a smooth surface at all. It’s hard to pedal on this surface but must keep moving.

I stopped at each aid station after this. It was hot (90 degrees) and I needed to keep my fluids topped off. Around Mile 70 we saw the chickens. I think it was an FFA group and the girl proudly displayed “Blackberry.”

The roll in to the finish went well. Ninety-nine miles went OK but that last mile forced me to think why am I here? Why am I here when Jake and Alex are not? Or Joe Petrucelli? Or Nancy Natoli?

I rode by myself all day. I never hooked up with anyone all day long. It was just a 100-mile solo effort. So I entered the finishing chute and made sure I was alone. I stayed right, for survivors and videoed as I got my yellow rose for they hand out for survivors.

I rode for many today. I did not wear a survivor’s bib. I have transformed so that this ride is not about me – it’s about others. I’m thinking this was my last time. It was if it is only for me. But if I ride for others I may be back.

And if I ride it again, I have to remember, NO RENTAL BIKE. I want my bike which is geared a little more favorably to the Devil’s Climb.

Dave Wright, Kelly Wright, Barry Sherry Team CCC

August 27, 2016August 29, 2021

Spokes of Hope Saturday Ride

TREXLERTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

Our riding group from Spokes of Hope met at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center for what has become our annual ride in the valley. I joined Ken and Cindi Hart, Jay Bodkin, Kathy Robinson, Andrew Werner, and Branan Cooper (but Branan could ride only for a short bit).

Cindi asked us to gather and we formed a small circle. She gave thanks for friendship and then I offered up that this must also be a dedication circle. I led by speaking about Jake, whose family I had visited an hour earlier. And I dedicated my ride and day to Amelia Schmidt.

We rode out country roads to Topton. But not without incident. Jay came to railroad tracks and did a bunny hop. He hopped right out of his cleat – the shoe suspended on his pedal. He did an emergency repair and we were able to continue as a group.

We did a loop out to Bowers and ended up at the cafe in Topton next to the railroad tracks. While drinking milkshakes and smoothies (I had a smoothie), Cindi asked for a hill on the return ride where we could ride for the people we have dedicated to.

Andrew found a hill near Mertztown. Cindi and I went up. I yelled for Amelia and Alex and Jake.

Andrew and Kathy followed. Jay and Ken watched. After the dedication, we passed a pumpkin patch and were surprised to see they were harvesting pumpkins in August.

Well, at least this writer was surprised.

It is always great riding with these cancer survivors as they enjoy their lives and triumph over cancer.

SOH16_8 — Clockwise: Ken, Andrew, Jay, Kathy, Barry, Cindi’s shoes (Credit: Cindi Hart)

August 7, 2016September 1, 2020

Extreme Skinny Dipping

BEDFORD, PENNSYLVANIA

I met Rocky Sprow and his friend, Ed, at Fort Bedford. It was a beautiful morning.

We rolled out past Bedford Springs. It is a beautiful property with a nice golf course. We followed country roads for more than 20 miles to Lake Koon and Lake Gordon.

When we came to the spillway at the dam we stopped to view the lake on one side (Lake Koon) and the spillway on the other (empties into Lake Gordon). I met a young couple and had a conversation with them.

In a few minutes these kids would get naked and jump!

The young woman surprised me by jumping up on the top of the railing overlooking the lake. I went over to take a picture because I told her I thought “she was nuts.” We talked for a few minutes looking down at the water. I thought the distance looked similar to jumping into the River Aare in Bern, Switzerland.

The couple had been getting ready to jump and we weren’t leaving. I was enjoying talking to them about jumping at that time in Switzerland that I jumped. Finally, the young man somewhat impatiently said to me “well, we were getting ready to jump naked into the lake once you leave.” And I said, “we don’t mind if you jump.” And they did. They stripped quickly, dropped their clothes on the dam roadway, and jumped. Total time from standing to jumping was about two seconds.

Bedford_7 — Rocky Sprow and Barry Sherry

Once they surfaced I yelled down to them and asked if they wanted their clothes taken down to the lake. They said they did so I gathered up their clothes and took them lakeside. They were still (hiding) in the water so I got their attention and showed them where I left them. I also noticed a pair of shorts were near the end of the dam. I think the young man probably left a pair there and when they were done, he would walk up, grab the shorts, then go retrieve their clothes in the middle of the dam. So glad I could help!

We remounted then followed the road another couple of miles until it dipped into Maryland at U.S. Rte 220. We were in Maryland for just two miles. We made a loop then hooked up with our original route to follow it back to Bedford.

We crossed the dam again and saw no evidence of our naked dam jumpers. We continued on.

The route back was a bit punchy on the way back. I secretly decided to win every KOM from my friends. I think I did (of course it helps if they don’t know what I’m doing to them).

Back to Bedford, it was a great day. Of course, not every day do two young people strip naked in front of you and jump off a dam. Stay classy Bedford, stay classy.

<hr class="wp-block-separator"/> EPILOGUE – Do I have a picture pf them naked, you ask? Well, that would just be creepy if I took a photo of them jumping, wouldn’t it? It had nothing to do with my phone being MEMORY FULL at the same time they were jumping. I have since upgraded my phone’s memory. </div> </article> <article id="post-3807" class="post-3807 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-colorado tag-idaho-springs tag-mount-evans"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="entry-meta">Posted on <a href="https://peaceonabike.com/mount-evans-2/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2016-06-19T20:00:31-04:00">June 19, 2016</time><time class="updated" datetime="2020-12-19T00:12:36-05:00">December 19, 2020</time></a></div><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="https://peaceonabike.com/mount-evans-2/" rel="bookmark">Mount Evans</a></h2> </header> <div class="post-thumbnail"> <a href="https://peaceonabike.com/mount-evans-2/"> <img width="720" height="960" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_03.jpg" class="attachment-twentyseventeen-featured-image size-twentyseventeen-featured-image wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_03.jpg 720w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_03-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /> </a> </div> <div class="entry-content"> IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO Nine years ago I flew in from San Diego to attend a sports officials conference in Denver. I rented a bike in Idaho Springs and rode to the summit of Mount Evans. My legs were like Jello and I said I would never do this ride again. Once was enough. Until today. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3928" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_17.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_17" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_17.jpg 640w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_17-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /> The last couple of years I was curious what the effect of riding a week about 10,000 feet may do to my ability. So this year I did it. <figure id="attachment_3919" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3919" style="width: 480px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3919 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_08-e1467062739180.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_08" width="480" height="640" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_08-e1467062739180.jpg 480w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_08-e1467062739180-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3919" class="wp-caption-text">The section from Idaho Springs to Echo Lake</figcaption></figure> I went to Idaho Springs with this new found fitness level. And my own bike. I remember in 2007 that I could not drink enough water. Although my plans were to include bringing a Camelbak, I forgot that at home. But I did throw two extra bottles of water in a backpack which I wore. <figure id="attachment_3920" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3920" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3920 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_09-e1467062752146.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_09" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_09-e1467062752146.jpg 640w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_09-e1467062752146-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3920" class="wp-caption-text">The section from Idaho Springs to Echo Lake</figcaption></figure> It was near 70 degrees (20 C) when I left the parking lot at Idaho Springs at 8:00 a.m. The first 14 miles are relatively easy, well the first seven miles are definitely easy. And I was taking it easy. I was reliving the events of last week’s Ride the Rockies when I was startled by Mike from Kansas City passing me at Mile 8. Initially going as far as Mile 11, I convinced him to ride to Echo Lake (Mile 14) and we chatted the whole way. <figure id="attachment_3929" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3929" style="width: 480px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3929 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_18-e1467063582922.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_18" width="480" height="640" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_18-e1467063582922.jpg 480w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_18-e1467063582922-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3929" class="wp-caption-text">Entrance to Mount Evans Road at Echo Lake</figcaption></figure> There was a line of cars waiting to enter the Mount Evans Auto Road. I joined two other cyclists talking about the admission fee ($3) when a ranger came and told us that we didn’t have to wait and just to go on in. Sweet deal. <figure id="attachment_3921" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3921" style="width: 480px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3921 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_10-e1467062763418.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_10" width="480" height="640" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_10-e1467062763418.jpg 480w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_10-e1467062763418-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3921" class="wp-caption-text">14 Miles to the Summit</figcaption></figure> We started up the road together but after taking one photo I pulled over. My phone said that memory was full and I stopped to delete photos to free up some space. I would be rewarded for that. About two miles up the road I saw a bear amble across the road. I could not react quickly enough to photograph him but the road cut through a hillside. The bear came from the lower section, crossed the road, then continued up the hillside into the trees. <figure id="attachment_3814" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3814" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3814 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_07.jpg" alt="Echo Lake" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_07.jpg 960w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_07-300x225.jpg 300w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_07-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3814" class="wp-caption-text">Echo Lake</figcaption></figure> I did not have the benefit of a Garmin tracking my ride nine years ago. I would be curious to know how this ride compared. Maybe not well. I wanted to keep my heart rate low. I did. About three hours in Zone 1, 23 minutes in Zone 2, and I never went into Zones 3, 4, or 5. To say I didn’t push myself would be an understatement. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3816" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_04.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_04" width="720" height="960" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_04.jpg 720w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_04-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /> But I just kept my pace steady. I tried at times not to look too far in the distance because all I could see was the road cutting through the rocks ahead. I won’t say I remember every turn from nine years ago but much of it was familiar. <figure id="attachment_3923" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3923" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3923 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_12.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_12" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_12.jpg 640w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_12-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3923" class="wp-caption-text">Switchbacks near the summit</figcaption></figure> However, one section I misremembered was Summit Lake. When I approached it it was nothing like I had pictured except it was still on my right. The road dipped down more than I remembered and the lake wasn’t at all how I pictured it. <figure id="attachment_3817" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3817" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3817 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_05.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_05" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_05.jpg 960w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_05-300x225.jpg 300w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_05-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3817" class="wp-caption-text">Summit Lake</figcaption></figure> The climb is a slog. It just keeps going and going. Above the tree line the road is paved but the freezing caused whole sections to buckle. It’s not bad going up because of the low speed but makes for a rough ride coming down. <figure id="attachment_3808" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3808" style="width: 720px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3808 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_01.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_01" width="720" height="960" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_01.jpg 720w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_01-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3808" class="wp-caption-text">Mountain goats at the summit</figcaption></figure> Nine years ago I tried to pedal out of the saddle (standing up) and immediately sat down. I got dizzy quickly. Today I could stand with no issues. I think one week of riding at altitude made that easier for me. But yet, I think I was slower. One week at altitude may not offset 20 pounds and nine years. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3812" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_02.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_02" width="720" height="960" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_02.jpg 720w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_02-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /> At the summit I took a couple of pictures then left. I had intended of staging my arrival by handing my phone to a stranger then going back down 200 yards or so then coming back up. But really, there is no great summit moment. Just a parking lot that people are trying to get into. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3924" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_13.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_13" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_13.jpg 640w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_13-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /> Nine years ago I went hypothermic on the descent. Today I carried a vest and arm warmers and that was enough. I was glad to have them but would have been okay without. <figure id="attachment_3926" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3926" style="width: 480px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3926 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_15-e1467062787320.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_15" width="480" height="640" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_15-e1467062787320.jpg 480w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_15-e1467062787320-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3926" class="wp-caption-text">Tried to capture how steep the drop off is but I didn’t. Trust me. It’s steep.</figcaption></figure> Leaving the summit, the first five miles aren’t a lot of fun. Visually it’s hard to see how steep the road descends. At times it looks like it may go down 1-2% but is probably 6-7%. The bike wanted to fly. But every 50-100 yards was a big crack in the road. Those aren’t fun hitting at 25-30 mph. At Summit Lake there is a bit of a climb. It was no problem this time although a 28 mile downhill uninterrupted would have been nice. The farther you descend the better the road gets. <figure id="attachment_3927" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3927" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3927 size-full" src="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_16.jpg" alt="RTR16_8_16" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_16.jpg 640w, https://peaceonabike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/RTR16_8_16-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3927" class="wp-caption-text">Beautiful Idaho Springs</figcaption></figure> Once back to Echo Lake I had a 14 mile descent on beautiful pavement. I took off my vest and warmers because the temperature at 10,600′ was a balmy 75 degrees. From there I let it roll all the way back to Idaho Springs. Nine years ago this was a major accomplishment. Today, it was just another ride. But a ride in which I saw a bear.   <hr> <iframe loading="lazy" src="//ridewithgps.com/trips/9547141/embed" width="100%" height="500px" frameborder="0">

June 18, 2016January 21, 2023

Texas 4000

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO

Seven years ago I received a message from a 17 year-old referee wanting to officiate in the WAGS Tournament. Thus my friendship began with Vanessa Beltran. When she was in DC she told me about the Texas 4000.

My affection for and affiliation with the Texas 4000 has grown from that day. Today was the day for me to ride from Denver to Boulder with the Texas 4000.

I arrived before their dedication circle. I met my “Bicycle Buddy,” Ayesha Kang. Or I met her again, since I actually met her in October in Austin at the Livestrong Challenge.

I dedicated my day to Jacob Grecco, Alex Shepherd, and Jamie Roberts.

I was assigned an all womens’ group, Ayesha’s group. Out of the 20 riders, 13 were women and only seven were men.

They had the turn by turn directions and I was only along for the ride. We stopped a lot. And we stopped at stop signs, even when it was visibly clear to roll through. One of the riders made it a point to state that the Texas 4000 stops at stop signs. I can also state that they have extensive safety training, have to ride a timed century and ride at least 2000 miles before they ride their first mile with the Texas 4000. This group does it right.

T4K_04 — Ayesha now rides for Team Jacob

We meandered. Back tracked. But it was all good. We only had gone 15 miles when we came to their rest stop. One of the riders, Alex Lawrence, had family in Denver and brought out a big lunch. Her family was very proud of her to to serve the Texas 4000.

After lunch, I wanted to keep riding with the group but I knew there was no way I would ever find my way back. I said goodbye to Ayesha and the rest of her team. We had two alumni riders and two friends who rode out with us so I jumped in their group to ride back.

We did not back track. Maybe that was impossible. But we found a new, longer way. Life is good. At the Cherry Creek Dam in Denver, we stopped to wait for our riders. The Denver Century was being held and there was an Aid Station right where we stopped. We got some fresh cold water for our bottles, needed on this hot day. They didn’t seem to mind that we weren’t part of the Denver Century.

For one day I joined this cancer fighting team. It was a great day. Godspeed my friends.