So, what is a typical day like on a bike tour? Usually we get up at 5 am, eat breakast (oatmeal, dried fruit, granola bars etc.) and pack up the tent and our bags. We load our bags on one of the trucks, fill up water bottles and get rolling between 6 and 7. On this ride, we didn't have to take much with us, as there were excellent aid stations about every 20 miles. They provided fresh fruit, pastries, pb&j sandwiches, water, gatorade and other snacks.
Usually we finished up our ride between 1 and 3 in the afternoon. After setting up the tent and Mom's stuff in the gym (see photos of tent city and gym city) we get cleaned up and explore the town and look for a good place to have dinner. Then mabe some dessert and then it is time to pack up and turn in (usually by 9 pm, so we can get up early to do it all again.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Day 6
73 miles 4767 feet climbed avg unknown
"This is my favorite view, no this is my favorite place, no THIS is my favorite." This is how feels to ride through this beautiful landscape. This morning, we started out with a 23+ mph blast down the valley from Crested Butte. Then it was an uphill climb through Taylor Canyon then the views of the Taylor Reservoir. After the 2nd aid station, there was 14 miles of climbing on a dirt road with 3000+ feet of verical.
We crossed the Continenta Divide via Cottonwood Pass which at 12,336 feet is the highest point of our trip. Unfortunately the weather can change very quickly at that altitude. As I was summitting, a bad storm was rolling in it was so cold I could see my breath. I hammered as fast as possible on the 20 mile descent and managed to just stay ahead of the rain. Except for setting up camp in the rain, the day went well.
My parents had a very different experience. They were caught in the storm at the top with strong winds, fog, rain and "it sleeted" on Mom. It got so bad as the portable toilets were blowing down the road that the ride organizers evacuated people from the summit. Mom and Dad were SAG'ed down in the back of a U-Haul van with 40 other people.
On the plus side by the time they got to the school the sun was out, camp was already set up, and our gear was quickly dried out.
We had a great prime rib dinner at Quincy's a local steakhouse in Buena Vista. They only serve one item each night. The prices were reasonable and the food was excellent.
"This is my favorite view, no this is my favorite place, no THIS is my favorite." This is how feels to ride through this beautiful landscape. This morning, we started out with a 23+ mph blast down the valley from Crested Butte. Then it was an uphill climb through Taylor Canyon then the views of the Taylor Reservoir. After the 2nd aid station, there was 14 miles of climbing on a dirt road with 3000+ feet of verical.
We crossed the Continenta Divide via Cottonwood Pass which at 12,336 feet is the highest point of our trip. Unfortunately the weather can change very quickly at that altitude. As I was summitting, a bad storm was rolling in it was so cold I could see my breath. I hammered as fast as possible on the 20 mile descent and managed to just stay ahead of the rain. Except for setting up camp in the rain, the day went well.
My parents had a very different experience. They were caught in the storm at the top with strong winds, fog, rain and "it sleeted" on Mom. It got so bad as the portable toilets were blowing down the road that the ride organizers evacuated people from the summit. Mom and Dad were SAG'ed down in the back of a U-Haul van with 40 other people.
On the plus side by the time they got to the school the sun was out, camp was already set up, and our gear was quickly dried out.
We had a great prime rib dinner at Quincy's a local steakhouse in Buena Vista. They only serve one item each night. The prices were reasonable and the food was excellent.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Crested Butte
We have one day off during the tour. We get to spend two days in Crested Butte. This ski town has mountains surrounding it on every side and is the most beautiful town we have stayed in. By the time Mom and Dad got in yesterday, I had already gotten bandaged up and had things set up. We had a great Mexican dinner and walked around town. The town itself is actualy pretty small. Crested Butte has some of the best mountain biking in the country, and this week is hosting the Fat Tire Bike Week. Originally, I had booked a mountain bike rental for today, but have had to cancel that due to my accident.
This morning, we got up and walked to a coffee shop for hot chocolate and pastries. Then we did laundry and got Mom up. We had a great breakfast at McGills (Great french toast and omletts).
This afternoon, we took the shuttle to the ski area and then took the ski lift to the top. From there, we hiked up to the Peak at 11850 feet. The views were jaw dropping. Stay tuned for pics when I get a chance to upload them.
This morning, we got up and walked to a coffee shop for hot chocolate and pastries. Then we did laundry and got Mom up. We had a great breakfast at McGills (Great french toast and omletts).
This afternoon, we took the shuttle to the ski area and then took the ski lift to the top. From there, we hiked up to the Peak at 11850 feet. The views were jaw dropping. Stay tuned for pics when I get a chance to upload them.
Equipment
This is the post that I ment to write yesterday, but didn't get around to. You might be wondering how it is possible to ride 90-100 miles sitting on the same seat for 6-7 hours and not be sore (except for tired legs or the hopefully very ocassional crash)?
Some of it is because of training for the ride but a lot of what makes it enjoyable is having the right equipment. Nearly everyone is riding a road bike. These are bikes with tires about 23 mm wide. The bikes are made to be as light and efficient as possible. Some people have bikes where the wheels alone cost twice as much as my whole bike. That being said, you do not have to have a super nice bike to do a ride like this. We always wear helmets gloves and glasses. The glases partly for the sun and also for protection against rocks and bugs. The other day, I actually took a small stone right in my lens. Without glasses this would have been much more than a minor annoyance. The other thing that helps a lot is to be properly set up on your bike. If everything fits, it makes things much nicer.
Some of it is because of training for the ride but a lot of what makes it enjoyable is having the right equipment. Nearly everyone is riding a road bike. These are bikes with tires about 23 mm wide. The bikes are made to be as light and efficient as possible. Some people have bikes where the wheels alone cost twice as much as my whole bike. That being said, you do not have to have a super nice bike to do a ride like this. We always wear helmets gloves and glasses. The glases partly for the sun and also for protection against rocks and bugs. The other day, I actually took a small stone right in my lens. Without glasses this would have been much more than a minor annoyance. The other thing that helps a lot is to be properly set up on your bike. If everything fits, it makes things much nicer.
Day 4
93 miles 6047 feet of cimbing 17.4 avg
Well, the bad news is that I have a really good excuse for not posting yesterday. The good news is that I am more or less ok.
Because we will be spending two nights in Crested Butte, I rode ahead to get better camping and gym spots for all of us. The ride went great and the scenery was amazing. I hooked up with some other riders and for the last 55 miles, averaged 21 mph. It takes an incredible amount of focus to stay 6-8 inches behind the rider in front of you for several hours. Unfortunately, about 3 miles from the end I touched the wheel in front of me with my front tire and went down. If you ever want to know what it feels like to get thrown out of a car at 23 mph ask me sometime.
They do have excelent medical staff along on the ride. Dr. Mark checked me out and there are no broken bones, just some road rash on my right side. I landed on my right shoulder, and this morning it is pretty stiff. I am very thankfull as it could have been much worse. I was even able to ride the last few miles into town.
Well, the bad news is that I have a really good excuse for not posting yesterday. The good news is that I am more or less ok.
Because we will be spending two nights in Crested Butte, I rode ahead to get better camping and gym spots for all of us. The ride went great and the scenery was amazing. I hooked up with some other riders and for the last 55 miles, averaged 21 mph. It takes an incredible amount of focus to stay 6-8 inches behind the rider in front of you for several hours. Unfortunately, about 3 miles from the end I touched the wheel in front of me with my front tire and went down. If you ever want to know what it feels like to get thrown out of a car at 23 mph ask me sometime.
They do have excelent medical staff along on the ride. Dr. Mark checked me out and there are no broken bones, just some road rash on my right side. I landed on my right shoulder, and this morning it is pretty stiff. I am very thankfull as it could have been much worse. I was even able to ride the last few miles into town.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Day 3
This morning we rode through the Colorado National Monument. If you are ever in western Colorado, this is a definite do not miss. Check out the pics!
We split up today. Mom did 80 miles and finished first. Dad did the whole ride but rode the second half by himself. After he stopped to rest. I caught on to a group of riders in a paceline (which if you are not a cyclist, is a long line all drafting each other.)
After the monument, it was an ok day, just a little monotonous scenery wise and very hot (97 degrees) with no sun and strong head and cross winds. I applied sunscreen twice and still got burnt in a few small places.
1st Day of BTC
Mom: "So when do we start the climbing?"
Kyle: "The best day of cycling ever!"
80 miles and 4600 feet of climbing 17.5mph average. I think that our training was pretty sufficient so far. Even though we all climbed at diferent speeds, all three of us were able to pass a lot of cyclists. The best part was that we didn't seem to suffer any ill effects from the altitude up here. This was not the hardest or highest day, so we won't start gloating quite yet.
The only wrench in the works was that when I reached the top of the climb, I waited for my parents. They didn't see me and rode on ahead. I spent a long time at the top and made several new friends. The main downside was that I had to ride the second half of the day by myself. On the plus side, I was able to get in some good riding and even with a stiff head wind averaged 20 mph for the last 40 miles.
As alluded to already, the ride was simply spectacular. It really is difficult to describe or even to capture fully in a photograph. We were riding along rushing rivers, past waterfalls, beneath towering peaks and shear cliffs. I will try to post some photos on flickr, but be patient as the internet is spotty at best here.
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