The Big Ride Part I, Evergreen to Idaho Springs

The day of the ride started early....3:00a.m. I didn't sleep well in anticipation of a long day on the bike. It seemed like I was awake every 15 minutes looking at the alarm clock.  When the alarm did go off, I was ready to get up and get on with the day. 

This blog session will cover the first part of the  day's activities.

Thumbs up for a great day of riding!
Our day started early.  We had to be at the start area by by 5:00 am.  So we left our home base at 4:00 for the 35 mile trip to Evergreen.

Once at the start area, Thomas had to get his registration materials, which didn't take long.  Then it was on with the ride preparation.  You don't just take the bikes off the rack and get on and ride.  There is a process, both physically and mentally to getting ready for a big bike ride. 

Besides getting into your riding jersey, shorts and getting your basic riding equipment ready, on a ride like this, there are a number of other items to take care of.

Like arm warmers,

..leg warmers, ear covers, wind booties, gloves, sun glasses, and a wind/rain jacket.  We started dressing in the dark and by the time we were done, it was getting light outside.

Next, our attention turns to the bikes.  We have to make sure that the tires are at the right inflation.  Our chains are checked to make sure they are lubed up.  Bicycle computers are reset for the start of the trip. We make sure that we have extra tubes, CO2 cartridges or a small air pump for flats along the way.  We have to fill up our water bottles with water and special energy mixes.  Our seat packs and pockets are packed with various energy gels, shot blocks, and high energy foods, i.e. bananas to keep us from bonking.
All this time we are running over the parts of the ride that will offer the most challenge for us and thinking about time goals for each stage of the ride in our mind.

Finally, we are ready to go!

It off on the start of a great adventure.  Start time; 5:40 a.m.  Ahead lay a full day of biking adventure. 

Meanwhile,  our support crew, aka. Sandy Murphy takes an alternate route to the next stop.  Our ride wouldn't have been possible without her ground support along the way. 

Our Road Support Team,  Sandy!

Our first climb was 15 miles up to the top of Squaw Pass.  Most of this climb was a 4%-5% grade with short steep sections of up to 7%.  After about an hour and 20 minutes of climbing we reached the top and were greeted be this view to the west!

Thomas enjoys a great view from the top of Squaw Pass.

I'm just happy to be at the top of our first major climb.  From here it was a nice 15 mile ride down hill to Idaho Springs. 

Along the way we passed by beautiful Echo Lake.  After this the grades increased and our speed picked up.  We reached speeds over 35 miles an hour on the way down.  I didn't want to stop and take pictures, and I definitely keep two hands on the handle bars at all times!

After an exciting descent, we pulled into Idaho Springs and our first rest stop with Sandy.

After checking our progress on our phones, we grabbed a some snacks, shed some clothes, ( the temperature increased from the low 50's to the high 60's  from the top of Squaw Pass to Idaho Springs), and got ready to forge on. We were making great progress!  We got back on the bikes by 8:15 am.

Back on the road again!

Next, 30 miles of continuous grade to the top of Loveland Pass at 11,990 ft!








Tomorrow, the long grind to the top of Loveland Pass.