General Cycling Discussion - Bragging again and proud of it!!

So, today, that wife of mine who is almost 65 yo, who had severe back pain almost all last summer, who had knee surgery with major complications, whom the doc told she would probably never ride again, whom the physical therapist let ride her bike for 5 minutes in late March - today she conquered Vail Pass, going 14 miles one way with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet from 9,000 to 10,600 feet and returning down that steep grade for a total distance of 28 miles.

Yes, it took us just a little while, yes she (and many others) pushed up a couple of hills, but she DID IT!! And on her heavy mtn bike, not her road bike (which she is just learning to use again).

There are some 12 and 13% grades on this little climb.

And I got the digital pictures to prove it, which I will post at a later date.

Congrats to the both of you! Now, if I could only get my wife back into riding...

You go girl! [That's for her]

You go boy! [That's for you]

Originally posted by DnvrFox
So, today, that wife of mine who is almost 65 yo, who had severe back pain almost all last summer, who had knee surgery with major complications, whom the doc told she would probably never ride again, whom the physical therapist let ride her bike for 5 minutes in late March - today she conquered Vail Pass, going 14 miles one way with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet from 9,000 to 10,600 feet and returning down that steep grade for a total distance of 28 miles.

Yes, it took us just a little while, yes she (and many others) pushed up a couple of hills, but she DID IT!! And on her heavy mtn bike, not her road bike (which she is just learning to use again).

There are some 12 and 13% grades on this little climb.

And I got the digital pictures to prove it, which I will post at a later date.

Inspirational!!!! :) :D

Truly inspirational. That's some woman you're married to. I know you're very proud among other things.

GOTTA SEE THE PICTURES...GO GO GO

Congrats to you and your wife Dnvr!
That truly is inspirational. :thumbup:

Nora half way between Copper Mountain and Vail Pass

and another

Jealousy, the green eyed monster I've struggled to control in spite of posts such as yours, has just overcome me.

I'm extremely happy for you and your wife regardless of my other emotions!

Nora at the top of Vail Pass at the visitor center. Filled with folks from flatland states who are amazed that folks bicycle up here.

Dnvr; Please convey my heartiest THANKS to your wife for having the courage and stamina to over come her adversity; she is truly an inspiration. And congrats to you for having the patience , the love and the desire to help her through it.

You're a grand couple!

I'm amazed people bike there. I tried it in Denver, and nearly keeled over, what do you breath? There was enough air for me, I was sucking wind so bad it was painful.

I loved every second.

I also fell in love with Vail. I lived in Beaver Creek and became my high school dream, a ski bum. Then the money ran out and so did I.

:thumbup:

see? all that good livin' you guys have been doing has finally paid off!! that is great.

nice picture, see what cycling can do to you , you have a breath taking view.

Okay, by popular demand (not) here I am also

Great pictures (well I'm not sure about the last one ;) )and an inspirational account.

Richard