DataJunkie

Due to the proliferation of exhausted and injured riders the last go around I thought it would be prudent to plan a second ride.

The first order of business involves seeking input on the ride.
I figure we can either make it more friendly or more epic.
This would be something like a ride up to Evergreen versus a ride up Mt Evans.
We could do lookout again but I like to mix things up.

The second order of business is the date.
I have every other weekend open starting 6\13. However, the 27th I have a 120 mile ride with a ton of climbing. I can do the 28th if we make it the non epic version. July 11th is TBP.

What does everyone think?
Route suggestions welcome.

dark13star

June 13th could work for me. I get back from DC late Friday night, so as long as it isn't one of those early rides. I am out for the weekend of the 27th, since I have to fly to Australia that weekend (losing the next one to travel home too).

Assuming I get back on the bike soon, I would say that I am interested in a climbing ride. My available training days between now and the triple are getting low, so I will be hoping for some epic rides in June.

DataJunkie

I could always arrange two rides.
I am pondering Mt. Evans from Bergen Park on the 13th.

LAJ

I think I will just start hurling now.

dark13star

I am definitely interested. That certainly is one of those early rides though and I think I land pretty late the night before (after a week at sea level too!). I was thinking of doing it the following weekend (I know you can't), but would probably do it on the 13th too.

DataJunkie

I have that sunday open as well. The 14th may be a better option.
As for hurling, that climb kills me each time. Perhaps being in better shape this year will yield better results.

dark13star

My wife just reminded me of a birthday party for a friend on the evening of the 13th, so I would probably do better with jet lag than hang over.

All this is depending on my knee pain going away anyway, but today seems a lot better.

It generally takes me about 2.5-2.75 hours to get to Echo Lake, and another 3-3.5 hours up Mt. Evans, depending on stopping. I don't even like to think about how long it takes to get down...

How does this compare with your pace? I know we both call ourselves slow, but there are a lot of versions of slow and this is a hill where you want to be in the same ballpark for pace.

Edit: 2.5-2.75 hours to Juniper Pass. Takes a few to get down to the lake...

DataJunkie

Honestly, I can not remember how long it took me last time. I think your pace sounds good.

We can plan on the 13th. If need be we could always start at echo lake instead to save time.
What time do you usually start? I think the last time I started at the crack of dawn.

Pwnt

Boy, I'd love too but I have a thing....

sniz

I'm down if I can get a ride up to Bergen Park. Don't know if I could make it from Denver to Mt. Evans and back in one shot yet.

superdex

I'm open to the 13/14 weekend; the 27/28 weekend is the MS150. A killmyselfrideuptothesky sounds like a good training ride....

dark13star

DataJunkie, let's see what the interest is and I will get back to you as my week progresses. My only concern is that my business trips often turn into 16 hour work days for a week and I sometimes need a day of sleep to recover (hey, I am getting old).

As for start times, I usually start around 8:30 from Echo Lake, but at 6:00 from Bergen Park. With the moisture in the atmosphere this year, I think an early start is essential.

sniz, I know I offered you a tentative ride and fell through before, but if this pans out, I will gladly haul you up from Denver.

I am going to see if I can possibly get home from DC on Thursday night to have a better cycling experience for this weekend, but I need to talk to the powers in charge tomorrow.

DataJunkie

Sounds good.

bmclaughlin807

Crap... am I crazy or what? I just volunteered to buy someone's TBP packet.

I better start RIDING.

When is this ride? Or EVERY ride?

DataJunkie

This one is tentatively scheduled for 6\13 depending upon interest.
I also offered to schedule an easier ride if there is interest.

dark13star

Welcome to the club of unprepared TBP registrants!

bmclaughlin807

I'm up for the ride if someone can give me a lift to the start!

hocker

Hmmm...I am intrigued. My knee just heeled (bursitis) and I am ready for a sick, nasty climb...not that I have ever really done one.
I could probably fit at least one other person, maybe two depending on if my wife comes along. I would be coming from NW Denver. Has a date been nailed down?

DataJunkie

I think we have enough interest. The 13th, 6am at bergen park.
Does anyone need a map?

Bill,
I can pick you up or you are welcome to come stay the night at my home in Thornton on Friday to make things easier.

dark13star

I hope to be there. Haven't been able to shorten my trip so far, but at least the knee is better. I just did 62 miles from my house to Morrison, up to Golden, back side of Lookout, back home. Nothing too strenuous, but no real pain.

superdex

I presume the park-n-ride parking lot?

DataJunkie

Yes, exactly.

dark13star

For people who haven't done this ride, I generally bring a camelbak, leg warmers, gloves, and a rain jacket. You can get by without the CB, but I highly recommend the clothing. Water is available at Echo Lake.

Pwnt

<Sigh> What time would we be done?

DataJunkie

Early afternoon. Why the sigh?
This would be epic you know.