This past Monday I was able to go with a friend of mine and ride from Idaho Springs to the Mount Evans summit. This was something I have wanted to do and was finally able to get it arranged. I have climbed several 10,000’ passes, but getting to a summit at 14,130’ was definitely uncharted waters for me. Weather was a little cool (46 to start, 41 and breezy at the summit) but overall it was a great day. Felt good the entire ride and the elevation didn’t seem to cause any major problems.

As I plodded along at my 3 ½ hour pace, I could really begin to appreciate the 1 hour 41 minute hill climb record. This ends up being nearly 16.5 mph up a 27 mi, nearly 6% average grade, at altitude. These world class cyclists continue to amaze me.

While I was being passed by vehicles driving to the summit it occurred to me that about 15 years ago I was driving this very same road thinking that these bikers I was passing were crazy for riding up this thing. Today, I guess I am one of those crazy bikers.

As both my friend and I approach our mid-50’s it also occurred to me how lucky we were to be healthy enough to look for challenges like this. Seems like age has a way of allowing us to appreciate these things more than when we were young.

Anyway, it was fun day and looking forward to more of them!