I just thought I'd share today's very short 11 mile ride with you all, partially because it was fun, partially because it kicked my butt from here to Kansas.

It's always good to get some perspective on just how good the pros are. You hear talk about famous climbs, you see them on tv, and read about records being shattered, but unless you ride them in person, how do you really know? Well, now I know just how effing fast this Danielson kid is.

Today's climb up Lookout would be my true introduction to cycling in Colorado --I really didn't know what to expect of things. I have to admit I kinda cheated, driving to the park at the base of the climb, keeping the ride to just the climb up and back. Next week, I'll ride to it (~20mi from the house). I'm glad I drove.

It's only about 5 miles, and "only" 5-6% average grade. It's also quite a popular route, there were a LOT of people riding it, from racers in kits (one young lady left me like I was standing still), to folks in tee-shirts and mountain bikes. I even passed a couple runners.

Well, I limped. I crawled. I stopped twice. I had sweat burning my right eye. I stayed 99% exclusively in the lowest gear I had (39-27) at a cadence that isn't anything to talk about. I don't know if the lower parts of the climb are steeper, but I was going to pop. I had to stop at mile 2.2. At mile two. I took a moment to laugh at myself. Once my heart rate came down from the stratosphere I got back underway, and seemed to find a little bit of a rhythm, realizing I was redlining myself early and to just back off some and get to the top. I was rolling along in the high single digits. Yeah, like 8mph. Our boy Tom flew up these same curves going twice as fast as I was. Damn.

I was managing. I took advantage of a couple turnouts to get off the road and roll real slow, letting the heart rate recover some. Then, a little after the parking lot for Windy Saddle Park I had to stop again. I was slurping down a powergel when a guy rode by me like he was shot out of a cannon. Ladies, you should have seen this guy's legs. I had no idea I chose to stop just before the set of switchbacks. Lucky me.

A handful of turns before the top a guy passed me, appearing seemingly out of nowhere --he didn't say anything until he was on my shoulder, which was, "How ya doin?" "I'll make it," was all I could get out, between a pegged heart rate, my legs wishing they were on the couch and sweat boring a hole through my right eyeball into my skull. "Yup, you're almost there" was the reply and he was gone.

He was right: two more turns and it flattened out, and I saw the Buffalo Bill Museum and Gravesite sign. I made it. I wanted to check the view back east from here, so I took a left on Panorama --a dirt road. Eff it, it's just dirt, and my heartrate and energy came swimming back once the road flattened. I rode up and around the towers, but there was no real opportunity to stop and take in the sights. Oh well, next time.

I made my way back to the pavement and flew down. Wow that's fun. I was taking apexes, leaning the bike over, sprinting out of the switchbacks. Wheee! I passed a few people, making sure I annouced myself plenty early --one rider said "thanks" as I went by-- and then, just like that, I was back at the car.

Computer stats:
Ride time: :59
Average speed: 11.5mph
Max speed: 33mph

Yeah, it took me an hour.

Observations?
1) I'm buying a compact double. Tonight.
2) If I have any delusions --er goals-- of doing Loveland Pass or Mt Evans or hell, any other serious mountain rides, I need to do this often. Ugh.
3) I was inspired by all the people riding. Every time I saw someone who wasn't all decked out in a club kit and mega-dollar bike I was encouraged and fell in love with this sport all over again.
4) I think I want to move to Golden.