Just bagged my first >50mi commute. Went to visit some relatives I have up in Parker, followed Route 83. I was hauling my Yak BOB with plenty of stuff, couple of Novara panniers and a Topeak trunk. I was riding heavy and some of the long hills were somewhat challenging, but with patience, focusing on my cadence and not looking to the top of the hill I was able to pull through. I stopped every hour for about 5 min for a snack and stretching the legs around.
My time was 4hrs and 20min (52 miles). It was a beautiful day! (Sunday). Now I need a farther away destination to plan for.
Today I ran the Bolder Boulder (10k run). I wasn't very fast (was pacing a 12-yr old nephew) but 30 seconds after the race I was breathing through my nose with my mouth closed. I think that is a good sign I'm starting to get used to Colorado altitude.
Looking forward to my daily commute to work early tomorrow morning.
GreenAnvil