My Birthday Story
 

Up front disclaimer: The Post New Thread font is so small I can barely see it and the Preview Post function isn't working, nor is the spell check. So, editorial errors are probably par for the course.
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What a wonderful number 73 for me and what a difference a year makes.

Last year we celebrated my birthday at Flagstaff House in Boulder, CO. It is a first class restaurant. Food is excellent, presentation is superb and the servers are well trained and have excellent attitudes. Then I did my longest ride as of then; 31 miles on the Platte River Trail. After which I was bushed.

This year we again celebrated at the Flagstaff House. Again the food and service were without flaw. I have never had lamb prepared any better. The restaurant has my unreserved recommendation.

Since Saturday was The Day I decided to do a ride. I had it on good authority that the paths had been plowed so I took off. Not too far down the trail I ran into snow on top of ice and down I went. A few scrapes but no real damage. So, I walked my bike for awhile. The long and short is that I did about 20 miles around a local resevoir before it got dark. When the sun went behind the mountains chill rapidly followed.

Yesterday, Sunday, it was again afternoon before temperatures got above the +40F mark so I could ride. That left me with only about 3 1/2 hours before dark. As my friend Denver Fox will testify I am far from the worlds fastest cyclist and here in the Denver area I am riding at about 5000' higher elevation than at home. So, with only 3 days to acclimate it was highly unlikely I'd "ride my age". Maybe adjusted for altitude?

As it turned out I rode the Platte River and Cherry Creek Trails in Denver. A greybeard I talked to told me that was upwards of 55 miles for the roundtrip. I stopped along the way to admire Confluence Park and to visit a bit. I got back to my start just as it was getting dark. That is my longest ride to date at any altitude. What was nice was that unlike being bushed as I was last year I still had lots left in me. I stopped because of darkness, not fatigue.

The only downside is that Denver Fox was unable to join me for at least a part of the ride. But, I'll be back and he'll be healthier so there is time.

All in all a very nice day at an age by all rights I shouldn't have achieved. May all of you be as blessed as me and get far more than you deserve.

:bday:

Congratulations on the birthday ride.

You are to be congratulated on your ride and your birthday.Hope you have more too come.:thumb:

Happy Birthday indeed. We can't be held accountable for winter weather so I will pick up some extra miles on your behalf. Consider it a gift! You have great spirit L65! Have a piece of pie!

Great post! Thanks for the update, and happy birthday.

Happy birthday, and congrats on the birthday ride. Perhaps you should petition the mods (or whoever) to officially move your birthday to something like August :D

Sounds like you're not getting older...you're getting younger.

Happy Birthday!:beer:

Happy Birthday! Thanks for the b-day story.

Lat,

Nice report and great ride! Belated Happy Birthday!!!!!

Happy Birthday.

When I visited the Front Range last year I liked the Platte River and Cherry Creek Trails. I rode several others too, but like those the best. Confluence Park is a great place to people-watch on a summer afternoon. I suppose it's a bit different in November.

I had to squirt around my cataracts, b ut enjoyed reading your post. Happy birthday and congratulations. Very enjoyable and well written read. Thanks

You had me at "the paths had been plowed", yikes!
Happy Birthday, and many many more miles.

Enjoy the Ride.

I always enjoy stories that have a happy ending!!

Thanks everyone for your good wishes.

I probably should add that the reason this year was better than last is because last year was the first year of riding a road bike. Of course as a kid I'd ridden around a bit and over the years had kicked around the neighborhood a wee bit. But, no "serious" cycling or the road bike kind of thing until last summer. Since then I've done my best to ride either the bike or a spin bike several times a week. It seems this bike riding thing has been good for me. So much so I've bought a road bike I leave here in the Denver area for my visits. Maybe next time I can meet and ride with some more of you.

Glad you had a good Birthday Ride!! I can relate, last Wed's. I was riding thru several slush patches on the paths and roads and caught a patch that turned to ICE and down I went, no FUN! :( Glad you were ok, hope I can get to ride with you next time your down our way again! :)

I hope so too. Maybe even with some other folks from around the Front Range? Right now it looks like it will be late April, or even May before I'm back; unless I luck out on the Ride the Rockies draw and I'm in good enough shape to try it. In that case I won't be back until about 10 days before the ride.

Sorry I wasn't there to ride with you. Mayvbe next year??

Well, the trails around here were plowed when you asked me, and they are plowed now. However, there is always ice and snow that melts during the warm part of the day and freezes again and it has snowed a bit since your question of me.

I am glad that you were not injured in the fall. Today I was at the physical therapist, swam and went for a walk. I will try to call you tomorrow. Just swamped with medical appts for Andy, Nora, myself and PT.

And

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Glad you got in a Bday ride. It always makes everything better. I have to say, snow and ice are no fun. Makes me thankful for our beautiful Bay Area weather.

Sorrry Denver, can't blame you for the snow on these trails. They were over off County Line and near Chatfield. My source was a local who "knew". Oh well.

Glad to hear it is appointments and such that kept you. I was getting concerned that maybe things had taken a turn for the worse.

Yes, indeed, next year! We came to Colorado three times this year. We'd like to make it four next year. Cycling is always on the agenda; the more the merrier.