The Winter That Wasn't

I heard that phrase the other night on the national news and it just made me sick - because it's true.

Last year, I was skiing the back bowls at Vail in November.  This year, it's January and I stand at the top of the mountain and look towards Blue Sky ... through ropes.  Groomers.  Such a dirty word.  In my dreams, I am cruising down Champagne Glade, Skree Field and Lover's Leap.  I am on top of the powder, oblivious to the ground.  There is no ground.  Little jump.  Little drop.  Pole plant.  Knees bent.  Slipping in and around the baby trees.  Following a track into the woods.  Making a track in the woods.  It's below zero, but I'm on fire.  I am alive (but I am asleep).  Until the snow comes, I'll focus on The Winter That Was.

Go Fish

Okay.

Sky Pond (RMNP)

Lake Isabelle connecting stream (RMNP)

Lake Isabelle

Below Lake Isabelle

Below Cascade Falls

Below Cascade Falls

Ouzel Lake

Riding Crested Butte

It's been awhile since I rode my mountain bike 3 days in a row.  Pay to play ... and yes, I paid.  27 miles into a 50 mile weekend of riding - I burnt my last match.  Out of gas.  Done.  Wasted.  Laying all over my bike.  Dehydrated.  Over Honey Stingers.  Wishing mountain lions would eat me.  Dropping bombs (yes, the bad ones). 

Christin: I'm soooooooo sorry!  I thought you'd think this ride is fun.

Me:  This ride IS fun ... I'm just not HAVING fun.

Retrospectively, this weekend was amazing and I did have a wonderful time.  Ahhhhhhh, wish I could be there again .... $5.50 showers, 40 degree nights, wild flower mania, Crested Butte .... 

Day 1: Doctor's Park 

Day 2:

Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadmans

Day 3:  Upper/Lower

Colorado's Triple Bypass

Posted October 4th 2009
Colorado to do list:
Summit Longs Peak
Summit Mount of the Holy Cross
Denver Broncos game
Hut trip
Colorado's Triple Bypass
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
Concert at Red Rocks


Triple Bypass - DONE
Avon to Evergreen
120 miles
10,000'+ elevation gain


This has been on my "to do" list since I moved to Colorado and now its done ;)


I'm an endurance junkie, so for me, a supported 120 mile ride at a leisurely pace is actually a pleasure.  We trained very hard for this event and I'm so proud of Deb for finishing.  I was cruising along until mile 92 before I started to fatigue at all.  Then, the endurance racing memory cells in my body suddenly reactivated.  I felt like I could have ridden to Utah.  Hmmmm, there might be a 24 Hour race out there calling my name (and Christin's).


The weather was a potential party spoiler.  However, it ended up being an incredibly beautiful day.  Deb and I rode in a rain storm from Vail to Beaver Creek (14 miles), but in reality it was kinda cool and I enjoyed it.  Who knew the bike path from Copper to Vail was so amazing????  Wow.  

Early morning - Squaw Pass

Contessa

Lake Dillon

Christin, me, Deb

Rule #5 - Harden the %$#@ up.

Happy Independence Day

Rule #20 - THERE ARE ONLY THREE REMEDIES FOR PAIN.

These are:

• If your quads start to burn, shift forward to use your hamstrings and calves, or
• If your calves or hamstrings start to burn, shift back to use your quads, or
• If you feel wimpy and weak, mediate on Rule #5 and train more!

Steamboat Springs (CR14)

Steamboat Springs (Elk River Road)

Steamboat - Training Ride

Deb & Christin

Storm Meadows

Happy 4th of July!

The Velominati Speaks

Rule #6 - Free your mind and your legs will follow.

Your mind is your worst enemy.  Do all your thinking before you start riding your bike.  Once the pedals start to turn, wrap yourself in the sensations of the ride - the smell of the air, the sound of the tires, the feeling of flight as the bicycle rolls over the road.

Squaw Pass - Training Ride

Bucket List Items CAN Be Fun

Posted October 4th 2009
Colorado to do list:
Summit Longs Peak
Summit Mount of the Holy Cross
Denver Broncos game
Hut trip
Colorado's Triple Bypass
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
Concert at Red Rocks


One of the sweetest items on my Bucket List.  The next one won't be as much fun! 


Thank you Deb for the tickets.


6/17/11
Ray LaMontagne
Brandi Carlile
Red Rocks, CO