Hi all. I am headed home from Denver,Colorado tomorrow morning. I intended to post several ride reports and such while I was out here, but simply have not felt like it. This has been the most demoralizing trip I have ever had! My goal out here was to ride the Triple Bypass on the 14th (120 miles, 10,300 ft. elevation gain, low point about 7200 ft, high 11,900 ft.). It didn't happen. I travel out here every year - and I ride in the Rockies, crossing mountain passes every year. What happened??? I have no idea, but here are my impressions/feelings:

Day 1 - arrived July 5, put bike together & got ready to ride the next morning.

Day 2 - son and I rode from his apt. in LoDo, out of town to Golden (you know, "Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado...) and up Lookout Mountain. The climb is 4 miles and should not have been difficult. It was HOT against the mountains with no wind. The heat just about did me in. I was pouring more water on my head than in my body! We made it to the top (son summited 3x and came back for me each time), checked out the view near Buffalo Bill's grave, then headed back down. I was NOT happy with myself!

Day 3 - son, his girlfriend and I drove into the mountains to Frisco, parked, and started a ride called the Leadville Loop or the Copper Triangle. 94 miles, three mountain passes (Freemont Pass, Tennessee Pass/Battle Mountain, Vail Pass). I have riden this loop before. It is NEVER easy, but this time I felt like I was totally unprepared. I was dead on Vail Pass and it was NOT FUN. I realized my chances of completing the Triple Bypass were in serious jeopardy.

Day 4 - son, girlfriend and I hiked the Gray's/Torrey's peaks area. They summited, I didn't. I stayed low (12,500 ft. elevation and below) and took wildlife/wildflower photos).

Day 5 - I told son I was not going to ride the Triple. He was disappointed and kept assuring me I could do it, but I was so disallusioned with my performance that I decided I did not want to.

And the rest is history. I was at the finish for my son and his GF to finish on Saturday, but I did not do it. Instead, I spent my days riding the awesome bike trails in and around Denver. I loved the riding, but still can't help but feel that I did something wrong this spring. I trained and trained and trained - beginning in December. I did have to take some time off because of surgery/anemia, and I know that took a toll on me, but jeez!!! What's going on???

Sorry for the rant. I am upset and unhappy with myself and I needed to vent. Thanks for listening.