demoralized

[sarahkonamojo]

OK, what? 3 days 2 big rides and gray/torreys!?! That is a lot of activity and elevation gain coming form Virginia. It sounds like you have gone this hard before, but sometimes you need to take it slow. The heat, altitude, and anemia... sounds like it ruined your trip.

But I think not, you did two great rides and climbed (almost) a 14er. That is a pretty good score. The 14ers are over worked anyway, I do the 13ers...

Hope this doesn't discourage you from returning to Colorado and giving it another try.

sarah

[IFjane]

OK, what? 3 days 2 big rides and gray/torreys!?! That is a lot of activity and elevation gain coming form Virginia. It sounds like you have gone this hard before, but sometimes you need to take it slow. The heat, altitude, and anemia... sounds like it ruined your trip.

But I think not, you did two great rides and climbed (almost) a 14er. That is a pretty good score. The 14ers are over worked anyway, I do the 13ers...

Hope this doesn't discourage you from returning to Colorado and giving it another try.

sarah

Oh Sarah - you don't have to worry about me being discouraged and not wanting to return to CO! I try to make it out 2x a year, though last winter I did not get out there to ski. My dream is to move out there someday. In fact, Ft. Collins is on my "I want to live there" list.

I've done Grays & Torreys in the past (and Lincoln....and I rode up Mt. Evans - in a car! - once during the race - glad to hear they are closing the road this time) and really had no desire to do it again. Taking photos of flowers was much more relaxing and fun!

Kathi - Wish I had known you were in Frisco! I have ridden to Keystone and up to Montezuma many times over the years and would have loved to have ridden with you. Vail pass from the Vail side is what killed me on the Leadville ride. When you think about it, you really start climbing at Dowd Junction, climb all the way through the Vail Valley & then REALLY start climbing once you get out toward the campground. Makes me tired again just thinking about it! Lookout Mountain wasn't horrible - 4 miles, I think - but it's HOT because it is all on the east face of the mountain and there are few trees.

The Serotta forum entry is very interesting and an eye-opener. Maybe next year I'll just arrive the day before? My son told me the same thing - to either be out there at least 2 weeks ahead (I can't - not enough vacation time!) or come and do it right away. Or not. Maybe I'll just come out, hook up with y'all and not do an "epic" ride!