As SadieKate and Bubba and aka_Kim drive back to the valley in the rain, I though I'd post this report.

Highlights:
  • It didn't start raining until AFTER we were done.

  • The only flat was in the parking lot before we started!

  • I learned that my definition of "rollers" is way different from that of others.

  • Post ride food and wine are a big, big bonus.


We met up with several of my Hangtown Velo friends at the appointed time, with one being late due to alcohol abuse the night before and another slight delay due to a flat tire. It was warmish and muggy and apparently the clouds were coming...

After a 25 yard warm up, the climbing (what I formerly described as "rollers") starts, though the actual "Slug Gulch" is a few miles in. Everyone survived the climb and the next climb and the next climb and the next climb (ad naseum...) just fine and while the cloud cover came and went, it never rained, though it was a bit muggy so we were all pretty sticky. The flowers were fabulous, to the point that at times the scent of lupines was overwhelming. The total climbing, according to the Beautiful Vista website, is 4700' (over 50 miles).

The best part...the after ride picnic complete with paired wines from my friends at Windwalker Winery (I warned them that we were coming to take over their deck). The menu:

  • Baba Ganoush (sp?) with pita chips, served with a lovely Windwalker Merlot

  • Smokey Black Bean Dip and "Rockin' Guacamole" with chips, served with a soft but complex Windwalker Sangiovese

  • Southwestern Corn Slaw and smoked Wild Turkey (harvested by yellow's honey) served with Windwalker Barbera

  • Uncompaghre Wraps (on zesty garlic black bean tortillas) complimented with a big, bold Windwalker Petite Sirah


Dessert was fresh fruit but we were too wined out to have Port with that!

We're WAY sleepy now! I imagine aka_Kim had a nice nappie on the way home.

And now, it's dumping!

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