Ride the Rockies

[skibum]

So... do we have anyone from TE on this ride?

If I remember correctly, Audio-A is on this ride. I am heading out on Sat to do the Bike Tour of Colorado. I'll post a write-up when I get back in case anyone is interested in trying out the ride in the future.

[spazzdog]

Great skibum! Can't wait to read your report.

As for Ride the Rockies; today is day 5, Gunnison to Salida. It includes the climb (and descent ) of Monarch Pass, a 3000' climb in 10 miles.

My head hurts just thinkin' about it

[On_yer_left!]

Just got back from Ride the Rockies, and WHEW! what a ride. Day two WAS a trip -- 92 miles, with a 7,000-foot elevation climb squeezed into 20 of those miles. People dropping off the road like flies, retching, head-between-the-knees ... They bussed a good third of the riders off the mountain halfway up. But gorgeous scenery, great rides all the way thru. Made me decide Triple Bypass may just be doable... Anyone else back from RTR?

[Pedal Wench]

I'm back too! Loved every single minute of it! Even that Day 2 monster. It was a great challenge for someone like me, with limited climbing skills. I just found my cadence and just worked away at it, and made it to the top - with the considerable support and encouragement of a very patient boyfriend!! It was a great day. I didn't see the folks head-between-the-knees, but I can see why! The climb started after 38 miles of hot, flat riding, so it was a long day. The rest of the ride was amazing. I felt that once I 'conquered' day 2 with no major problems, I could relax and enjoy the other climbs. Monarch was gorgeous, and Fremont Pass was the perfect finish for a great ride. I can't wait to get back out there. I'm already trying to figure out which one to do next year - Ride the Rockies or Bicycle Tour of Colorado. I might just do both!!!!

[spazzdog]

Ride reports grrls... we want to hear all the excruciating details
spazzdog

[Adventure Girl]

Loved every single minute of it! Even that Day 2 monster. It was a great challenge for someone like me, with limited climbing skills. I just found my cadence and just worked away at it, and made it to the top...

Climbing that monster tells me that your "limited climbing skills" are stronger than you admit! Great job!

[eofelis]

I kinda-sorta-but-not-really rode in RTR. Living in Grand Junction, I was excited that RTR was starting here. I did ride with everyone on the first day over the Colorado National Monument. It was so much fun to ride with 2000 other people! I visited the visited the camp area at the school and went to the Geology talk and the Bicycling Physics talk. Lots of fun!

I didn't ride on day 2, but some folks here did. I have not yet ridden the Grand Mesa, but I want to soon.

Next year we are definitely going to do Bicycle Tour of Colorado.

[Pedal Wench]

We've decided to wait and see who's route is better. I had thought that the Bicycle Tour was much smaller, but I think they're up to about 1500 riders. The difference between the rides seems to be getting narrower - Ride The Rockies was 2000. We'll probably sign up for Bike Tour, and then see where Ride The Rockies goes. They're probably very similar - and very fun! We had a blast - I still can't stop talking about it!

You should try to do the Grand Mesa ride (Day 2 - from Grand Junction to Delta)! It was beautiful. Three distinct different areas - the orchards in Paradise (or Palisades - I get confused...) were gorgeous, and then the stretch through the canyons off of I70, and then, of course, the climb. If you do it, don't try to go all the way down to Delta. Those last 20 miles seemed endless!

Surly - any reason you're going with BIke Tour over Ride the Rockies? Obviously, we're undecided!