RECAP: May 28th Deer Creek/High grade

Did we have a great ride on Saturday or what?  Our ride started out with some phenomenal weather, temps were in the mid 60's with a lite breeze.  We had a good size group of 9 riders for this new adventure to Deer Creek.

Things started off with a nice warm up to the CC Res. were we ran into the Intermediate group on their way into CC park.  We headed straight through the DTC to Happy Canyon and then on to Dartmouth.  From there we headed south on the Platte trail were half way to Chatfield Ken got a flat.  After a quick change we were back on the road and riding through Chatfield State park.  This is where the fun really started to begin...  we started our climb up Deer Creek and every one was finding their own pace up the mountain.  We had a quick regroup as we turned up High Grade where Eric ended up getting a flat after jinxing himself early when Ken had his flat.  After an amazing climb and gazing at some beautiful scenery we made it to the top of High Grade and had some refreshments, caught our breath and discussed how our individual climbs went.  After we had refilled our water bottles and had a bite to eat it was time to return home.

The top of High Grade.

We rode an out and back but we ended up loosing a few riders because some wanted to ride a little further such as Eric, Mike and Dave.  Jan did the descent with us but then went his separate way to meet his wife.  After a very fast trip down where Ken was just screaming we all decided we need some more fuel other than GU's and Chomps that most of us had brought with us so we stopped at our usual gas station to fill up some more.  I'm glad we did because we all needed the calories for our ride back to the shop.  We had a slight head wind riding back up the Platte trail but Ken did a great job pacing us back to Dartmouth.  Our legs were really starting to feel it so instead of going back through the DTC we cruised down Yale to save some time and miles.  By the time we arrived back at the shop we had logged 73 miles.  Every one rode really well and we enjoyed a little ride recap back at the shop with the remaining riders.

Thanks for a great ride guys!  I had a blast and we will definitely be doing that one again.

Check ride stats here:
Advanced Ride: Deer Creek by edge705cb at Garmin Connect - Details

Check ride pics here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5611977104020841569&authkey=Gv1sRgCJSQrImAwP2TXA&feat=email