RECAP: July 30th Mt. Evans

Hello Advanced riders... Just a quick recap for you guys but you already know what an awesome day we had on the mountain.  We started our journey in Idaho Springs where 6 riders where willing to take 3hrs of punishment climbing 28 miles up the highest paved road in North America.  Ben, Eric, Solomon, Scott, Martin and Adam met me at the park-n-ride across from the Shell gas station by the Mt. Evans exit off of 70.  Beautiful sunny skies welcomed us and a nice temp in the high 60's was very pleasant to ride in.  I was joined by Gretchen who was awesome and helped me sag for the boys.

Every one's smiling at the start... :)

The wheels started turning just after 8:40 or so.  I took a before pic of every one and then let them loose on the mountain.  Gretchen and I hung out for 45 to one hour as the boys were making their way up.  We hopped in my car and started heading up the mountain our selves.  As we caught up to each rider we would ask if they were ok and see if they needed anything while also taking a few pics.  After catching up to every one we drove up the road a ways and waited till they passes us again.  We did this one more time before we decided to meet half way up at Echo Lake.  They all took a break and refilled water bottles, had some food and used the restroom.  After a little break the boys remounted their rigs and continued on their journey.  Gretchen and I played cat and mouse with the boys 2 more times as they were nearing the summit.

Every one who had started this journey made it to the top!  It was pretty awesome following the guys and I felt like we were in our own little tour for the day.  The top was pretty crowded with other tourists but we managed to find a parking spot and got the boys more fluids, food, clothes for the descent back down and of course a couple of pics.  :)  We decided to meet at the little ranger station where you have to pay on the way up just to make sure every one was doing ok and so that the guys could shed some clothes from the descent. The guys made it down just about as fast as we did!  We had one last quick stop and picked up some jackets, arm warmers, etc and the guys were gone.  Adam actually beat us back to the park-n-ride with Solomon, Ben, Eric, Martin and Scott bringing up the rear.

WE MADE IT!!!

It was an awesome day, the weather could not have been any nicer.  I wish I could've rode but I had just as much fun sagging and cheering you guys on.  I am really proud of all of you for attempting this ride and super pumped that every one made it to the summit and down safely.  Thanks for a great ride guys and I had a blast helping you guys make the journey.  I'm not sure how we will top this ride...

Ps. I'd like to give a HUGE thanks to Gretchen for sagging with me and bringing all the food, water and even some extra clothes.  I really enjoyed your company and you were a big help.  :)

The sag wagon... Thanks Gretchen!

Check out the rest of the pics here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5636065595259918177&authkey=Gv1sRgCPiSidjhpo3KpQE&feat=email