 2 August 2014 |
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 Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir Rob C (#1548), Chris A (#2713), and I (#1615) rolled out of the start at 7:20a in mid 40 degree temperatures. Almost immediately, we hit the bottom of the Freemont Pass climb, which was enough to warm the core but not the fingers. We rode in shadow for at least 30 minutes until the sun poked over the Ten Mile Range and provided some relief. From that point on, the weather couldn't have been better: nearly cloudless skies, warm but not hot temperatures, and no hint of the forecasted scattered afternoon thundershowers. The ride segments naturally into Freemont Pass, Tennessee Pass, Battle Mountain, and Vail Pass. I dropped on the Freemont climb, meeting Rob and Chris at Aid Station #1 at the top. Being a timid descender (see my Timid Descender's Guide for a detailed discussion of the descents), I headed down early and they caught up. We rode together from Leadville up to Tennessee Pass and the steep spur up to Aid Station #2. I left early again, Rob and Chris passing me toward the bottom. Once the road flattened out, I caught them and we rolled on toward the Battle Mountain Climb. I pulled ahead a bit, then stopped after crossing the Eagle River bridge to snap some photos. I nearly caught them at the summit, but even if I had, I wouldn't have stayed with them on the descent. We reconnected at the Minturn Aid Station #3 before beginning the flat section before the Vail Pass climb. I pulled ahead as we passed through East Vail where the road began to turn up. I couldn't help but stop at Aid Station #4--stopped cyclists completely blocked the way. I waited a minute or two until Rob pulled in, letting him know that I was in good climbing rhythm and wouldn't be stopping. He took a break while I walked my way through the crowds and continued up. On the way up the bike path, I found myself passing many more riders (hundreds) than were passing me (9, to be precise, and yes, I counted). About halfway up, a woman (Kristy/Christie from Salida CO, I'd learn) passed me at a pace I thought I could match, so I locked on her wheel. We traded spots pacing each other and before we knew it, found ourselves at the top (Aid Station #5). Having ridden down the Vail Pass climb as part of the 2009 Triple Bypass, I had a sense of how hard the climb would be. Throughout the early climbs, I took care to manage my heart rate, mostly keeping it below 150bpm and often 145bpm. As a result, I had strong legs for the Vail Pass climb, finding it a challenge but entirely manageable and even enjoyable. Rob arrived a few minutes later, then Rob. We lingered a while, knowing that we had only the 4 mile descent down the bike path to Copper ahead of us. That descent was blast, with twists and turns on brand new pavement. We crossed the finish line back at the Copper Mountain base around 2:35p, parked our bikes, and grabbed lunch and a most welcome beer. The Route: click here for RideWithGPS  
The Numbers: click here for Strava
Ride Videos Chris and Rob after Leadville [10s] Great kit before Tennessee pass [6s] Arriving Tennessee Pass [24s] Tennessee Pass descent (upper) [13s] After Tennessee pass - Rob [14s] Tennessee Pass descent (middle) [1m 45s] Tennessee Pass descent (lower) - Rob and Chris [1m 10s] Battle Mountain ascent (lower) [2m 52s] Battle Mountain ascent (upper) [29s] Battle Mountain descent (upper) [31s] Vail bike path entry - Chris and Rob [1m 2s] Vail bike path [1m 13s] |
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