Triple Bypass - ride write-up TBP advice from a friend of mine who did it last year: I ate and drank a lot. I employed my 14er mindset of trying to keep the calories going even if I'm not hungry. They have a great mix of food--orange slices, bananas, muffins and accelerade plus all sorts of energy bars at the rest areas. Sandwiches (pbj + turkey) at loveland ski area provide good substance in the middle of the day--have a few of those. Don't pass up eating in Frisco, you still have a Ward equivalent in front of you. For the road you might fill up one bottle of accelerade and one bottle of water. Try to remember to stretch your neck and back throughout the day--this could really help your comfort for the last few hours. Taking an advil every few hours might also reduce soreness later on. Despite these efforts my upper neck was sore by the end. Don't get caught up in hanging with people who have huge miles under their belts and something to prove. The first hill is a parade of ultra fit bikers in pro kits on deluxe rides (fun to check out the sick italian bikes, serrotas and litespeeds), and you will be humbled by many of them but will also pass scores of middle aged freds. Some of these ultra fits will crack later on and you will look into their pained expressions as you pass. The standard advice is to try and go at a pace on squaw that doesn't impact you at all--easy gears and fast spinning--so that you are nearly 100% going down to Idaho. If your legs burn on squaw it will be a long day (or maybe a short one). A fist pump is in order when you see the sweet sight of CDOT vehicles on Vail Pass. Keep your eyes open on the Vail descent as there are one or two sharp turns on the bike path and you will be tired. Then get into a competent paceline for the final stretch into Avon, esp if there is a headwind. The BBQ lives up to the billing with great food, beer and music. Bergen Park will seem so far away, and it is. Big picture, this is the signature Colorado ride, and it is definitely an adventure. There is an awesome positive vibe going on all day with the riders and Team Evergreen people who support it. So enjoy the experience and the views (esp Loveland), no need to be maxing it. I was lucky b/c I was nearly the strongest in my group, felt like I could have gone ahead on all of the hills but held back. Despite this I was pretty much tapped at the end, so I'm glad I didn't push harder. All this talking about the ride has me wishing I was in. Then again...