Royal Gorge

CAÑON CITY, COLORADO

DAY 9 (UNOFFICIAL) - RIDE THE ROCKIES

Last year the Day 6 route on Ride the Rockies was to be Salida to Cañon City across Royal Gorge. However, there was a major fire burning and we were rerouted.  

I extended my stay this year for a day to ride the missing portion from last year. Ideally, I could ride point to point from Colotaxi to Cañon City.  But I couldn't pull that off logistically so I did the next best thing. I rode backward to the gorge loop. 

Royal Gorge Train

Last year we were looking at a mostly downhill ride to Cañon City from Salida so I knew I'd be riding uphill today until I turned around. And I started with a seven mile climb. 

Arkansas River from US 50

I passed one entrance for the Royal Gorge Bridge. I kept riding and crossed the Arkansas River. There I saw the second entrance with the sign "Bridge Closed Will Reopen." I stopped at a rafting company and asked if the sign was real. The young lady assured me it was and directed me back three miles, uphill, to the visitor center. 

Sorry Folks. America's Favorite Family Bridge is Closed for Maintenance

Arriving at the visitor center it appeared to be a restaurant. I saw a waitress. I didn't ask anyone for help. I just decided to ride as far as to the gorge as I could ride. 

Fire Damage from 2013 Fire

It's a gorge. My first thought was that I would ride downhill from the summit I had just crested. And the road went downhill at first. But then I was climbing again. A lot. And it made sense. The bridge is at the top of the gorge. 

I saw a closed Gorge Railroad. Also a couple of other boarded up businesses. At the end of pavement was a dirt road to a picnic area. Straight ahead the road looked like it might go to a bridge. But it was fenced off. So I rode on dirt. 

Dirt Leading to Picnic Area and Overlook

Arriving at the picnic area I saw rocks and dirt and a 1,000' cliff. I carefully maneuvered my way down the rocks to a vantage point to see the gorge and bridge. We were high up. We were far away. It was windy. I was wearing cycling cleats.

The Bridge and Gorge from Far Far Away

Today was important to honor Jamie Roberts. Her name was on my calf and I made sure I would get here. No matter what.

Overlooking the Gorge and Honoring Jamie

It was windy. Again. There was a headwind out and a tailwind back. The bike rolled back towards Cañon City. I hit 49 mph but was very uncomfortable trying to push it higher. It was three days since I checked or added air to my tires and I did not have a pump. I thought the tires felt low and I wasn't sure if an under-inflated tire was in danger of overheating and popping. The wind shifted and I was really afraid of pushing it. Riding is fun but I must keep it safe. (Like 49 mph is safe but 50 mph is dangerous.)

Looking Downstream at the Arkansas River

I didn't ride across the Royal Gorge Bridge, and now probably never will, but I saw it from afar. Most importantly, I honored Jamie. 

Royal Gorge Bridge in Background

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Berthoud Pass

IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO 

DAY 7 (UNOFFICIAL) - RIDE THE ROCKIES

Today was supposed to be my redo of Ride the Rockies Day 1. Bradley Allen picked me up at my hotel and we drove out to Idaho Springs for our start. The RTR ride started in Boulder but the Colorado State Patrol closed Boulder Canyon to vehicular traffic on Sunday. We would not have that luxury and best to keep it a safe ride and not ride through there.

Idaho Springs

On Sunday the riders rolled out in good weather with no idea what was ahead. Severely dropping temperatures, wind, rain and snow. Few riders made it over the 11,000 foot Berthoud Pass to Winter Park. Many made the climb but were not permitted to attempt the dangerous descent. And perhaps the majority were stopped at Empire and were told the course was closed. We had no such problem with the weather today. 

Barry and Brad

Twelve days ago I rode with the 4K for Cancer in Pennsylvania. The one rider I rode with on both days was Jamie Roberts. I really liked her. We had stopped in at my sister, Betsy's, house for ice and a bathroom break. I learned this morning Jamie was killed after being struck by a pickup truck in Kentucky yesterday. This hit me hard. Real hard.

Riding for Jamie

Last night while we were at dinner I was reliving my first couple of days with Team Portland and riding in Pennsylvania. I showed Brad a picture on my phone of the 4K when they stopped at Betsy's place.

Jamie Roberts, Betsy Sherry, Barry Sherry, Dan Johnson

Just as I was going to bed I checked Facebook and saw a couple of posts suggesting something horrific happened to a member of the 4K. I messaged Trish Kallis but got no response. I went to bed wondering what happened.

In the morning it became clear when Sarah Eddy posted an article from the Baltimore Sun that a rider from the 4K had been killed. And it was Jamie. I was crushed.

Jamie Roberts
Credit: Jamie's Facebook Page

 
Brad arrived and texted that he was at the hotel waiting. Through tears I was inside sharing the article on Facebook about Jamie. And when I came out of the hotel he asked if I was OK. Clearly I wasn't. 

I don't think Brad knew she was my friend when he was given a name but when I didn't come out of the hotel immediately and he checked my status update, he knew for sure.

Brad brought a Sharpie and we both wrote Jamie's name on our calves. After parking in Idaho Springs (7,526') we found a couple of cyclists to take our picture. I had been to Idaho Springs once before, if you don't count yesterday. That was in 2007 when I rented a bike at a small store and rode up Mt. Evans. The store is gone, replaced by a Kum & Go.

One of the riders told us to forget our cue sheets and to follow US 40. He was wrong. We started out of Idaho Springs and saw that 40 merged into I-70. It was probably legal to ride on the shoulder but certainly no fun. And not real safe. The RTR directions were marked on the road making it easy to follow. 

The "Original" Hard Rock Cafe
Empire, Colorado

I wasn't prepared for the amount of climbing to Empire and to the base of the climb to Berthoud Pass. And I certainly wasn't prepared for the wind. It was wicked at times and always in our face. 

Last General Store
It was Closed

My mind was consumed completely with Jamie. This was truly a day dedicated to her memory. Riding wasn't fun today. I was consumed with sadness.

Crossing Berthoud Pass

The climb was long but not especially difficulty, especially going as slow as I was. Up ahead Brad had to wait for me. Often. The temperature dropped on the climb. 

Looking back towards Empire

At the summit we took a picture being sure to show our dedication to Jamie's memory. We also discovered we were at the Continental Divide which was a bit confusing to me. I crossed it at Rabbit Ears Pass and thought I crossed back at Loveland Pass. I'm thinking I crossed it one more time at I am unaware of.

Jamie on our minds and legs

Having "lost" the race to the summit I cautioned Brad not to follow me down the mountain if I do something stupid. And off we went. Brad's ultra-skinny body had its advantage in climbing but I roll faster downhill. I took off and eventually waited for him then we rode the lower slopes together. 

Berthoud Pass - 11,307'

Arriving Winter Park we picked up my rental car which I had driven here on Sunday, went to lunch, then drove to the Loveland Pass ski area. We had hoped to ride to Idaho Springs from the ski area for an additional ride and more miles but it turned cold (55) and looked stormy. We hadn't brought cold or foul weather riding gear. 

Looking towards Winter Park

I climbed some big passes and tough climbs during Ride the Rockies. But today's ride was the toughest. 

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Loveland Pass and Golden

GOLDEN, COLORADO

DAY 6 - RIDE THE ROCKIES

I rolled through downtown Breckenridge at 6:45 a.m. It was still quite chilly. Cold, actually. We took the trail out that we had ridden in on yesterday. Those last ten miles of "flat" that I struggled with so much? I coasted the whole way today. I struggled because I was going uphill yesterday. Glad to know the reason I sucked was because it was uphill.

Swan Mountain

I was expecting a climb to Loveland Pass but we first began with a climb up Swan Mountain. Nice little warm up. As we were climbing someone in a Jeep screamed "asshole" among other things. It was the only road rage I witnessed in Colorado.

And what goes up must come down. We descended over the top to about the same elevation we started from. The ride down was nice but I knew that meant we had to climb again. I'd prefer to start climbing and keep climbing.

Still haven't tried these but very popular on Ride The Rockies

I was and I wasn't looking forward to today. I really wanted to get the climb over with and coast to Golden. I rolled out of the rest area not sure how far it was to the summit. Roadside signs warned no vehicular traffic except for Hazmat trucks. (This was the Hazmat route to avoid the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70.) We had the road to ourselves. As we climbed higher I saw some trucks had been pulled over for staging an escorted convoy. 

Upper Section of Loveland Pass

I kept my heart rate low all day just pedaling within myself. The climb wasn't particularly difficult, a lot of 6-7% grade, but it was long. Passing the A Basin there were skiers on the slopes. 

Skiing at A Basin

I reached the top of the climb and immediately joined the line for a picture at the summit.  That took 15 minutes. 

Made it to the top

The descent was beautiful with gorgeous vistas and sweeping curves. I did not bomb this part but at the bottom was Loveland Ski Area. As I made the turn there was yet a downhill ramp. I tucked and hit 51 mph before having to brake hard for the second rest stop. 

Trail next to I-70

We were next to I-70 but had a separate bike path through the woods. I could coast comfortably and safely at 30 mph down to Georgetown. It was gorgeous in the woods and some pines had recently been cut giving it a great aroma. But the path ended and we again shared a road, also downhill. 

Trestle for Georgetown Loop Railroad

Believing the ride was entirely downhill to Golden and ignoring those spikes on the profile map, we had a rest stop in Idaho Springs. Shortly out of Idaho Springs we climbed Floyd  Hill which was a two mile 8-9% pain in the butt climb. I saw many people walking, perhaps a combination of tired legs and heat. My Garmin was showing 99 degrees coming off the pavement. It was the first time we dealt with heat the entire week.

After a nice respite of downhill we began another climb towards Lookout Mountain. Here we entered and rode on I-70 for two exits. That was an experience. Once we exited we had some rollers over to Buffalo Bill's grave site and Lookout Mountain. And a needed water break. 

Leaving the stop at Buffalo Bills it was all downhill to Golden. This time that was the truth. Steep. Hairpin corners. Two guys passed me and I let them go. I remember Wayne Stetina telling me last year that he never bombs a descent he hasn't seen before. I figured they had ridden it before but I wasn't taking any chances. All downhill to the finish in Golden. Plus, I was stuck behind a car most of the way and didn't want to be "that guy" who passed a car with a double yellow line.

Golden from Lookout Mountain

Whereas last year I met four pros, this year I didn't meet any. But I enjoyed the company of Mike with one arm, met interesting characters along the way like the two chicks on Tennessee Pass ringing cowbells, and saw the staff from the Davis Phinney Foundation. It was a very good week. 

Golden. The End.

Top Speed 50.7

Photos: ELK 9:09

Finish approx 1:35

EPILOGUE - Arriving Golden I parked my bike and enjoyed a Smoothie. I attended the closing ceremonies and did not win a bike or anything else. Without transportation to the hotel, and why I didn't find a hotel in Golden I do not know, I called Yellow Cab of Boulder. I was promised a cab would arrive in 20 minutes.

Pedal Your Own Smoothie

As I was gathering up my bike to meet the cab I noticed a couple eying my bike. They saw the FUCANCER sticker and asked if I knew Jan Stover from Virginia. I did. We had a pleasant conversation and they stated they would take me to my hotel "except I have a bike." The wheels come off. I can make it small. Oh well...

Barry with Brad Allen

One hour later. Two hours later. No cab. I called each hour only to be promised one was on its way. The first call was at 3:20. By 5:15 p.m. I called Bradley Allen in Boulder and he said he would be there within the hour. The 4K alumni are awesome. He came, took me to Westminster and we enjoyed a nice dinner. It was a great way to end the official week of Ride the Rockies.

By 6:20, three hours after I called, the cab never showed. I would never call Yellow Cab of Boulder for anything.

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Two Cute Chicks

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO

DAY 5 - RIDE THE ROCKIES

AVON TO BRECKENRIDGE

Leaving the Comfort Inn I found myself with Mike, an amputee who ride with one arm. Mike is apparently a legend in Denver cycling. He is a strong climber. We stayed together for about a quarter of a mile when we got to the traffic circle and I peeled off to take a photo. This would save face much easier then actually being, you know, dropped.

Avon CO

It was a 16 mile climb to the first pass, Battle Mountain (9,231') but only the last four miles being the real climb. My legs felt good on the climb and I passed way more than passed me. I even reached  the top then descended back a little to try to get a good photo op.

Descending to Red Cliff Bridge I had a little too much speed coming on it to stop. But at the bridge is a road that descends along the edge of the gorge to the town of Red Cliff. I told the volunteer standing there "I bet there's a photo op waiting down that road." I went down it a few hundred yards and when I was down he came down to shoot me too. Right after the bridge was Rest Stop #1. I kept going.

Red Cliff Bridge

After the aid station was 12 more miles of climb to Tennessee Pass (10,424') and the winds picked up significantly. We seemed to be creeping down in the valley and I stopped at a "Point of Interest" which was a World War II Winter Training Camp for the U.S. Army.

Eagle River near Avon

Seeing the sign for the summit the road kicked up significantly. Like the first climb, my legs felt pretty good. I passed a woman I thought was Lisa Smith, who I had met earlier, but it wasn't. She was struggling a little and I encouraged her with "one mile to go."

Then with about 1/2 mile to go the real Lisa caught me. I thought she'd blow right by me, she is a tremendous climber, but we stayed together until the summit. I stopped to use the porta-john and visit the Davis Phinney Foundation. Lisa kept on going.

Lisa Smith

Ringing cow bells were two kids dressed as chickens. And I have seen them on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. So I grabbed a photo with them then after rest stop. Then it was off for Leadville.

Barry and Two Cute Chicks

We were promised an 11 mile downhill. It wasn't. But it was mostly easy pedaling. As I came upon a T and a turn to the left I saw signs for Leadville to the right. After talking with a State Highway Patrolman, he encouraged me to ride into town. He told me how rough a place it was. Gambling, drinking. "Still is," he said.

Leadville

I met two local cyclists and told them I had five minutes to see Leadville. I asked them what I should do. They told me to turn around. They called it Deadville. But I continued on and was glad I did.

Leadville

I was leaving the rest stop when Roger and Jeanie Schultz pulled in. I told them their friend, Lisa, was well up the road.

It was 11 miles to the summit of Freemont Pass (11,318'). It seemed to be a long 11 miles and the first five miles was flat or trended downhill. Or I was seeing things. My legs no longer felt so good. Still, I worked my way past more people than passed me then saw a sign for the summit in four miles. The road kicked up in grade, a lot of 4-5% grade.

Climbing towards Freemont Pass

I passed a young lady riding a road bike with a straight handlebar. Or maybe she was on a mountain bike with skinny tires. She was easy to remember. I was struggling somewhat and about two miles from the summit she passed me.

As she passed I had no response - not that this was a race and I had to match her. She continued on. So too did a doctor I had passed earlier. He had a tag which stated MD and I thought he was from Maryland. Duh!

The last mile and one half or so before the big switchback features a long straight section which, to my eyes, looked like it was going downhill. My legs didn't think so and my Garmin confirmed it was 3-4 % grade. That was followed by a sharp left hander and one could see the cyclists struggling up the road ahead to the summit.

Rounding the corner the road kicked up to 6-7%, maybe more. And I soon passed the doctor. And because she was identifiable, the girl on the straight handlebar bike, my goal was to pass her. She was 200 yards, then 150, then 100 yards from me. I picked up my pace and with 150 yards before the summit I went flying by. Dignity remained intact.

Summit of Freemont Pass, aka Climax, Colorado

At the top was Rest Area #4, this one featuring the tour DJ. I bought a brat and sat down by an old mine train to eat it. It was the first time I bought food on course.This was also the best weather we would have all day. In the 70s at the 11,000' summit.

The Official Summit Sign

The descent wasn't necessarily steep at the top. In fact, there were a couple of slight uphill sections before the real descent began. Frustrated because I had not gone more than 45 mph on this tour, I was glad to have open road. Most cyclists were riding the shoulder and I moved into the travel lane which was smoother and absent road dirt and sand. I did not want to risk an accident moving at speed from shoulder to lane.

Ice on the lake at the top of Freemont Pass

I'm not sure what it was signed - maybe seven miles at 7% - but I got in a tuck and kept picking up speed. When I saw 52 mph I thought that was fast enough. I feathered the brakes a little to keep it near 50 mph.

I FLEW by riders on their descent. I'm sure all were surprised and I'd like to be going about 35 mph when someone is going 52 mph just to see how it looks. When passing I always moved more to the center of the lane even though they were on the shoulders.

52.1 mph

At the bottom the road intersects with I-70. But there is a separate bike road (more than a path, really), in which we rode downhill to Frisco. This was a great path alongside the river with many beaver dams, a few flooding our roadway.

Flooded path from beaver dams on both side

With just seven miles to go (I think it was longer), I blew by the last aid station and continued to Breckenridge. The trail became dead flat. And windy. This was my hardest section of the day. But we made it to the bike corral and got directions to the Doubletree Hotel.

At dinner I walked through town and chose the Kenosha Steakhouse which has a patio overlooking the Blue River in back. The waiter asked if I wanted to sit out on the deck and I told him I had been fighting the wind enough today. I'd stay inside.

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Ding Dong Avon Calling

AVON, COLORADO

DAY 4 - RIDE THE ROCKIES
 
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS TO AVON

Leaving Steamboat Springs

It was a bit chilly as I rolled out of Steamboat Springs. Then again, these are the mountains and the mornings are cool. I found the bike path and took it to the route. Once one the road, the same as we rode yesterday in our loop, I was enjoying solo time when a massive group rolled by.

Unlike last year, this year's route was not conducive to forming pace lines. Even if one formed I said I wasn't going to ride in one. Then I foolishly jumped in. Included in the group was a Wounded Warrior with no arms and a butt brake. We were rolling. I averaged 1.5 mph faster on the road to Oak Creek - the same place we rode to yesterday. 

Steamboat Springs Visitor Center

This wasn't a true pace line. It was just a large group with the same people pulling and a bunch of wheel suckers. Me. Not knowing the skills of the riders I decided to drop off, did, then soon found myself on the back of the group again. But it broke up completely with a little climb to Oak Creek.

Oak Creek Miners Museum

Miners Wall

Photo: Group M. 11:25

After the first rest station, I met Lisa Smith for the second time in the week. She introduced me to her friends Roger and Jeanie Schultz. I rode for about one minute before dropping for a photo op. After the picture I caught back up to Roger and rode with him and Jeanie to rest stop 2. Roger asked if I was glad to drop and not try to stay with Lisa. He may have been right.

Finger Rock

At Finger Rock I dropped again, only to rejoin and enjoy our conversation. That would last to the next stop and I would not see them again the rest of the day.

And you thought you had a dandelion problem

We had been enjoying the benefits of an awesome tail wind but it turned into a head wind when the road turned. I rode the climb and descent solo, passing many on the descent. I am either a dumb descender or fearless but it is one advantage I seem to have on 95% of the riders here. I go down hills well.

I stopped at the third rest area, ate some grapes, didn't see anyone I knew, and then moved on.

Made me giggle. Probably had said Poor and
someone made an editorial change

I hadn't gone very far when I saw and stopped at a tiny post office and talked with the postmaster. She said things have really gotten bad in the last two years. Glad I left. 

Tiny Post Office
Bond, CO

I saw a bridge ahead and because of the warning sign knew it was State Bridge but was disappointed. I was hoping for something very majestic. It was just a bridge.

State Bridge CO
Colorado River

On the climb up the pass from State Bridge I first was talking to a young lady riding for the Children's Tumor Foundation. She was wearing a riding kit made to look like lingerie. Cute.

Children's Tumor Foundation

I also got a demerit from the Colorado State Police for not riding single file. Oops. I ended up pacing a medic, Lori, up the climb. I met her last year and she remembered me. The policeman simply pointed to climb single file.

Sheep. Lots of sheep.

We had another nice descent to bomb although both had winds around 30 mph making 50 mph impossible. The wind both held me back and made it a bit dangerous trying to control the bike at high speed.

Leaving the fourth rest stop I was again riding alone until four riders passed me. I jumped on their wheels and as we passed a young lady struggling I motioned for her to follow me. She did. When I bailed at a stop light and stopped at a convenience store for a Cliff Bar she said she was really struggling until I invited her to ride along. She was right. The last 10 miles did rise, albeit at 2-3%, it was just enough to drag one down.

Just an entrance to a Golf Club
Eagle Springs Golf Club

At the end we were met by young ladies in baker"s uniforms with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. What a way to end a ride. And I didn't take a picture.

Credit: Ziggy

But Ziggy Emme did.

Eagle River

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