Day 27 Winter Park to Denver

It was cloudy and cool this morning, the coolest yet. We didn't get out til 7:30 this time.

The first part of the ride was downhill, followed by a slight incline for some 10 klm (6 mi). Then the real climb started and went on for another 30+ k (18 mi). It wasn't nearly as bad though as some of the other passes we had gone through. The cooler weather and the fact that the climb was at the beginning of the day when our legs are "fresh" helped out. It took 2.5 hours total to get to the peak (Berthoud Pass) which is at an elevation of 11,300'. At the top it was pure jubilation, clapping, and cheering as cyclists rolled up one after the other. A great feeling and a sense of accomplishment for all. This is our last of 6 mountain passes and our highest elevation point on the tour. The top of the Colorado Rockies for us. The mountains here in Colorado are beautiful and truly a sight to behold.

The ride down was nice and fast, although there were a lot of switch backs on the road. Some riders went over 80 kph (50 mph). We stopped in a town called Empire for a break and went to supposedly the original Hard Rock Cafe for a bite to eat. It's always easy to tell where everyone is, just look for 20 or 30 bicycles in front of a bldg. Again, the mood inside was cheerful. Everyone was celebrating "conquering" the peak.

We came through another town called Idaho Springs, an old mining town. Took a pic there of an old firehall (see Fred M)

Past the half way mark we had a nasty 1000' incline to cycle up. It was steep and just then is when the head wind started. The wind swirled about for most of the way into Denver. Good thing we were downhill again or we'd still be biking. It was the windiest time yet while cycling. We followed a nice river and came through some red rock area where plenty of tourists come to visit. We were able to follow Dave DeRidder, a Denver pastor, through the maze of streets and roads to get to Denver Christian High School.

We got there at 3PM and were met with a great welcome. A DJ in the parking lot, school cheer leaders at the entrance, cold water, goody bags, lots of people there, free haircuts (no thanks, I'm growing mine out). Did the usual routine of tent set up, shower etc, and it was plenty hot, just under 100. Billy D, one of the camp set up guys would see me and say, "It's going to be a great time here tonight Randy, you're gonna love it, party time, etc, etc".

Then the best surprise of all as Geri V called me out to the kitchen trailer. There was Shelley! (and Elly M, Wendy T, and Debbie L) Billy D knew all about it. Needless to say, no tent tonight. So this is a fantastic break for Fred and I, close to the mid-way mark of the trip. After 4 weeks of being apart from our spouses, words really can't describe.

Totals for the day: 146 K (88 mi), 6:07 on the saddle, avg speed 23.9 kph (14.4 mph)

On another note, one of our cyclists, Tyler B (MI) had a bike accident (he hit the rear wheel of the bike ahead of him) and ended up breaking his collarbone. So he's finished which is really too bad for him as he is an avid cyclist.