Without stating the obvious, there's definitely some fundamental differences between Brent and I. One of them pertains to biking style & preference. He appears to enjoy punishing his body up brutal technical climbs, and pushing himself on ridiculously technical descents. I, myself, enjoy a physical & mental challenge, but today it just went too far!! :-) (seriously, though, Brent is very good at technical riding - I just have a lot to learn!)
We are currently staying in Idaho Springs, near Denver, Colorado, in the cheapest, crappiest motel we could find (this one doesn't even seem to service the room daily! Albert is having night off as all campgrounds are full). The last few rides have definitely been fun, but Brent has been hankering for some more sharp rocks, drops, tight switchbacks, stupidly steep climbs, and general inducement of physical pain. I agreed to give it a go. The chosen ride was called 'White Range Park' near Golden, and the Net reviews certainly endorsed its mean reputation. Long, long ascent on loose gravelly rocks – and up horrible water bars that required big wheelies (read, getting off the bike and walking, for me). Technical, narrow descents with big drops and tight corners. Brent was loving it! He had ample opportunities to enjoy the glorious views, thanks to me being sloth-like slow, and him having to wait every few minutes. Anyway, 8.6 miles and nearly 3 hours later (that is a seriously SLOW pace!) we got back to Albert – INTACT! Definitely a memorable one.
We did the Monarch Crest trail a couple of days ago (as described below) back in Salida. Awesome fun – 5 hours to do 33 miles (55kms) – got up to 12,000 feet (3660 metres – ouch), and descended down to 7,000 feet. Glorious views and met some nice people along the way too.
Stopped at Independence Pass (which is near Aspen) on our way up here to Idaho Springs. 12,095 ft pass and simply stunning. I got the bike out the sailed all the way back down the road, downhill for 45 solid minutes.....wooohooo!! Overtook a couple of Harley's on the way down....haha....not really, but I wish I did :-)
Going to check out the local hot springs shortly, and rest the aching muscles. And, tomorrow I am going to pull out the most trashy items I can find from my dismal choice of clothing – because we are going to the Drag Racing!! It's being held just outside Denver at the Bandimere Speedway. A day of watching ridiculously fast cars, and joining in the atmosphere of the crazy crowd. A true American experience! Looking forward to it!
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