10. It's ColoradoWe've been back a few days now. It's been tough already. Several of us felt the depression starting to set in before we even got out of the Denver airport on Sunday: undoubtedly the sign of a great vacation (though knowing that doesn't really make you feel much better). We're all already thinking about the trip next year ... and a few of us are wondering if we can really wait an entire year to go back.
9. It's Lizard Head (http://lizardheadcyclingguides.com)
8. The scenery is gorgeous (meaning: the scenery)
7. The scenery is gorgeous (meaning: the men)
6. The scenery is gorgeous (meaning: the women)
5. Everyone does something: cycling, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, swimming, etc. Everyone.
4. Clear cool high mountain lakes
3. Riding the same stages as the pros and exponentially increasing your cycling skills
2. No stop signs
1. There's very little animosity towards cyclists (probably because everyone is one or at least knows one)
1. The high altitude and the plethora of pro cyclists and other fit people drastically increases testosterone (it's good stuff)
1. All the fit people motivate you to be more fit
1. Hobnobbing with pro cyclists (or at least getting to say 'Giorno!' to them)
1. The Race Within The Race
1. Exclusive nutrition and cycling tips from Sada
1. Lizard sightings
1. 20+ mile long descents ... at 40+ mph
1. Making new friends and getting closer to the ones you already have
1. Eat eat eat and still lose weight
1. The possibility of wildlife around every bend
1. Every bend. Every climb. Every descent.
1. The phenomenon of Sada ordering dinner
At the top of one of the mountain (I forget which one now, there were so many) John said two things to me that stuck. First, he said he was actually surprised I didn't back out. As petrified and intimidated as I was of this trip, it never even occurred to me that backing out was an option (my 545am BC workout buddies know this too well - if I say I'll be there, I'll be there - I may be half asleep and dressed a little funny, but I'll be there). Second, he looked at me and said 'Yeah. I can see it'. 'See what?' I asked. 'You. Out here. Riding around Colorado and the mountains on your own'. At first I thought that was a slam as in he was saying out loud that I really am un-mate-able (which could very well be true, though not something I particularly wanted to hear in the middle of my mountain-top zen moment) ... but then with a weird sense of calm I realized, he was right (don't tell him I said so, he gets a big head). I could see it too. And I can't think of too many things that sound better.
A few close friends (the ones who know there's something deeper to all this than just the biking and the scenery) have asked me if this trip has changed me. I say no, not really - although I'm 6 lbs lighter and no longer deathly afraid of screaming descents. Except for one small fact .... I think Ohio just became 'the place I grew up'. My 'home' is someplace else.
Until next time, happy and safe riding!
The promise of long descents has me intrigued. Tell me more!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the descents were beyond words. Not a single thing here even comes remotely close (not even some of those loooong deserted roads in hocking hills). Remind me next time we get out together to ride and I'll talk for as long as you're interested in listening! Did you watch any of JFM's videos? Those give you a shred of an idea what they were like (but still pale in comparison). Search for 'Lizard Head' and 'John Martin' on youtube for more. 20 miles without a stop sign or cross street is pretty wild! :)
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