Where to begin???
Well, Holland and I had a blast riding back from from Telluride and stayed at a couple of places for the second time on the way back through. We tried everything to avoid doing Monarch Pass again but it was just our destiny. After we got to the top we realized that it was not nearly as bad heading West to East and were glad that we didn't hitch a ride (because we had seriously considered it).
It was great to be back on our bikes again, but kind of hard to get motivated after a week off. We had a bunch of days of late starts and lunchtime naps, but were driven (well, I was and Holland was just along for the ride) by the eagerness to make it to Colorado Springs in time to meet my awesome girlfriend.
In Canon city, our last stop before the springs, we pulled into town on a mission to find a place to camp. We were both beat from a long hot day and I talked Holland into stopping for a beer and looking for some internet access to research campgrounds. As chance and fate would have it, we stopped at McClelland's Irish Pub. This was just a default for me since I love stopping at Irish pubs for a cold dark beer and glass of ice water after a long day of riding. The funny thing was that when we went inside we found that the were not yet open for business, but the super cool owners invited us in for drinks anyways.
As the night progressed we told our stories and listened to theirs and since Holland had only 20 bucks to his name and they were having their grand opening only two days later, things fell into place and Holland found a job. The carpenter, Lynn, was so nice as to offer us a place to stay and a great meal and the next morning I said goodbye to my riding partner and friend.
My first totally solo day... Only 45 miles and not a really big deal, but the time has come in the trip where I will be doing some solo days. I am looking forward to it and a bit anxious, yet excited.
But not solo yet. I had a great time with Craig hanging out and catching up on Tuesday night and all day Wednesday before we went to pick up Jen. He showed me around town some, we rented Jen a bike, hit the local brew pub and hiked the incline.
The incline is RAD! (see pictures below) About 2000 feet vertical in only one mile of climbing. There is no cheating here. You either do it or not and you always have to work for it. I imagine doing this 2 or 3 times a week like the locals and what killer shape one could achieve by training in this amazing place.
Anyways, a huge thanks goes to Craig for all of the hospitality, food, beer and a place to stay.
It is kind of tough for me to explain how wonderful this next part is, but I will attempt, as long as you keep in mind that words do not do justice.
Craig and I picked up Jen at the airport on July 4 for a long awaited reuniting. I had been totally anxious for the days leading up to this and was a mess on the day of the 4th because I could not stand waiting any longer.
We were so excited to see each other and the whole thing felt a bit surreal for the first day or so.
We stayed with Craig on Wed. night then loaded the bikes and rode a whopping 5 or 6 miles to Cheyenne Mountain Resort. This place was awesome! Going from living in a tent and sleeping on the ground to having people call me "Sir" and bringing room service was a shocking change. Jen and I thoroughly enjoyed the 50 meter pool and rewarded our dedication to training with some delicious frozen drinks.
It was fun traveling by bike with my girlfriend in this neat new place. She had some hesitation at first, but quickly built confidence, eventually leaving me in the dust on the hills. Her recent training was evident in her strength on the bike and after a quick adjustment to the altitude she was even surprising herself at how awesome she is.
I would like to take the time to recap every event from my time with Jen, like: Sushi, Irish Pub songs, camping, wild goose chases for yoga and camp sites, hugs, tears, smiles, beers, hiking, Mexican food, biking, swimming, laziness and much, much more, but I think it would be better put if I just say that it was the best week of my trip and I am very thankful to have such a wonderful person in my life.
Next Chapter...
I stayed with Alana and Reed for a few days after Jen left and enjoyed being lazy and having some quit time during the days. I worked some and spent many hours trying to figure out what to do with my life (or at least the next couple of weeks of it). I am now on a mission to head East with a rapid pace and get to the coast in around 30 days.
I am in Canon city right now and heading East in a few minutes. Got to spend a couple nights with Holland and had a blast here. Will post more on that later.
Colorado rocks!!! and I may be back here for an extended stay some day, but for now, I look forward to some solo time in the plains and reaching the East Coast where I will find the things I miss: friends, family, girlfriend, job, beach, Bojangles, etc...
Oh yeah, and one last thing. I am starting to plan my life after I get back to Wilmington and I have decided to do the Great Floridian iron distance triathlon. So in addition to packing on some high mileage days, I am going to start to discipline my run and will have a couple of months to hammer and get ready when I am back in the Dub town.
I have made a map that lists the days and places that I have stayed. It is pretty cool and at some point I will add little blurbs to each day. Click here to check out the map.
Now lots of pretty pictures...
We saw this sign riding from Salida to Canon city and I wanted to give a shout to my dad, since I thought he would get a kick out of it.
And while we're on the subject, I thought it would be nice to mention how much I appreciate all that my parents have done for me and what a difference all of the love and support has made.
This shot is from a camping/biking trip I took with my dad around my senior year of high school and I was thinking back on how this and other experiences have made such an great impact and molded me into what I am today. Thanks Ma and Pa.
This is Holland with our new buddy Lynn. We stopped in Canon city to look for camping, found a cool Irish pub that wasn't even open and Lynn offered us a place to stay and by the end of the night Holland was signing tax forms to work there.
Craig chilling in his palace. Thanks for all the hospitality Craig. It was great to see you.
Jen and me finally reunited.
We are pretty happy to say the least.
Craig busting out the cute, photographically artistic, candid shots.
Our 4th of July cook-out at Red Robin, feeding the burger craving.
Craig got me a balloon and it made my day. Oh wait, seeing Jen made my day, but Craig is still a sweetheart.
Goodbye hugs at Craig's place.
Jen after conquering her fears. This is the parking lot at the base of the incline after some serious climbing and a crazy straight up hill as a finally.
Jen and me at the base of the incline. We are headed straight uup towards that notch in the trees over our heads.
Stairway to Heaven. Well not quite, but at least that song was in my head the whole way up.
Happy to be at the top. The view is worth every step.
The view of the Garden of the Gods from the top of the incline.
The cutest girl ever. Must be happy about something.
Jen at home on the stage.
On the way back down Barr trail after the incline.
Jen in front of the Red Cragg Inn with the inlcline in the background. (that brown scar on the mountain on the left)
Really cool rock formation.
Us climbing around in said rock formation.
Cool to see the rock climbers out. I want to do it. Maybe next trip.
On the way out of the Garden, one of the best views of the whole place.
Jen and me with Doug, the most super cool and friendly deli owner ever.
Crossing the creek on our little hike on the way back into the springs area.
Me break dancing on a rock.
Jen being cute on an overlook during our hike.
Beautiful waterfalls and some attempted photographic techniques.
Spencer and me half way up Pikes Peak at Barr camp. Really cool hosts and a great vibe. Will stay the night here next time and look forward more of the famous pancakes.
Me getting stoked to pass the tree line. This place is out of this world.
Me at the technical peak of Pike.
Spencer and me at the cooler of the two signs at the summit. A huge thanks to Spencer for taking me up and being such enjoyable and educational company.
Me in front of the America the Beautiful sign. The song was inspired by this view.
The only good shot from the top (since it was a bit hazy) with two reservoirs showing through. What you see is about half way up the mountain and the city is still much lower in the top left background. Also if you look really hard you can see the switchbacks of the trail in the bottom of the picture.
This is me with Joel and Justin near the Summit of Mt. Elbert. A really great shot that shows the magnitude of this adventure.
Alana and Reed and me at the top of Elbert. Thanks guys for all of the hospitality, food and fun times.
The group at the Summit of Elbert. This is the highest point in the Rockies and the second highest in the contiguous U.S.
Holland and me with Joe McClelland, the main man and proud owner of the newest most rockin' brew pub in Canon city.
Joe showing us the mad bar keep skills. BTW I have never seen anyone rock a 3/4 acoustic guitar with some metal behind the bar like this guy. Thanks for the great food and drinks Joe.
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