Source: Garmin Connect
Day 2, at 83 miles, was almost twice as long as Day 1. We went southeast out of Aspen and over Independence Pass at 12,095 ft, the 4th highest paved road in Colorado. The photos below show the path to the top.
While my bike chilled in the snow at the top of the pass, I had a Bobo bar.
The long descent into Twin Lakes was much appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed.
Distance 49.27 mi | Time 4:51:49 | Speed 10.1 mph | Elev Gain 4,327 ft
Source: RTR2016-Day 1
As would be the case for most of the week, we started with perfect weather. Mount Sopris was in view for much of the ride. Judy dropped me off in Carbondale and I was on my way just after 6 am. I finished just before noon. As I headed down into Aspen on McClain Flats Road, a large elk I had noticed running through the meadow to my right suddenly bolted across the road about 100 yds ahead of me. He missed a rider in front of me by less than 25 yds. Otherwise, the ride was uneventful. Judy and I spent a nice afternoon in town.
In 1986, and every year since, the Denver Post has sponsored a 6-day bicycle tour in June. The route changes each year typically covering 400-450 miles, several mountain passes, and +25,000 vertical feet of climbing. The first ride attracted 1500 participants. It was expanded to 2000 the following year; by 1989, an annual lottery was necessary to determine who would get a spot on the tour. The route is announced in early February followed by a 3 week registration window. The participants are notified in early March.
This year’s route was very appealing to me. It began in Carbondale and ended in Fort Collins traveling through Aspen, Copper Mountain, Grand Lake and Estes Park. Most importantly for me, the route from Grand Lake to Estes traveled over Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge covers 48 miles with 11 miles above treelike at 11,500 ft. The highest point is 12,183 ft. There’s an elevation gain of 4300 ft over 24 miles going from west to east followed by a thrilling descent into Estes Park at 7500 ft.
The logistics for the tour support and the individual participants are as challenging as the ride. The tour employs only three people year round and one seasonally. They are augmented by 80-100 volunteers, many of whom return year after year. Law enforcement officers at the community, county and state level provide traffic control, a friendly smile and encouragement along the way. Lastly, vendors follow the route serve food and drinks at the rest stops, move luggage and camping supplies, and provide mechanical support for the 2000 cyclists. The coordination of effort is inspirational. Colorado weather, no matter what the time of year, is notoriously unpredictable. The staff deals with rain storms, lightning, snow storms, and wild fires. In 2014, I was one of 200 riders who had to be bused off of Berthoud Pass because snow, wind and fog. Only a few riders made it down into Winter Park on their bikes before the storm hit; most riders were stopped between Idaho Springs and Downieville. All riders-and their bikes-had to be shuttled to Winter Park. It was an amazing effort.
The logistics for each individual is also daunting. Somehow, all of your stuff has to get from one place to the next–and carrying it on the bike is not an option. You also have to have a place to stay. That can be a camping option either in the great outdoors or in a local school gym. Several years ago, Kelly and Donna and I tried the camping option-for me, that is no longer an option! If not camping, then you have to find a place to stay. Some years, the route goes through towns with very limited options. Basically, if you are not on the phone the night the route is announced to secure a room, you are out of luck. Another appealing aspect of this year’s route was the availability of plenty of rentals at all of the stops. An added bonus was that you could stay in Aspen and Copper Mountain for two nights each.
Judy was a tremendous help for the first three days. We had a condo at Snowmass for the first two days. She drove me and my bike to Carbondale at 5am on Sunday morning then picked me up in Aspen. Since I would be staying at Copper Mountain the 2nd and 3rd nights, she agreed to drop my bag off in Copper on the way home on Monday; however, that condo had the most bizarre check-in and key retrieval process we’ve ever encountered. She had to go to Silverthorne to pick up the key then drive back to Copper, but not before 4 pm. So she ended up staying there with me another night. It became cold and rainy soon after I arrived at Copper on Monday night. It was very nice to have someone who loves me meet me there and feed me after an 84-mile day over Independence and Fremont Passes. I was also very grateful to not be a tent person that night!
LJ and NJ 