Winterpark MTB and basking by the creek.

Since the promoters of the Dead Dog Classic wouldn't let us register 3 hours after the registration deadline, Clare and I planned an epic weekend. With a sweet ride to Estes on Saturday under our belts, we packed up the Jetta and headed up to Winter Park for a mountain bike race on Sunday. The race was one 16.4 mile lap... which I thought was pretty short (soon to realize that it still took almost 2 hrs for a reason!!!). 2,500' of climbing, 3 near-death experiences and 109 mins later... I finished the race. The race took off with a 1.5 mile climb varying between 6 and 18% grades. Ouch. I wasn't off the back, but felt awful. The course was awesome and much of it was above 10,000'. Tough breathing! There were 3 major climbs: 2 service road climbs and 1 single track climb. The singletrack climb was much more enjoyable than the service roads for sure-- and even better than all the climbing: the descents! Descending was gnarly-fast, and it is where I could pass the ladies (and some guys) that passed me on the climbs! Rocks, roots, switchback-craziness. FUN!!! I can't wait to head back to the mountains! The mountain photo is one of the views from our drive back to Boulder from Winter Park. Vaaaarrrrriiieeeee NICE!
Midwest mtb racing: climb, descend, climb climb, descend, climb descend, descend, climb
Mountain West racing: climbclimbclimbclimbclimb, descenddescneddescenddescend, climbclimbclimbclimb, descend, climbclimb, descend descend descend descend drop descend descend.
On our way back down from the mountains, I couldn't resist from stopping to build a mini-snowman. Clare sat in the car because she "couldn't be bothered" to get out... even though she has NEVER made one in her life. ever. Alas, I think I'll try to make a snowman every month of the year from now on. Some people try to ski every month... I'll just stick to making snowmen.

That brings us today. While I had a turbulent morning, it ended really well. I had a rest day (easy ride to the grocery) and Clare didn't return until 2 from her epic voyage on the peak-to-peak. Soon after her return, we headed to Chipoltle for a burrito. AND what is better than a chipoltle burrito? A FREE chipoltle burrito! Thanks Garrett!

While at "chi-poodle," we met up with a cycling friend, Robbie, by chance-- He also stopped to chow and the was heading down to the Eben G. Fine park to hang in the creek. Sounded fun to us- I had never gone to chill in the park.
Clare is definitely enjoying her time in the grass!
I am contemplating jumping in, unfortunately, the sun had gone behind a huge cloud for sometime and it wasn't as HOT out... so I just chilled the legs.

In the park, you'll run into some strange folks! Here's Robbie- trying desperately to walk on his hands... he was inspired by a woman who had actually been doing yoga-stands on her hands and arms. Impressive!

Cheers to fun days and more to come!!! Can't wait for more barbecues and more times hanging at G.Fine Park.

tutu.

tt