tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937771379469376662024-03-19T01:48:14.219-07:00Front Range RamblerRambling the Front Range of Colorado and Beyondmike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.comBlogger413125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-55393772900237267702016-05-31T11:16:00.000-07:002016-05-31T11:18:04.414-07:00The Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-87784440266023597882014-10-27T20:55:00.000-07:002014-10-27T21:06:58.829-07:00Strollin' with Baby<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>South Table Mountain above apartment, with views towards Green mountain (left) and Mt. Morrison (right), and my baby boy (foreground)</i></td></tr>
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I've got a new running partner.</div>
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He's perfect.</div>
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He's kind enough to go my speed -- he doesn't go too slow, and although he's always just a bit ahead, and makes me work a bit harder than I would solo, he never takes off out of sight. He's always willing to trust my route selection and come along, rarely whining or complaining. And although I like dogs and they make great running partners, too, he never snags my snacks while I'm not looking, or chases skunks. The true environmentalist, he even packs out his own waste!</div>
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He's just under 3 months old.</div>
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I'm now able to go running outside with my boy thanks to a very generous and thoughtful gift of a jogging stroller from our awesome friends in the Fort Collins Trail Runners.</div>
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You guys are all awesome! You saved us from this:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuck.</i></td></tr>
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Seriously, this was an incredible gesture for our little family. We've already got it great, with a beautiful happy, healthy baby making us smile with his goofy laughs and giggles. It's also been a mad, emotional and financial scramble for several months, going from 0-to-baby in no time, but NO complaints, knowing how hard and nerve-wracking it can be for anyone going through the difficult uncertainties of adoption or pregnancy. We've already had incredibly generous support from family and friends, with plenty of new and used clothes and toys and other basics to get us started. While Mama J has been focused on getting his nursery ready -- tipping from a delicate emotional point of not having any time before he was born to bringing him home -- I've been wondering, how do I get him outside, comfortably and enjoyably, to appreciate the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of his wonderful world?</div>
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So while I might not have been as excited by the comprehensive 'Must-have' list provided by Baby Registry services (how did babies survive just a few decades ago?), the main long-term indulgence I hoped for was a nice running stroller.</div>
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Our friends came through, just in time for one of the best stretches of October weather in Colorado since we've lived here, with the BOB Sport Utility stroller.</div>
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So far, it's been fantastic. I guess this is a short review.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clear Creek Trail, Golden</i></td></tr>
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<b>BOB Sport Utility Stroller</b></div>
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One of the main questions for a parent runner is, "Which stroller?" There are several options, and I knew BOB makes some great ones. Among those, you have the "Ironman" version, which is high-quality but built for (racing) pavement. I definitely leaned towards the off-road versions, which have 16-inch pneumatic tires and shocks to be able to go over moderately rough terrain and bumps.</div>
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The last debate was the Sport Utility, which has a fixed-front wheel (with all 3 wheels being 16" diameter), vs. Revolution, which has a smaller front wheel that rotates side-to-side ("yaw"), but is more expensive, and lacks a handbrake. The consensus I found is that the Sport Utility Stroller really is more of a hiking and running stroller -- several trail runners I spoke with recommended this model -- whereas the Revolution might be slightly easier to maneuver through malls and more for jogging.</div>
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So we registered for the the Sport Utility Stroller and it's been a great choice. I've needed and used the handbrake on steeper downhills already. In addition to preferring the cushioning of the larger front wheel, I've patched a tire already (not bad, as I went through patchy weeds in goathead season) and bought some replacement tubes from a local bike store, and it would be more troublesome to have to keep or bring 2 different tire sizes. As for turning a fixed front wheel: you wouldn't want it to be able to turn on any sort of bumpy terrain, as every rock would knock it sideways, but on flat areas it's an easy shift-of-weight backward, and then a quick pivot on the rear tires. With practice (i.e., one run), you can do this at-speed.</div>
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I do understand that there's an even more expensive version of the Revolution with a handbrake (or maybe it can be added), and there might be more adjustment on the handlebar height. If the latter is important, it might be worth checking out.</div>
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Otherwise, from what I can tell, based on the first hundred miles: BOB Sport Utility Stroller FTW.</div>
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Last up is colour, and you can choose any colour you want...as long as it's a Denver Broncos colour!</div>
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So, orange or blue. Both are sharp looking. I went with orange because I thought it would be easier to see. Safety first!</div>
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<b>Running with an Infant</b></div>
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But wait, there's more! Young infants cannot stabilized their own heads yet. They're most secure when still in their car seat, which may have additional cushioned neck support in it. Luckily, most decent jogging strollers have adapters for car seats, so that you can click a rear-facing carseat into the stroller. In the case of BOB, you can get adapters for different car seat brands. Confusingly, BOB carseats are made by Britax, which means you need a Britax adapter to mount the carseat to a BOB stroller, making the "adapter" sound like a misnomer when you have both items being BOB brand. In truth, the "adapter" is actually a mounting bracket that supports the carseat. But still, extra $$$.</div>
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The other question is about jogging with infants at all, especially on bumpy surfaces. Like all parenting issues, their are strong opinions and occasionally contentious debate. There are numerous anecdotes of people running with weeks-old babies that turn out just fine, and no known population evidence otherwise. Some have a misguided fear of "shaken baby syndrome" (SBS) but the terribly violent jerking of SBS (generally forward-to-backward) is vastly different than anything encountered in a reasonable stroller ride. Millions of kids deal have dealt regularly with bumpy transport. And, ironically, we're very accepting as a society of the incredible risk of simply driving on the roads each day, yet people question anything outside of average behaviour.</div>
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Using a stroller for running, and on trails, then, is mostly common sense. Even with nice shocks, you can't fly over bumpy or rutted trails. And with the carseat adapter, the center of gravity is higher, so you also do have to be a bit more careful as it rocks side to side and you have a smaller baby. So on most rocky stuff, I'm at or near a walk, and the best trails are still relatively flat dirt, gravel, or paved trails. Still, the cushioning of a nice running stroller is much better than a basic stroller with small, hard wheels.</div>
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The overall verdict of running with a baby so far? Luckily, babies are not shy about letting you know how they feel. My son will mostly sleep, quite peacefully, and occasionally look around or at me. It's obvious to tell the difference between when he's displeased or content, so it's obvious to know to slow down for anything really bumpy or rocky, and otherwise he's quite happy to be outside. He'll occasionally fuss when trying to fall asleep, no different than being in a car, and a pacifier usually fixes that as he falls right back asleep. If he's awake, and when we're done, I'll talk to him and make sure he smiles. Which he always does -- he's a pretty happy guy anyway.</div>
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One last data point: since we started longer runs, up to 1-2 hours if I time it with naps, he slept through the night for the first time ever! And did so 4 of the next 6 nights in a row (waking up once the other 2 nights), and has not had any of the random 'witching hour' fussy times in the afternoon in the last week. Could be a complete developmental coincidence, but just sayin'...</div>
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mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-86348047391669119122014-10-19T16:57:00.003-07:002014-10-20T10:16:32.142-07:00Pass Baggin' on the Mountain BikeIn late summer and early fall, when I had some open time on a weekend or we were visiting the mountains, I found myself bringing the mountain bike more than previous years. It's been a great change of pace, and, frankly, blasting through wildflowers across tundra or forest trails covered in golden aspen leaves on a bike is about as good as it gets.<br />
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For trail running some of the best trail runs end on mountain summits. But for bikes, some of the best roads and trails may not go to proper summits, but instead traverse across saddles and passes.<br />
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Some of the classic Colorado pass rides I've done that are highly recommended and popular:<br />
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<li>Kenosha Pass: Colorado Trail in either side</li>
<li>Georgia Pass: Colorado Trail on either side</li>
<li>Monarch Crest near Monarch Pass</li>
<li>Schofield Pass/401 in CB</li>
<li>Rollins Pass Nederland to Winter Park</li>
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Getting back on the bike this year when I could, I found myself seeking out a few new (for me) bike-accessible passes. Here are some of them.</div>
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<b>Wheeler Pass Loop</b><br />
While J was in Breckenridge for a work meeting, I took a jaunt up to Wheeler Pass, which goes straight up through Breck ski area, then drops down the other side to Copper, before returning on the bike path. (With more time, which I didn't have, taking the Peaks Trail between Frisco and Breck would add more dirt).<br />
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I followed the <a href="http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20060606/RECREATION04/50601033">guide and map</a> from the SummitDaily free Bike Guide -- these magazines are ubiquitous in Summit County and convenient for ideas and tearing out the page you need, but sometimes the directions are a little sparse -- mostly, it's written for people who seemingly already know which way the ride goes. For example, this ride goes under a "quad lift" and then "another quad lift" whereas the simple addition of the lift <i>names</i> might have been helpful. So it was that I headed too far over before finally making my way up to what I hoped was Wheeler Pass.<br />
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Indeed it was, and it was nice to see the weather breaking, as did my mood after spending too much time trying to figure out if I was going the right away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb_BCX5fo3WkUEG-Cm44Zolw4wyqx80idtj4wU41E6QaYucVY4JoNXW-p92hkG2HJYOSk5KI2aLrXYtWA-XfQW6IuIMRE9IuUCov1ZAtKaph-Im39B6aRP9xopPCXa6uquyNvDOJhjQk/s1600/DSC03982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb_BCX5fo3WkUEG-Cm44Zolw4wyqx80idtj4wU41E6QaYucVY4JoNXW-p92hkG2HJYOSk5KI2aLrXYtWA-XfQW6IuIMRE9IuUCov1ZAtKaph-Im39B6aRP9xopPCXa6uquyNvDOJhjQk/s1600/DSC03982.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I enjoyed a heavenly slice of banana bread that I brought from <a href="https://plus.google.com/116623632709160685100/about?gl=us&hl=en">La Francaise</a> before heading down.<br />
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The backside had a different feel as it dipped into the woods, with the recent monsoon moisture making it feel more like the PNW. Some ruts and switchbacks slowed down the flow a bit but all in all it was a great descent followed by the cranking the bike path to finish the loop.<br />
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<b>French Pass Out-and-Back</b><br />
Also while in Breckenridge, one of J's coworker's husband brought his bike and was up for a ride, so we decided to head up French Pass, again using a <a href="http://www.summitdaily.com/exploresummit/recreation/biking/12001339-113/french-gulch-road-pass">Summit Daily description</a>. One could drive up a bit toward the pass but we enjoyed the warmup straight out of town (so much that we missed Wellington Rd. altogether and took 450 -- at the corner by the 7/11 -- straight up French Gulch instead).<br />
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A stream crossing got things nice and wet, and things were still marshy up high, with a little hike-a-bike in the mud, but ultimately it was another gorgeous place to be up high.<br />
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Dropping down the other side looked enticing, as did a ridge run along any of the nearby Class 2 summits, but instead we headed back the way we came.<br />
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<b>Copper "Dirty Triangle" -- Searle, Kokomo, and Resolution Pass</b><br />
Well this was a fun one and nice surprise. I knew that Searle and Kokomo was a great section along the Colorado Trail, but it seemed a modest half-day ride would need to be an out-and-back. Instead, though, I saw an intriguing loop called the Copper Dirty Triangle, which is a fun play on the classic 80-mile road bike ride (much like the Morgul Bismark vs. Dirty Morgul Bismark near Boulder). While the trail version is about 45 miles shorter, it's more of a technical and aerobic challenge.<br />
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And routefinding, as following the Colorado Trail across Copper Mountain gets tricky in a few areas. Of course, logically, it's a good bet that Kokomo ski lift is named for a nearby geographical feature, and indeed that's the side of the mountain you want. As an aside, having ridden or run in summer on over a half dozen ski areas by now, I've had the frustration of ski area summer map and trail situation: summer trails are given new and unsigned names on "Summer Maps" despite large coincidence with downhill ski runs; more importantly, summer maps often lack detail on useful landmarks like ski lift names, ski runs, structures, and topographic features. But I digress!<br />
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And it wasn't too bad once you get the idea of heading straight across Copper. The thinning air and occasional steeper sections made for honest work. Eventually, up high, I saw a helicopter buzz by a few times, and I immediately became concerned about a rescue mission -- especially when I saw something dangling below.<br />
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It turns out, it was an annual re-supply flight to the nearby Janet's Cabin ski hut.<br />
More rolling terrain as I approached and then crested Searle Pass.<br />
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And more rolling still toward Kokomo Pass, above 12k feet.<br />
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I'm glad I crested Kokomo, rather than an out and back, because the descent was fun and I was treated to a gorgeous carpet of colourful tundra.<br />
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The trees in Camp Hale were starting to change as well. This really ended up being a great choice for mid-September, as being one of the first areas to change noticeably, days or even a week or more before some of the other classic areas started peaking.<br />
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There's a few miles of flat through Camp Hale, and then the final grueling climb up Resolution Road.<br />
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Be forewarned, this section is shared with ATV's and motorized traffic, and is relatively unshaded. Supposedly the next gulch over is steeper and shorter, but I didn't take the time to see how these might have connected.<br />
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I finally made it to the top, then began the descent on dirt road, keeping my eyes peeled for the quickly-approaching trail that branched off to the right along a switchback, necessary for making the loop. This trail wasn't as hard to spot as I thought, and I chatted briefly with a few hikers visiting from the east coast, envious of all of Colorado's great trails.<br />
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Only a few miles remained on singletrack, which became waterlogged and overgrown in a few spots, but was also resplendent with Colorado colour.<br />
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I stayed right at a fork, and although unnamed in the description and on the signs from this direction, it is the Wilder Gulch Trail.<br />
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Now I had a quick descent down the Vail Pass bike path to finish the loop. Even the colour here made it worthwhile, and even though this is a classic road bike section, it's nice to fly down fast pavement confidently on cushy fat tires.<br />
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<b>Webster Pass</b><br />
I did red mountains. My head is on a swivel when we drive through the San Juans, over Red Mountain Pass, for example -- yet I haven't been up Red Mountain 1/2/3, or even the aesthetic 14er walkup of Redcloud. I guess I like to look at them from below.<br />
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Much closer to home, though, is Red Mountain near Webster Pass, between Montezuma and Jefferson. A rocky jeep road leads up from either side. In this case, I <a href="http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070221/RECREATION04/50601011">made a loop</a> from Montezuma, tacking on Webster Pass as an out-and-back, and then taking Deer Creek back down.<br />
I guessed correctly that the colder weather and recent snow would cut down on the motorized traffic that usually infests the area in the summer. But it also made things tougher for biking, with most of the switchbacks up Webster Pass covered in pedal-deep snow. The drifts are made worse by snow-fencing and the fences put up to keep motorized traffic off of re-vegetated areas, so the protective fences actually end up keeping more snow on the road itself.<br />
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The snow and wind was cutting into my schedule, so I didn't actually get up on top of the mountain.<br />
Still, it was worth the slogging hike-a-bike up to Webster Pass for the views of Red Mountain.<br />
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After descending the pass, I needed to regain as much elevation toward Teller Mountain to complete the loop, and in fact the climb up the ridge, while without a named pass, was even higher and more challenging on and eroded and steep mining road.<br />
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Again, though, it was worth it for the view.<br />
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The trail rolled along the divide further, but I cut down into the trees in Deer Creek, unable to feel my feet which had been wet for the last several hours. Still, I was grinning at the prospect of the coming winter. Even though I'll curse it come March or even late February, it's always exciting when it's new.<br />
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*<br />
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What are some of the other great passes in Colorado?<br />
Tomichi Pass-White Pine between Salida and Gunnison is probably tops on my to-do list right now.<br />
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<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-14422287678373798252014-09-11T10:14:00.003-07:002014-09-11T10:21:51.578-07:00A boy's lifeAnd this blog was about local trails and runs and mountains and all that stuff. Those things are still fun, and important, and we can't focus only on the most important things in life, all the time, lest it be too dull. That variety, and sharing of it, makes us human.<br />
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But those things have fallen far down the list with a new role, the most humbling and happy I'll ever experience:<br />
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<i>Dad.</i></div>
mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-20885796797308035452014-09-11T09:46:00.003-07:002014-09-12T09:48:21.171-07:00The next run...I had nothing on the schedule after Bighorn. And that nothingness was great.<br />
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The Bighorn finish means I have 2 more lottery years of eligibility for Hardrock. That's the long-term goal. I've calmly accepted that I'll get my chance eventually, and that each run or hike -- especially when it's uncomfortable -- is another training step for Hardrock. <br />
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I was able to get some good rides on the mountain and road bike instead this summer. But the most fun I had running was up by Cameron Pass, on a great weekend of scouting for Gnar Runners' Neversummer 100k slated for July next year. Since I'll still probabilistically not get into HR this coming year, which is fine, I'm excited about races like that, as well as some more hikes/runs and mountain bike rides.<br />
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The Neversummer 100k has the potential to be a phenomenal event on a very inspiring course. The only thing better than tromping through those mountains and woods will be doing it with friends and family cheering and hanging out at campfires. Can't wait!<br />
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A handful of other 100's otherwise hold my interest, but at this point it's clear that I won't spend many more years running these things, and certainly not racing them. I can finish them comfortably, with a smile on my face, but am not able or willing, for better or worse, to push into that realm of competitiveness at that distance. I've had some incredible experiences and gotten more than I ever thought out of it, but I'll focus more on variety. Hope to be on the skis and bike more -- and taking some slower, family-friendly hikes -- instead of looking too far forward.<br />
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<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-63281974997993027362014-09-11T09:25:00.000-07:002014-09-12T09:37:55.658-07:002014 Bighorn Trail 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2014 Bighorn Trail 100</div>
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A few months late, but the Bighorn 100 was as great as I thought.</div>
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I don't have much advice to add that hasn't been covered elsewhere.</div>
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I rode up with some friends, met some other friends at the start, and ran with some more during the first parts of the race. J and Mama W were there for crew support, with my friend <a href="http://runaholic-chris.blogspot.com/">Chris S.</a> out from SoDak for night-time pacing duties.</div>
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Saw Brandon at the start -- good to see him and thanks for the pic!</div>
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I think I was pretty much this happy for the next 24 hours.</div>
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Wildflowers, mud, some moose, a couple-hour rainstorm up high at night, more mud, then a new day with even more wildflowers.</div>
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It was as gorgeous as advertised. My pre-race goal was to run in under 24 hours so as to join the arbitrary <a href="http://www.bighorntrailrun.com/rustyspursclub.html">Rusty Spurs club</a>. I ran the race almost too conservatively so as to hit this goal, figuring that missing it would be more distasteful than running slightly faster. And so it was, a nice romp through the wildflowers, ending with that last 5 mile, hot, flat run on a dirt road back into town, where I was fortunate enough to still be jogging and have my lovely wife join me for the finish.</div>
mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-40189360067848859352014-06-15T18:02:00.001-07:002014-06-15T18:02:11.318-07:002014 Bighorn Preview ThoughtsOnce again, I'm quite behind in blogging, and have a few fun weekend trips (mostly mountain biking) worth writing up eventually. But otherwise, I need to tell the universe that I am absolutely stoked to be running the Bighorn 100 on Friday!<br />
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First and foremost, I'm incredibly excited and lucky to have this chance again. I'm not planning on doing 100-milers for the rest of my life, and even that much longer, so there's a short list of inspirational races and courses that I'd really love to experience. Bighorn is very near the top of that list. Numerous folks have mentioned how great it is...<a href="http://pinridgerunner.blogspot.com/">Alex</a> said it's probably the most beautiful course he's seen, and let's not forget it was a spry and youthfully naive Nick Clark's <a href="http://irunmountains.blogspot.com/">introduction to 100 milers.</a> And earlier this year, while jogging across a windy expanse near Boulder/Superior (during a winter Fatass), Dana K. told me it was the most beautiful wildflowers she's ever seen. Compared to Crested Butte? Aspen Four-Pass? San Juans? Yes, yes, and yes. Wow.<br />
I've been near the Bighorn Mountains once, --12 years ago -- when we were moving to California. Anxious to get to Yellowstone, I made a last-minute decision to take the dotted-line "scenic route" on the map instead. Having never really seen mountains, it was the most incredible thing I'd even seen. (And it actually made Yellowstone a comparable disappointment once I saw all the crowds and traffic). Never would I have imagined, at the time, that I would come back and have a chance to run 100 miles through that terrain! Pretty sure I had never run more than 3 or 4 miles -- on sidewalks -- at that point.<br />
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I'm also lucky to be out there with my friend <a href="http://runaholic-chris.blogspot.com/">Chris S.</a>, who has run every distance at that race. And he has graciously offered to pace me!<br />
And again, I'll have my sleepless, top-notch crew of J and Mama W meeting me in the middle of<br />
the woods. Again. I hope they enjoy another random weekend in a beautiful part of the world.<br />
I'm certainly looking forward to numerous friends from across the Front Range -- running, pacing, and crewing -- that will be out there as well. Some will be ahead of me, some near me, some behind me, and in each case it will be great to see familiar faces in addition to meeting new ones.<br />
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Lastly, I'm very excited about the vibe of the race -- the small town, the community, the support. Check out the <span id="goog_1690665094"></span><span id="goog_1690665095"></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/sports/28ultra.html?_r=0">NYTimes article</a> from 5 years ago. It feels like the anti-Leadville, the anti-Western states -- even if I like/love those races, the pressure and scrutiny and traffic gets to be a bit much. This sounds more like my speed: a chill race and a shared sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural surroundings. More like my training runs. And a small-town feel that I'm more comfortable with.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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Am I ready? Sure. I'm not as fast, but I put in the miles (and realized that flat speed was never that helpful anyway) -- more on the trail than ever before. I'll be steady and smart. I'm ready and excited to be out there as long as it takes. See you at Bighorn! (Or, online, if you're bored.)<br />
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<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-90387888110877799752014-05-14T11:01:00.002-07:002014-05-14T15:00:06.786-07:00Quad Rock 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9gMiwdvRQyiJDABsv_zbj2ZJTe1DuN59522t_RRX_0g78F79bIJaqNz8fzFdRLpKxOZCfuBfeqN3Ptm3djtkL7J2vltKXdrai0CisEESg0dLyhylhCPJi_ZUHEyoRciJUy6HKHL1yxw/s1600/sean_lara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9gMiwdvRQyiJDABsv_zbj2ZJTe1DuN59522t_RRX_0g78F79bIJaqNz8fzFdRLpKxOZCfuBfeqN3Ptm3djtkL7J2vltKXdrai0CisEESg0dLyhylhCPJi_ZUHEyoRciJUy6HKHL1yxw/s1600/sean_lara.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo: Sean Lara, Coloradoan</i></span></div>
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2014 Quad Rock</div>
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<a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=26138">14th / 9:08</a></div>
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The third round of Quad Rock packed another wallop, but not enough to knock out over 350 of us who took on a vertical mile of burly climbs and descents, with 132 folks making the decision to turn around and run everything again in the opposite direction.</div>
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This was my slowest finishing time yet, and I was unable to finish in the top 10, but by no means did that make for an unenjoyable race. That's because of the fantastic race organization and community of fellow runners, spectators, and volunteers, to go along with some of the best runnable trails on the Front Range. With the same tales on the same trails as previous years, augmented with an handful of shirtless un-glamour shots, why bother with another race report? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8OqCpu9cH5TlquwI0bWt3B3lprhhhO5hLNJrO24L0s9-br20I-olYkIIEdn8BIJwnifi02o2M9Fo2-VrUknN7mYT1_LOO7NyDnSDoCgv9yCyj5-6kaYmX6u2Ptuo5GjM6BGRSl5c5EY/s1600/53086657-QuadRock2014-1092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8OqCpu9cH5TlquwI0bWt3B3lprhhhO5hLNJrO24L0s9-br20I-olYkIIEdn8BIJwnifi02o2M9Fo2-VrUknN7mYT1_LOO7NyDnSDoCgv9yCyj5-6kaYmX6u2Ptuo5GjM6BGRSl5c5EY/s1600/53086657-QuadRock2014-1092.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a>Mostly, I want to take the time once again to thank everyone involved with the race, and reiterate what a great event it is. Any indulgence from writing about the race is from people reading, commenting, or telling me that they've read these reports, and cheering by name during the race itself, which is incredibly rewarding. I know some people are trying to get all the information they can as they're excited about the race; others are contemplating the race as a new distance challenge, or a more difficult trail race than they've done before. A tip of the hat to both.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.erinbibeau.com/">Erin Bibeau Photography</a></i></span></div>
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<b>Pre-race</b></div>
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I also have to back up and give Nick and Pete an extra "Thanks" this year because I was able to gain a free entry into a race that is already a bargain, whether you slice it by average cost of 50 milers; cost-per-mile; cost-per-minute; or the amenities (useful and aesthetic coffee mug, shirt, great food, beer, and music). This was because they graciously donated a Quad Rock entry as a raffle prize as a <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bill-dooper-s-western-states-100">fundraiser to send legendary ultrarunning superfan (and fellow Packers fan) Bill Dooper to Western States</a>. Jessica and I were happy to donate a small share to help Bill realize his dream, and then I was fortunate to have my name drawn for the Quad Rock entry. As another link to the race, it bears mentioning that Deceptively Fast Aaron Marks and QR-CR-holder Ryan Burch initiated the fundraising campaign; and as a testament to the broader running community, it's inspiring that 40 people donated more than enough money to get Bill out to Auburn (by way of Squaw).</div>
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So with savings from the entry fee, I was then able to give a bit to Larimer County Search and Rescue, one of the QR volunteer groups and beneficiaries. (Admittedly, there's a reasonable chance that's more of a selfish "investment" than a donation).</div>
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I'm not too much into pre-race "traditions," but again I went with a big rice stir-fry from <a href="http://www.eastmoonasianbistroco.com/">East Moon.</a> A difference this year was not sleeping in my own bed before the race, but because my wonderful in-laws put me up for the night (and various trailrunner friends undoubtedly would have done the same), I still only had a short drive in the morning, with a bonus of getting to play with my adorable niece and read her a new (used) book I brought about a bicycling turtle.</div>
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The point here, is, if you're thinking about this race as a possible "destination" race, you should totally go for it! There's a ton to do in Fort Collins, great places to eat and drink before and after, and if you send out an email to the trailrunner list or use the ultrasignup forum, you might be able to find or share lodging or a campsite with fellow runners.</div>
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<b>Race</b></div>
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One change this year was a start time of 5:30AM, negating the need for a headlamp (and the logistics of dropping them off/retrieving them) at the start. This also made it half an hour "warmer," which made a noticeable difference in making short sleeves tolerable at the start. Great change! </div>
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As far as conditions, we had some rain a few days leading up to the race. Mud was a concern, even when parking in the morning, but it turns out the trails were essentially perfectly tacky. </div>
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I checked in and chatted with friends, and then found myself in a bathroom line less than 10 minutes before the start. Now I hesitate to share my secret, but I quickly remembered the other bathroom up by the Timber Trailhead, a scant tenth of a mile up the road. I gambled and jogged up there, and the gamble paid off. As a small suggestion (if only to balance out my otherwise effusive praise and at least give the appearance of objectiveity), a few more bathrooms might have been helpful. </div>
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Barely able to make it back in time, we were off with the usual mellow start at a chalk/flour line on the ground.</div>
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I ran next to and chatted with former occasional training partner Sarah Hansen a bit, who was running the 25M, where she would eventually finish 2nd. Things were conservative and felt easy, yet I was a bit closer to the front this year. Then we hit Stout/Sawmill after a 24-25 minute warmup, and it was time for the business of the day: up, down, up, down...rinse, repeat -- a veritable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konami_Code">Konami code</a> of a course.</div>
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On Towers, I was happy to hang out and chat with Nick D. He's one of the fastest Towers ascenders around, but he also hiked the steeper sections along with me, knowing full well the value of saving and using different muscles early in the race.</div>
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We rolled down to the Horsetooth Trailhead just under 90 minutes in, which I think is a few minutes faster than my previous times. Everything still felt good, but it was warm enough (almost perfect) that I ditched the shirt already in my Horsetooth anti-dropbag as the sun shone down on the trail.</div>
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As usual, I was overjoyed at seeing friends at each aid station, and received personal, quick aid station attention from NMP and the Erskine, Mr. May, and Deceptively Fast Aaron Marks, with cheers, greetings, and photography from others. If anything, I think I lingered a bit longer at aid stations this year to greet friends I hadn't seen in months. </div>
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I should also mention, by way of advice, that the gel situation was a bit "sticky", let's say, at times. I really love the use of <a href="http://vfuel.com/">VFuel</a> because the product itself, the folks that run it, and the support they give is top-notch. I also prefer the use of gel flasks to cut down on waste -- not just raw garbage (and those little tops of the packages that sometimes fall out of your pockets and into the weeds, despite best intentions), but the unnecessary silliness of sending a product out to be packaged unnecessarily. Thanks to this race for leading the way in reducing waste. Logistically, though, cooler temperatures made it difficult to pump/pour the gel from the bulk containers, and some aid stations were low later in the day. The volunteers did a great job of improvising anyway, and this overall wasn't much of an issue for me, but my thinking and concern is more for other runners coming later or arriving in larger groups.</div>
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I was surprised to see Golden/Lakewood fasties J-Fitz and P-Mac pass me up. I wouldn't have thought they both had extra-long pit-stops, but it turns out they missed the Westridge turn -- which they said was indeed amply and adequately marked. Bummed that they tacked some on but hopeful that it wouldn't make much of a difference in the long run, especially if they didn't let it bother them mentally.</div>
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Farther along in the race, by the Arthur's Aid station, I was again recharged by the sight of friends. But I was completely unprepared to see one person especially: Jane Welzel. </div>
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No exaggeration, I cannot think of a more inspiring runner I would rather have seen at that point. Here, she is focused on taking a picture of me, right before I gave her a big hug: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQPUp5TRg2Ng6PWTjja4X3Xf8j1zic_kGg6T6hDEMyeEkzVT9PKpmaMc18-nDTIRCVbiciDVv4B54pcOrikZjQH1NKe5joGtOWFs6X9dhSWxTy8yMf-Y97XhLI0jxZsjy0t3FfaEsr3A/s1600/jane.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQPUp5TRg2Ng6PWTjja4X3Xf8j1zic_kGg6T6hDEMyeEkzVT9PKpmaMc18-nDTIRCVbiciDVv4B54pcOrikZjQH1NKe5joGtOWFs6X9dhSWxTy8yMf-Y97XhLI0jxZsjy0t3FfaEsr3A/s1600/jane.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo, and much more, by Jane Welzel</i></span></div>
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A third of the way into the race, and it was already a good day.</div>
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Race deja-vu for the rest of the first lap, although I was pretty much alone. I missed running with Alex and Lee from previous years! Ended up in and out around 4:08 or so, similar to previous years.</div>
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No thought of stopping, as I headed right up. I had counted heads somewhere around 15, with an unknown handful at the turnaround as well. This was surprisingly closer to the top 10 than I expected -- but seeing who was in the top 10, I knew it was a stout group that likely wouldn't falter, nor would I wish that upon them. I was focused on my own race....</div>
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...Mostly. The advantage of the multi-loop course is seeing everyone else coming down. This ends up being a mutual cheering parade for over an hour. The parade begins with folks and friends that I know, some of which are literally chasing me, and then continues with an inspiring group of first-timers and others from all walks of life. Dare I say it, it makes the Timber Climb (which I was able to run entirely) almost a "freebie" if you let yourself flow with the spirit of the other runners. I try to call out as many people by name as I can, and am humbled by those that do the same before I can stumble out theirs. If you signed up for the 50 and have that moment of doubt, just turn around and head up, smile, and take out your headphones and cheer each other on!</div>
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I have a commitment to cheer on each and every runner that I see, which is easy, but as I started downhill, I decided to turn the knob to "11" and really start whooping and shouting whenever I'd see a small group of folks pushing hard up the hill. It helps me as much or more as it helps them.</div>
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Otherwise, I started faltering on the descent back to Arthur's, though, as my legs and feet weren't cooperating on anything technical. In future years (this is a note to myself as much as anything), I'd put extra training here, as it's probably also the section of trail, literally in the middle, that I run less than the other sections. This was a theme for the rest of the trail: losing ground on rolling, technical terrain.</div>
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Caught a few people and passed by a couple -- still a net win. </div>
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The only other thing of note was finding myself in the thick of the women's race. This was between Darcy Africa and Becky Wheeler -- 2 incredibly impressive runners with lengthy trail resumes. Usually, the competitive front-end of races isn't one of my top interests -- I'm more concerned with how my friends are doing (often enough, some of them *are* at the front, so I'm interested in that point). But I do appreciate the promotion of excellence in performance as supported by races, and Gnar Runners have done everything they can to recruit and reward fast men, women, and master's runners alike. While past races have had great performances all around, this one was shaping up even better with two experienced athletes pushing each other the whole way.</div>
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And I had a front-row seat. Actually, a middle-row seat, for pretty much an hour and a half or so.</div>
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As it turns out, I was running near Darcy all day. I actually can't think of a time where I've run that long, that close, to another runner. I've seen her very stout Hardrock finishes, and the only ultra I remember running with her was <a href="http://frontrangerambler.blogspot.com/2011/05/cptr-2011.html">Collegiate Peaks a few years back,</a> when her steady presence made me realize I had gone out too fast. We leapfrogged at nearly every aid station, as I'd run ahead and then linger a bit too long at the aid station. This went on for the entire 9 hours, as it turned out. If nothing else, it gave me the illusion of running steady.</div>
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Rolling along Westridge was where I lost more time -- with Darcy pulling ahead, and another runner in a red shirt catching up to me. I didn't know nor think about gender -- just "blue shirt" and "red shirt." I have a tough time with Westridge in general, which is improbably uphill in both directions.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Conceptual drawing of Westridge Trail, which goes counterclockwise</i></span></div>
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Also had frustration with the technical parts of upper Horsetooth, and finally when it smoothed out, I tripped over a few granules of sand on the ground. I popped up before Becky ran me over, a little surprised she didn't even laugh at me.<br />
Luckily, I still had downhill roadie legs, which is what really saves me at the end of this dumb race, as I'm able to run the service road and Towers, so I was barely able to stay ahead, until both women exited the Horsetooth aid station ahead of me, and very near each other.<br />
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With long views up Spring Creek, I was able to watch the chase unfold. Becky closed in slowly but not without a fight, and they ran a bit together. I was gaining on both of them, but needed to take the time to step off trail for a quick but important minute or two.<br />
They were still in sight and I was still gaining, but once Becky opened up a bit of a gap, she sped up.<br />
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Again, Darcy and I swapped spots at the aid station, and both gave each other a "Nice work."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISYXlW6YAruFaQBuK3I_d8Y_IoovhelEx2K9UnfB3253UuV-w4mW7-e6ilTmIrV2pDGUaCjd9A7nh6KorbauyybiftSOHFmwZWeSZn9W6C0Gsj_NctqmtjV1LpgchFUbGZKHerHqmuU4/s1600/10363781_10100286052480593_4112527018203104846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISYXlW6YAruFaQBuK3I_d8Y_IoovhelEx2K9UnfB3253UuV-w4mW7-e6ilTmIrV2pDGUaCjd9A7nh6KorbauyybiftSOHFmwZWeSZn9W6C0Gsj_NctqmtjV1LpgchFUbGZKHerHqmuU4/s1600/10363781_10100286052480593_4112527018203104846_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Alex, Eric, Ellen, Rob, and crew had me in and out as fast as I was willing to go. They told us 5 miles downhill/flat, which is a double lie, because it's more like 6 miles and nobody should ever forget the rolling climbs remaining on Stout.</div>
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I was optimistic about the Towers downhill, and able to catch back up to Darcy, but Becky was nowhere to be found -- not even a distant view on the Stout turnoff. She must have been flying. </div>
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I was able to run the Stout climbs as well and wanted to get as much out of sight as possible from Darcy, but still stumbled a bit on anything semi-technical.</div>
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Finally, the "flat" finish on dead legs. I did the math and realized 9 hours were out. Becky was able to do and thus set a challenging bar for the women's race. I checked over my shoulder once or twice or 80 times for Darcy: I dread ever having to race on that final stretch. Swapping positions 5 miles earlier would be fine, but would be quite distasteful that close to the end.</div>
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I kept my eye on my watch to keep my 2nd loop under 5 hours, an arbitrary but extra goal. That's a bigger positive split than I'd like and has some lessons in it for the astute reader. Then again, when I train on this course it usually takes 5-5:30 for a single loop, so it blows my mind how much the race day support and excitement add to performance for anyone. </div>
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"Top 15" (although there's really no such thing) was still much better than I expected. The attrition or folks that stayed with a 25M time unbelievably made the Top 10 within reach again, should only I have been in a similar shape as previous years, so a missed opportunity there. But I'll take it as yet another fun day on great trails with great friends.</div>
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I took a good 20-25 minutes to change clothes and get recombobulated. </div>
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<i>(Protip: Bringing a bicycle is a good way to go back and spectate along the course, and/or make it the long 1/3 mile back to your car without hobbling).</i></div>
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As fun as it was to run, it's even better to sit and enjoy a great veggie burger, tabbouleh, <a href="http://www.pateroscreekbrewing.com/">Pateros Creek</a> brews, and good company with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/swashbucklingdoctors">Swashbuckling Doctors</a> rocking in the background.</div>
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Thanks everyone who was at the race, and thanks for reading. Hit me up if you want any extra motivation to sign up for this race or run it! It is as much of a shining example of a well-run race and supportive community as you'll find anywhere. Put it on the calendar to run, spectate, volunteer, and join the party.</div>
<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-86751493394897960972014-05-05T23:01:00.002-07:002014-05-05T23:02:16.284-07:00Oklahoma City Marathon 2014: One Last Hometown M<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2014 Oklahoma City Marathon</div>
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3:01:37, 9th</div>
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Jessica and I made our third trip out for the Oklahoma City Marathon and Half Marathon. Things were stacked up to make this one a little tougher than other ones, but perhaps no less memorable. Because this is a really great race with great citywide support, I always like to share a bit about it.</div>
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It's not an easy, PR-type course anyway, but my initial plans back in January were to improve upon previous times. My training and workout/race results weren't suggesting this was possible, so I had to dial that back. I figured I might be good for around a 3 hour effort, so of course that was the goal, which I missed, but I also planned on letting things play out as they may and then try to race for position at the end. That part ended up working out alright.</div>
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This particular race was even more bittersweet, because my parents (who live near OKC) had decided a month earlier to move back to Wisconsin. This meant the end of running races in Oklahoma with some regularity, and certainly the ability to run as a "hometown" race where we can hang out at home peacefully before and after. It was nice, however, to know this information ahead of time so we could really appreciate the race itself one more time and let it all soak in.</div>
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And soak, we did:</div>
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<a href="http://www.koco.com/image/view/-/25667772/medRes/1/-/maxh/480/maxw/640/-/10m2es1/-/JC-MARATHON-png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.koco.com/image/view/-/25667772/medRes/1/-/maxh/480/maxw/640/-/10m2es1/-/JC-MARATHON-png.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was obvious throughout the week that the race weather was going to be fairly dreadful, mostly with wind, rain, and high humidity. The worst part, though, was intense storms that threatened tornadoes, in addition to lightning and hail: a distinct line of a dark red dry line on the radar, scheduled to hit right at race start, in addition to storms that may occur earlier the previous evening, which could impact some of the earlier equipment setup. And any lightning strikes that occur anywhere near the course -- probably more than 25 square miles -- cancels the whole race, understandably.<br />
The only hope was that it would move out quickly. It looked very likely that it would be delayed, but we had no idea how much leeway they had. Remember, volunteers are scheduled for a block of time, as are road closures and police/fire/emergency resources. Truncating the race would cause consternation among the participants who would take longer on the course. With the overwhelming majority of runners doing the half marathon, I actually wondered if they'd cut the marathon in half was well.<br />
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With all this uncertainty, we were still up by 4AM, and out to the start line before 6. We met our friend Andrea, up visiting from Texas to run the half marathon as well, and headed to the start line, with dark clouds overhead, sticky but cool weather, but not much precipitation yet. Andrea and I made our way quickly to Corral A (listed on the bibs), which is always a little stressful but not too bad. Other than a few people mingling right in front of the corral entrance with headphones on, it was easy to make it through toward the front. (If a fast runner made it closer to the start time, keep in mind that the wheelchairs start 5 minutes early, but other than that it's possible to jog in a few blocks from the front of the course).<br />
I knew there was no chance we were going to start at 6:30, but decided to loosen up with some strides anyway, figuring that any delayed start would be more compact and after a quick weather break. Plus, it was nice to get out for a jog. A few other folks taking strides but not too many, people were just waiting for an update.<br />
Then we got the announcement of a half-hour delay, so we had almost an hour to get ready. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtylIyvboH3Z7XQsGmw3ddXvG_XWYzBQvlhiob9QQyO5raNkosYTe4u4wElI11GycWP8MEBlvFNsdB2Hkkj6yQetz5CW_v7foCRHAJON6sakvDLiwEl4kfMUGXtd21TtpIwBvVnZpMAos/s1600/mah_andrea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtylIyvboH3Z7XQsGmw3ddXvG_XWYzBQvlhiob9QQyO5raNkosYTe4u4wElI11GycWP8MEBlvFNsdB2Hkkj6yQetz5CW_v7foCRHAJON6sakvDLiwEl4kfMUGXtd21TtpIwBvVnZpMAos/s1600/mah_andrea.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
Since Andrea hadn't been to Oklahoma City before, I led her off the course and onto the grounds of the National Memorial. This is a poignant tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing, and although I've seen it at dusk and during the daytime, it was even more humbling to walk through the grounds at dusk, right before a race.<br />
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<a href="http://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/uploads/images/symbolism/gatelg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/uploads/images/symbolism/gatelg.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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The race really is a testament to the community spirit of overcoming a tragedy. Think about it: we often memorialize tragedies with statues and monuments, which are our best attempt at superseding our own mortality, but isn't it even better to have a yearly renewal of blood, sweat, and spirit? This is a marathon with a purpose.<br />
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And up until now, it hadn't ever been canceled.<br />
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Well before 7 o'clock, we heard of another delay. I don't remember the sequences of delays vs. the heavens letting loose, but eventually it was obvious for everyone to take shelter.<br />
We had been warned of different parking garages in the case of storms. Andrea and I headed out vaguely in search of Jessica, among tens of thousands of people, slowly moving under different buildings and awnings and through a few parking garages.<br />
By blind luck, we found her, and huddled inside the garage. Some minutes later, my parents, who were walking the 5k, also found us. Lots of iPhones around us were either on a weather radar page or Facebook. As the wind picked up and heavy rain came down, I poked my head out to see boiling, churning clouds moving swiftly across the sky.<br />
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Rumour was that 8AM was the absolute cutoff. 8AM was approaching fast and we had no further delays, so the word was to line up. I got up and out of there quickly, but the storms were no less menacing.<br />
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<a href="http://proactiveoutside.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/okc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://proactiveoutside.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/okc1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://proactiveoutside.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/race-recap-the-2014-oklahoma-city-memorial-marathon/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Dave Morris</span></i></a></div>
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And then more lightning, rain, and thunder. I jogged up ahead to another "unofficial" parking garage I spotted in front of the start line, which had a few dozen other runners in it. I also realized I had totally ditched Andrea in the corral in my hurry to get back to the start line.<br />
And then, behind speeding clouds, were small patches of blue sky. We were right on the edge of the storm...but also right on the edge of a possible start. Indeed, we lined up for an 8:20 start -- which would have been quite a gentlemanly option from the off. But by hanging around for a couple hours, this meant I hadn't eaten anything for 4 hours, and was also thirsty. I was looking forward to the first aid station just to get something to drink!<br />
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At 8:15, the wheelchair racers started. This was really going to happen.<br />
I found Andrea again and we lined up several rows back.<br />
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And then we were off.<br />
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My vague plan was 6:20's, 1:25 out, in a cross-wind/tailwind, before getting smacked with a headwind and higher temps on the return.<br />
I spotted course-record holder/female winner Camille Herron at the front. I jogged up to her at Mile 1 -- right at 6:20 -- wished her luck and then backed off.<br />
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Even with all the half-marathoners, and relay runners, we were spread out pretty quickly. I'd occasionally draft or lightly greet another runner side-by-side, but soon enough we were even more spread out.<br />
The race is great with lots of aid stations and a clock at every mile. The cheering at each of these points helps keep a steady, honest pace.<br />
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There's a "hill" on the course called "Gorilla Hill", which isn't that much of a climb, but is a pretty fun experience, with a giant inflatable gorilla and people dressed as bananas.<br />
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The best part of this is that it's just some private citizens in a neighbourhood that decided to do this -- the guy <i>owns</i> the giant inflatable gorilla! And they hand out bananas to runners.<br />
I think I was "too serious" last time to take a banana, but this time I gave a finger wave and nod, and someone lobbed a banana into the air in front of me to grab mid-stride.<br />
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Not long after this, we split from the half-marathoners, in a lonely stretch of road where I had to pay attention to see if I was really on course. Then the crowds picked up a little, and then waned on what really is the biggest/hardest hill on the course: a climb on a bridge before descending to the lake.<br />
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I hit the halfway point right at 1:25, then turned into the brutal wind and watched my pace drop into the 7's. Couldn't get my wet singlet to stay around my waste, so I wore it on my head. Felt like I was really sluggish and expected to get caught by some people but we were all in the same situation. Pace was slowly fading as full sun came out, so I figured I'd be around 3 hours and just decided to enjoy the rest of it. One guy told me I was in 13th place.<br />
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In the last 4-5 miles, we re-merge with the half marathoners. Up until this year, it was a nightmare for running twice as fast through crowds, and even harder to get over to the aid stations. Several of us shared feedback on this and the race addressed this by having a separate lane for marathoners. Bravo! This was great and much easier than weaving, ducking, and warning.<br />
There was still a few hitches, though, as the second marathon aid station was walking across and giving extra support to the half marathoners, so nobody on the marathon side had any Powerade. Occasionally, half-marathoners or spectators would also walk back-and-forth across the lane to visit friends or get a water bottle, invariably with headphones in the ears (more of a frustrating etiquette issue than anything), but by and large half-marathoners would kindly cheer and I was happy to do so as well. One of the most enjoyable things about a race like this is seeing so many people taking on a monumental personal challenge for themselves and their health. Sure, that happens in Colorado races as well, but I feel like the majority of Colorado runners are quite into running and competition at some level, which can be daunting for an average non-runner. OKC presents an inspiring picture of what's possible for anybody.<br />
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Somehow I still passed 2 guys, with nobody up ahead in sight. With a couple miles left, I saw I could run low 6's -- basically my starting pace -- and still break 3 hours. Doing this into the wind was a painful proposition and my legs didn't want to go any faster. I checked behind me a couple of times, and my calf cramped up if I did anything other than run in a perfectly straight line, so now I had to hope it held on.<br />
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Without any ability to kick at all, I jogged in, about 10 minutes slower than 2 years ago. I fought my way through slow-moving crowds, past the cheeseburgers and bagels and what-not, before finally reaching simple bottles of water, of which I was able to drink 2 immediately, despite drinking at every single aid station. Not used to the heat yet. But I started feeling much better.<br />
J found me right away and she had a great run, pretty much the same as last time in harder conditions. Andrea ended up blowing past her PR and finishing in the top 5W for the half. Camille won again, in her 2nd-worst marathon time and about 6 minutes slower than her course record, suggesting to me how tough the conditions were compared to 2 years ago. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-54LnvVIgK9Cy4HGX81mAY5UD__uoMbbhxNJEvfeRf2jM22unJL29Axp7z3G7EHT2_t3yRHL71HbEpIf_SWp04T-9dRxqscvqxMKlskkT3IBiMvPsIL59Sirodnx0d92lXYJjAYiyNY/s1600/mah_finish.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-54LnvVIgK9Cy4HGX81mAY5UD__uoMbbhxNJEvfeRf2jM22unJL29Axp7z3G7EHT2_t3yRHL71HbEpIf_SWp04T-9dRxqscvqxMKlskkT3IBiMvPsIL59Sirodnx0d92lXYJjAYiyNY/s1600/mah_finish.png" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was happy to run another OKC marathon, and also pleased to find out I made it in the top 10. I also learned that I wasn't even the fastest guy from Colorado...or even from Golden (Josh Vaughn)!<br />
If I hadn't done it last time, the extra 100 seconds over 3 hours would have tormented me. Instead, it got me excited about putting the training, timing, and right course together for another go at a faster time -- but the window is short.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVjS7fYIdIakeN8qumDdNx4GRv5ZuqbubyPIzgbHsLW8rcf3xQAU11Zxme5R3emEe_7x4TJgTB0lMCVyfaGWy82trISZsN3VBUdYic8ajn7qIaVlEVjHDu-vddxz6yD6_bjL8cetd0uk/s1600/WP_20140427_017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVjS7fYIdIakeN8qumDdNx4GRv5ZuqbubyPIzgbHsLW8rcf3xQAU11Zxme5R3emEe_7x4TJgTB0lMCVyfaGWy82trISZsN3VBUdYic8ajn7qIaVlEVjHDu-vddxz6yD6_bjL8cetd0uk/s1600/WP_20140427_017.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Also proud of my parents, who walked the 5k again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprOSQhM7E2vXo3UPW1FYbGXeOIGob__KUtIO0mqIlsTNKh8TaXc5iljR6dUg8jp3hgg54ZOVQPME_SJCRRfeyo5SWV4hOZU7G5HkQjjkbiExELCEni4KYPM7qJqOGh7PQV0-nYF_ERQg/s1600/WP_20140427_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprOSQhM7E2vXo3UPW1FYbGXeOIGob__KUtIO0mqIlsTNKh8TaXc5iljR6dUg8jp3hgg54ZOVQPME_SJCRRfeyo5SWV4hOZU7G5HkQjjkbiExELCEni4KYPM7qJqOGh7PQV0-nYF_ERQg/s1600/WP_20140427_002.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mom doesn't get lost in races like her son does...</i></td></tr>
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We're really going to miss this tradition...<br />
One that includes a post-race Mexican feast:<br />
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***<br />
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The OKC Marathon is a great race for everyone. We're really going to miss it as a sort of adopted hometown.mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-62429826565555412782014-05-05T13:28:00.002-07:002014-05-05T13:37:04.682-07:00May UpdateWell, it's been awhile. Sorry!<br />
This blog is mostly to share what I think are interesting trails, races, and places; and how to get there and enjoy them on feet, skis, or a couple of wheels. Even when I haven't written in awhile, I'm always pleased to see people reading (and hopefully learning something) about cool stuff in Colorado and the Mountain West, much the same way I enjoy reading other people's tales and beta.<br />
I do have a few things I hope to write about of general interest and reflection, and hopefully even more as the summer kicks off. I hesitate on more of the boring, personal details which are less useful. Then again, I'm forgetful and now enough that I sometimes go back and try to figure out what I was doing (or didn't do) at various points throughout the year. <br />
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Briefly, I was both busy and sick for the whole month of April. I got some sort of sinus infection in late March, the week after a bit of a challenging run at Salida. This was planned to be a big "March Madness" weekend of miles. J and I both got sick, and of course, I thought it would pass quickly and ignored it. I took a short jog that Friday to the base of Green Mtn., just over 2 miles away, and felt tired enough that I laid down on the grass for about 10-15 minutes. Bagged the rest of the run and jogged/walked home and slept. Slept during the day and didn't run at all during the weekend. Then it moved into my lungs and I was coughing every morning and night. Did some occasional jogs and felt a little better, so went ahead with a big workout on Round Mountain that Saturday. Felt OK and not fast, but still ran a little faster than the previous time I did it, mostly by being smarter and saving myself for the final downhill. Naively hoping to back that up with another long run the next day, but started feeling worse with sinus problems throughout the day, and then felt terrible the next morning.<br />
Backed those plans down to a shorter run with Clark and Ostrom, until I actually started running and felt like death, so took a shortcut back and laid down on the bench at the TH waiting for the other guys. Driving home, coughing fitfully, I pulled off halfway back to Denver, at the Johnstown exit, to take a nap. It wasn't long (actually I don't know exactly how long) and I had the radio on enough that I killed my car battery and needed a jump. Nobody stopped when I had the hood open, but the first pick-up truck did as soon as I got my cables out and stood there (thanks!)<br />
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With an obvious infection settling in, I spent the next few days sleeping whenever I could. I wasn't going to consider antibiotics until >10 days passed without any improvement. I did start to get a little better so avoided going to the doctor or drugs. Jogged when I could, which non-runners might not understand but otherwise runners would know that it helps loosen and clear things up. Got better slowly, although it turns out I was coughing at least in the morning every day of April, ugh.<br />
Stopped worrying about losing fitness and instead focused on being able to get out without feeling terrible. Still rode the mt. bike a few times, and raced at Platte River Half, and OKC marathon, which felt more like training runs, but enjoyable nonetheless.<br />
Not sure what to expect at Quad Rock in a <i>very</i> stacked field, but looking forward to feeling 100% in mind and health, with my legs a few weeks behind from what I'd like. Really excited to be out on the trails with friends and see it as a new beginning to the season. At the same time, I've probably gone into June the past few years being overtrained for summer races, and I focused too much on splits and competition. Instead, the big goal of Bighorn is doing just fine: a chance to be out on beautiful trails with friends, especially with a cool and supportive small town near the summer solstice. <br />
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I hadn't been that sick for almost two decades, as I spent large chunks of my childhood/teenage years with extended health problems with allergies/sinuses/asthma, so I don't take health for granted. I know I've had it worse, and many other people regularly do, so each day and experience is a (secular) blessing. Losing a few weeks reminds me that, what I really like, is just being out there. The green Spring is certainly helping as well, as I'm finally feeling healthy and happy again. More stories coming soon, and see you out on the trail!<br />
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<i>Green Mountain (center) aptly named. Finally.</i></div>
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<i>(L-R: S. Table, Green, Dakota Ridge, Mt. Morrison)</i></div>
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<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-34600970966502130552014-03-05T18:25:00.001-08:002014-03-06T00:48:13.167-08:00Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon* 2014 (* An Ultratriathlon)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon<br />
"The Ultimate Challenge"<br />
Road Bike 13M<br />
Run 5M<br />
Ski 2M<br />
Snowshoe 1M<br />
to <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/mount-taylor/151454">Mt. Taylor summit</a> (11,306')<br />
***<br />
Turn-around and then go back down<br />
5:08<br />
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The Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon is in its 31st year, and is truly a one-of-a-kind event. Biking, running, skiing, and snowshoeing, in February -- all to the glorious summit of an extinct volcano.<br />
My friend Ben did this a couple years ago and had a great time, despite a bike crash and some whiteout conditions, and highly recommended it. New New Mexico residents Stephanie and Chris signed up for it, and convinced Alex and I to do the same. So we all had a date with the volcano.<br />
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The course layout was very natural and unique: imagine a big, obvious mountain looming in the distance above town, and taking a natural human-powered path to the top. With the support of the race coordination and logistics -- <i>hundreds</i> of volunteers on the mountain -- merely signing up enables a fun adventure. As for racing, I'd never actually done a triathlon, so a multi-sport event had some intrigue and novelty to me. Skiing promised to be way more rewarding than swimming, but there were plenty of transition issues and challenges to deal with. As a novice, it was fun to line up with a big deal of uncertainty that I no longer get during running races.<br />
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Looking at previous results, I thought some sort of goal between 4 (highly-unlikely)-5 hours was reasonable. As expected, that puts it in the realm of (roughly) a 50k easy-trail effort for many, albeit using a variety of muscles. I failed to break 5 hours but had fun in the process, so I'll tell you a bit about the course, the mistakes I made, and the fun I had.<br />
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<b>Bike</b><br />
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I love biking, I've done numerous group rides and tours and many more solo rides, but I've never raced before. I've always been intimidated and frustrated by the performance and equipment dependency of the sport, but also used it as a mental block for even attempting it. In running, you can't really buy much performance, but in bike racing, intermediate-level wheelsets cost more money than I've ever paid for a bike.</div>
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However, courtesy of my good friend Neil, I had quite the steed at my disposal: a gorgeous titanium Moots Vamoots decked out in Campy, which he has so graciously let me borrow and ride, and over time I've gotten the bike dialed into my fit and comfort. "I'm not worthy!" What I wouldn't give to be able to take a long rambling ride with him now, and thoughts of many of our previous rides, runs, and general shenanigans certainly passed through my ride during hours out on the course. <br />
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But I digress.<br />
<br />
We lined up, with some aero helmets and dished wheels near the front. I was shivering and in the minority while wearing shorts and no jacket, but gambled that climbing on the bike would add sufficient warmth, and even hoped to wear the same clothes all day.<br />
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Two minutes before the start of the race, I realized that my bike pump (such a noob, but in >50k miles of riding I've still never used CO2 on my own bike) had fallen out of my jersey pocket somehow. Whoops. Don't do that. I was at the mercy of the course.<br />
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We started out through a few turns in the flat part of town, before heading more gradually up and out of town. Based on previous results, my rough idea was to hang onto the chase pack and try to break around an hour. Unlike many triathlons, there aren't any written rules about drafting, so we were bunched pretty close together. Despite some solid speed, we were bunched closely with a few sloppy lines up to 4 or even 5 across, with a few jerky and shaky wheels as people continued to jostle for position and pass a bit unnecessarily early. It was hard to know who to trust. It was unnerving but exhilarating at the same time. Finally, after about 5 miles or so, we stretched out a bit more and assembled into a legitimate peloton, with the leaders well within view but gaining slightly.<br />
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Now I had a chance to chat a bit and get to know some of the fellow riders, and it was good to be a bit social while still working. I met the women's leader, so it seemed to be a good position to be in. It was still everyone for themselves, but as far as drafting I at least made sure to pull as much as I sucked. The steeper pitches, as we climbed higher, separated things a bit more.<br />
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I was warm enough and some of the guys were commenting on the balmy temps as we headed up the exposed canyon.<br />
The miles clicked quickly and we were nearing the 13M mark. I felt that I had reserved enough to push the final bit (about another half mile) thinking that I would recuperate enough during the transition.<br />
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<b>Run</b><br />
A volunteer met me at the transition, where I took a drink and a gel, and fumbled with shoelaces and shoes (going with my lightweight, beat-up Peregrine trail shoes) while keeping my gloves on. I thought I moved pretty quickly on the transition, only to recognize 4 or 5 people who were about a minute behind me on the bike that were now a minute or more ahead of me on the run.<br />
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After being out for only an hour, my quads had an unfamiliar, dull feeling of fatigue as I headed out on the run. It took a bit to clear out lactate but I was still able to gain a bit. I was arrogant in thinking that I would catch everyone who passed me on the transition, but luckily I was right about this. What I learned, though, was that running 20 or 30 seconds faster per mile is worthless if you blow it all on a slow transition.<br />
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As it took me over 3 miles to catch up to one of the guys I recognized from the bike, I asked him, "Dude, did you even stop, or did you hop off the bike and keep running?" He laughed and said he guessed he had a bit of experience in it, then noting that he noticed my (mountain) bike shoes had laces. "Yeah, you don't want to deal with laces at all."<br />
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Laces are <i>out</i>, Dan.<br />
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Anyway, with a net uphill, I kept it conservative at around 8-min miles. But otherwise having no idea how much energy and effort to conserve for the rest of the day, I now realize why x-athlon is such a place-based (instead of time-based) sport, as it's sensible to monitor the people around you. I was doing better than expected, and seeing Nora at the ski transition, she told me I was in the Top 10.<br />
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<b>Ski</b><br />
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And the uphill ski is where it all went downhill.<br />
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A volunteer got my ski gear out for me as I took off my shoes. They forgot my snowshoes (which we had to carry up with us) and quickly retrieved those as well. I scarfed a banana and stuffed into my ski boots (laces, <i>again</i>)<br />
I stuck with my plan of staying in shorts, and this was still working out well, because it was as warm as expected.<br />
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Now, numerous people had suggested that skins were "necessary" for the uphill ski. I debated this and could have easily gone with my tele skis and skins. That would have also necessitated heavier plastic boots. But I've taken my skinnier, waxless skis up longer and steeper stuff. Worst-case, I don't mind herring-boning up when necessary.<br />
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Plus, it hadn't snowed for a week (and the previous week just barely snuck in a storm that gave decent coverage), and it had been in the 50s and 60s the previous few days, with plenty of sun. So I expected the snow to be wet and sticky. That sort of soft snow can be easy to climb, and in fact the worst part of dealing with snow like that is heavy clumping underneath skis. And I <i>hate</i> that. <br />
So before we left town, I glide-waxed my skis, including the fish scales.<br />
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And that ended up being a terrible decision.<br />
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Because of lack of snow, they cut a trail that weaved through the trees (where snow was deeper), doing a great job in giving a course that stayed on top of sufficient snow. The whole course was groomed by snowmobiles and cats just before the race, but at this elevation and with some shading in the trees, the snow really wasn't sticky at all. In fact, it was slippery and icy. Immediately, I found myself floundering around in the trees as I couldn't get any purchase, and then I routinely pulled off to the side so as not to block other racers. I fell a couple times and dropped my water bottle a few more, feeling like a total rookie. I recognized and got encouragement from a dozen or so passerby's, many of whom I had met earlier on the bike and run. To a (wo)man, they all had skins.<br />
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I slipped onward and upward. I had visions and ideas about sacrificing bits of clothing to make ghetto kicker skins. (I still am thinking about this a bit). About halfway up, I decided to try something brilliantly mad: to put my skis <i>through</i> my snowshoes, fashioning some sort of ski crampon underneath my foot. I tried this in both directions and wasted a good 6 or 7 minutes, before realizing it wasn't working. Onward.<br />
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I could have walked and carried my skis faster, but didn't know if that was against the rules, even though my snowshoe-crampon idea was arguably more questionable. In any case, it felt wrong: I made my poor decision and was going to stick with it. Finally, I saw the course veer around what would normally be the final summit push up "Heartbreak Hill," but lack of coverage (due to wind) meant we took an alternate, slightly longer course. Honestly, busting straight up an open hill would have been easier, as I could have side-stepped and herringboned, but instead I picked my way through occasional rocks and narrower trail, and finally got near the top, which took a full hour, well behind my expectations but somewhere in the average/middle of the day's climbing times.<br />
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<b>Snowshoe</b><br />
I never imagined I'd be grateful to ditch skis for snowshoes, but here I was: strapped into my wife's 21", feminine yellow shoes. Another gamble based on cheapness. I kept my soft ski boots on (another planned reason for going with the skinnier skis), as well as my poles. And my helmet, which got some laughs and good-natured comments (it's light, somewhat warm and I didn't see a reason to ditch it). This was the gear gamble I was most worried about -- but it worked out just fine. I should have been able to run faster, but focused on recovery from the brutal ski and just maintained position in a shuffling jog. The final push to the summit still had sufficient snow, and the clear day gave us great views to the valley below. Race or no race, this part of the course gave a true sense of vertical accomplishment.<br />
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I made it to the summit turnaround, just a yard or two from the true summit, but I took a few extra steps and seconds to hit the summit and enjoy the view before bounding downward. I hit the summit at 3:09, whereas my rough swag at a 5-hour goal had me hoping for 3-up, 2 down (or faster). This ended up being unfortunately dead-on.<br />
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The snow was packed enough that the snowshoes weren't necessary, unfortunately, but I shuffled down without tripping. My lackadaisical treatment of the bindings caught up to me as a shoe slipped off. I carried it briefly, able to run faster without them, but again didn't want to mess with the spirit of the race, so I put them back on. <br />
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<b>Highest Bar</b><br />
I forgot to tell you about the highlight of the race, besides the summit: a few dudes that set up a full bar just below the summit. I was happy to see these guys, a New Mexico mixture of white and Native men decked out in leather and turquoise. I think it was early in the race as the "serious" people hadn't been stopping, as most of the bottles weren't opened up yet, so I got first shot (or two) of blackberry brandy. Warmed and satisfied, I continued shuffling back to my skis.<br />
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<b>Ski Down</b><br />
For most people, the ski down was even more infamous than the ski up. Again, the usual course had to be modified, this time from a sweeping, forest road, into a steeper, more direct route. People were warned/suggested to keep skins on for the descent. Again, no decision here. The steepness was manageable, but tight switchbacks and some off-camber, bouncy, rollercoaster terrain made things more difficult.<br />
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Basically, you'd hit a switchback, turn, and make sure I could manage speed to the top of the next visible "hump," where I'd snowplow if necessary, with burning thighs, to bleed off speed. Basically, making sure there was always enough room to slow down. Others were doing the same, mostly more conservatively. In skinny skis, it was exhilarating, and I passed 4 people on the way down. I was passed twice by full AT gear -- this would have just been a narrow Blue run at a Western ski resort -- so it was another suggestion that I should have gone with beefier gear. But I "lost" less time than I thought on the way down. And the concentration required of "don't-tear-an-ACL-or-break-a-bone" made the time go by quickly, as I wasn't thinking at all about the upcoming run or bike.<br />
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<b>Run Down</b><br />
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I was happy to see Alex at the bottom of the ski hill, and he accompanied me to the transition. He, and a sheriff, helped me untangle knots in my beat-up shoes. As I moved around and ditched gear, I had laughable muscle pulls and cramps from unusual locations. Eventually we got my shoes ready and I headed down the hill, where I shouted to Alex a few times to make sure I was going the right way -- despite having come <i>up</i> that way, earlier, I was paranoid about a wrong turn.<br />
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Opening up the legs felt good after a bit of stiff jogging. My energy was up and I was motivated to catch up to the people that, irrationally, I felt <i>shouldn't</i> be ahead of me because of my uphill ski debacle. Of course, this makes no sense because we all had equal opportunities on our strengths and weaknesses, but it was good motivation. Sure enough, I rolled up on a half dozen or so folks, and put up several minutes as a gap. Without anyone really running as hard next to me, though, I put in just enough effort to gain time and didn't run as hard as I might have in a pure running race. Again, though, my wasteful transitions countered this effort a bit.<br />
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<b>Bike</b><br />
Now I was back on the bike. The tires weren't flat, so that was good. I was right at 4:30. 30 minutes to ride 13.5 miles was a tall order, but I figured I'd see how long I could hold the pace. The top pitch had us spinning out of gears and hitting the mid-40's already. Unfortunately, a guy who I had passed solidly on the run blew past me without pedaling. He weighed a good two-stone more than me, and I (irrationally) again figured this wasn't fair (despite my previous "unfair" advantage of only having to carry a lightweight skeletal frame up the mountain in the morning), but there was nothing I could do until we pedaled some more. But he had gained a good 90-120 seconds on me in the gravity-assisted section. Again, my energy was still good, and on a couple bumps of hills, I pushed it, getting within 30-45 seconds, but couldn't close the gap. Oh, I forgot to mention the annoying headwind, which sucked off some of our speed and made the 5-hour goal insurmountable. I didn't really care about catching anyone so much as trying to get close and then draft/work together. I made occasional checks behind me but nobody was in sight, so as it turns out, the focus on keeping pace with the guy ahead of me was helpful for both of us putting in a gob of time on the folks behind.<br />
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<b><i>El fin</i></b><br />
I weaved my way through the last few neighbourhood turns, with one family clapping as I passed, but otherwise little fanfare. I was glad to find the way back, as I hadn't paid attention on the way out, and finished in 5:09. I felt like I could have chopped quite a bit out by being smarter, having a mix of nonchalance about my gear and approach juxtaposed with a desire to go faster, but otherwise had a great time in terms of experience in my first -athlon race. Without any dreaded swimming.<br />
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I met J and then enjoyed a sample or three of Santa Fe beers, enjoying a good chat with those guys as well as some folks who organize the race. I enjoyed hearing about the history of the race, and it was bittersweet to hear about how the race had almost twice as many participants in its heyday in the '90s. We shared similar observations that cross-country skiing has, unfortunately, dropped off in popularity in favour of (slower, easier, and more boring) snowshoeing. Perhaps a bump in the popularity and availability of AT and telemark gear will help. This is such a unique event that it's definitely worth checking out and supporting. I can't even think of many other places where such an event and a "natural" course up a mountain -- which has both reliable snow and relatively safe/low-angle avy conditions -- could exist. SLC? Mt. Bachelor above Bend, OR? Somewhere in Idaho or Montana? In Colorado, most candidates I can think of either have roads that are too busy/unsafe to be dedicated to a winter race (e.g., Loveland or Berthoud Pass), access, or snowpack issues.<br />
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I enjoyed a new challenge that combined several of my interests, and it was really fun to line up in an event with completely unknown expectations, and a bit of "first-time" anxiety that many of us don't get when we do the same type of events repeatedly. At the same time, the -xathlon culture both exceeded and met my expectations, with a combination of friendly banter and socialization, as well as some serious-level gearhead competitiveness. I have no idea what place I finished in because it was listed in "Age Group" categories, and the Rambler staff here does not believe in Age Groups.<br />
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Anyway, after musing on this a bit, we were pleased to see Alex cruise in on his finish, <a href="http://pineridgerunner.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-hesitating-beauties-take-mount.html">ending up in 3rd-place in the pairs division.</a> He was able to celebrate with a beer in the sunshine, having left his bride-to-be Nora halfway up the mountain, where she had done the gloriously satisfying yet dangerous work of summiting (and descending) the top of the mountain for his team. Friends Chris and <a href="http://ridgerunner-stephanie.blogspot.com/">Steph</a> made it safely down, together, having the additional challenge of riding mountain bikes, and taking turns lugging a new diamond ring up and down the mountain, respectively. Cheers to them! We missed their arrival as we headed to Santa Fe, where (in addition to several nice meals, as usual), J indulged me in letting me search a couple places, in vain, for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenn_treasure">Forrest Fenn's treasure</a>. But that's another story.<br />
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Check out the Quadrathlon! <br />
Remember, "Skins On, Wax Off!"<br />
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<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-90175411245082347722014-02-07T21:32:00.006-08:002014-02-07T21:32:46.226-08:00Legault Mountain: Winter Ski and Snowshoe at Meyer Ranch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.summitpost.org/legault-mountain/151607">Legault Mountain (9074')</a><br />
~6M roundtrip, 1200' gain<br />
Ski and Snowshoe<br />
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With a solid, multi-day snowfall blanketing the Denver region, some of the close-by Jeffco and Denver Mountain parks take on a new dimension of interest. I decided to check out Meyer Ranch Park for the first time -- very popular in winter, due to its north-facing aspect right off of Hwy 285, where kids of all ages enjoy sledding. But the winter history of Meyer Ranch goes back for decades, as an <a href="http://www.coloradoskihistory.com/lost/mountlugo.html">old rope-tow was used pre-WWII when the area was known as "Mt. Lugo."</a><br />
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So, this lost ski-area held promise for good snow, and it delivered. Several smaller loops circle groves of aspen and pine on the lower parts of the hill, eventually zig-zagging upward to the "Old Ski Run Trail."<br />
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These gentle but steady loops provide a decent ski workout and fun glide down, but end several hundred feet below the summit of Legault Mountain. A light bushwhack can finish this up. In winter, with powdery snow overlaying rock and downed trees, some sort of flotation can be helpful. So I brought my wife's snowshoes with me.</div>
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This was my first time with snowshoes on my feet in Colorado, and second time ever I think. Normally I'll do anything I can to figure out ways not to use snowshoes, by running or skiing instead, but it actually worked out pretty well. And gave me good practice for an upcoming race that uses them.</div>
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On a clear day, the summit rock is easily visible through the trees upon reaching the saddle at the far edge of the Old Ski Trail loop. A sign with an arrow pointing to the trail is located at a good spot to leave the trail to the east -- to the south is a cattle crossing and private property sign.</div>
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It looked like there was a climber's trail along the way, but otherwise it was a short, fun trek up.</div>
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The summit opens up with views toward downtown Denver:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0yNGU0ebrbCIbfywGjJAs22CLEgSMk4GYrzVFthUB9OaM9EcdT8CHiXny87rKjZwPqkKw6ypDJjPVa39nJCE9GhGMjN-c99XWasOf7Pzt3K81yOAk9YUqh4bFK0SzT5az2UBZcPQMDc/s1600/DSC03042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0yNGU0ebrbCIbfywGjJAs22CLEgSMk4GYrzVFthUB9OaM9EcdT8CHiXny87rKjZwPqkKw6ypDJjPVa39nJCE9GhGMjN-c99XWasOf7Pzt3K81yOAk9YUqh4bFK0SzT5az2UBZcPQMDc/s1600/DSC03042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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But you can just as easily turn from that, and look southward toward Pikes:<br />
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The snow was powdery enough, and the woods opened up for short periods of time, to be able to run a bit on the snowshoes. Not bad. But I was happy to get back to my skis for more speed on less effort. The occasional visible rock or two slows down the flow in a few spots, but otherwise it's a great glide.</div>
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It might even be an enjoyable snowshoe the whole way.</div>
mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-19724232145918562322014-02-03T21:50:00.004-08:002014-02-04T18:31:07.904-08:00Flying J Ranch: XC Skiing on New Snow<div style="text-align: right;">
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Flying J Ranch: 3-mile ski loop (Shadow Pine Loop)</div>
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Conifer/Evergreen, CO</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nURvS4BOjcNbw8AQFzeJIAXrnF9SaueIkhleByBrznBqeVpNBAf45FvtxyC23-XHjQiHUBG5JUmwdGt6D5VLllxXR2qe5oET-lzb7yl4d6tIdumx3se113r-YtXnZwfGuPGO7OXWiUA/s1600/DSC02989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nURvS4BOjcNbw8AQFzeJIAXrnF9SaueIkhleByBrznBqeVpNBAf45FvtxyC23-XHjQiHUBG5JUmwdGt6D5VLllxXR2qe5oET-lzb7yl4d6tIdumx3se113r-YtXnZwfGuPGO7OXWiUA/s200/DSC02989.jpg" /></a></h2>
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With several (4-5) inches of new snow on the ground in Golden, J and I looked for a quick, accessible ski with a shorter drive. Having snow in town means it's a great time to check out new, nearby options. Ironically, for all of the great trails in the Golden area, many of them are too rocky, steep, narrow, and/or windblown to be considered excellent skiing (I've tried to force the issue for some OK rock-skiing). But, just a couple thousand feet higher are some fantastic options, and I-70 can be avoided.<br />
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We decided to go South on 285, and drove past Meyer Ranch Park, which itself is a popular sledding hill and would be a good but steeper option for skiing and snowshoeing, in favour of Flying J Ranch Park. Although it looks straightforward on the map, it was a bit tricky to figure out how to get from 285 to Barkley Road and then 73 toward Evergreen (there isn't good signage right off of 285)...but everyone else in the world uses GPS so you'll probably figure it out just fine. <br />
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The road into the park had tire tracks but wasn't plowed, so luckily there was a balance of great new snow that wasn't too much for the ground clearance of my Civic. Momentum was our friend as we made it up the hill into the lot that was replete with SUVs and trucks.<br />
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There's only one signed trail in the park: a 3 mile loop. We were immediately surrounded by newly-frosted trees and fantastic snow, great for gliding, with some previous tracks and snowshoes.<br />
We watched a coyote bound across a field, before posing underneath a large pine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii51cz2JO-oADWPuPAVJ6rymfigNMd8fX5Dmvm6xNTNiS1I_rvuu9k47YzTYK9-0Pzf87Eil-0Q-pNB3lIM99Qz9Fsq50Qy-F_2G0YKtRE_XklAzex_Ys_Uxx1vUXiZ1zHwop0MnBH_q4/s1600/DSC02993.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii51cz2JO-oADWPuPAVJ6rymfigNMd8fX5Dmvm6xNTNiS1I_rvuu9k47YzTYK9-0Pzf87Eil-0Q-pNB3lIM99Qz9Fsq50Qy-F_2G0YKtRE_XklAzex_Ys_Uxx1vUXiZ1zHwop0MnBH_q4/s200/DSC02993.jpg" /></a><br />
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And pine trees were the rest of the story, including tight, narrow trails through lodgepole forest, as well as big, thick conifers that I didn't see as much in the northern part of the state, because 8000+ feet was usually found only on slanted, diagonal terrain in or near canyons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdfVUmtVFH2GWsAy2Vf8kSJ1W-sXwJ9V-JFV10Gyi7iGV86OfLVow_yjQNmrQFQX9U4JXPMYdqxPxWJqpag4bnvzQqZFrfdGZKUQ_yF3Gb6SKCGSEEIji5lYcIUief9NwR7tal-jw2JA/s1600/DSC02996.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdfVUmtVFH2GWsAy2Vf8kSJ1W-sXwJ9V-JFV10Gyi7iGV86OfLVow_yjQNmrQFQX9U4JXPMYdqxPxWJqpag4bnvzQqZFrfdGZKUQ_yF3Gb6SKCGSEEIji5lYcIUief9NwR7tal-jw2JA/s200/DSC02996.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad_q9RboLH9dv0uRJ7zMrsu0VYIwhDUTnRVQrWu9Xyv4NO7Jt2gMj1djyxFZeNvMMzbhMsoLCWWEWvDeUZUe0ZOhi23zON1f9V3yfNFjJLW4zSp76OSjLckmtHNCbmi-AnjIlYAT1Hzg/s1600/DSC03015.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad_q9RboLH9dv0uRJ7zMrsu0VYIwhDUTnRVQrWu9Xyv4NO7Jt2gMj1djyxFZeNvMMzbhMsoLCWWEWvDeUZUe0ZOhi23zON1f9V3yfNFjJLW4zSp76OSjLckmtHNCbmi-AnjIlYAT1Hzg/s200/DSC03015.jpg" /></a><br />
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Near the end of our counterclockwise loop, we took a short detour up (rightside of the trail) into a sunny meadow, where we made a quick extra loop before heading back down. We only skied about 80 minutes total, but it was nice to be in the woods to enjoy the snow after a pleasant and quick drive. With more time, it would have been just as fun to do a second loop.<br />
Going clockwise puts most of the climbing in the beginning, with a more fun descent in tight trees right in the middle; counterclockwise rolls, with a moderate descent saved for the very end.<br />
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It's a bit short for a single-loop run or hike, but is pretty fun on skis. Or, apparently, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/ride-report-a-fatbikers-guide-to-flying-j-ranch-and-meyer-ranch/">fatbikes</a> as well.mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-20470088338649174952014-02-03T21:14:00.001-08:002014-02-03T21:19:09.341-08:00Peru Creek Road, Montezuma Ski Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peru Creek Road is a popular ski and snowshoe tour, with minimal gain, a wide path, and great views.</div>
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Located between Keystone and Montezuma, we had a chance to check it out last month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGffYobQPQfd7Pwkqty6CQ6pVTk3Sp6yhWHVf0fg5wowBleP-WrkulutkuUPQBCARXAsCxLpIDiqGmfveM9x8IYoc8SWgEox5e6We_WUcEHmE3vGLZ1n1EDVLiw2WORRLwTz335HklPs/s1600/DSC02685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGffYobQPQfd7Pwkqty6CQ6pVTk3Sp6yhWHVf0fg5wowBleP-WrkulutkuUPQBCARXAsCxLpIDiqGmfveM9x8IYoc8SWgEox5e6We_WUcEHmE3vGLZ1n1EDVLiw2WORRLwTz335HklPs/s320/DSC02685.JPG" /></a></div>
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The road was packed smooth with snow, and has interesting mine remnants just after the first mile.</div>
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Some of our views were obscured by clouds and heavy winds up high, although the trail itself is nicely sheltered from wind. After nearly 3 miles, staying straight on a few previous junctions, we reached an open, windy, and swampy area covered in deep snow. Close to our halfway-mileage goal anyway, and not wanting to break more trail, we turned around.</div>
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On the way back, we saw several other parties -- a mixture of skiers and snowshoers -- but it wasn't overly crowded and there was plenty of room for all. We decided to take a short tour up in Chihauhau Gulch, which I knew ultimately led toward Gray's Peak, where it had a higher avalanche risk above treeline, but we just decided to poke around a bit.</div>
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It didn't hurt that someone had recently broken trail, and the sun was now shining.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8PJE8O5Vrr1DA9fxk_GgyzoK0SvnrLit2DeUTd8dSktskYe-JSq1DOKEXpMvqi2BzPN7PTZk0EzemA544aejExkT3xUoufudUrhSqpb51zshjOH1L1j1L8x31u1n2nd2P1vcSocRfRU/s1600/DSC02717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8PJE8O5Vrr1DA9fxk_GgyzoK0SvnrLit2DeUTd8dSktskYe-JSq1DOKEXpMvqi2BzPN7PTZk0EzemA544aejExkT3xUoufudUrhSqpb51zshjOH1L1j1L8x31u1n2nd2P1vcSocRfRU/s320/DSC02717.JPG" /></a></div>
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This short addition was worthy and recommended, as it passed directly through aspen groves, and quickly (after a stream crossing) provided superb views. And deep powder!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoNRKa09lGPSXhQkRqzOb2u1afcW5TgaxDdXU8CScksLWdBnUhDg3avjwK14PaORK6wEZQvRzkh5WKtNmMx6mXMGXm_WjcR-oIYkdYL0erUjkpr-5jQD9Ug0neuNyHLknOrxcGLoNs1I/s1600/DSC02723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoNRKa09lGPSXhQkRqzOb2u1afcW5TgaxDdXU8CScksLWdBnUhDg3avjwK14PaORK6wEZQvRzkh5WKtNmMx6mXMGXm_WjcR-oIYkdYL0erUjkpr-5jQD9Ug0neuNyHLknOrxcGLoNs1I/s320/DSC02723.JPG" /></a></div>
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We met the couple that had just broken trail and decided not to go further, and we all had a short but satisfying glide back to Peru Creek Road, made better by a tighter trail through the aspens.</div>
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In the final mile, I coaxed J into trying another option, of a trail that forked to the left on the return. My map (heavily "zoomed out" to show several counties) and the topography suggested that it was a parallel trail that would bring us back near our car, as we were paralleling the creek, so we gave it a go.</div>
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Of course, the trail (actually a dirt road called "Webster Street" on the map) kept climbing slightly but steadily, as Peru Creek dropped farther and farther below us. "Let's just see where this ends up" won out slightly over "Maybe we should turn around now," but it was a great trail that again put us into aspen groves.</div>
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We began to see buildings, and it became evident that we were on our way to the town of Montezuma itself, which was secretly something I wanted to check out anyway, so it worked out. After passing some mining/construction equipment, there was a neat little shelter on the side of the trail.</div>
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And then we were in Montezuma, which was pretty much just a collection of houses and buildings.</div>
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This left us about 3/4 mile past our parking spot. I asked J if she wanted to ski, or if I should go get the car; and then the couple we met earlier went by in their truck (he drove down just to check out Montezuma quickly!) and offered us a ride, which would have been easy and quick in the back of the truck.</div>
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But J was content to finish up our tour on the edge of the road. Despite finding myself doing it several times per season, I rarely see evidence of anyone else chopping across roadside ditch slop, so I was quite pleased that my wife was willing to do so! What a gal.</div>
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In short, Peru Creek is certainly an easy suggestion for winter touring, while some side options lead to scenic aspen groves and nicer downhills. If Montezuma is on the agenda for some reason, or if you're staying there, Webster St./2nd Street is a more fun option when going from Montezuma back down to Peru Creek.
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<br /></div>mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-15400777941151687372014-01-26T20:39:00.002-08:002014-01-26T20:43:02.155-08:00January Denver Ride Tour: Lookout, Deer Creek, Downtown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
60 degrees in January. It's not necessarily novel for Colorado, but it feels like it's been awhile. </div>
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I started going for a jog on Friday, and then did some mental math: Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon, which had always been coming up in a "month or two," was now only 3 weeks away. And I hadn't really been riding the bike much at all, other than a few short errands. Riding the bike is what I used to do instead of running, so I became accustomed to always having some sort of bike fitness. Yet I was a bit worried.</div>
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The trails were still a bit muddy anyway. I turned around and hopped on the bike for a quick spin.</div>
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Rolling around, I felt a bit out of sorts, but I rekindled some of that old interest. I could see that the roads were dry enough, even in shady areas, and extrapolated that it would be even better the next day.</div>
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Having already saturated most of the interesting runs that leave from my doorstep, hopping in the bike brought up the old fun of figuring out how far away I can get away under my own power.</div>
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I figured hitting a century would be a nice way to kick off the new year, as I could work on a modest goal of a self-powered century at least once a month. (In running terms, it's not that hard, probably equivalent to 25-30M depending on terrain). In Fort Collins, I had hit all of the classic 100-mile radius several years ago, so it was exciting to pore over maps and find new routes.</div>
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Always overthinking on these things, I went with a route that put the climbs in the beginning, with the busier roads in the earlier afternoon (so as to get more melting as well as visibility), and then ending with a bit more mindless bike paths and bike routes as the sun got lower.</div>
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So I started with the classic climb up Lookout Mountain in Golden under perfect blue skies:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBsOWby9BGLK7NsVelQd-xz7ovzWTDdi2pplfeEfOWMJhKGsJLRuGywYRXAUw-ux5FGxa-hlOV0-c7v2g1SbRgECzk0wWBoXuvXHmfjB09u18ybCIs6_NmC87mpIVoScCXocwDZUPRvM/s1600/DSC02875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBsOWby9BGLK7NsVelQd-xz7ovzWTDdi2pplfeEfOWMJhKGsJLRuGywYRXAUw-ux5FGxa-hlOV0-c7v2g1SbRgECzk0wWBoXuvXHmfjB09u18ybCIs6_NmC87mpIVoScCXocwDZUPRvM/s1600/DSC02875.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The summit (well, Buffalo Bill's gravesite) is 11 miles from my apartment, and it's above 7300': about a 1600' climb, or almost double what I used to get riding to Horsetooth Mountain Park. It's a steady, rideable grade with great views, with good bike traffic on a nice Saturday and relatively light but aware car traffic.</div>
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Continuing westward, the road rolls and climbs a bit more. I didn't make the exquisite, pine-tree climb up Colorow Road this time, but instead continued on Lookout until hitting Mt. Vernon Country Club, which is a minor thoroughfare into a quiet community. I enjoyed pastoral views and empty roads (albeit with liberal use of sand/gravel, so <i>caveat biker</i>), although hadn't really prepared for several hundred more feet of climbing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYlLaLRqGg9R_y30yQ6DO9MgkVISDbGJ0HqOGGNPfXcWGAmNLjKv-3dCuZiZfsckL6UcIU_SYMmWNep2ds1XIMEZut4w5KWsobxPVJW6anP0MTAimfLBXWrLYSRGf9xIlYT3su0SedaE/s1600/DSC02879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYlLaLRqGg9R_y30yQ6DO9MgkVISDbGJ0HqOGGNPfXcWGAmNLjKv-3dCuZiZfsckL6UcIU_SYMmWNep2ds1XIMEZut4w5KWsobxPVJW6anP0MTAimfLBXWrLYSRGf9xIlYT3su0SedaE/s1600/DSC02879.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I finally made my way back down, with a slow average speed/time due to all the climbing. Now I reached my next goal for the day: riding on I-70 for a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mxM3cR1I8PYJ93lP7PbO0p7i9hVqTT0t0fpPZlHCkn5ThAxXAe6C6rhOcsfYajM_HN7Z8N36RNpjDVW07rtUvcLvYZMEBDdcdaAbWCRdR0x-BD4G3PZmY23CmM2we3yFFpMGvNFzI0k/s1600/DSC02885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mxM3cR1I8PYJ93lP7PbO0p7i9hVqTT0t0fpPZlHCkn5ThAxXAe6C6rhOcsfYajM_HN7Z8N36RNpjDVW07rtUvcLvYZMEBDdcdaAbWCRdR0x-BD4G3PZmY23CmM2we3yFFpMGvNFzI0k/s1600/DSC02885.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2 miles, to be precise. Cycling enthusiasts, especially cross-country riders, know this well, but the legalities of riding on freeway shoulders are a <a href="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=2616">patchwork of interstate and intrastate laws</a>. Some states allow it everywhere, some allow it nowhere, but in Colorado, it's allowed in certain sections where there are no easy and sensible nearby alternatives. I've previously ridden part of I-5 in San Diego (through Camp Pendleton, and the short Torrey Pines/La Jolla deathtrap!) and I-80 in Wyoming, but this would be my first time on I-70.</div>
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It was nice to make quick progress on a generous shoulder, and to advertise the lifestyle to tourists and native-stickered skiers alike. Just as soon, I was off, where navigating Evergreen Pkwy/74 was trickier than the interstate itself.</div>
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I made a few wrong turns, but righted myself back onto a short jaunt on 74 before peeling off into Kerr Gulch. </div>
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Finally, some descent, with a bit of technicality (for road biking) on tight, 15mph turns, in a quiet, narrow and shaded canyon. No real ice or snow to deal with, though. A final descent leading to Bear Creek had about a mile or so of degraded road conditions, so was on the brakes a bit more than if it had been smooth. And again cutting in to rapid forward progress!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgVRN3etrmKVLFkHB8H1C-bF2yaAiRZk-5roIhDRfXdaKXrlLBTWuKG1jiHKC9obZOIP32D7FCNU_m2tSgzErQTuW9K9o3PNnBunh4IoWOcZqG9IH9FCR8uMtEDCirs-DWdP-z4I4lOQ/s1600/DSC02890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgVRN3etrmKVLFkHB8H1C-bF2yaAiRZk-5roIhDRfXdaKXrlLBTWuKG1jiHKC9obZOIP32D7FCNU_m2tSgzErQTuW9K9o3PNnBunh4IoWOcZqG9IH9FCR8uMtEDCirs-DWdP-z4I4lOQ/s1600/DSC02890.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Soon enough, Myers Gulch to Parmalee Gulch didn't disappoint, with rolling uphills followed by speedy downhills. Great visibility makes up for lack of shoulder.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVNiEmwTJzOGkGEOhqXH8H9UrivcrddSkZvnak5BBLcXtVRrpegLSEdY6OTRDxazp_VC_E7uXA6Tx9Zc8qDueFdOR0pLspqFd6OjXq1FhIK2OqvHPQoLDTyo99pGWP3MgvCvBjNAS6K8/s1600/DSC02888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVNiEmwTJzOGkGEOhqXH8H9UrivcrddSkZvnak5BBLcXtVRrpegLSEdY6OTRDxazp_VC_E7uXA6Tx9Zc8qDueFdOR0pLspqFd6OjXq1FhIK2OqvHPQoLDTyo99pGWP3MgvCvBjNAS6K8/s1600/DSC02888.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This dropped me down to Hwy 285 quicker than I expected, and I had to make a quick choice, looking for Turkey Creek but getting confused on the options. I made the wrong one, which led me on a long ramp that dropped me onto 285 North. No problem, except for I needed to make a U-turn on that infamous spot of S-curves (I notice it when driving) with a barrier median. And the thin shoulder was shaded and icy, so things were a bit nerve-wracking here.</div>
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After 3/4 of a mile or so, a break in the median allowed for a left turn, so I waited for a suitable gap among speeders before reversing course. Much better on the other side, and I was now headed south on Turkey Creek.</div>
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I've always been intrigued by the "Tiny Town" sign here...and was glad to finally see it in person!</div>
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Definitely need to bring niece Hannah out here when it's open.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuUQGULDtmvB9au22khRFFPy_1TsOh_Yke7JQGG5xzO8ejxLbbP7sdxOg12AvaiBJDCG7CarRivojJemGhNVZxyMGKdE8ZJyFFq1JCVGeVcjrFWv0nehSQG-voCdA7jqpTVnpqwLJcCE/s1600/DSC02892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuUQGULDtmvB9au22khRFFPy_1TsOh_Yke7JQGG5xzO8ejxLbbP7sdxOg12AvaiBJDCG7CarRivojJemGhNVZxyMGKdE8ZJyFFq1JCVGeVcjrFWv0nehSQG-voCdA7jqpTVnpqwLJcCE/s1600/DSC02892.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Turkey Creek was otherwise a pleasant road, and my last canyon road was soon coming up: Deer Creek Canyon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDWodNInIdJzRx1lYHwRykIAVFMVQJ0P77IaNBvwEZs9MD0Pp9ZDRKBSs32QIm2FE2K1fqKPuU3_HDenCWYnmeB_lSVDuq8De4F1CtoIL-_hRXh5jaXzj6syC0EvSXm6mEY3dtOTJshU/s1600/DSC02900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDWodNInIdJzRx1lYHwRykIAVFMVQJ0P77IaNBvwEZs9MD0Pp9ZDRKBSs32QIm2FE2K1fqKPuU3_HDenCWYnmeB_lSVDuq8De4F1CtoIL-_hRXh5jaXzj6syC0EvSXm6mEY3dtOTJshU/s1600/DSC02900.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've only been there a few times for mountain biking and running the park, but the road biking is also really popular. It's also contentious, with some problems between cyclists and drivers during busy summer weekends. I was curious as to what to expect.</div>
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The shoulders are indeed narrow, but I was able to keep a decent speed in the short and rare sections where cars didn't have room to pass; otherwise, they were able to pass with plenty of room. The slower riding sections actually had a bit of ice and snow in the shade, which was surprising to me because it felt lower than the other areas I had been riding. But a clear advantage of riding solo is how much easier it is for a car to pass one rider at a time than a group of 3 or 4, let alone a longer peloton. So I "get" that frustration of drivers, and not only do I make a point to single up on group rides any time a car is approaching, but also keep pack sizes small so car traffic doesn't back up. Everybody wins.</div>
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Although not overwhelming, I saw more riders here, mostly in the other (climbing) direction. By the end of the canyon, it was starting to feel like summer, and the pink sandstone gave it a desert feel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSFI9jsCA5YdCVElSmFdvEkYwBvdYolgapkubuyAiNwxwPL6MUQqGIWVxVqoQy77TPMuVyH_9Pzw-ugmxw7trmDtEaaLJ0xGTk10q2kPwKjYNSWCbz1vK1tqBHhfBwExMJ9ZyzXq8_OY/s1600/DSC02903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSFI9jsCA5YdCVElSmFdvEkYwBvdYolgapkubuyAiNwxwPL6MUQqGIWVxVqoQy77TPMuVyH_9Pzw-ugmxw7trmDtEaaLJ0xGTk10q2kPwKjYNSWCbz1vK1tqBHhfBwExMJ9ZyzXq8_OY/s1600/DSC02903.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the very bottom, I saw all the cars parked with bikes and bike racks on them.</div>
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Mixed feelings here, and mostly a matter of style, mixed with chagrin and liberal parts of my own hypocrisy, but it's interesting to me to think of road bike riding as something that <i>needs</i> driving. I get that some, or maybe many -- or even all, what do I know -- of the parked cars are from faraway lands checking out this ride or that by driving to this ride <i>this one time</i>. But I suspect that many "do" road biking by popping the bike onto rack and driving to the Beginning of a Popular Ride, as I've seen the same thing at the bottom of other classic canyon rides. (Check out St. Vrain and Lefthand to see guys in team kits crushing it, fresh from a 7-mile drive from home. For example). My road ride experience started with meeting at my house, or Neil's house, or John's house -- or we met somewhere in the middle. If we had to ride some crappy and repetitive roads to get to the Good Stuff, so be it. That's the way it was...and we liked it!</div>
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Anyway, there's something to be said for the riding and exploring that comes from <i>not</i> starting where everyone else does. It's not skiing or snowmobiling: you can do it from your house, I promise!</div>
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But I digress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PxCxV2xzF_atoN4I9ez-5RhwQmwnSHbN7JdefnphnVg25Kx5PHyNjKVu3mEt8jbykuJVos6nPDvTiUowJx5__dZkVbFsXoa-jL4uYWMqNPhQlVVF0xgrGuED842u3iz7UoTbCF0Kdpk/s1600/DSC02908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PxCxV2xzF_atoN4I9ez-5RhwQmwnSHbN7JdefnphnVg25Kx5PHyNjKVu3mEt8jbykuJVos6nPDvTiUowJx5__dZkVbFsXoa-jL4uYWMqNPhQlVVF0xgrGuED842u3iz7UoTbCF0Kdpk/s1600/DSC02908.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now onto the C-470 bike path. A bit of interesting scenery in Chatfield, and then functional, flat miles. Easier to be more social here by seeing more riders -- by the way, most riders I encountered were of the friendly nod-type I was used to in Larimer Co. -- but the seemingly flat stretch was slowed down a bit with solid patches of ice on some shaded ramps and curves, as well as short climbs up to major intersections and waiting for stoplights. </div>
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Parker was the southeast quadrant of my ride, so now time to go North. I went with Jordan Road and was pleased to cruise along with a zippy tailwind, and quickly made it into Cherry Creek State Park.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGsDJtz8vy-kh-8BAcb_AdIWwIjnj2ritjPsO726JDidxUHreCXRMTdbmie7bDNYJNH1s9OiqEtshmkgyZ_FVV2ZmBJOMki4J6qxkXienAOS53Giw7DJfxija8L2v1oixDgV39RLgA6g/s1600/DSC02919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGsDJtz8vy-kh-8BAcb_AdIWwIjnj2ritjPsO726JDidxUHreCXRMTdbmie7bDNYJNH1s9OiqEtshmkgyZ_FVV2ZmBJOMki4J6qxkXienAOS53Giw7DJfxija8L2v1oixDgV39RLgA6g/s1600/DSC02919.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was all familiar territory now, so I enjoyed a leisurely cruise on the inner trails and roads. Fair amount of cycling and walking traffic out.</div>
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I didn't really pay attention to the map here as I'd run and biked there to Cherry Creek Trail more than a dozen times when we lived in Aurora, but of course I got a bit turned around/confused looking for the Highline/Cherry Creek junction. I abandoned that and headed in the generally direction on busier roads, before taking Holly straight up to Cherry Creek.</div>
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I always enjoy the urban feel of Cherry Creek, a nice spot in the city that actually feels like a big city.</div>
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Quite an interesting juxtaposition with the morning's canyon rides.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TOMeve00G05pM6jwrt-FH7mW2GJRDI-BS7m7c0vmkurgK7mNU42pVVcm5_NchahRrXlGS_tV1P0gxAPzen6hRWjKkJi6uWKLtdm2gB-SDIpfNqqzsp0F0ES1LqW-z0rltaP1ClF5bAw/s1600/DSC02929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TOMeve00G05pM6jwrt-FH7mW2GJRDI-BS7m7c0vmkurgK7mNU42pVVcm5_NchahRrXlGS_tV1P0gxAPzen6hRWjKkJi6uWKLtdm2gB-SDIpfNqqzsp0F0ES1LqW-z0rltaP1ClF5bAw/s1600/DSC02929.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The confluence of Cherry Creek and Platte is a natural center of the city...</div>
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...a city wrapped up in Bronco-mania.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M14WtpEM9IGPTU6cGHEJrroMUXVC8PcnccO9gMv274Gg7Id7FFj1pQrZTJ0f1pFHEGw50ymOSUnjloCom3LXDjkR_x9SrshHHboy8E5gWc_BXIs-kEhkctXmaCnw77wv_9v0Gb7AwmA/s1600/DSC02950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M14WtpEM9IGPTU6cGHEJrroMUXVC8PcnccO9gMv274Gg7Id7FFj1pQrZTJ0f1pFHEGw50ymOSUnjloCom3LXDjkR_x9SrshHHboy8E5gWc_BXIs-kEhkctXmaCnw77wv_9v0Gb7AwmA/s1600/DSC02950.JPG" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally back on 20th for a loop around Sloans Lake, and back in time to beat the setting sun.<br />
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<br /></div>mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-82907669659044189052014-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:002014-01-06T13:01:53.300-08:002014 RunsUpdated race plans/thoughts on the right.<br />
It feels self-indulgent to talk about it, esp. as a non top-tier runner, but I appreciate the support and encouragement from others, and enjoy reading others' plans.<br />
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The big race is Bighorn, and although it's a "backup" to not getting into Hardrock, it really isn't a backup at all. I'm calm and patient with getting into Hardrock eventually, and every year that goes by makes me feel stronger and more ready for it, so I'm happy to experience other courses in the meantime. We drove through the Bighorn Mountains once, in June a dozen years ago, as we were moving from Minnesota to California, when I was excited to get to Yellowstone as quickly as possible. I had no idea about the Bighorn Mountains, but found the scenery to be a stunning drive; in many ways, more pristine and inspiring than Yellowstone itself. And I'm positively stoked to participate in a Bighorn race for the first time -- I've never been to <i>any</i> of the races! It sounds positively beautiful and has the vibe and appreciation for outdoors and the race itself, which began in part as a response to planned development projects. A fellow runner this past weekend told me the wildflowers were more amazing there than anywhere she had seen (including the Four-Pass loop, San Juans, etc.)<br />
And check out this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/sports/28ultra.html?_r=0">old NYTimes article</a>:<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 22.8125px;">And it all ends in a park in downtown Dayton that feels like small-town summer Saturday night distilled to its essence of lawn chairs and barbecue smoke."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 22.8125px;">Sounds like my kind of race! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 22.8125px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 22.8125px;">I know several friends planning on running it, so it'll be great to see each other and push each other. </span><br />
I'd love to have a pacer or two as well! I know lots of people have their own races or commitments already.<br />
Similarly for Hardrock: I'd love to pace out there if anyone wants it or knows somebody that does.<br />
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*<br />
Quad Rock is of course always a great time and stellar race: looking forward to seeing everyone up there. I'm apprehensive about not training on the course anymore, but it'll be a fun reunion. Hopefully the excitement of being back "home" will make up for the lack of familiarity. FC folks, can you be kind and pretend I'm still one of you? That support is immensely helpful!<br />
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Most of the same can be said for Salida, although it's still early and kind of a training-race itself.<br />
*<br />
Along the way, J is doing a couple half marathons on the roads, so I'll be joining her for Platte River in April, and OKC 3 weeks later (marathon for me). We'll see what happens there, I now have more trails to run on from my front door but less flat roads.<br />
*<br />
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So mostly interested in any/all advice for Bighorn. I've read a <a href="http://irunmountains.blogspot.com/2009/06/big-horn-100.html">detailed report</a> from a baggy-shortsed Fort Collins runner back in 2009, in which he had a simple plan:<br />
<span style="background-color: #214552; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.333333015441895px; line-height: 17.67708396911621px;">About half way up the climb, I decided to put my </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" style="background-color: #214552; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.333333015441895px; line-height: 17.67708396911621px;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pre</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #214552; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.333333015441895px; line-height: 17.67708396911621px;">-race plan to work and eased into the lead, running a little deeper into the climbs than Karl was prepared to. The plan was fairly simple: build an early lead and try to hold it.</span><br />
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Brilliant as that plan was, I'm not qualified to be so ambitious, but the "Rusty Spurs" 24-Hour goal is clearly an aggressive focus for me. That would require my best 100M trail performance to have a shot at it, which means both a smarter race and training. There will be a fun bubble of folks right around that goal as long as possible -- a big challenge any year, and we have no idea on course conditions or weather. So given the course layout, late start time, etc. -- anybody have a good set of splits or other suggestions?<br />
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*<br />
Otherwise, looking for long weekend days in new places on bike and foot (and combinations of both).<br />
Good luck in 2014 and see you out there!<br />
<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-52574541471788943962014-01-06T06:43:00.000-08:002014-01-06T06:43:06.713-08:00Bryce Canyon: Quiet Ski to Fairyland Point<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fairyland Canyon</div>
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~2M ski roundtrip, flat road</div>
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On our way back from Kanab, we took a quick drive out to Bryce Canyon NP. The scenic red rocks were great, and we took some photos by the easily-accessible viewpoints of Sunrise and Sunset Point. However, those areas were also crowded, with several tourist buses in the parking lot.</div>
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The elevation was higher, and I heard about some snow, so I asked a ranger about snow conditions. We had brought XC skis but hadn't used them on the trip.</div>
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"People have been skiing on Fairyland Point Road, they don't plow it in the winter. I don't know why -- it's a really great viewpoint."</div>
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Perfect. The gate and lack of plowing is a winter blessing for quick solitude. As it turned out, even though the snow wasn't fresh, it was nicely packed and slippery for a quick tour.</div>
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mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-77987332181958792092014-01-05T21:16:00.002-08:002014-01-06T11:06:31.716-08:00Zion National Park: Observation Point Hike in Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zion NP Hike: Observation Point</div>
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8M RT, 4.5 hours</div>
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After the previous day's longer hike, we decided on a nice half-day hike. J and I had never been to Zion NP, so we were eager to check it out. Yeah, when it comes to solitude and most of my exploration, I'm drawn toward Wilderness Areas, and I've been disappointed at times when development and crowds frustrate the natural beauty of National Parks; at the same time, not only do they generally have absolutely sublime terrain, but I also ironically enjoy the connectedness of sharing a common experience and place. And, even the kitsch of the Visitor's Center -- if we could make it before the 5pm closing.</div>
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Moments after entering the park, and shelling out for a new annual pass, the splendor of Zion was apparent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj4bgdSE6zjIFEQaxwMFyTH5QGhx2OU6RhEPd6fCugU4b8dzSbzHLCiDJCyiziYX9kf_YQ_JSouzrGa4mr99cYz-LBLcekF6Hza_89sLHeKfTCIExaaVdDBhbUtP9pSJn7AsWQiCWXMY/s1600/DSC02333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj4bgdSE6zjIFEQaxwMFyTH5QGhx2OU6RhEPd6fCugU4b8dzSbzHLCiDJCyiziYX9kf_YQ_JSouzrGa4mr99cYz-LBLcekF6Hza_89sLHeKfTCIExaaVdDBhbUtP9pSJn7AsWQiCWXMY/s1600/DSC02333.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the summer, we'd have to take buses, which attempts to alleviate the traffic congestion in the Virgin River Valley. (If only Yosemite would do the same!) Being the off-season, however, we had the advantage of being able to drive on park roads. Hopefully this would mean less crowded hiking as well.<br />
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One of the more popular hikes is Angel's Landing, which provides a spectacular vertical gain and views, with some exposed scrambling at the top. This was closed earlier in the week due to snow and ice, and it was ambiguous if it was "open" again, but would have been dicey even so.<br />
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We opted for the mellower, yet higher hike to Observation Point, which leads to a mesa viewpoint high above the park and Angel's Landing itself. Much of the trail was carved by CCC workers right off the side of the sheer walls. Still, when we asked about Observation Point, the Entrance Station ranger warned us about ice and falls, and "didn't want to read about us later."<br />
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This trail was to have mild exposure, but was at least as wide as a sidewalk.<br />
But, an icy sidewalk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxEuB5cvJDYQCkO7xFJmcE-g7zxdi3gWwRwUBV_nWmhvuuXRW9bZIdgktL7oMkNBSEi3WOXKen3Nt_34-fixuJXMoYq1FuXa36FsFyhdShOrdKccEefw1CQOVZFtNG31ClXaALMznbbw/s1600/DSC02464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxEuB5cvJDYQCkO7xFJmcE-g7zxdi3gWwRwUBV_nWmhvuuXRW9bZIdgktL7oMkNBSEi3WOXKen3Nt_34-fixuJXMoYq1FuXa36FsFyhdShOrdKccEefw1CQOVZFtNG31ClXaALMznbbw/s1600/DSC02464.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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Because of the shaded aspects and foot traffic, much of the trail was bulletproof ice. This isn't what I intended as leisurely hike. In fact, I had 3 pairs of traction devices (Microspikes and Yaktrax)...back at the cabin, precisely because I knew we weren't looking for a hike where they were "necessary." (In hindsight, this was dumb, still, because I had plenty of room in my pack and wasn't in a hurry, and at least one pair could always be useful in some sort of unplanned emergency situation). Everyone else had at least one hiking pole, which was helpful for them. I felt solid in running shoes, but a few steps here and there required attention (I had no desire for actually running the worst spots).<br />
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So it began as a luge run with careful steps. With each switchback, we hoped it would get more clear, but mostly it didn't. This was more obvious when viewed, later, from above:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJSDZX2QJETvwSxqcbVOxRcfWNpncQpAqJUcTnv2XobVtz_4Z2pyO0wHBVwo1m573KCpC6ZdPpNqDhFrIdxFAaZbJxxwucVDhu3T-b_CXK4WBtKShh5Mhq8py52d9-uUVGB0x9Nme9v0/s1600/DSC02453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJSDZX2QJETvwSxqcbVOxRcfWNpncQpAqJUcTnv2XobVtz_4Z2pyO0wHBVwo1m573KCpC6ZdPpNqDhFrIdxFAaZbJxxwucVDhu3T-b_CXK4WBtKShh5Mhq8py52d9-uUVGB0x9Nme9v0/s1600/DSC02453.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Still, people were game to keep going up a bit to see if it would clear up. The iciest patches were flat, fortunately, and the steepest pitches seemingly had patches of rock or soft snow.<br />
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Finally, after the first couple miles, the trail got flatter, drier, warmer, and slottier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYGRIEdxRPSVOPmO3u0PmFd02CSl5sQKtEEVgWL8nizWDQtc4Ds_jIN0eqlfryM-e-O-wiluvoqRrG0nVZo-Gtcnmb9Bdr9sYAdG8kPJkjlPYo4pZRxJgHO8BLl9bAA67ObZTFtGWQkY/s1600/DSC02425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYGRIEdxRPSVOPmO3u0PmFd02CSl5sQKtEEVgWL8nizWDQtc4Ds_jIN0eqlfryM-e-O-wiluvoqRrG0nVZo-Gtcnmb9Bdr9sYAdG8kPJkjlPYo4pZRxJgHO8BLl9bAA67ObZTFtGWQkY/s1600/DSC02425.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGRJl3p9sQckI1Ks0cufi1eL5TDjSjkHtWzwED-RCt32ZPzdKLs8koFMBozvHhzBif6LfDz1-aIj63YDJzOqArstcTLsKE6Hh8fG3HPx8ZIjc_5PkhNhvUIs3-PPm9W80_Uo_n3I-KuQ/s1600/DSC02342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGRJl3p9sQckI1Ks0cufi1eL5TDjSjkHtWzwED-RCt32ZPzdKLs8koFMBozvHhzBif6LfDz1-aIj63YDJzOqArstcTLsKE6Hh8fG3HPx8ZIjc_5PkhNhvUIs3-PPm9W80_Uo_n3I-KuQ/s1600/DSC02342.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Then, things opened up more as the sun crested the surrounding walls.</div>
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A bit of stress at the beginning was now well-worth it, and things just kept getting better as we enjoyed another sunny day.</div>
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We saw several other parties on the trail, but only a handful, including a few that came back down from the top. Certainly much less crowded than it would have been in other months. After another set of switchbacks, now mostly dry, we enjoyed a final flat traverse to Observation Point.</div>
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With a half-hour lunch break in the sun, we had the area to ourselves.<br />
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And then, back down, where the first half went quickly and we hoped the ice softened up a bit.<br />
It didn't, much.<br />
Two Canadian ladies breezed past us, one with an ultramarathon (Frosty Mountain?) shirt on. I chatted with them a bit as we approached the snowier sections, where they smartly put on their Microspikes and took off with ease.<br />
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But with careful steps, and perhaps a bit of whiskey, we were able to remain upright, until a final few intentional butt-glissades near the bottom. (Other visitors and kids had been playing/sliding on this section for days, making it a solid sheet of ice).<br />
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We most certainly hope to be back at another time of year for classic hikes like the Narrows and Angel's Landing. But as it turns out, this was a great hike at a great time of year. <br />
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As a bonus, we made it to the Visitor Center before closing, where we were able to browse Chinese consumer goods, and I added unnecessarily to my coffee mug collection.</div>
mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-57283945582734472592014-01-05T20:03:00.001-08:002014-01-05T20:03:18.109-08:00Escalante Hike: Lick Wash, No Mans Mesa, Park Wash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lick Wash to No Mans Mesa,</div>
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Park Wash Return</div>
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~11 miles, 6.5 hours</div>
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Tom led us on a great hiking loop in Escalante National Monument, which would take us through slot canyons of Lick Wash up to the base of a flat plateau known as No Mans Mesa, with a possible return hike down Park Wash to make a satisfying loop, albeit including some unknown bushwhacking.</div>
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With many stunning hiking options in the area, this one would put us into lesser-visited terrain. I love alternative/less-popular hikes with a bit of exploration and less crowds, and knowing Tom, I think he's even more averse to popular hikes than I am. As it was, we didn't see a single other person all day.</div>
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First things first, though...the scenery of Lick Wash came quickly.</div>
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We also realized that snow would be present at the depths of these heights, below the shaded canyon walls. Many sections would have made decent XC skiing, but many more wouldn't, so hiking boots (or running shoes with holes in them, in my case) were practical options.<br />
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I slowed us down a bit more for pictures, none of which can do the canyon justice.<br />
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By afternoon, the terrain and sunshine opened up, for a very pleasant day. We were plenty warm except for slightly wet feet.<br />
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We found a mud cave on the side of one of the canyon walls, and decided to explore.<br />
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It actually opened up as a straight climb up a hole 10 feet above, onto a higher shelf. Much better to discover this from below than by accident from above! We were careful on nearby terrain to avoid unsupported soil.<br />
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At the widening confluence with Park Wash, we took a lunch break below a towering sandstone wall. Soft, beachy sand makes this a great place to rest (and, <a href="http://www.deanmyerson.org/staircase">in another trip report, to make camp</a>).<br />
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Or build a cabin. Shortly thereafter, we explored this abandoned cabin. The cabin itself is a geocache, and I suppose would come in handy if bad weather/flash floods moved in.<br />
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We gazed up toward No Mans Mesa, where a supposed goat trail led to the top, 1200' above us. The trail was supposedly roughly defined and sketchy, as the only break in the cliffs. In fact, the inaccessibility means that the top has a variety of native grasses and other plants that have been largely undisturbed from grazing or human influence.<br />
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But any potential access was still covered in snow, so we pressed on with remaining daylight, on nearly the shortest day of the year, to complete the loop.<br />
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We proceeded north below white cliffs, and as sunset approached, pink cliffs glowed above us.<br />
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We skirted a marsh, and then hoped for a passage to the west that would lead us back to the road. Fortunately, past the marsh and the termination of another canyon to the west, we followed an old road (not shown on our map) as it climbed up to the ridge. The terrain to the southwest/west seemed manageable, through trees with little downfall and occasional but obvious gullies, so we were able to dead-reckon for about half an hour with a satisfying bushwhack back to the road, where cold feet finally warmed up while walking on solid ground for the first sustained amount of time all day.<br />
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We got back to the car right at dusk, perfect timing for the road to be just hard enough (it likely would have been muddier earlier in the day) to make the drive back out. This was a great loop hike with quite a variety of terrain.</div>
<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-79310689554694792372014-01-05T16:44:00.000-08:002014-01-05T16:44:02.410-08:00Kanab, Utah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
J and I had a great, quick trip to Kanab, Utah, right before Christmas. </div>
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We visited and stayed with my friend Tom, whom I worked with in San Diego, and who has a great working knowledge of the area, having visited numerous times to volunteer and adopt dogs from the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.</div>
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After we arrived, we took a shorter hike on the Squaw Trail, giving great views of the surrounding area.</div>
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This was also our first time meeting Tom's partner Vicki, who's warmth and friendliness was immediately apparent. Later, her strong hiking skills and excellent cooking would also become apparent.</div>
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Coming up on the weekend, we only had two full days out there, but packed them with some great hikes, followed by great dinners and sharing of Western beer and wine. Tom had brought his collection of electric Lego trains, and already had a nice setup of 2 trains going. Later, we expanded that to a record of 3 trains, with some hills and banked corners.<br />
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Tom and Vicki were fantastic hosts and great company. I took a few shakeout jogs on the roads around Kanab, but otherwise we had two days of solid hiking. mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-69654825500434266902014-01-03T11:22:00.000-08:002014-01-03T15:27:57.331-08:00Aspen Four-Mountain Skin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aspen Four-Mountain Skin: Uphill/Downhill Ski</div>
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<i>Ajax (Aspen) Mountain</i></div>
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<i>Snowmass</i></div>
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<i>Buttermilk</i></div>
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<i>Aspen Highlands</i></div>
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With a conference in the Snowmass/Aspen area, and decent snow and weather, I was anxious to get in my first downhill skiing of the season. But with the <a href="http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20131223/XPLORE04/312230054/Aspen-s-lift-ticket-price-hits-highest-ever?odyssey=obinsite">high-cost of lift tickets</a>, and a short but pleasant window of opportunity to get outside each day, it made much more sense to hike up each day.</div>
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Since many ski areas (especially in Colorado), operate on public National Forest land, general public use is granted when it can safely coincide with downhill skiing. The fee paid for downhill skiing at resorts, in fact, is actually a fee paid for an uphill lift ticket...mostly. Clearly, the benefits of grooming, avalanche control, and the implicit safety of buildings and nearby patrol (even if not used) are also benefits for the uphill user. At the same time, it would be unusual and unfair to block completely access of our public lands for nearly half the year. So uphill skiing and hiking is becoming more popular, but it's a tenuous balance of use that is constantly being re-evaluated. </div>
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Fortunately, Aspen has generally liberal and open <a href="http://www.aspensnowmass.com/en/events-and-activities/events/power-of-four-ski-mountaineering-race/uphilling-rules">uphill skiing rules</a>. And, it has four mountains! The rules vary per mountain, with Snowmass being the most generous (pretty much any trail, all day) to Ajax and Highlands restricting uphill use to non-lift hours. With some planning, I could skin and ski each of the four mountains that circumscribed the area.</div>
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<b>Ajax</b></div>
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First up was Ajax, which permits uphill access only before the lifts run. This would be a good morning run before my afternoon meetings. This was also the coldest morning, and one in which I "camped" in my Subaru the night before (after taking a short night XC tour at the Aspen golf course). My wife's 0-degree bag was warm enough, but it was a stiff and cramped awakening to get up and put ski gear on. Without overnight parking in Aspen, I caught one of the earliest buses back into town, walked over to the ski area, ready to head up at around 6:20AM. I didn't really have an idea of pace except remembering taking less than 2 hours at a moderate pace on Snowmass previously, but wanted to be conservative so as not to have to turn around close to the top.</div>
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I made my way up slowly but steadily by headlamp, with the clear view of stars giving way to a brightening sky and finally some welcomed sunshine. I still kept my headlamp on (and a blinky rear reflector) for visibility of any patrol/resort workers, and the ones that went by generally nodded and waved.<br />
"America's Uphill" course was supposed to be marked, but I didn't see such markings. Still, I stopped a few times for map-checks and followed the listed directions, which are the most sensible and logical uphill runs based on terrain and visibility anyway.<br />
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I made my way to the Sundeck at 11,212', with plenty of time to spare, taking something like 1:40-1:45 in a walking/hiking shuffle. I was pleased to see that it was open, so I warmed up a bit as I switched into dry clothes.<br />
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2 other uphillers took brief turns by the fire. Otherwise, the Sundeck was filled with staff getting ready for the day, turning on the radio and sharing some laughs. I never know what to expect from staff when you're on the mountain "for free" so I try to lay low, but to a person, they were all friendly, with some asking how the ski was. Ironically (or idealistically), I think we share a bit more when I'm grateful to sit by the fire but don't really "expect" anything; that is, I'm not going to have an ego about status and I'm clearly happy to be there sharing the mountains that we all love. This was the first into several glimpses of Aspen where my former views softened in appreciation of some of the people in the area that still do salvage a bit of its soul.<br />
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I had plenty of time to warm up and eat a few snacks, so now it was time for the downhill. For better skiers than myself, and true backcountry, the uphill effort pays off on fresh powder tracks. For me, still practicing telemark technique and shaking off summer rust, and with no fresh powder to be found anyway, I stuck pretty much to the same blue groomers I skied up, more of a denouement after the more adventurous and committing uphill task. But, the ability to ski down a quiet, empty slope is worth much more than the price of admission.<br />
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With frozen toes, I was thinking about how I was only an hour or so away from a hot shower and coffee, but was pleasantly surprised when free coffee was handed out at the bottom.<br />
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<b>Snowmass</b><br />
With a break during the next afternoon, it was time to head up Snowmass, which allows all-day uphilling. This was much more pleasant in the full afternoon sun, where short-sleeves were comfortable.<br />
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Sticking to the far shoulder, it takes a bit more attention to watch for downhill users, mostly snowboarders that want to hit tiny jumps on the edge, or new skiers that look at you and inevitably head for the direction of their gaze, but it was another pleasant, slow-but-steady hike. I never really shuffle-jog like racers do, and probably carry too much weight in my pack, and it took about the same time (~1:45) as Ajax the previous day. So, the rough rule of thumb of 2k-feet/hour was becoming my shuffling benchmark.<br />
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There's no "required" route, but I've been up Snowmass several times now, and I always go Village Express->Lunchline->Max Park->Sneaky's, which was a route suggested to me before and plays out well, as the upper blue runs get steeper whereas cutting across on the greens is more steady and gets a bit more afternoon sun as well.<br />
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This puts me at the top of Big Burn at 11,835'. This is the top of the front side of the mountain. There is more terrain in the Cirque above which was just starting to open. I hiked up a bit through the backcountry gate for some great views, although the wind had scoured it a bit up there.<br />
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Again, I had a pleasant cruise down, this time leading directly to the hotel, leaving plenty of time to get changed and ready for my upcoming presentation, with which I was pleased.</div>
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<b>Snowmass-Aspen Owl Creek XC</b></div>
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The next afternoon, Friday, left me with another window of ski-pportunity. However, the other 2 Aspen resorts weren't opening until the next day. As planned, I took my skinnier skis instead from Snowmass-Aspen, which was another exploratory tour I had been looking forward to, at somewhere around 9-10 miles one-way, with my goal being leaving directly from the hotel in Snowmass and ending in downtown Aspen, with the ability to take the free shuttle bus back.</div>
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This brought back pleasant memories of mountain biking the Government Trail between the towns several years ago with Caleb -- the whole area is beautiful and it's a classic mt. biking trail, so it would be rewarding to traverse some of the same terrain (albeit lower on the hill) on skis.</div>
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The Owl Creek Trail also goes between the two towns, with the <a href="http://www.owlcreekchase.com/">Owl Creek Chase</a> being an annual race on the groomed trail. To get to the Owl Creek Trail while avoiding roads, I needed to find some other connection. I chose to use the Tom Blake trail, by uphill skiing from the Elk Camp area before cutting across on Vista and then Tom Blake. Tom Blake is normally a summer trail, so having a <a href="http://www.aspensnowmass.com/-/media/summer/snowmasstrailmap.jpg">summer trail map</a> was moderately helpful. Still, I had some trouble and wasted some time finding it, breaking trail and bushwhacking a bit, noticing later that the summer trail signs near the ski area are removed/turned around to prevent confusion.</div>
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Eventually I ended up on a pleasant, rolling backcountry trail, which goes between hillside houses, before making it over to the Two Creeks area. I took some groomed, empty downhill runs (I'm not even sure where or what they were on the map), which then intersected clearly with the signed Owl Creek Trail.</div>
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I was worried that Owl Creek would be too close to the road to be enjoyable, but it was mostly out of sight and noise anyway, so it was a pleasant jaunt amongst hillside meadows. Then I reached the Buttermilk Ski area, which was gearing up for the opening. I made my way across and down to the Tie Hack area and unmistakable bridge, on some of the same trails near the rec center (with free wi-fi) and golf course that I had night-skied a few nights earlier.<br />
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It would have been sufficient to go to one of the bus stops here, but I made my way further on some of the bike path trails and another lovely bridge, past the mining museum and some stone cottages, before skidding on icy sidewalks and then finally walking to a bus stop.<br />
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<b>Buttermilk</b><br />
Saturday afternoon brought me my first chance to ski Buttermilk, on opening day no less. Having already explored the Tie Hack area, I started from the main and lowest lift area, following the clearly-marked uphill route. With right around 2k gain, this took me around an hour -- Buttermilk has the easiest, most gentle terrain in Aspen...but just might have the best views on top. Definitely a pleasant area (even on opening day!) that I'd recommend for beginners and families.<br />
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I met another couple on top who had skinned from West Buttermilk, a higher (but-further-from-the-road) base area and were planning on laps. With plenty of time, I skied down this area and made a few laps as well. This was a quicker uphill-to-downhill payoff, and now meant I had checked out all 3 sides of the mountain. After a few laps here, I headed back down to the base, enjoying sunset views and open, solo skiing.</div>
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Approaching sunset, I made the drive out past Carbondale to Penny Hot Springs, for a free, natural soak under the stars. No pictures to do it justice, although the waxing moon illuminated the rock formations above, and there was just enough water to lie back and watch the stars above.<br />
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<b>Aspen Highlands</b><br />
The final morning left me with the biggest vertical challenge of Highlands. This was an additional challenge because of sleeping in the car and catching an early bus again, but also the necessity to be up the mountain before the lifts run. I've skied down Highlands before and know that it gets steep and narrow in places, so I wanted to make sure I had enough time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy45QQlPO_NJKKGsaGxgNHtOazt_SdAhXoL6A22H4AlLC5p9Od8z67z8088gZ_Rkxc8_CaiONHXYy6d8T0jT44kj8pkDqXPqgJwuxj_2tyncsmU39_GE9918uGOem0Krkqiz6wy9kyXZk/s1600/DSC02148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy45QQlPO_NJKKGsaGxgNHtOazt_SdAhXoL6A22H4AlLC5p9Od8z67z8088gZ_Rkxc8_CaiONHXYy6d8T0jT44kj8pkDqXPqgJwuxj_2tyncsmU39_GE9918uGOem0Krkqiz6wy9kyXZk/s320/DSC02148.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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As the sun rose, lighting up puffy cotton candy clouds above me, I had an incredible sight and experience. The camera certainly could not catch this, but I could see the faint pink and blue hue reflected on the snow below. It was very faint, but distinct. As the clouds moved and the sun rose, the colours danced on the snow. Amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdoNdJfk94aJ7vKY6oCMz-y2DEOKdrfsJh2qYKdFLVu5EijODtw_1zj2TrWuyCfNFjFBpcyIAyPDL6-ooyog_M1I8Q-PqJ53rixttVOb5dI-gGD0dLs-hOuCTcRnIczNFKZrbCwOmRWc/s1600/DSC02149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdoNdJfk94aJ7vKY6oCMz-y2DEOKdrfsJh2qYKdFLVu5EijODtw_1zj2TrWuyCfNFjFBpcyIAyPDL6-ooyog_M1I8Q-PqJ53rixttVOb5dI-gGD0dLs-hOuCTcRnIczNFKZrbCwOmRWc/s320/DSC02149.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The uphill rules state that uphillers must be beyond the Merry-Go-Round restaurant by 9am. I had made this benchmark, but the signs actually say something like "No Uphill Traffic past 9am", making it ambiguous as to whether I would have to turn around right at 9am before the summit. I should have enough time (and did) but didn't want to risk it. At 8:30, the lifts were whirring and I saw people on them, but this was patrol and staff. I made it to the top 10 minutes later...greeted by happy and playful avalanche dog, who was quite pleased to fetch his tennis ball that was solidly encased in frozen slobber.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuPo6q_owj7EpMrqrYQSOUVwLTwb5LnxlMFC0NwTrzBE396VLC8GBYizKctWYXcU0OcJpnQ1YNRNoi-2ZpaMdYLrRMitvpQSApdMPjWLOx1KORZGKpLJeXRQ2uo6uXma4dDaRN-8wN0o/s1600/DSC02159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuPo6q_owj7EpMrqrYQSOUVwLTwb5LnxlMFC0NwTrzBE396VLC8GBYizKctWYXcU0OcJpnQ1YNRNoi-2ZpaMdYLrRMitvpQSApdMPjWLOx1KORZGKpLJeXRQ2uo6uXma4dDaRN-8wN0o/s320/DSC02159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I stayed out of the way of the patrollers and changed quickly in the public bathroom in the patrol hut, and then got ready for the descent before the crowds came.<br />
Having gotten up early, I would have been in prime position to hike to the top of Highlands Bowl. The main problem with this is that I am not good enough to ski that terrain. Perhaps I should spend more time downhilling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5-Y7MO8gL8PsojFrxeiNAynypwGjjnJeSiIPb_uR3Xpo7Ltxzdyp1egASVQJJz0djKZB1k237uaIk1YskOS-ktzgi4JaxT86spSUK7y9sgvpBFnCHKxUXZfvYd12LE6j8enlKSPbbU4/s1600/DSC02166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5-Y7MO8gL8PsojFrxeiNAynypwGjjnJeSiIPb_uR3Xpo7Ltxzdyp1egASVQJJz0djKZB1k237uaIk1YskOS-ktzgi4JaxT86spSUK7y9sgvpBFnCHKxUXZfvYd12LE6j8enlKSPbbU4/s320/DSC02166.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b>Aspen Four-Mountain Skin</b><br />
So a purist might hike to Highlands Bowl and The Cirque at Snowmass for the ultimate vertical. I am content with hiking to the lift-served, frontside-top of each of these mountains, with an extra few laps at Buttermilk to give a more satisfying gain.<br />
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It was nice to have a window of opportunity to do all four of these mountains. I am sure that people living in the area do this more frequently and quickly. In fact, the Aspen <a href="http://www.aspensnowmass.com/en/events-and-activities/events/power-of-four-ski-mountaineering-race">Power-of-Four</a> ski mountaineering race goes up all four mountains...in the same day. And traverses between them for more than a marathon-distance of skiing. Incredibly, the winners can finish around 5 hours...which is <i>less than the aggregate time</i> I took to get up all 4 mountains, <i>on separate days</i>. This makes their effort even more tangible, where I can better appreciate their incredible skill and training (most of the contribution) and gear (also helps). At my level, a couple hours of inefficient but steady uphill is a good workout. <br />
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About the only shared realization is just how satisfying it is to ski up and down the mountains under one's own power. That is a beautiful challenge in itself, which is highly recommended!<br />
<br />mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-44927395548042255392013-12-03T19:30:00.003-08:002013-12-03T19:30:58.347-08:00'Til Next Time, Fort -- Part DeuxSeems like I need some sort of transition before moving on to blogging about nonsense from a new locale.<div>
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So we're settled into Golden, now -- Denver West, actually, on the border of Denver and Golden. And Denver West, actually, is itself a <a href="http://www.trademarkia.com/denver-west-73393287.html">registered trademark</a> (since 1982), as I learned via the circled "R" on some park benches I saw the other day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But I digress. J has a new job in Lakewood, which is a great opportunity for her, and so moving south made sense for both of us, to also make it easier for me to get to the Anschutz campus.</div>
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We <a href="http://frontrangerambler.blogspot.com/2010/08/til-next-time-fort-grey-rock-with-neil.html">left Fort Collins once before</a>, for just under a year, before moving back -- who knows if it will happen again. We absolutely love the town, the community, and our friends. It is the first time, having lived in 4 different states together and twice as many towns, and a strange feeling, to be missing out on the present and future of the city. We've both worked and volunteered in various capacities in the community, and feel like we've had a great stake in it's successes and challenges. We've put a lot of work and pride into the town, and into our first home. I've put thousands of miles of shoe and bike-rubber all over the city -- I'm unaware of any roads or natural areas I haven't visited. We've watched countless sunsets from our patio, and numerous sunrises from the dams or Horsetooth Rock -- the latter of which has <a href="http://frontrangerambler.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-lucky-fall-from-horsetooth.html">traces of my blood</a> on it. No other place is more integrated into our history and identity than Fort Collins.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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The community involvement, and especially things like the bicycling infrastructure and school involvement (albeit with the normal Colorado challenges of funding) are exemplary. </div>
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Unfortunately, job prospects for 21st-century careers in biotech and health analytics (e.g.) are better in the Boulder and Denver area. I hope that Fort Collins can attract and maintain major employers in those areas, and the ability to utilize a young, talented workforce remains the major challenge. </div>
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That is only to explain our reluctant and perhaps temporary leaving of Fort Collins. Otherwise, we are fortunate to have made lifelong memories and friendships. With family still in town, including my favourite niece, we'll undoubtedly be back regularly. And we're renting out our condo, which is also a reward in itself. </div>
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As for a running standpoint, there's much I'll miss. Definitely many of the trails, rocky or paved, and many of the workouts, like Jane's Tuesday morning or Towers (umm, maybe not as much lately) and my favourite bar, the Trailhead. But mostly, the people: genuinely good folks that have given me good reason to get up early, stay up late, and trudge through all kinds of weather. Everyone's too numerous to name, and that feeling is quite a blessing.</div>
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So I'll miss you all, Fort Collins! But we'll be seeing you around.</div>
mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-12662464576790840602013-11-21T16:52:00.001-08:002013-11-21T16:59:04.074-08:00Snow Bike, Fatbike, Ice Bike: What's in a Name?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVIDZK_5rdIBMmMqJuzYTjrAOw_rirdhxVVkPZLFxkvnlNTQCI-bruDbdgdOI_M2hfz-N1Q_cIG0VAB_3Id0tPfByFclTZ3QxwPQouS5L2Bm_s72qIGvZEy1MdB5yzKiFSJi_EL3t4G8/s1600/mike_snowbike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVIDZK_5rdIBMmMqJuzYTjrAOw_rirdhxVVkPZLFxkvnlNTQCI-bruDbdgdOI_M2hfz-N1Q_cIG0VAB_3Id0tPfByFclTZ3QxwPQouS5L2Bm_s72qIGvZEy1MdB5yzKiFSJi_EL3t4G8/s320/mike_snowbike.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>The epic Front Range Winter of 2006-07 </i><br />
<br />
Today's taste of winter reminded me of confusing winter bike nomenclature.<br />
Here are some facts.<br />
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<b>Snow Bike</b><br />
There is a thing called a snowbike:<br />
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<a href="http://www.highcountryactivities.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/snowbike_solo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.highcountryactivities.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/snowbike_solo.jpg" /></a></div>
Generally and historically, it has one or two skis, and is also known as a "ski bike." <br />
The original (and registered trademark) snowbike is found at the Austrian website for snowbike <a href="http://www.snowbike.com/">http://www.snowbike.com</a><br />
As the top google search, one of the bikes is noted for it's best all-around <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"><i>Fahreigenschaften</i>. </span>It pleases me to know this word exists for "handling characteristics."<br />
But speaking of translations, it seems this should have been called a <i>ski bike</i> only. It's not a bicycle! At least, there's nothing "cycle" about it.<br />
There are versions with a rear wheel, but the double-ski version are mostly used on ski slopes at resorts. I can see the use for those with limited mobility to get down the hill for sure: rock on. But otherwise they lack the <i style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 14.541666984558105px;">Fahreigenschaften </i>and full-body workout and flow of real skis (I imagine, without actually trying them), and they take up extra space on ski lifts. Mostly, it is annoying because the "snowbike" set off an avalanche of suboptimal bike-naming.<br />
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Skiing and biking together...I prefer this way instead:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztJaPwa4Woa4PU10AVoIOw6UY61sKoPGMhJReb2DM2wAWiyvwIC45SO-3aSukG6b7r8ImD7x_5535Lwxgd1D5cYKmPsc6WPEkDNnoc1xP-rSr9OdkuWx399oKCpNGfCxNCM06rS9r4OI/s1600/mike_skibike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztJaPwa4Woa4PU10AVoIOw6UY61sKoPGMhJReb2DM2wAWiyvwIC45SO-3aSukG6b7r8ImD7x_5535Lwxgd1D5cYKmPsc6WPEkDNnoc1xP-rSr9OdkuWx399oKCpNGfCxNCM06rS9r4OI/s320/mike_skibike.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>*</b><br />
<b>Ice Bike</b><br />
So what about people that want to ride or commute in the snow? A good way to do this is with the increased traction of studded tires.<br />
With "snow bike" taken, these bikes became known as <i>ice bikes</i>, which certainly are better for riding on ice, although riders are generally more enthusiastic about riding on snow. And we generally call studded car tires <i>snow tires </i>instead of "ice tires."<br />
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Here are some folks riding ice bikes in Poland:<br />
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<a href="http://www.icebike.org/images/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://www.icebike.org/images/24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many good products, projects and inspiration is described on <a href="http://www.icebike.org/">http://www.icebike.org/</a><br />
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I spent a few hours and a box of screws a few years ago making my own studded tires. They worked great on packed snow and ice. Otherwise, I was terrified about having to fix a flat by peeling off a stiff, spiky tire in the cold; or causing a flat because of all those screws pushing back in against the tube while riding on pavement. And the tires were <i>heavy! </i>It was a fun project to do once.</div>
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Commercial tires like Nokians seem like a more reliable bet, and it would be even more convenient to have an extra set of rims to swap as necessary.</div>
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While wider tires are generally better, I would argue that there are some very specific snow conditions (grippy, wet snow -- e.g. a sunny afternoon just after the cold front passes through) in which road bike tires slice through the snow instead of floating like fat tires do.</div>
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<i>*</i></div>
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<i><b>Fatbikes</b></i></div>
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But what about deeper, powdery snow, and trail riding? </div>
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This is where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatbike" style="font-style: italic;">fatbikes</a> come into play. These are bikes with extra wide tires. Extra wide tires require extra-wide rims...which require extra-wide forks and brake clearance. And an extra-wide garage, because the owners probably started with a few more standard bike styles and are reluctant to get rid of them.</div>
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Some guys were making their own fatbike modifications, but it really took off with Surly Bikes, when they released the Pugsley:</div>
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<a href="http://sunrisecyclerympls.com/surlybikes/Surly_Pugsleybg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://sunrisecyclerympls.com/surlybikes/Surly_Pugsleybg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This has become popular for snow (and sand/beach) trail riding, and races like the Arrowhead 135 and Iditabike. Some also argue that lower pressure also means less trail damage (in alpine areas, etc.)</div>
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Anyway, I do not own a fatbike, and this bothers me.</div>
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*</div>
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<b>Fat Tire Bikes</b></div>
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Still, this is a bit of a confusing name because fat-tire bikes were used to distinguish, well, bikes with fatter tires, from skinnier road tires. </div>
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This also inspired a popular beer:</div>
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<a href="http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2011/0404/20110404__20110406_D12_FE06FDMRBEER~p1_300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2011/0404/20110404__20110406_D12_FE06FDMRBEER~p1_300.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
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Among fat-tire bikes, it's a bit confusing because <i>fat tires</i> (or <i>balloon tires</i>) were originally found on heavy, town-cruiser "klunker" bikes, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_biking#1970s.E2.80.931980s">until re-appropriated under separate circumstances</a> by legendary folks in Marin County, CA and Crested Butte, CO.</div>
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<a href="http://www.clunkers.net/alan_repack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.clunkers.net/alan_repack1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This, of course, led to the development of the <i>mountain bike</i> -- which is no doubt ridden on or in the mountains, but in popular use is statistically more likely to be found on trails or roads that may be nowhere near any mountains.</div>
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That's still better than...</div>
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<b>Flat Tire Bikes</b></div>
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That's what's most likely in your garage right now.</div>
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What's your excuse?</div>
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mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-87271503580987899962013-11-14T09:43:00.002-08:002013-11-15T05:56:40.543-08:00Leadville: It's not just the money<div>
Leadville-haters have spoken. And the fanboys have spoken. We're all better off because all of this is amusing. It looks like the race series is looking to make some changes. I'm optimistic about this and hoping for the best -- let's see what happens.</div>
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But is there any room in the middle?</div>
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There's a fundamental issue that I think is missed: several folks have made the point about how much money the race brings to town, or how much they personally spend on it, and how they're willing to spend even more on it(!) before seeing any actual changes. People use these arguments to justify the implementation -- and flaws -- of the race. A common variant of this:<br />
<i>"If you don't like it, spend your money elsewhere." </i>This is an insufficient argument when analyzing anything other than a choice of benign options (like debating beer brands or bad movies) -- especially when some of the criticism and negative effect is felt by people completely uninterested in the race.</div>
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A strict monetary analysis is neither necessary nor sufficient. It's possible to have an event in town that is break-even but brings positive attention to the town, or increases sense of community (e.g. town fireworks displays or parades); it's possible to bring money to a town in a way that is toxic. Perhaps it's a bridge too far in a philosophical divide -- maybe a gap as wide as the distance from Leadville to Silverton -- but merely bringing money to a town <i>needs</i> to be balanced against the negative externalities as well. Some of the locals (the town of Twin Lakes, businesses like the <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/ci_20320727/some-colorado-towns-along-cycling-race-dislike-shifting">Golden Burro</a>; disinterested hikers and fisherman; howling packs of roving dogs, whatever) are unhappy, or at least inconvenienced, with the race, or at least the size of it. Leadville run has no cap -- how big is too big? I don't know, but it's insufficient not to consider the question.<br />
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Many modern business practices, and communities themselves, consider the <i>triple-bottom-line: </i>financial, social, and environmental impact. Meeting all 3 of these generally leads to a desirable, sustainable situation. In fact, I would strongly argue that the Chlouber's initial implementation was a shining example of this: mine's closed, but there was already some dependent service-industry and infrastructure dependent on it, and the race was so small so as to have had little environmental impact (certainly much less than the mine itself).</div>
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So what happens when you make a decision <i>solely </i>on money? You get unsustainable implementations. Various business interests and models need to be tailored the community, but the answer of "Well, it brings in money!" is insufficient. Mining, fracking, drive-thru's, casinos, and strip malls have their place (well, just kidding about drive-thru's), and on a strict balance sheet, they bring in more money than wilderness, especially in the short term. But try to think a little higher and deeper. </div>
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Quality of life, and community, is not so easily monetized. And some people spend more than others when coming to Leadville. That's fine. Bring an entourage. But do campers (Clark? Tony? Lucho?) count less in this scheme? Does the lifelong resident with the modest shack count less than our Front Range invasion?</div>
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And it's even worse to suggest that unsustainable practices like treating the National Forest as a parking lot and garbage can is worth it <i>because</i> of the money. The Winfield situation doesn't bother me as much as an "ultrarunner," (whatever that means), or from having done the race (running it once and pacing 2 years)...it bothers me because I'm a Coloradan, and I've spent as much time camping or hiking out there with my wife than I have as part of the race. It's a beautiful part of the world, but it looks like a suburban Walmart in August. I much look forward to being an old man leading kids up Huron or Hope Pass rather than talking about a belt buckle. I think it's perfectly valid to have a vocal opinion on the race, representing concerns about sustainability and image, and the locals that aren't involved in the race, than merely taking my money elsewhere. </div>
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Look, I get that some people like (or love) the race. In all honesty, so do I. Which is why I support the "tough love" and asking hard questions. It's easy and natural to think and do something because of a personal opinion, but it's more admirably higher-minded to look at the big picture and see how it affects everyone, even if it means making a personal sacrifice, like not committing to running the race until proper changes are made. The storied history of the race, and the many good things that come from it, do not make the race immune from any and all introspection and criticism. The race can be fixed, and it looks like steps are being made, to meet the needs of the running community as well as the larger community. But it can't be judged strictly on dollars. Natural spaces, an examined lifestyle, sense of community, and ideals are far above the simple calculus of money.<br />
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Or a belt buckle. </div>
mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593777137946937666.post-9805218726538235712013-11-12T09:44:00.001-08:002013-11-12T15:02:43.282-08:00White Rim-in-a-day (WRIALAD) Bike Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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White Rim in a Day (aka "WRIAD" or "WRIALAD")</div>
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14 hours, 103 miles</div>
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<i>Canyon country: canyons beyond canyons of geologic handiwork, carved over epochs with remarkable patient precision. Think of the naivete of quick perfection being fully formed! -- when compared to the careful chiseling of rock into even more rugged and imposing character -- falling deep from a higher plane, with levels of complexity revealing the history of the making like so many books.</i></div>
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Canyonlands National Park comprises but a part of Utah canyon country, with the Island in the Sky District providing a grand view of the confluence of two of the most important rivers of the American West. This is Abbey country, along the Colorado, as well as the Green, with eons of destruction creating a complex landscape. The distinctive white rim -- visible from space but even more accessible from a perch near the park entrance -- frames the fractalized contours of the plateaus below. </div>
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I had the pleasure of viewing it from above, on a trip with J almost exactly a year ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTxf_CdrYIe6uaCmVJpx1cEq7EvbS8P65q8YIK-_5Dpyx7iLMY9H4wPQGYbgQ-NyHz_DnnAstGxxwA4cbfLTYN4EgGsRvHBh-c8XTcbhDZkmht9r3OIoDJVGyWB0le6JIGpM8CMQmc-I/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTxf_CdrYIe6uaCmVJpx1cEq7EvbS8P65q8YIK-_5Dpyx7iLMY9H4wPQGYbgQ-NyHz_DnnAstGxxwA4cbfLTYN4EgGsRvHBh-c8XTcbhDZkmht9r3OIoDJVGyWB0le6JIGpM8CMQmc-I/s320/IMG_1881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The White Rim trail, then, follows along these impressive mesas, with occasional switchbacking drops down into the level below. As a rocky jeep road, the 103-mile circuit is an American classic, often done in multi-day camping trips involving jeeps or mountain bikes. Of course, the distance and challenge also lend itself to a single day effort on a mountain bike or a jeep.</div>
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<a href="http://pineridgerunner.blogspot.com/">Alex</a> and I were happy to give it a go.</div>
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As you can see already, it was a successful attempt, leading to a satisfying GPS track which traces a solid artificial line on top of where a road is, with accompanying quantitative statistics. While riding in a day is certainly a difficult challenge, others have run it instead, and mountain bikers have done it twice as fast. (Think: aero bars, drafting, van support).</div>
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Assuredly, Alex and I did it with uncertainty, minimal planning and preparation -- "White Rim on a Whim" -- and had a fantastic experience on a beautiful day, getting our money's worth with several hours of dawn and dusk riding.</div>
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We began with the drive from Colorado on Friday afternoon, arriving at Mineral Canyon Road after sunset, with vague hopes of camping on BLM land. We followed the dusty, washboarded road for nearly 13 miles, knowing that we'd be returning up the same road around sunrise the next day, surprised at the lack of other vehicles, bikes, or visible camps, before the final pulloff above the Green River. It was after sunset as Alex drove down a steep, ledgy road with little room for error (or anywhere to turn around), so he proceeded mostly on faith that the road would indeed get us somewhere useful. We first saw the actual road in daylight 2 days later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wWioGSXouX-6gyKj30abog1eTXv5MMOG4rvplTnzogws1EEtQINS6R2gFm7l8CWV83tuSjooZGGXqlXmqxblW_uR0w_D7X26GDZBzn_GJKC_DnMhH6jRDbGcuxoc-V05Ms1coSEC6dk/s1600/DSC01637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wWioGSXouX-6gyKj30abog1eTXv5MMOG4rvplTnzogws1EEtQINS6R2gFm7l8CWV83tuSjooZGGXqlXmqxblW_uR0w_D7X26GDZBzn_GJKC_DnMhH6jRDbGcuxoc-V05Ms1coSEC6dk/s320/DSC01637.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was fully dark when we hit the bottom, and after a left turn and a scant several hundred feet or so, we saw a sandy pulloff to the right which led fortuitously to a campsite with an arranged ring-circle for a firepit. Being the first available candidate we had seen, it was the perfect spot. Again, it was a full 2 sunrises later that we actually saw how beautiful the site was, being right on the Green River.</div>
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As far as we could tell, we were the only ones camping down by the river. We made camp and dinner quickly, and fidgeted with bikes and gear. Just before retiring, we saw headlights coming down the switchbacks, which eventually pointed near our campsite. A couple guys got out and scouted around, and just as we thought they were leaving, they re-parked and began setting up camp. <i>Ethan and Josh. Climbers.</i> </div>
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I've had enough rowdy camping neighbour experiences to fear the worst, and I bring along earplugs just in case, but it's a frustrating alternative to a peaceful camp. Sometimes, or even often, free camping is even louder than Disney-esque established campgrounds because there's no accountability or authority. But, so far, these guys were respectful, talking in hushed voices, and closing the doors on the truck -- closing, not slamming! -- quietly. So I also thought about those looking-in-faith-for-a-campsite moments where I'm just hoping to find a small patch of ground myself under a starry sky, and it was even better to share the landscape with kindred spirits.</div>
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I walked over to introduce ourselves, and offered some beer, which they obliged and remarked on the Fort Collins origin. Turns out, they were from Loveland area and now one of them was in Durango, and they were out to climb Moses rock the next day (a prominent tower on at least one list of <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=JzTZeow0yxYC&pg=PA154&lpg=PA154&dq=fifty+favorite+climbs+moses&source=bl&ots=ZVOoGdH4F9&sig=h7KgPR32FniQDARkSKIHRrc-Gsc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=r76BUobUFKaZiQL7pYDwCQ&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=fifty%20favorite%20climbs%20moses&f=false">"Fifty Favorite Climbs"</a>). They were apologetic for camping nearby, and we were quick to appreciate their concern and respect out in the desert. They also showed us the success of their <a href="http://www.rootsimple.com/2013/04/the-upside-down-fire/">"Upside-down fire"</a> -- an interesting thing to consider for future fire efforts, and certainly an archetypal fascination in general that I'm sure is encoded somewhere on the Y-chromosome. </div>
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As we told them of our bike plans, it was interesting to think of their orthogonal plans, moving hundreds of feet vertically, through great effort and risk, while barely budging on the map, while we were doing the exact opposite.</div>
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And now you see, if you haven't already, how senseless maps really are!</div>
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So now I'll tell you a bit about preparation: the plan started when the womenfolk planned a girls' weekend out in Santa Fe. I wasn't even sure if Alex was available, and had a mental checklist of options but kind of wanted to see how the weather was fairing. Two years ago, in fact, a group of us had a great time and perfect weather in the Grand Canyon, so it was natural to be drawn to the desert again. But I wasn't sure about a similarly long on-foot effort, and neither was Alex. Even when I was thinking about the bike ride, of course, the government shutdown threatened the possibility through half of October anyway. </div>
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Still, I figured the <a href="http://frontrangerambler.blogspot.com/2013/10/front-range-gravel-grinder-weekend-in.html">Gravel Grinder</a> a few weeks prior was a good shake-out, with a few shorter mt. bike rides here and there. Alex had done a road century in the summer, and I was sure relentless stubborn progress could get us through anything, but I hadn't really warned Alex about the specific idea, and I think the idea was mentioned after a beer or three at a Halloween party, when I didn't even know very many details about the ride. So I was pleasantly surprised (well, not really surprised) the next day when he texted after reading ride reports and watching videos: <i>"I'm in."</i> </div>
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Other than a few rides, I also started thinking about gear a bit, and most of it worked quite well. So here you go:</div>
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* 29er hardtail (Trek/Fischer Cobia)</div>
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* 1.9" semi-slick tires (Geax Evolution, cheap from REI)</div>
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* Downtube bottle cage: hose clamp, with tire tube rubber</div>
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* Rear rack: Schwinn seatpost mount (cheap from Target), bungee cords</div>
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* Seatpost cage: zip-tied to rack and seatpost</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja47W8LETCwrerBn32dd_ZefIs-WAraaYnO_9mgANxAvuXtbV1RWl_6GeXsVt-LbwWqgfuDNQKKq3jrIth8Hrx6SpqyI0DUYZzngoKh5MpCh338_O-Yx0fllhTNPR5PGx9h7INda2zXKo/s1600/PB020269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja47W8LETCwrerBn32dd_ZefIs-WAraaYnO_9mgANxAvuXtbV1RWl_6GeXsVt-LbwWqgfuDNQKKq3jrIth8Hrx6SpqyI0DUYZzngoKh5MpCh338_O-Yx0fllhTNPR5PGx9h7INda2zXKo/s320/PB020269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had a Mountain Hardwear waist-pack with 2 more bottles, so 6 bottles and ~130 oz's total (on a cool day, 30-55 deg F). I hate worrying too much about gear, but had fun with the fact that relatively modifications worked well at keeping weight off my back and shoulders. The rear rack was tight and didn't sway at all -- I just could have used another strap on the rear bag (extra layers) and rear bottle cage that was a bit loose. The tires were great as the route doesn't really need knobbies at all, and the lower bottle cage was great as well. And there you go, for the accounting. </div>
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Anyway, we awoke to cold and dark and frost. The advantage of parking at Mineral Bottom, and proceeding clockwise, is getting one of the largest sustained climbs out of the way early. Without daylight to marvel at the views, it was easy to focus on the thin beam of headlight, one switchback at a time. I through it into the granny gear right away to spin more and, uh, stay warm; and by getting that out of the way, I didn't have to think about trying every climb in the middle ring or other such foolishness. (Later, plenty of other opportunities of sandy, steep climbs made me grateful for the granny gear as well).</div>
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After 20-25 minutes, this was followed by arguably one of the least scenic stretches (a gradual climb through high-desert brush) in low light.</div>
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For "not scenic," it was still a great place to be. And we had a big climb out of the way.</div>
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We had a manageable but cold, sharp headwind, so we were anxious for the rising sun. That only helped a bit, as we entered the National Park through an unmanned station. We tacked on the extra mile each way to visit the Visitor Center and pay the entrance fee. Did I mention, we still hadn't seen other riders yet? We figured it would be a popular enough weekend that we'd see several groups around sunrise, but hadn't yet seen any.<br />
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I refilled the scant water that I drank already, and tried to warm up a bit (I had 2 unused layers, still, but it was colder when not moving). As we talked to the rangers, we were told in no uncertain terms that it was a long ride without help or water, that the days were short and it was already 9AM, and that we'd be finishing in the dark. Yeah, I know that, say, Grand Canyon R2R2R is discouraged, but we had plenty of water and gear (enough to spend the night or more, if necessary), and already had 20-some miles done; so how about some <i>encouragement</i> instead?<br />
(Later, by only seeing about 5 other vehicles all day, I realized how un-busy the park is, ironically, outside of the hot summer season, so even being on the road is more removed than being on any road in Rocky Mountain NP, for example. At worst, it seems one might be 20 miles or so from water; in some cases, the quickest escape route might be one of the crisscrossing hiking-only trails that lead back up a thousand feet or more to the Visitor Center).<br />
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So our next order of business was dropping more than a thousand feet into Shafer Canyon, on a switchbacking jeep road.<br />
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This certainly could be a bomber descent, and would be even more fun on a full suspension bike. Disc brakes are certainly helpful. As it was, I tried to force myself to stop grinning so as not to get dust and grit in my teeth -- but it was hard. We took it easy and enjoyed the views, and I stopped to adjust and double-check the gear strapped to my rig.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/78543429" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
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I heard a voice from above, which would have been tourists from one of the overlooks.<br />
"Oh, wow, I have something new on my bucket list," said the voice to his friend. "Check out those bikes down there!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YjQW6Q34xvt8m_HEnnd0AolXHe_N3vufA82w98jaYwCLBzU78Wx9nnsRZ0KxQCaJFBiZQcmO4LutE_WWxWcRg0L-3vn9fqowRg6JqOr1nlBnIWUBZAI-6S_P4fhezpe6yHLXFhfVFNA/s1600/DSC01490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YjQW6Q34xvt8m_HEnnd0AolXHe_N3vufA82w98jaYwCLBzU78Wx9nnsRZ0KxQCaJFBiZQcmO4LutE_WWxWcRg0L-3vn9fqowRg6JqOr1nlBnIWUBZAI-6S_P4fhezpe6yHLXFhfVFNA/s320/DSC01490.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We made our way down to the next thematic section of the ride: long, flat riding surrounded by monuments and canyon walls. The weather was great for riding but still just a bit cool. Within a few miles, we would be coming up to a short side-hike to a spectacular rock bridge known as Musselman Arch -- we were looking forward to this as one of the highlights of the trip.<br />
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Musselman Arch is flat, solid -- and no wider than a sidewalk, with a steep dropoff on either side. But it's accessible for hiking access (in years past, people have taken bikes and even motorcycles on it), giving a unique and fantastic vantage point.<br />
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Not wanting to walk in bike cleats for various reasons, I asked Alex to take pictures while I jogged barefoot on the rock.<br />
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We both took turns out on the arch, and enjoyed a chance to thaw out our numbed feet.<br />
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Back on the bike, then, we enjoyed impressive views of sandstone monoliths, with the frosted La Sals in the distance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXADmzSpI0c8HL-OuM2E3ZbnjqyKNiyT0UY4-2tXL3JvMtX4WteMa3OdIw4LPjFbdnXe0UF4YNHNkqV40j7oLrGerVlktHv4L5WZb2E6VT_Es95BIcJOBWTAk7Q3zPuoktZbbJ-7IShR0/s1600/DSC01500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXADmzSpI0c8HL-OuM2E3ZbnjqyKNiyT0UY4-2tXL3JvMtX4WteMa3OdIw4LPjFbdnXe0UF4YNHNkqV40j7oLrGerVlktHv4L5WZb2E6VT_Es95BIcJOBWTAk7Q3zPuoktZbbJ-7IShR0/s320/DSC01500.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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As we rode further, I remembered one of the more unique rock names that I had seen on the map, and we saw her plainly and obviously: "Washer Woman Rock."</div>
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We continuee flat riding in a land of stone giants, alternating between flat, sandy valleys and slickrock ledges. Despite descriptions of backpacking campsites being full months in advance, we found most of them empty despite nearly perfect weather.</div>
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We kept our eyes out one more major stopping point, "Vertigo Void," which is an undercut section on which the rim is roughly a foot thick at the edge and then only gradually thickens as it retreats from the large void hundreds of feet below. Supposedly, lying above the void presents the sensation of flying, especially when the wind updrafts from the canyon below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-Wa50q59m066Ewm1v3H95WTvUaAB4bwzclKrXkPXXoxj3OXSlQwjzsmGqLWbXlcPJOLNjD4Un3EPQH3kLxqGl9KW6Ue3P9v5xDQlTdkH335oKudgTe8peyq76QOcaNeGYb1xL45onVY/s1600/DSC01521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-Wa50q59m066Ewm1v3H95WTvUaAB4bwzclKrXkPXXoxj3OXSlQwjzsmGqLWbXlcPJOLNjD4Un3EPQH3kLxqGl9KW6Ue3P9v5xDQlTdkH335oKudgTe8peyq76QOcaNeGYb1xL45onVY/s320/DSC01521.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We approached the edge, with little to no wind. I'm not sure about flying, but the vertigo part was definitely true: if I focused my vision away from the rim so as not to see the edge holding us up, my legs spasmed and my heart raced to remind me that it was still on solid ground. A bit of somewhat terrifying fun. I like to envision that we -- animals -- have an unappreciated sense of gravity, and that we can feel the minute differences between solid objects and voids, between heights and depths (distance <i>squared</i>), perhaps via tiny, unstudied sensors within our bodies; and that this affect is blocked or muted when encapsulated within larger objects, like buildings or cars.<br />
Without proof, though, it'll have to be considered imagination. Or faith.<br />
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And then, more riding. We encountered occasional groups of cyclists: with a trailing van, and some spry freshness and odd line and cadence choices, most of them were out for a supported section ride. Hopefully the smiles and fun are a gateway to further riding. A few smaller groups did appear to be in for the whole enchilada -- but definitely a much less frequent endeavor than Grand Canyon through-hiking this time of year.<br />
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We had a few climbs left, namely Murphy's Hogback and Hardscrabble Hill.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sports.franzkelsch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/WhiteRimTrailProfile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://www.sports.franzkelsch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/WhiteRimTrailProfile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">from <a href="http://www.sports.franzkelsch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/WhiteRimTrailProfile.jpg">www.sports.franzkelsch.com</a></span></div>
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Both are short but steep grunts -- more runnable than rideable -- with a bit of sand and ruts to make things interesting. And on our ride, these climbs came about mile 70 and almost 90.</div>
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A surprising short section before Murphy's was sandy enough to hop off the bike for a short section. But the climb itself was the right aerobic challenge, as I fought my front tire just barely hanging on to the trail, and used every bit of tiny relief sections of flatness to catch my breath, between intervals of 30-40 second anaerobic grinds.</div>
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I didn't get good pictures on the way up, but the view from the top was rewarding.</div>
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We enjoyed a fun descent after all that work, and finally were able to appreciate our net decline towards the Green River, with a surprise treat being the sheltered trees still hanging on to golden leaves.<br />
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While the dropping sun meant we were running short on daylight, it was an absolutely sublime and mesmerizing set of sunsets. We were treated to a ride towards a prominent sundog -- three sunsets for the price of one! -- while shadows and reflections upped the visual ante.</div>
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And so we were tired and nearly ready to be done, but witnessed some of the best scenery at the best time.<br />
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Shortly after this was some fun, hardpacked cruising. Finally, full dark, with a clean climb of the switchbacking Hardscrabble hill, followed by sandy rollers in the dark. Trying to anticipate sand was more difficult with limited view, and even after we descended back to the nadir of the ride, the sand, fittingly, forced us to a walk.<br />
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And then the "other" entrance, which had a leather-bound book full of not just names and dates, but other assorted prose. With cold, cramped fingers, I scratched our names on one of the pages.<br />
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Just a few more sandy miles, and we were delighted to see our campsite again, in full dark after over 14 hours. Ethan and Josh had their fire going after a successful climb, and cheered our return, and we made quick work of opening beers and cooking any and all edibles we had.</div>
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This was a fantastic ride and Alex was the perfect partner for it, it would have been a much darker experience without him. We were quite happy with the choice to ride clockwise and to start from Mineral Bottom. Along the way, I thought of how something like Kokopelli Trail (140+ miles) in a day would be more miserable than my armchair enthusiasm would have predicted, and how comparatively un-fun riding in the dark is (perhaps it's lack of practice, but the "speed penalty" of riding in the dark is much worse than running). Although not technical, I can't imagine running it -- my hat's off to those that do (not much slower than we rode it!) -- but even with the mechanical advantage of a bike, it was even more satisfying to be "out there" in the distant part of the loop without any knowledge of any sort of nearby rescue or support vehicle. It was nice to be done with the ride, and we certainly thought about how much faster we could ride it; but we both agreed, if we did the loop again, it would be even more fun to do it <i>more slowly</i>, with even more time to explore the ample campsites and side trips.</div>
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Video summary from Alex:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KnQuMCru7OE?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe>mike_hinterberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817872376341966540noreply@blogger.com2