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I am looking for anyone that might want to car camp primative this Sat (Aug. 06). I am thinking of Boreas Pass or Weston Pass. Neither requires 4x4 though I can shuck stuff up if needed.
Let me know if you are interested, I am open to locations.
During Courage weekend, Jeffrey lead us on a "climbathon" MTB ride from Leadville/Twin Lakes to the summit above Columbine Mine. 10 miles and 4000 feet later, we were at 13,000'- a breathtaking view with nothing but Mt Elbert higher.
EPIC - the video link below speaks for itself. Thanks for a great trip, Jeffrey.
Hey Outspokin Riders, let's sign up! Signing up for a ride is easy and hey you get to see who's planning to ride. Plus it allows the ride leaders to send you an e-mail if the ride gets cancelled due to weather...and well that's been happening lately. So give us a heads up and sign up for a ride!
The OS board is thinking about out reaching into The Boulder's Pride, Sunday August 28th. But, first we need to see if there is enough support from the North to staff a booth. The booth would be staffed in two hour shifts. The goal is to out reach into the Boulder area for new riders and expand our road and mtb rides. We need to hear from you if you're interested in helping out by this Thursday, July 14th. Please e-mail Jeffrey @ jcarsonh@comcast.net or call at 303-884-4140
We have a couple of cool (that is, fun) rides scheduled for this weekend, but the forecast is calling for things to get stormy as the day progresses. Weather conditions can change pretty quickly, so if you are joining us (or if you are riding elsewhere) don't forget to bring rain jackets, etc. when you ride. It might be beautiful when you begin but storms can come in fast in Colorado.
After splitting off from the group this morning(which was a great ride ladies!)I found myself in deep thought about why exactly I was out there believing I needed more miles, more training, more...something. In the last 4 months I have been very blessed to regain my passion for cycling...(as it had gone to close to the bottom of my priority list for many years). And I have this group to thank. If you are reading this and have never ridden with us, or if you are just surfing this website and have not joined us...PLEASE...reconsider. It is always intimidating to join a new group, or just show up when we don't know anyone or what to expect. I was right there with you...but I needed something...the enthusiasm and energy of people who loved being on the bike as much as I do...and I found it! After one ride with the group, my apprehension was totally eased. Everyone was friendly, talkative, and supportive. I believe I have good friends now as well as cycling companions...and I have every confidence that this circle will grow. If you believe you will be showing up with a spotlight on you in the middle of 100 people....not so. This is a group who is welcoming. And if you need to ease into it...contact me, or anyone in the group...most of us will go on a ride just about any day, and ease into it with one or two people. I encourage this because I remember being on this website 6 years ago, and never having the guts to actually contact anyone or show up for a ride...and as my passion depleted...so did my happiness and energy, as cycling was a big part of my life. Don't let that happen...it doesn't have to. What you need is right here!! Join us! There is no better way to see this blessing we call Colorado than from the saddle...surrounded by people who can appreciate it just as much as you do!!
I hope your weekend and the team picnic is great, which I hope I can be a part of next time. As I take time this weekend for some reflection, I wanted to share yesterday's view from behind the bars - handlebars, that is :).
With the Triple Bypass just a week away, the two Out Spokin’ riders for this year (yours truly and Viclar) decided to do a final training ride on Saturday to get in some climbing, learn to love the descent, and to experience the new trail from Bakerville to Loveland base. It was an epic day of sunshine, Colorado splendor, and the joy of cycling. We departed from the base of Squaw Pass and reached our intended destination of the Loveland Pass summit. The view and the accomplishment were satisfying, but “nothing like how fab the reward of 55 miles of descent will be”, I said. Hmmm, Mother Nature had a different agenda.
The ride down Loveland Pass and back through the Bakerville trail was awesome, but reality set in when we got to Silver Plume. “This is bs”, said V, as we pedaled into a stiff easterly for the next 25 miles. Indeed, a spot-on call.
Undaunted by such adversity, we pressed on, refueling briefly in Idaho Springs, then on to the last climbs at Floyd Hill and Soda Creek. 7 hours in the saddle, 101 miles, and 8000 feet of climbing – yea, we’re ready for whatever the Triple sends our way. Bring it! (Hopefully, that includes the same easterly blast we had Saturday.)
If interested, I will be live streaming parts of the ride next week and some of the stops (and that cold beer in Avon!). Follow me on twitter, brianj25us, for links. Thanks for all the tally ho’s for next week, especially as such a team newbie – I look forward to riding with you again.
Thanks to everyone for welcoming me to the group! I'm excited to participate and the chance to get to know everyone. Unfortunately, my name recall doesn't match my riding - I'll get it right eventually, even if I need a name refresher the next time we ride :).
It was an epic mountain ride day today - with a twist. With sights set on the Loveland summit, the wild and busy world of Colorado converged, and we were competing with the Slacker Marathon and the BTC tour, facing closure of the path from Georgetown to Loveland ski area. As Pam noted, only in Colorado do so many events happen in one place at the same time. Undaunted, it was suggested we reroute to Berthoud - what a great call!
In spite of the bonus of a light westerly headwind, we ground our way to the summit with a "photo-op team" waiting, followed by an all-out descent.
Woo-hoo!
GPS route here:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/94795244#.Tgj2ht7qrvE.email
Hey Beginners, you've noticed that we've started posting rides in the mountains. It's cooler! It can be a call to step outside your comfort zone and climb a mountain. Riding up mountains is one of the most rewarding self accomplishments you can do on a bike. We're also here to help you. You might not be the first to the top now, but baby give it a few times and you'll be a mountain flyer!
Here's a recent article on training to climb mountains for 'Ride The Rockies":http://blogs.denverpost.com/ridetherockies/2011/06/17/the-secret-to-climbing/1214/
See you at the top!
The OUT Spokin' jersey is due for a little sprucing up and we want YOU to design it. Create a new jersey design and submit it to me by July 20. All submitted designs will be revealed at Courage Classic and the winner will be announced at the year end party.
Only paid members are eligible to submit a design and to vote. If you aren't a paid member yet, you can do that now via the web site. We have a jersey template you can use to design your jersey. Contact me and I will send it to you electronically.
Good luck!