Day 1 (or 0.5) - Thursday, May 5, 2016

The day started with a hustle and bustle I did not intend to occur at the start of the week.  My girlfriend's grandchild was hospitalized earlier this week and I was not sure I would make the trip.  I did very little preparation or packing as I knew I would need to stay with her if the unthinkable happened.  Things improved and then I was in a rush to prepare for the trip.

In addition, last night the work computer system crashed and there were things I needed to get completed before departing.  I packed quickly last night, worked about an hour this morning and rushed to the airport just before lunch.  I was amazed to find three people in the security line and 6 TSA workers at Terminal 2, Minneapolis. I had over 90 minutes to get my head in order.

The flight to Denver was uneventful.  The Southwest flight arrived on time (2:30 PM) and I retrieved my bags quickly.  Jordan's flight from Santiago was scheduled to land 25 minutes after my flight.  It was also on time!  He did not have checked luggage so I headed to the car.  I made it to Jordan's car about 5 minutes before he arrived.

Jordan asked me to look at the traffic, but without my reading glasses, I did not read it correctly.  We committed to take I-70 instead of going to I-76 and soon we had a major back-up.  This caused Jordan to get as tense as I have seen him.  He looked at the traffic map and pointed out my error.  He was even more upset and impatient of my aging issues.  So I have been so worried about making this trip an error free adventure.  I was off to a good start as he was very tense and stressed (Sarcasm intended).  He needed a bicycle ride!

We arrived at his condominium and he had some work to complete.  The weather was good and he decided to try to get about 30 miles in before dark.  It was about 5:00 PM when Jordan was on his bike preparing to climb Lookout Mountain and head toward Idaho Springs, Colorado.  I made a quick stop at Peak Cycles Bike Shop in Golden shop to purchase new tired, tubes, new clips for Jordan's shoes, brakes and other supplies.  Amazing how quick we can get $250 worth of bicycle related gear.

The photo below shows is from his condominium patio.  You can see the start of the ride where the road is cut into the mountain.  I attempted to ride Lookout Mountain twice.  I only made it 2/3rd the way the first time and was successful the second time.  This is a climb I do not want try third time.  Jordan, however, makes it look easy!

Looking West from Jordan's Condo - his first mountain climb Video of climb (from a past drive) is shown below.

He is half way up the mountain, not looking labored at all!

Jordan nearing the top of mountain

First climb completed!

Once he made the first mountain climb, he had a small amount of downhill before rolling hills the rest of the way.  He was able to cover 31.63 miles before the sun started to set.  The plan was to stop at Idaho Springs, Colorado but he continued to Dumont, Colorado, as the weather was cooperating!

The ride information for the day from the Garmin is below.  Ride start at 6:05 PM.

OVERALL SUMMARY (Day/Overall)

• Miles - 31.63  /  31.63
• Elevation  - 5,306 feet / 5,306 feet
• Riding Time (H:M:S) - 2:18:55 / 2:18:55

We loaded the bike at Dumont and made it back to Golden at 8:15 PM.  Both hungry, we headed to and went to Woody's in Golden to eat.  This was a favorite Jordan dining site throughout his years at Mines.

Afterward, Jordan went out with friends and I cleaned the bike (it was REALLY dirty), replaced the rear tire, scrubbed the rims, changed the rear brakes and prepared essential items for the ride tomorrow.  It was after midnight before I finally called it a day.   I am not sure when Jordan made it back.  I said a prayer that the weather holds!

Second half day - Friday, May 6 - Why is he doing this?

I was up at 6:00 AM and prepared for the day.  I went to the Natural Grocers to get a few supplies.  Jordan slept until 8:30 AM and worked while I made him a quick breakfast.  He needed to work today but we wanted get over Loveland Pass (also listed as a Dangerous Road) as the forecast for Saturday was not good.  So we would try to get what he could today.  The plan was for him to work all he could between rides and then drive back to Golden, where he would work much of the night.

10:45 AM, ready to start the day.

We arrived Dumont, Colorado, where he finished the night before.    It was looking like a good day, although again, the mountain weather is very unpredictable.  

The first few miles were less than scenic and we had our first issue.  His Garmin Varia Rearview Radar fell off his bicycle.  He was upset with me as I had taken it off and to clean the bike and thought I did not mount it correctly.  It was fortunate nothing broke and we were able to mount it again.  It appeared his leg actually hit it and knocked it off, as I mounted it lower not he post.  So I guess we both were the cause?

He continued to continued to ride at a casual pace, which is good as this is a long journey.  I had driven ahead to see if there were any photo opportunities.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw one of the most colorful bluebirds I have ever seen.  I quickly grabbed my camera and took the shot.  I was able to get a few before it flew off.  See below, right out of the camera.

We continued to ride on the road until we reached the quaint town of Georgetown, Colorado.  This is where he would take the Georgetown to Silver Plume trail.  There is a large trailhead in Georgetown as that is where the Georgetown Loop Scenic Railroad is located.  It was only five miles but a nice break from the narrow road traffic.

It was getting close the the time when Jordan needed to take a conference call and near the start of another trail.  We took a break just off I-70 Exit 221, although the trail was half packed with snow.  We waited just over and hour as Jordan completed his conference call.  

We agreed he would take the trail although I would wait in case the trail was not passable.  It was less them 5 minutes later I had a text the trail was not passable as shown in the photo below.

Our only option was to load up the bike and drive around this 5 miles of snow packed trail.  We drove to I-70 Exit 216, this the base of theLoveland Pass Road.  This is the climb he wanted to get through today as the weather was favorable.  This would be about 5 miles of climb to the 11.990 foot peak.  The easy part is riding the 2,500 foot drop over the next seven miles.

Slight incline brake from earlier Loveland Pass Road incline

Snow depth increased all the way to the top.

Arrived without issue

Snowboarded Will photo bombed us

At the top, Jordan wisely dressed a little warmer as the wind chill going down with little peddling would be cold.  There was about seven miles of downhill.  He averaged over 30 MPH for most of it and the average speed for one mile was 34.3 MPH. (See below)

  
At the bottom of Loveland Pass was a nice trail that traversed around the Dillon Reservoir.  As phone service was lousy, we had high hopes we would meet up at the appropriate location.  I failed and when we finally connected, he was heading down Colorado Highway 9 to Breckenridge, Colorado on the Blue River Bikeway.  It was there we realized this was not the best route as it was headed due south.  

We stopped at City Market and grabbed lunch.  We decided it was best if I drove us back to Frisco, Colorado where we would get back on track for the desired direction, west as opposed to south.  The was a trail that went from Frisco to Copper Mountain Resort.  The weather had turned from Sunny to cloudy and dreary by the time he left Frisco High School parking lot.  As this was a trail, it was difficult at best to keep track of his progress.  This caused greater anxiety as phone service was very poor!  

He was able to ride about 7.5 miles on the partially covered path.  Then close to Copper COumtain, that changed!  He had to carry his bike through snow and it was raining.  A cold rain that had heavy winds, of course right into his face!  When I did get phone service he was angry that I was calling while he carried his bike through 8-12 inches of snow.  The weather was turning fast and the rain turned into sleet.  Still no sign of Jordan.  

It was just before the weather turned to a unthinkable level of driving snow that I met him and he was carrying his bike.  We loaded the bike onto the rack and heading back to Golden.  A much less productive day than desired, but the forecast for tomorrow on Loveland Pass Road is a snowstorm.  So there was some success.

I finally found him!

We arrived back in Golden just before 7:00 PM.  We were both frustrated and hungry.  We went to King Supers and picked up dinner. and some items for the trip.  Jordan had to get some work completed before we proceeded to leave until the ride was completed tomorrow.  We were both ready to call it a night at 11:00 PM.

Segment 1 - Start at 10:44 AM

Segment 2 - Start at 1:05 PM

Segment 3 - Start at 4:36 PM

OVERALL SUMMARY (Day/Overall)

• Miles - 52.16  /  83.79
• Elevation  - 6,261 feet / 11,567 feet
• Riding Time (H:M:S) - 4:09:39 / 6:28:34

As we end this day, I have already have so many people ask why he is doing this ride.  We experienced the same when the two of us road from Denver to Minneapolis. The simple answer is always "why not just do it for me or for fun".  To him, this is fun.  Gives a sense of accomplishment and allows you to see parts of America with a renewed perspective.  

This time, he decided to partner with the Shriners Hospital for Children on this ride.  The Shriners were outstanding for him after his accident and they help so many children, free of charge.  If you desire giving to a great cause that made a tremendous impact on Jordan's life you can do so here: http://support.shrinershospitals.org/goto/jpease.

Saturday, May 7 - This is hard on Jordan!!!

Today was a mix of emotions as our expectations were low after experiencing yesterday’s weather variety.  I was up at 5:30 AM and started packing for the long trip. At 8:15 AM, Jordan was awake and I made breakfast as we did the final packing.  This day packing was most important as we would not return until after the ride was complete.

We left Golden just before 9:45 AM heading to Copper Mountain, Colorado.  That is where Jordan wisely abandoned the ride yesterday due to the thunder, lightening, sleet, hail and finally snow.  It would have been our preference to get another 20 miles for the day yesterday.

Today it appeared we would have weather trouble.  Besides being under 40 degrees, the thick fog accompanied with occasional sleet made for difficult travel by auto, let along a bicycle.  I have never experienced these two elements together, ever!  

We arrived at Copper Mountain and Jordan prepared for the ride.  The heavy winds and near freezing temperatures brought doubts.  It was about 11:00 AM when he mounted the bike and found the sleet was pelting him so hard it was painful.  The thought of venturing out was scratched, especially as we realized the trail he was supposed to ride was full of snow.  We later understood they did not plow the path near the ski resorts, as they provided a good cross-country ski opportunities.  So we loaded everything into the car and drove five miles up I-70 where the trail was cleared and the weather tolerable.  It is ridiculous how the mountain weather can be night and day in only a few miles. 

The Ten Mile Canyon National Regional Trail just off exit 180 on I-70 is where Jordan would start the day.  The wind was about 15 MPH and of course, a head wind.  The trail was a nice with easy, slightly downhill (about a 1,000 foot drop over 17 miles) ride all the way to Vail.  I needed to take Interstate 70 and planned to arrive in Vail before Jordan.

Upon arrival, I was unable to find him!  When I reached him by phone, he stated he was averaging 17 MPH and was already off the trail.  Bummer, I missed him and had to catch up.

We found each other just West of Vail where it started to rain.  A very cold rain with driving winds not only made it difficult to see, but cold was driven deep into the bones.  I was hoping he would quit, but he just kept riding.  

The rain subsided just before noon when he reached Edwards, Colorado.  This was a small town along I-70 and adjacent to Beaver Creek Resort.  Jordan informed me he was required to do some work (on a Saturday) so it was a good place to grab lunch.  We were near a Starbucks so a quick process of elimination, that was our lunch spot as WI-FI was readily available.  

A cold and windy rain!

Jordan worked for over an hour and as I was monitoring the weather.  When it looked like we would have a short period of good weather, we agreed it was time to get back on the road.  We were correct, within 20 minutes of leaving, his luck ran out.  Soon we had a dark sky that would dump another cold and hard rain onto Jordan. 

I was concerned for his safety as he even admitted seeing out of glasses was not easy.  The rain pelted him for well over an hour, until we reached Eagle, Colorado.  It was there I stopped quickly off the side of the road so he could rest and get into dry socks as the rain stopped.  My anxiety and fear I experienced over the past hour regarding his safety brought a brainless moment.  When I pulled over, I did not realize I parked to block an access road.  This resulted in a meeting with the local police.  

I apologized for my lapse in noticing my surroundings.  He was kind enough to give us a rundown on the route we would take for the next few hours.  He also said we have about 30 minutes before it will rain again.  HE WAS RIGHT!  Fortunately there were many trails for the next 25 miles which made the rain riding much safer.  The rain lasted until the Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail.  This was one of the most remarkable trials I have seen, about 16 miles long as it traversed through the Glenwood Canyon (video below).  

As the Glenwood Canyon trail was separated from the Highway, I could only drive on I-70 to Glenwood Springs to meet up with him.  We were well aware the weather was going to get worse before it improved so I was concerned if he would make it to Glenwood Springs before another storm.

His timing was perfect as he arrived in Glenwood Springs and loaded the bike on the car when it started to rain.  Just like before, a cold hard rain.  We drove about 2 miles through town to where the       Rio Grande Trail started.  The Rio Grande Trail goes all the way to Aspen, Colorado, but we intended to stop at Carbondale and head west.  We found a Wendy’s for dinner and rested for about an hour as the storm passed.  I could tell he was fatigued after three huge climbs in two days!

You can see the wind on his jacket

From Glenwood Springs to the southwest side of Carbondale, Colorado, there as a nice trail.   While it appeared flat, there was a 1,500 foot climb over the next 25 miles.   The head wind was 10-15 MPH.  Just past Carbondale, the trail continued into another mountain pass to Redstone, Colorado.  The day was about 92 miles and over 6,000 feet of climb.  He was tired and the sun was setting.  We needed to get the car situated for a nights sleep.

The whole trip I have experienced high anxiety about sleeping remotely, losing keys, crashing the car or some other stupid issue.  We had a daily good place to sleep but I was not comfortable.  SO we drove a few miles up and down highway 133 near Redstone and nothing seemed better than where we started.  At the same time, I realized, I lost the extra set of bicycle hitch and lock keys.  I searched outside for an hour and checked the places I had been for the past hour, and no luck.  We wasted another hour and I felt SO BAD.  It was near 11:00 PM before we were all set and sleeping.

Segment 1 - 11:43 AM start

Segment 2 - 1:55 PM start

Segment 3 - 7:16 PM start

OVERALL SUMMARY (Day/Overall)

• Miles - 91.27  /  175.06
• Elevation  - 6,140 feet / 17,707 feet
• Riding Time (H:M:S) - 5:50:24 / 12:18:58

Sunday, May 8, 2016 - Second full day

So today it is the Sabbath.  Some may call the "Holy Day of rest and remembering".  This was far from a rest day in Jordan's quest to complete as many miles as possible in 7 days.  The first 175 miles had three major accents.  I would argue running a marathon is easier than one of those accents.  Today is also Mothers Day, so I was concerned traffic would be higher than normal as people are going to be with Mom.

Sleeping was uneventful, although it did get cold.  I would guess 35 degrees was the low temperature.  I woke at 5 AM and found the inside of the car windows were coated with water.  My pillow even had its share of dampness as well.  I slept in the passenger seat while the person who needed to most rest stretched out in the back of the Subaru Outback.  I was sitting quietly so Jordan could his much needed sleep and recovery. 

At 7:30 AM he was awake and we prepared for the journey.  He looked a little fatigued.  He was able to start just after 9:00 AM while I finished getting the car situated for the day and search for the keys I lost last night.  I checked every inch of ground and no luck.  I felt bad and stupid.  While there is not excuse, he is physically tired and emotionally, I am already feeling the strain.

Our hotel for the night

There was light rain to start the day - 9:18 AM

The start of the days ride was slightly up-hill and there was little wind.  The road was narrow, yet low traffic provided a safe ride.  The first 14 miles were hard for Jordan.  Just before McClure Pass, he stopped so I could stretch him as he was very tight.  He stated it was not an easy ride today.  It was obvious he was pushing his limits.

McClure Pass is an 8 percent grade for three continuous miles.  After three major climbs already, this fourth would take all the heart and soul Jordan could find to succeed.  This is the first time I saw him labored climbing since the start of the ride.  I started to get concerned as when you are fatigued, accidents happen.

He did make the peak without stopping for any rest.  He was obviously spent but was prepared to move into an downslope.

One happy man!

As stated, before after he climb comes the descent.  These are often harder as you have to balance the speed with constant application of the brakes and after a while, the hand gets so sore even to the point of cramping.  Although, the upcoming weather will make this descent harder than the others.  He had a head wind and there were parts where he needed to peddle, or the wind would slow him down.  In addition, this was a narrow road and one I would not consider safe.

He continued to work hard and made Hotchkiss, Colorado at Noon.  That meant well over 50 miles in less than 3.5 hours.  Recall, that meant outrageous climbs, hard wind and stops.  That was total time.  It was taking it s toll!  He was a man who the weather gods kept punching hard.

Jordan trying to outride the storm!

When we left Hotchkiss, the road was clearly dangerous.  So we loaded the bike to find a location that would be suitable to start.  He was not happy as he feels it is "cheating", I think it is not cheating, but wise. This was a portion of road you only ride if suicidal!  Jordan did point out some strange artwork!

We continued the ride things just did not look good.  He started to have knee pain that we could not explain.  So with the bad roads, fatigue and weather, we decided to drive to Durango, Colorado where we would get a hotel and nurse his body, mostly the overuse injury of the knee.  (See video of the weather below, and yes, that is snow.)

We arrived at the hotel, unpacked and started to nurse his body.  He took an ice bath, used heat and ice throughout the night.  He was thinking about a change of plans.  He had needed to ride over 130 miles a day to make California, and that was looking slim without potential long-term issues.  We agreed that we would take it day by day without any requirements.  We would drive as need to get as many enjoyable rides toward.  Then on Friday, we make sure we are close to Silverton, Colorado, for a serious of Climbs to Montrose.

That ride is called the Million Dollar Highway.  It is a pass that has a base elevation 5,600 feet in Montrose and 6,500 feet in Durango.  The Sultan Mountain, Kendall Mountain, and Storm Peak surround it,  There are three peaks: Coal Bank Pass at 10,640 feet, Molas Pass at 10,970 Feet and Red Mountain Pass at 11,018 Feet.

In addition, he thought it would be fun to coordinate the ride to the four corners area. This is where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona meet.  I am going to look at the route we need to take to get to the four corners from Durango.  UPDATE:  This was already on the planned route, yippee.  It will eliminate the slim chance he had to make California, but at least the ride will not be dreadful and painful!


Segment 1 - 9:18 AM start

Segment 2 - 2:54 PM start

1.27 miles, 5:16 with 6 feet of climb.  This was where he had heavy knee pain outside Hotchkiss and we called it a day to look for ice and a wrap.


OVERALL SUMMARY (Day/Overall)

• Miles - 52.57  / 227.63
• Elevation  - 3.343 feet / 21.050 feet
• Riding Time (H:M:S) - 3:34:57 /16:01:55