Finishing the Ride the Rockies

Six days is a long time to spend in a half inch thick bike “saddle” (torture device if you ask me).  However, having the opportunity to ride my bike with fellow enthusiasts, assisted, for almost 400 miles is an experience that few are lucky enough to have.  I cherished the chance to see new parts of my home state, ride in the shadows of massive 14ers, and ride to heights few have ever been.  Riding 60 miles up an unrelenting climb from the town of Salida, Colorado to the shockingly devoid of air- Leadville was a bit of a pain, but ultimately, like most things, very worth it upon completion.  Additionally, climbing over Independence pass at 12,300 feet (easily the highest I’d ridden my bike) was a feeling I will never forget – especially when I learned that Lance Armstrong does the same training rides for the Tour!