Last night I got to the gym first (which made me happy because it meant I was climbing well and my descending was fast enough to stay out in front) and I scored a great room - it was off the main gym and somewhat private so it became Club roll: unfortunately it came with two freight trains who snored all night.
Before lights out there was much anguish and planning for the next day - the pass had bad weather, it was scheduled to rain all night, we might have to ride back to the city we were just in and bus to the next city, blah, blah, blah. I really wanted to do Trail Ridge but if they didn't think it was safe I'd do whatever the tour decided. An announcement was scheduled for 5:00 am.
Then at 5 it was 6, then 7:30, then - well you get the picture. Finally at 8 ish they made the decision to allow us to climb at least the first 18 miles to checkpoint 2 and then a decision would be made - Yipee!
So we take off and hit a hill right out of town. As you know I've been sick and congested. So I couldn't breath, started into an asthma attack and promptly panicked. ER Doc Jim and Heidi came back to check on me. Once I calmed down and concentrated on exhaling I settled down and off we went. Took it slow and then found my rhythm. I eventually passed Jim and Ned and continued up the mountain.
I didn't stop at aid station 1 and it was fortunate as they held up the riders for 1/2 HR or more. Made it to aid station 2 in 2 HR and 5 minutes - for 18 miles! Kind of pathetic time wise but it was ALL uphill!
It was 35 degrees and snaining at the top with a gate closing the rest of the road off. You could see the storm coming over the mountain. But since they didn't know what they were going to do they wouldn't let us descend back where we started, nor go forward up the remainder.
So we waited, soaking wet in 35 degree weather! I snuck into a ladies car for a bit. Then we saw a few folks descend and I begged Jim B to go back - it was too cold to stay and if we waited until they released everyone it would be too crowded and dangerous.
I think I need caps on my teeth now - I was chattering so hard! I shook so hard I made my bike wobble! I saw 38 mph so slower than day one but also lots of wind.
Late in the descent I saw some elk so had to stop - almost fell trying to stop but it was worth it!
So good news is two low mileage but heavy climbing days - I'm worried my health isn't up to much more. Tomorrow is 80 miles with 2 passes. So hopefully I can breath!
Enjoy the pics - not sure how many will load. Until tomorrow.
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