Cross Country Recumbent
Friday August 8, 2003. Silverthorne CO to Delilah Peak CO
Start time
|
7:03 am
|
End time
|
3:30 pm
|
Miles
|
98.5
|
Time pedaling
|
6:55
|
Average speed
|
14.2
|
| Odometer |
1977
|
The day started cold and overcast, which is just perfect for
climbing. A big breakfast and I was off and running, errr..
pedaling. Climbing through Breckenridge was pretty interesting;
the whole place just drips money. The pass was everything I
expected and then some. Most of the Westbound folks I had talked
to had shrugged it off as though it was no big deal. Well
for those going Eastbound it is a bit tougher (or maybe I was just
having a slow morning) The last 1500' were bottom gear
grunting the whole way up a long series of switchbacks. At least
the cars couldn't go much faster. The compensation is some
spectacular views.
Eventually I did make it. This is the highest point I will ever
be on this trip. This is actually higher than the summit of Mount
Hood. From here is is pretty much downhill all the way to Eastern
Kansas.
From the top of the pass I cruised down the other side. The
initial pitch is 50 mph but then I got stuck behind some trucks and had
to slow down less than 30. It is funny, but I was far more
worried at the slower speed. At 50 all of the potential energy is
drained into aerodynamic drag. But at 30 most of it is absorbed
in the brakes. A loaded bike on a steep pass can really heat the
rims up. It wasn't an issue today though, cause the truck turned
off before too long.
As expected the backside of the pass was fun. I had an invite
from Mark's (from work) parents to stay with them. They live
about 25 miles from Canon city, so the day stretched pretty long
getting there, but it was mostly enjoyable. Just outside of
Hartsel I ran in Bob, the guy who signed the log back in
Riverside. He had taken a rest day in Brekenridge, which is why I
caught him so soon. We had lunch together in Hartsel, and then I
moved on.
Eventually I made it to the turn off for Walt and Ida's place.
They had to drive down to get me, as the road is 7 miles of gravel,
climbing back up to 9000'. It started raining just as they pulled
up. Perfect timing. Their home is magnificent and situated
in awesomely picturesque surroundings
