September 9, 2018
With bikes loaded and gear packed, we headed to Boulder on a cold, dark Sunday morning. Ahead, 100 miles of cycling with the Buffalo Bicycle Classic. In our usual fashion we opted with go big or don’t go and signed up for the 100 mile Epic to Estes ride. In reviewing the course prior to our arrival we knew we had a decent amount of climbing ahead in the first 60ish miles followed by a familiar ride back to Boulder via Hygiene and Longmont.
Pulling into Boulder, we checked in, made our last minute preparations and rolled up to the start. We had received notice via email that our start was delayed until 7:15 but when 7:15 came there were only three of us remaining that were there to start the 100 mile adventure. We quickly learned that most of the riders had started in the earlier waves as the volunteers were already moving to their next location before we arrived.
After winding through Boulder we arrived on Canyon. A left turn and the climbing began. The canyon was cool. The sun had not cleared the sides as of yet. Perfect climbing conditions. As we progressed up the canyon, we started to catch up to other riders. It was good to have others around and nice to have the ability to climb mostly side by side due to the closure of Canyon westbound. Approximately 5 miles into the climb, we had an unexpected surprise/reward when a black bear crossed the canyon about 10 yards in front of us! My immediate response was “holy sh*t - that’s a bear!” Followed seconds later by Mike saying “holy sh*t - that’s a bear!” The bear came from our right side and crossed the road directly in front of us before disappearing into the shrubs on the left side. I don’t think it even glanced our way but based on the fact that my highest heart rate of the day occurred right around this spot it could be because I was startled!
Reflecting on the bear - which according to Mike continued to get bigger as I talked about it throughout the day - took our minds off the climb for a bit. I also reflected on college adventures in Boulder Canyon which is likely the last time that I had been up the canyon! We eventually reached the peak of the climb just above Nederland and crossed the timing mat at 1:34:39. We rolled into the aid station, refilled bottles with the help of an energetic young volunteer, grabbed a quick bite to eat and a restroom stop and were on our way again. 20 Miles down.
The next segment of the ride took us across the Peak to Peak Highway. I have heard many cyclists talk about riding Peak to Peak so I was excited for my maiden voyage. This once again was a road I had driven before - definitely not recently - and also not as a cyclist. I look at roads a lot differently now! The sun was now out, crystal clear blue Colorado skies and the beginning colors of fall. It was spectacular! The climbs up typically provided a nice descend but what we quickly learned is when you go down you have to get back up to where you were! Fast descends and slow climbs. We settled into a group riding about the same pace as us and continued to make our way towards Ward. We regrouped at the next aid station, enjoyed a pickle and some snacks and talked a bit with a volunteer about what was ahead and headed back out.
The courses split at the Highway 7 intersection. Left to Estes, Right to Lyons. We definitely contemplated the right turn, but opted to continue left based on the information provided by the volunteer. Turning left, we were on our own. An occasional bike but it seemed that most people had opted for right. We plugged on rewarded with spectacular views on a perfect fall Colorado day as we climbed to Allenpark and continued towards Estes Park. With each summit we thought surely it is time to descend but the course provided additional challenge. The final two miles into Estes were the much desired down hill we had been waiting for. Even with freshly chip sealed roads we were able to speed along!
Arriving at the Estes aid station - mile 60, we were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers - peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Coke! The bike mechanic provided some chain lube. We rested, got the next segment of intel on the course from a volunteer - 2 mile climb out of Estes, 10 mile fast downhill, 1/2 mile climb, 12 mile descent. We’ve got this! The conversation with the volunteer was a huge help as he was spot on. As we passed the mile marker we said “wow-he was spot on!” We arrived into Lyons visited with the volunteers there to refill and headed out. 80 miles down, 20 miles to go.
The next section was familiar territory overlapping segment from the Ironman Boulder and Ironman Boulder 70.3 courses. With known expectations we pushed the pace some and enjoyed a fast spin through Hygiene and back into Boulder. We stopped at the final aid station on 63rd only to be greeted by a familiar face volunteering. We enjoyed a quick visit, a few photos and headed off for the last 7ish miles back into campus.
The ride through Boulder was fast and we even had most lights to our advantage. The last climb up Folsom and into campus reminded us that we had done a lot of climbing today!! One last punch before crossing the finish. A fist pump for the finish line photographer and we were done!! 100 miles complete!! Looking to the west from campus we reflected on the fact that we had just ridden to the highest peak that we could see from here nestled in the back of the mountains. Pretty rewarding!
I am glad to say that I have checked some epic ride segments off of my list. I am not sure if they are ones I would run out to repeat again or not but at this moment I can say they are done! Until the next ride…
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