Something Wicked This Way Rides

Three caballeros headed out early in the morning for a ride that would entail many different elements. This ride had everything you would expect--crashes, bonks, vistas, broken parts, etc. Wicked was the keyword for this ride, wicked in terms of climbing, descending, exertion, and exhilaration. This was a perfect ride to get ready to head up to the high-country. Above treeline riding will soon be here.

The caballeros started off meandering up the road.



Even when your riding the road, you're susceptible to mishaps.



After a quick change of a tube, it was time to conquer the wicked climb.



Even when climbing mishaps occur. If you can keep a smile on you face, even while bleeding, it's all good.



Mountain Meadow Madness



By the pricking of my hide, something wicked this way rides.



And the climbing continues. At this point we've been climbing for over 2 hours and we aren't close to destination. But isn't the destination really the journey?



Then the climb gets really wicked...





Finally, the journey and destination collide...



Time for some descending....



Unfortunately, one of the caballeros was struck down by leg cramps. We had to wait it out until the rider down was ready to ride. After a small delay everyone was back in the saddle and ready to go.



There were a few technical section to maneuver through.







A couple of panoramas from the trip





The profile



A little map

Gira de Fort

It was approximately 9:00am, when three enthusiastic riders decided to start the inaguraul Gira de Fort. The ride was to encompass part of every trail system between Loveland and Fort Collins. There would be some fun and surprises along the way.

Three Amigos


A little ride in the valley

The junction on to Blue Sky. Time for the first round of robe-derobe.

A ride up to Rim Rock.

A quick little loop on Rim Rock.

And then back to Blue Sky for a meandering ride to Horsetooth Mountain Park.

Once at Horsetooth, we were joined by up a couple of riders for a climb to the top, followed by a little singletrack descent.

The view is pretty good up here.

Then it started to rain, and rain, and hail. After the rain and hail it was time to head back down. The smarter riders parted from the dumber riders.

The dumber riders had to get off the trail before any real damage occurred.

The amigos stopped off at the local bike wash. After about 20 minutes of cleaning the mud off the bikes it was on to the road, first dirt, and then pavement. There were no more pictures to be taken after this point. The three amigos headed back home after a great ride, but still knowing they hadn't finished the Gira. Next Year!!!

A little map...