GreatPlains2012

Day 1

Wednesday, 13 Jun 2012
Denver, CO to Parker, CO
26.3 miles, 2h23m, 11.1 mph
Elapsed Time: 2h54m, Max speed: 29.9mph
Total Climbing: 1071ft, Max elevation: 5861ft
Total mileage: 26.3

We got up at the normal time, but instead of going to work we went to the airport and flew to Denver. Then an hour of delay in the airport because after 50 years rental car companies still make renting cars a hassle. And off to the Salvagetti Bike shop to pick up the bike. As with most shops, they didn't know what the handlebar bag mount was for and they got the front rack wrong, but at least everything was tightened. Then we drove a few blocks to the capitol for the official start of the ride.

The official start photo: At the Mile High Step

Here I calibrate by altimeter on the true Mile High Step. There are actually three such steps: The one
with the engraving, the one they used to think was the real mile-high mark, and the one they
now think is the mile-high mark.

After the opening ceremonies, I headed off up the Cherry Creek bike trail. It was hot, and uphill, and, as usual, into a headwind. But it was a dry heat.

But it was mostly peaceful.

In some places the trail is well-marked, but in others it's a guess. At one point I chose wrong and wasted a half hour until I figured it out. But I got to see a prairie dog colony, and most importantly, a store where I was able to restock the fluids.

A varmint.

Turns out there's a piece of the trail that's missing. They don't tell you about it--you just ride down a hill with a switchback that must have cost millions to build, and then...

...you're on your own, son.

I did some things I'm not proud of, but eventually I recovered the trail and climbed the last couple miles to the Hampton Inn.

Linda captured my final staggering pedal strokes.

The ride was a lot tougher than I expected. The scorching headwind was brutal...and it didn't help that I have a cold.

A quick shower, and we met Bert and Lisa for a ride back in to Denver and Coors Field for a game between the Rockies and A's.

Bert & Lisa (and Bert Jr.)

And the mandatory ballpark photos.

I was pretty spent by the 7th-inning stretch, so we headed back to Parker.

Tomorrow I ride to Limon.

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