Day 6 of Ride the Rockies behind the final aid station. (Photo by Greg Olson)
The Royal Gorge fire caused a route change from Salida to Canyon City. The RTR team did a great job in choosing a memorable and worthy route. There would be additional miles and climbing to be done. In the end, those that finished will have bragging rights to being involved in the longest ride in history.
Salida knows how to throw a party as Ride the Rockies was in town the same time as the kick off to the Fibark Whitewater festival. There were a carnival, live bands and a lot of food.
I enjoyed getting to know the Zero Hero team. Adam, Grant and Kameron are very passionate about recycling at events. They work with vendors to help them get plates, utensils, cups and whatever products they use that can be composted. In addition, I talked with Gus, who is Odell Brewery’s driver. The are very passionate, smart and fun people to know.
The town got a well needed rain. However, it was a very dirty rain which must have been from all the fire ash in the air. Bikes left outside were covered in the mess from the ash-fill water. Luckily there are bike mechanics at every aid station to assist as needed.
We left Salida early knowing we had a long day ahead and I was humming “Too much of anything” by The Who which seemed appropriate for the upcoming days ride. The route would take us down Hwy 50 before cutting off at Cotapaxi where we climbed and climbed. We were now on the East Side of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It is hard to describe the views as we pedaled through Westcliffe and Silver Cliff. This is a hidden gem of a community that needs to be revisited and explored.
Finally we made it to Hardscrabble Pass which has no sign other than you are very thankful for the downhill that is about to happen.
There are two ways to descend downhill, with reckless abandon or in control. There was one accident where cyclist loses control and finds out about road rash. I am sure he was thankful for the ambulance team that follows the route.
Finally rolling into Florence for our final aid station. About 10 miles from the finish, we noticed many cyclists laying under trees in the shade, shoes off and sipping smoothies.
Riders 'chill' under the tree at the final aid station on Day 6 of Ride the Rockies 2013. (Photo by Greg Olson)
We quickly joined them as it was hot. I have to say it was hard to get out from under the shade to finish those final miles.
Today’s re-route was tough and rewarding and glad I was part of the longest Ride the Rockies route in it’s history.
Tomorrow we finish in Colorado Springs. The 47 mile 2008 ft elevation gain will be a nice change of pace. I will see you at the finish line and this will be the first day I sleep in until 6 am.
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