On top of Mt. Evans

Did you ever wonder what you find on the top of Mt. Evans after you race from Idaho Springs and ride your bike as fast as you can up 28 miles to the top of a 14'er? A LOT of tired cyclists. Mt. Evans was interesting this year, as we had the privilege of riding with Jeannie Longo (again). She holds the record to the top of under 2 hours. I asked her at the start line if she her plan was to break her own record. She smiled and told me no, she had just stepped off the plane from France 2 days prior and wasn't quiet acclimated yet! I was thinking to myself that it wouldn't matter if she was acclimated or not, she would still fly to the top. She rode it this year in 2:10.

My time was 2:22, which was 4 min. faster than last year. My goal had been to ride it in under 2:20. I guess next year I need to work just a bit harder. Once again, by default only, I ended up winning the Colorado State Hill Climb Championship title. Much like at the TT, Jeannie really won, but she is not a resident of Colorado, so by default I win the prize! Oh well, I won't complain, as a state title is a great thing to accomplish. Our team has won the State Titles for the Time Trial, Crit and Hill Climb. The only one left up for grabs is the Road Race. We are hoping to capture this title next weekend and sweep the state titles! Go ColoBikeLaw ladies!!!

It seemed kind of surreal to stand on the podium next to Jeannie and Kristin McGrath, who was an awesome competitor. I was thinking to myself, what I am doing here standing next to this awesome athlete who has won every cycling title known to the sport. From World Championships to an Olympic gold medal. She was actually very nice and I had a lot of fun getting to know her a bit. I wished her luck at the Olympics and that's when she asked me if I would be at the Salida Omnium? I'm thinking to myself, your kidding, yet another State Title that may get won by default......Oh well, it should be a fast race!!!

Erin took the picture of Tom Danielson, who holds the men's record up Mt. Evans. He was there to support the Junior program, leave it to Erin to get a picture of this gorgeous and very talented rider!

Another year gone, it was fun and a gorgeous day. At the top, Erin also enjoyed getting some shots of the local mountain goats. There was a huge herd at the top, the views were beautiful as well. This is the great part of living in Colorado.