Colorado Training Camp

I haven't been as diligent as I had hoped on keeping this blog semi current, but with the cold, rain and lack of racing, I haven't had much motivation for posts.  Since my last race report, I had the option to race Sylvan Island, but the potentially poor weather and a last minute bartering with my family kept me away.  Instead, I opted to join some friends for a week in Colorado at the end of April.  The original plan was to drive to Denver on Monday, hop in an RV and head south to Pueblo for a few days and then inland to Salida for a day and then onto Buffalo Springs.  Six guys in a rented RV, mostly camping in primitive spots.  It would have been entertaining to say the least!

However, the fickle weather changed our plans.  In fact, it was snowing in Denver the day we left and our local guy made the call to head to Fruita.  Just in case the pass closed, he hightailed it out of town in front of us.


The final two hours were some shaky driving, but we made it outside of Eagle and camped for the night.  We woke to blue skies and snow.  The weather warrior seemed to be a good omen for the future.

We packed up and headed towards Fruita.  Riding in Rabbit Valley the first afternoon:

The 2nd day was at the famous Loma Exit trails (also called Kokopelli Trails):

30min from this photo, Jason and I would be on the trails pictured below him (Steve's Loop, I think also called Handcuffs)

Post ride beverages with my college roommate, Mike.

Day 3 was at the Lunch Loops at Grand Junction: (group photo)


Then, what I thought was some of the best riding around.  Buffalo Pass, just south of Evergreen, Colorado.  Long sweeping trail lines, lots of pine forest and then through massive burn areas. Great trails, great views.

Nice camping location, right off the trail:

Cool hidden restaurant/bar:

Bonfires, camping, lots of beer and buddies. We rode somewhere near 120 miles, climbed over 13k feet and were out and on the bikes around 20hrs, all in 5 days.  I still gained weight....

More pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/sets/72157633360043071/with/8690380095/