Riding for a cause

Aspen Colorado.
It was just the other day I wrote in my entry about where the summer had gone? and while the temperatures are still nice the trees in the high country realize it's fall.

It didn't take long as I headed up I-70 (and cooler temps) that indeed summer was behind me and fall was in full bloom. The purpose of this road trip was somewhat threefold. Picture taking, Running the Gold Leaf half marathon and finally the Wapiyapi fund raising ride with Lance.


And while I can post the pictures of the fall colors it's just not the same as seeing them in person. But, I'll add one none the less...

This was taken right out side Twin Lakes just S.W. of Leadville. One of my favorite spots to hike, climb and camp. And while we mostly have just "one" color to speak of in the fall compared to the other side of the country it's no less spectacular! this was actually my third time that I was venturing over the pass to Aspen to check out the colors. And with the lack of rain it made them that much colorful.

I arrived in Aspen and picked up my packet & number for Saturday's half marathon.

And while I read that it - the Golden Leaf half was one of the most scenic runs they didn't mention just how tough it was!!. I caught the shuttle from Aspen over to Snowmass and while standing in line I ran into Tish. Tish and I used to work out at the same gym. She may still as I no longer due as I'd rather run with Abbey instead. Tish I will say was they hardest working person, male or female there period! so it was good to have somebody to chat with.

Back to the run now...start was at around about 8000' and straight up for the first mile and a half and believe me the thought of walking surely came across more often than not. And while there were those that had already started to 'powerwalk' I kept it at my pace and prayed for level ground! and while I don't recall ever seeing any of that as the course was either up or down or off camber I manged to finish this beast in one piece, and good enough for 3rd in my age bracket. And as punishing as it was I will be back next year!

Sunday dawned a little cool and brisk as I got into Aspen seeking a place to park and a hot cup of coffee. Sad to say that parking was a lot easier than finding a place open! but, remembering where the Golden Arches was located from yesterday...when I had last checked Friday we had raised around about 65k total and I had been in 9th as far as fundraisers go. Come Sat at 5:00p.m. total amount raised was over 200k and I was the last (top 20 rode with Lance) to make it!! OMG! good stuff for the cause though. And while we all waited for "The Man" to arrive he made it with a few minutes to go. I was fortunate to get him to sign a book for me and pose for a few pic's as well. And with that, we were off!

The cool morning I mentioned earlier didn't last very long as we took the road up to Maroon Bells. And not that it's a grinder by any means it just goes up. And, like yesterday the scenery was just amazing!! wish somewhat I was there to photograph instead of keeping up with Lance (not) but, there is next year. And while I was still a little sore from yesterday and lacked the bike miles vs the running miles I hung in there with a group of 5~6 that made it to the aid station at the Maroon Bells parking lot. It was there that I knew going down there was no way I'd hang with him so...one more photo op' and it was see ya! all in all...one fun, calorie burning weekend! can't wait for next year.

Where has Summer gone Pt.II...

September 22, 2010...

Wow, it wasn't but a couple of weeks ago I asked the above question but here we today. Today being the fist day of Fall!!

And while Spring still remains my favorite season of the year, Summer is right behind. And while this past Summer was somewhat different than last year I had a good one none-the-less:

Europe: This included seeing some close friends that I regard as family. From there, it was on to the Tour de France and back to Chamonix France where I swore someday I'd be back there to hike. I was not disappointed.














Running: Nothing unusual as the year started in Arizona doing the R&R (ran faster than '08) and getting to meet Dean Karnanzes (Ultra Marathon Man himself). From there it was on to Moab for a half which I was able to crank under a 1:30:00 which was the goal going in. A few weeks later it was on to Boston. Knowing the course now I knew where I was with regards to where to push, where to back off. And this year as promised - to myself, I took the time to high-five every girl at the Wellesly College mile marker. By far, the funnest part. Boston like AZ this year was a faster time as well! Woohoo...

Probably the most fun was this years edition of the Wild West Relay. Unlike two years ago where I was part of a six person team I joined a twelve person relay. And while "winning" was never the objective (fun was) we certainly did! I would have to say the best part was Danny's Scones...damn they were good! I'm looking forward to next year. Though no idea if it'll be six or twelve person team?














Adventure Racing: Well, almost! cannot say the Muddy Buddy really qualifies as one but it was as close as I got this year. This years edition I did it with Carrie. And while it was a last minute decision to do it, was glad I, we did. Unlike the previous time where "placing" was somewhat of the goal, this time it was strictly for the fun of it. I know I did and I'm pretty sure Carrie did as well!
















Leadville 100 and all the rest: This year I had the opportunity to help crew and pace for the Leadville trail 100 for both Cat & Dan. It was an opportunity to see this event up close and somewhat personal. The commitment that goes into it is second to none. And while I knew that finishing was "not an option" there were a couple of times...however, I never questioned the determination of either one of them. Nor those that finished as well. Next year? naw, I think a 50 miler is on the agenda though.















Hikes with Abbey: Well, if it weren't for her it would truly have been a bummer of a summer (hmm, that sorta rymes). I'm glad I have her in my life as she truly is my best (four legged) friend and a constant companion in most of all I do these day's. We were able to knock off five 14ers as well as Mt.Sopris this summer as well. Now, I'm not sure if she could talk what she would tell you about those climbs but by judging on how fast she crashed after...we also had the chance to raft down the Colorado river outside of Glenwood Springs as well. This was a first for her as well as me as I've never been at the helm of a raft before! but, glad to report we didn't lose it!
















What next? No idea where Fall & Winter will take me, us. And while I'm already looking forward to Nepal in the Spring time I'm sure well make the best of it in between.

Nepal Everest Base Camp Trek.

Medicine Bow Wyoming.

This past Saturday I decided to head north instead
of west. I've always wanted to check this area - Medicine Bow/Snowy Range area out for sometime but just hadn't gotten around to it. That is till we took a drive up for the day to check it out.

Much to my surprise there is more to Wyoming than just the north west corner (Jackson, Teton) of this state and was pleasantly surprised as well. The Area consist of quite a few lakes with foot path's along most of them. One thing consistent about the state though is the WIND! Thank God I had brought three, yes three jackets as I needed them to buffer against the wind.

And while Abbey was digging it (and most likely the fact that she wasn't being dragged up a mountain!) it was cold! but, at least the sky was clear and the sun was out...









We ended up hiking around three of the many lakes up there. Marie, mirror and brookline lake. This is Mirror lake to the left. And while we pretty much had the area to ourselves there were a few folks out fishing and hiking as well. Would love to come back up to camp sometime next year. Though, with a lot less wind if that's possible!!

Rafting the Colorado and summiting Mt.Sopris

This past weekend I had the chance to Finally climb a mountain I'd had on my list for a very long time. Mt. Sopris (12,953') just outside of Carbondale CO.

However, much to my surprise when I got to my friends house in Glenwood Springs the day before they had had plans to go rafting! And while I've only been a "passenger" in a raft/trip this would be my first to actually "guide" my own raft along with Abbey down the Colorado river outside of Glenwood Springs.

Needless to say, the fiver or six mile stretch we did was a blast and am happy to say I didn't flip over - thank God as I had my pocket camera with me (though in plastic bags of course!). With about a mile to go we pulled off to enjoy some hot(pocket)springs right there on the river which felt pretty nice. This was indeed a super fun day, and a nice surprise as well. I think Abbey enjoyed it as well.

Sunday, September 5 2010.
The following day we were up and at the trail head at Mt. Sopris at 6:30a.m. and while not a long (12 miles r/t) hike it was the vertical from treeline to the top that was the real killer along with the disappearance of any resemblance of a trail as it was all talus and scree!

From here it was somewhat of a scramble to the top. Needless to say I've climbed 14ers that were way easier than this beauty of a beast! and while I waited for my friends to catch up before the true summit (only one other made it) it gave me time to soak in the views of Mt. Crested Butte and Capitol Peak, along with the surrounding area.
Once KC made it up to me we still had about a mile give or take to the true summit. We made that at just before noon, where we spent a few minutes taking the obligatory pictures before heading down where we hooked up with our third member that was having a hard day out there. But enjoying herself none-the-less.

From there it was back to the parking lot, then back to the house. Now every time I see that mountain I can smile knowing I've been to the top. Along with Abbey of course!!

Where has Summer Gone?

...I ask myself. Well, here it is September already! And with this month's weekends planned out it won't be long before...

Since my return from Europe my yards have suffered as I've been out and about with Abbey (seen here on 14'er #4 for her) most weekends camping and taking her up 14ers with me. To date she has done five this summer with hopefully a couple more before the snow and cold set in.

This coming weekend we are headed up to do Mt.Sopris outside of Carbondale/Aspen. And while it might not be a "14er" it's one of those peaks like Rainier that just stand out and beg to be hiked! so we are. As for the rest I had the honor of helping out, pacing a couple of friends at the Leadville Trail 100 where they, Cat and Dan both ran their butt's off and finished way beyond their expectations!


Congrats to the two of you!! still in Awe of what you've accomplished. Would I do a 100 miler? I think 50 would be fine for this kid. I'll stick to crewing and pacing. For now... ;)