Sanctuary on the Mountain

As I crested the summit of the Continental Divide, goosebumps covered my
entire body. The air was thin, cool, and the sky was Colorado Blue. I'm
hate to say, but this was the absolute perfect day to play in the high
country. There was no other place that I would rather be on my Coker.
The weather just doesnt get any better than that day, plain and simple.

I had decided to drive part way up Independance Pass and begin my
adventure at 9,500'. This way I could summit, go down the other side to
the bottom of the switchbacks and then push back to the summit. I felt
really good, strong both mentally and physically. I was ready to just
"BE" on the GB436er. I had never summited from both sides in the same
day either, so it was a new challenge. I got a decent start, time wise,
around 8:00, so the traffic was minimal, and the wildlife was still
hanging around. The push to the summit from the Aspen side is so
incredibly beautiful, that the steep pitches go by quicker, thank god. I
summited feeling spunky and did some laps on the paved trail on top.
People were giving me the usual high fives, clapping, cheering, etc.
Nothing like getting the adrenilene flowing more. I got back on the
road, and went down the other side. Wow, what a rush, going 14-16 mph
with steep dropoffs, and tight switchbacks to deal with. I stopped for
lunch, and some photos and then headed back up to the summit. The push
was steady and I made it to the top with goosebumps again.
I hated to leave the summit, it was very spiritual that day. I mounted
the GB436er and headed back down to my car. When I arrived at my car, I
was feeling to good. So.. I continued on down the Pass for another 30
minutes, knowing fully that I would have to climb back up to the car. I
guess I just didnt want to leave that mountain that day.
This was the highest average elevation, (altitude), that I have ever
sustained for that length of time. I cant wait to do it again. Here are
some stats.
Cheers.
Mileage only 30
miles
average altitude 10,900'
yippeee
highest altitude reached 12,100'
average heart rate 143 bpm
max heart rate 175 bpm
average speed 9.5 mph
max speed 15.8 mph
average temperature F 55 F
low temperature 42 F
total feet climbed 3,900'
total feet descended 4,200'

link to gallery http://tinyurl.com/5nwl3


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aspenmike - unicycling albino
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Sorry, that image sucks. I tried to resize it, because my photos are
always HUGE. I will send it HUGE this time to get better clarity. Cheers


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aspenmike - unicycling albino
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On Wed, 8 Sep 2004 22:16:45 -0500, "aspenmike" wrote:

total feet climbed 3,900'
total feet descended 4,200'

Didn't you end at the car then? Sounds like a magic day!

Klaas Bil - Newsgroup Addict
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"The more you think, the less you have to do. - Leo Vandewoestijne"

Klaas Bil

total feet climbed 3,900'
total feet descended 4,200'

Didn't you end at the car then? Sounds like a magic day!

That is strange, I use my Polar for ascending totals, and my avocet for
descending totals. That is what they both showed.


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aspenmike - unicycling albino
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Cool ride Mike - congratulations!


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nathan - BIG rides: Muni & Coker
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inspiring! 12,100' is amazing..

-grant


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The word gullible is written above my avatar!
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