berms

Keystone, Colorado

Keystone

I can resist anything except temptation; and I am always game for a good opportunity to check out some new trails, especially world-class downhill trails via a gondola. So when Eric asked if I wanted to drive out to Colorado to help his dad move some stuff; and tie in a few rides, you know I was up to get down. It was an inexpensive way to get out to a beautiful part of the country, and ride some killer trails. We got through Summit County Wednesday night after a long trek through Kansas. For what it's worth, I made a simple observation that the low point between two mountains is called a gap in East TN/Western NC, a notch in New England; and in Colorado it's called a pass.

By Thursday morning we were ready to ride, but the check engine light came on in the truck, and we had some problems getting it taken care of. I felt like I had just driven to Wally World, and the guy at the gate said "Sorry Folks, parks closed." Eventually we got it taken care of, but I got a little ancy to ride, and when we finaly got on the gondola, the lift stopped and we sat there waiting to get moving for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually we got to the business of riding, and by mid-afternoon we were cracking beers and shredding trails.

The trails at Keystone have some very fast sections; dozens and dozens of perfect big berms, jumps and all the other features you would expect from a Colorado mountain bike park.

Friday's ride threatened to be rained out. I was told several times, they shut down for lightning. We just did every run as if it were our last, and eventually a little blue shown through and the day was won. Another great day on the mountain nearly went into the books as perfect. We had enough time for one more run, however tired I was, I had forgotten by the time I had made it to the bottom. So we headed back up for a victory lap. TNT->Paid in Full-> Money ->then the plan was to ride out on East Forest -> Wild Thing; but as we came through -> Money -> Eric stopped and took a picure for the money-shot, I hit the berm a kept going and as I was coming out to the mid-gondola I looked back to see who was behind and my front tire washed out. down I went. hard. My hand swelled up like a paw. Ouch. Hard crash at the end, I was ready for a beer. out.

You know quiting was the hardest part of the day

I wouldn't say we were really roughing it in Colorado, but we skied a lot of terrain. The tag line "Living on bananas and beer" is an expression to me; meaning "living hard." The steep / deep snow ate my lunch for a few days. My legs were worked over and I was blown away by the beauty.
I have been to Colorado a few times in my life, and the mountains are nothing new to me. Yet the sky had never looked so blue before. Maybe I am getting older and seeing things differently, but I was amazed and inspired.
Since being back, I have had no time to enjoy my hard-earned-acclimation 'to a higher altitude.' The dog is anxious to go riding, but I am covered up with work.
Erin is starting to "show" and we are excited. We'll find out soon if we are having a boy or girl. There is a lot to do; to get ready for our child, who’s soon to arrive. Still I am trying to do everything. Work hard, play hard, and hard love. Meaning: too much of everything is just enough.
Since this is a bike-related blog, I'll use this as a segue to announce a recent entry to PMBAR. It’s no surprise, I've called this one since we finished last year; but me and Eric are back at it this year! PMBAR is on, and we have less than three months to prepare.

Living on banana's and beer

When the powders gone, mother nature makes more. At least thats how it goes in the Colorado high country. In the mean time, there's a few groomers to tied you over. The snow came this afternoon.

Sunny day on the hill

The morning commute started by catching the lift right out the back door, and then taking a series of lifts from Arrowhead over to Beaver Creek. Traffic wasn't bad, considering the weather. The bluest sky I've ever seen kept my endorphins high.









Soul on a roll....
"...but they treat it like soap on a rope cause the beats in our lines are so dope."


I brought the noise!

Visceral Thrill

View of Mount of the Holy Cross, seen from Vail Mountain


Word on the mountain is that today is the first blue sky day in over a month, and by far the warmest of the winter.



Like Warren Miller says: "If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." But it takes a little luck to catch conditions as beautiful as this!




















Droping back into Vail village, I stopped to watch a snowboard competition. These kids were flying through the air like rubber bands.

Photos from the Gore Range

Vail, CO

Beaver Creek, CO