On Friday I told Karel that my plan was to ride to Leadville CO (40 miles away) to check out the Leadville 100 MTB event. I rode by Leadville last time we were here but did not go into the town. With the event starting at 6am for the elites, I figured the first finishers would arrive before noon. Instead of biking first thing in the morning, I did a 44 min, 4.7 mile run. I find running very difficult here in Breckenridge because of the altitude so I include a lot of walking while I run. Around 9am, I headed out on my bike for my ride. While I was away, Karel did a ~90. min ride on his mountain bike and watched the Leadville coverage on YouTube.
These pictures are all from the bike path system around the area. 20 miles of my 40 mile ride to Leadville were car-free on the bike path. I rode from Breckenridge to the town of Frisco and then to Copper Mountain. I then got on to the hwy and continued climbing until Fremont pass. Around 20 miles of continuous uphill.
Although the cars/trucks were driving fast on the highway, I felt safe. When I ride, I carry a few things with me to help keep me safe.
-Cycplus E-pump
-ID card
-Garmin Varia rear light
-Bike computer with navigation loaded
-Dynaplug
-Multitool
When I go for long rides on my road bike, I like to wear my hydration pack as it limits stopping. Plus I don't have to worry about finding places to refill my bottles every 2 hours. It's also nice for holding a light jacket or gloves/arm warmers. The weather was a bit chilly this morning so I started out with arm warmers and gloves but quickly removed them after around 20 minutes.
I had headwind for the entire climb up to Fremont pass and then more headwind while descending for 10 miles. This climb is really challenging as it's an uncomfortable 7% and a long grind for 10+ miles on the highway.
2:36 and 40 miles (and 2500 feet later), I made it to Leadville, which sits at 10,000 feet. The male winner finished just as I was rolling in to town. The town was small but very cute with lots of old buildings and local stores.
I hung around the area for around 30 minutes.
I chatted with my friend Bill who is with Never Second (my favorite sport nutrition for running) and then made my way back to Breckenridge.
I was super happy that the wind direction stayed the same and I had tailwind for most of the ride back. I averaged 15.5 mph on the way there and made it back in 2:16 at 18 mph. The 16 mile climb back was not as steep as on the way out.
I made it back before 3pm for a total of 4:51 hrs, 81 miles, ~4700 feet of elevation and 16.6 mph. I still find the altitude to be challenging while exercising as I'm constantly feeling like I am working harder than I am but the views are absolutely incredible so I am not complaining.
Karel and I watched the T100 pro race on YouTube and at 5pm we went to the rider meeting at the race village by the Beaver Run resort. Karel is feeling good and is looking forward to 6 days of backcountry riding and working through all the highs and lows that come with stage racing.