[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Iron Rider]

Inspiring report, great pictures. Thanks!


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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[ascpgh]

Very good. Not at all about turning about before summiting, but rather 
having a complete assessment of the objective that includes the valuable 
retreat with assets intact. 

In the late '80s, my friend and I saw a sign at Lake San Cristobal, near 
Lake City, CO, that proclaimed "Silverton 27 miles" and accepted the 
challenge as a lunch ride, leaving the truck at the parking lot of a hotel. 
There was no lunch, Cinnamon Pass ate it and Engineer Pass made sure dinner 
was in danger too. Spent the night in Silverton so beaten by the ride that 
we opted for a road retreat around the mountain, first to Durango (met Ned 
Overend at Ed Zink's Moutain Bike Specialists), then up Wolf Creek Pass and 
back up the Rio Grande to Spar City. A debt for the hubris upon which we 
acted. We were spared from the full cost of our overestimations on the 
climb out of Pagosa Springs where a Creede local recognized us and took us 
the rest of the way.

The best adventures are those you finish on your own terms and may tell of 
to others, not those you only finish. Great pictures and description of the 
magnitude of effect the wind can present.

Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 4:08:43 PM UTC-4, Deacon Patrick wrote:
>
> My brain was a no-go yesterday and I was reflecting on how there is no 
> substitute for being out riding or running or camping. Nothing approximates 
> and one of those things, let alone the combo of bikepacking.
>
> So it was with elation that I woke this morning to clear skies and happy 
> brain and headed down from our house to the Pikes Peak Highway turn-off to 
> climb back up again. Wow! Did it feel good to be pedaling my way up the 
> highway. Early on after the toll booth I switched to my low gear of 32-22 
> on the flip-flop side. The ride to Crystal Reservoir is steady climbing but 
> relatively easy as it’s in the woods, protected mostly from the wind, and 
> still at the altitudes I ride frequently (8-10,000 feet).
>
> Things got interesting a bit after the halfway point (9.5 miles). The road 
> was much more exposed to the wind, and it was steady at 30 mph with gusts 
> to 40. The grade of the road was such that I may have been able to ride it 
> sitting down without wind, but it would have been pushing it. Of course, 
> standing make me a huge wall for the wind to blow against, trying heartily 
> to send to backwards downhill. The next three miles to Glen Cove were very 
> challenging. I stopped about ever half mile or so for a mini-breather, 
> kicking into high-altitude climbing mode 3-4 miles before I figured I 
> would. There was brief respite from the wind on occasional short sections 
> of switchbacks, and I made it up these with relative ease, so perhaps on a 
> less windy day that estimate would hold.
>
> I steadily made it to Glen Cove, 7 miles shy the summit. Of course those 
> seven are likely doubly harder than the previous 12.5. Being near treeline, 
> there was nothing to stop the wind, and the direction of the highway was 
> mostly into its teeth. I tried standing pedaling and was able to inch my 
> way forward. That, and me being wimpy, all combined to make the decision to 
> turn around an easy one.
>
> The descent. Sublime. Wow. Smooth, curved flowing road. Amazing! Then I 
> caught up with a vehicle and had to slow way, way down. On a straight-away 
> I was able to pass, and did this several times. Passed bike tourists on the 
> “we drive you up, you bike down” tour. The support van driver had cheered 
> me on on the way up (in a good, didn’t startle me way).
>
> The 4 mile section from the base of the PPH is a very familiar 4 miles of 
> gentle climbing I usually do in 40-16t. Since I was already in that from 
> the descent, I decided to stay in it and see how I did, to get a benchmark 
> of if I was out of shape, or if the wind was a big factor. I had a headwind 
> back, but rode it with ease. Hopefully that bodes well for the next time I 
> give this a go, which I look forward to doing! 
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/32311885@N07/sets/72157648378500158/
>
> With abandon,
> Patrick
>
> *www.MindYourHeadCoop.org *
> *www.OurHolyConception.org *
>  
>

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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Kelly]

That is so so kewl.   I was in Colorado Springs and went to ride up and 
when I got to the toll booth they said we couldn't ride up.   Great to see 
they changed the rules... this may be worth the 12 hour drive to go ride it.

Thanks for the ride report

Kelly

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 3:08:43 PM UTC-5, Deacon Patrick wrote:
>
> My brain was a no-go yesterday and I was reflecting on how there is no 
> substitute for being out riding or running or camping. Nothing approximates 
> and one of those things, let alone the combo of bikepacking.
>
> So it was with elation that I woke this morning to clear skies and happy 
> brain and headed down from our house to the Pikes Peak Highway turn-off to 
> climb back up again. Wow! Did it feel good to be pedaling my way up the 
> highway. Early on after the toll booth I switched to my low gear of 32-22 
> on the flip-flop side. The ride to Crystal Reservoir is steady climbing but 
> relatively easy as it’s in the woods, protected mostly from the wind, and 
> still at the altitudes I ride frequently (8-10,000 feet).
>
> Things got interesting a bit after the halfway point (9.5 miles). The road 
> was much more exposed to the wind, and it was steady at 30 mph with gusts 
> to 40. The grade of the road was such that I may have been able to ride it 
> sitting down without wind, but it would have been pushing it. Of course, 
> standing make me a huge wall for the wind to blow against, trying heartily 
> to send to backwards downhill. The next three miles to Glen Cove were very 
> challenging. I stopped about ever half mile or so for a mini-breather, 
> kicking into high-altitude climbing mode 3-4 miles before I figured I 
> would. There was brief respite from the wind on occasional short sections 
> of switchbacks, and I made it up these with relative ease, so perhaps on a 
> less windy day that estimate would hold.
>
> I steadily made it to Glen Cove, 7 miles shy the summit. Of course those 
> seven are likely doubly harder than the previous 12.5. Being near treeline, 
> there was nothing to stop the wind, and the direction of the highway was 
> mostly into its teeth. I tried standing pedaling and was able to inch my 
> way forward. That, and me being wimpy, all combined to make the decision to 
> turn around an easy one.
>
> The descent. Sublime. Wow. Smooth, curved flowing road. Amazing! Then I 
> caught up with a vehicle and had to slow way, way down. On a straight-away 
> I was able to pass, and did this several times. Passed bike tourists on the 
> “we drive you up, you bike down” tour. The support van driver had cheered 
> me on on the way up (in a good, didn’t startle me way).
>
> The 4 mile section from the base of the PPH is a very familiar 4 miles of 
> gentle climbing I usually do in 40-16t. Since I was already in that from 
> the descent, I decided to stay in it and see how I did, to get a benchmark 
> of if I was out of shape, or if the wind was a big factor. I had a headwind 
> back, but rode it with ease. Hopefully that bodes well for the next time I 
> give this a go, which I look forward to doing! 
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/32311885@N07/sets/72157648378500158/
>
> With abandon,
> Patrick
>
> *www.MindYourHeadCoop.org *
> *www.OurHolyConception.org *
>  
>

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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Deacon Patrick]

Ha! We'll see, Jon. The wilds love to throw extra fun our way, in many 
forms. Grin.

With abandon,
Patrick

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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Jon in the foothills of Central Colorado]

Well Done Patrick! You are the MAN!  You will appreciate it the next time 
without wind and snow. It will be more manageable.That wind flowing over 
the snow had to have been cold.
Maybe next time I'll join you.:)
Jon
On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 2:08:43 PM UTC-6, Deacon Patrick wrote:

> My brain was a no-go yesterday and I was reflecting on how there is no 
> substitute for being out riding or running or camping. Nothing approximates 
> and one of those things, let alone the combo of bikepacking.
>
> So it was with elation that I woke this morning to clear skies and happy 
> brain and headed down from our house to the Pikes Peak Highway turn-off to 
> climb back up again. Wow! Did it feel good to be pedaling my way up the 
> highway. Early on after the toll booth I switched to my low gear of 32-22 
> on the flip-flop side. The ride to Crystal Reservoir is steady climbing but 
> relatively easy as it’s in the woods, protected mostly from the wind, and 
> still at the altitudes I ride frequently (8-10,000 feet).
>
> Things got interesting a bit after the halfway point (9.5 miles). The road 
> was much more exposed to the wind, and it was steady at 30 mph with gusts 
> to 40. The grade of the road was such that I may have been able to ride it 
> sitting down without wind, but it would have been pushing it. Of course, 
> standing make me a huge wall for the wind to blow against, trying heartily 
> to send to backwards downhill. The next three miles to Glen Cove were very 
> challenging. I stopped about ever half mile or so for a mini-breather, 
> kicking into high-altitude climbing mode 3-4 miles before I figured I 
> would. There was brief respite from the wind on occasional short sections 
> of switchbacks, and I made it up these with relative ease, so perhaps on a 
> less windy day that estimate would hold.
>
> I steadily made it to Glen Cove, 7 miles shy the summit. Of course those 
> seven are likely doubly harder than the previous 12.5. Being near treeline, 
> there was nothing to stop the wind, and the direction of the highway was 
> mostly into its teeth. I tried standing pedaling and was able to inch my 
> way forward. That, and me being wimpy, all combined to make the decision to 
> turn around an easy one.
>
> The descent. Sublime. Wow. Smooth, curved flowing road. Amazing! Then I 
> caught up with a vehicle and had to slow way, way down. On a straight-away 
> I was able to pass, and did this several times. Passed bike tourists on the 
> “we drive you up, you bike down” tour. The support van driver had cheered 
> me on on the way up (in a good, didn’t startle me way).
>
> The 4 mile section from the base of the PPH is a very familiar 4 miles of 
> gentle climbing I usually do in 40-16t. Since I was already in that from 
> the descent, I decided to stay in it and see how I did, to get a benchmark 
> of if I was out of shape, or if the wind was a big factor. I had a headwind 
> back, but rode it with ease. Hopefully that bodes well for the next time I 
> give this a go, which I look forward to doing! 
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/32311885@N07/sets/72157648378500158/
>
> With abandon,
> Patrick
>
> *www.MindYourHeadCoop.org *
> *www.OurHolyConception.org *
>  
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Deacon Patrick]

Aye. I use the Jesus prayer on the climbs that I know don't push my 
capacity (I suspect this one will always push my capacity!). Both are 
beautiful ways to enter contemplative bliss when climbing and simply find 
yourself miles further on your way.

With abandon,
Patrick

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Re: [RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Patrick Moore]

Good story, great ride, and all the more so since it was done single speed
(or at least, non-handlebar-mount-gear-switcher). Waaay back about 1972,
when I used to ride a lot further and faster as a 16-17 year old than I do
now as a disappointed 59-year-old, I'd be "overtaken" by the Jesus prayer
in time to my cadence -- no kidding.

BTW: Back when (~1999) I commuted 10 miles each way on a mid '60s Bottechia
fixie with moustache bars, I found I could get very low and aero; more so,
in fact, than with drop bars. (I never could get M bars as comfortable as I
desired, though, so I've long since abandoned them.)

On Wed, Oct 15, 2014 at 5:21 PM, Deacon Patrick  wrote:

> You're right, George. Hypoxia is a challenge to avoid when exerting one's
> self at altitude. Whenever I'm running or biking a steep climb, I pray the
> rosary silently in my head. If I lose my place, I know I need to exert
> myself less. I back off a wee bit and then the meditation of the rosary
> flows smoothly in the background as I ride.
>
> I hadn't thought through that aspect fully of not having gears, and
> needing to back off yet facing a stiff headwind. Next time I'll take the
> Hunqapillar, which of course will allow me to shift down to stay
> seated/aerodynamic into headwinds. Next time may come sooner than spring --
> the highway (at least lower portions of it) is open year round.
>
> With abandon,
> Patrick
>
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  * "Where you come from is gone, where you thought you were going to never
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Where is there a place for you to be? No place.*
* "Nothing outside you can give you any place," he said. "You needn't to
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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Deacon Patrick]

You're right, George. Hypoxia is a challenge to avoid when exerting one's 
self at altitude. Whenever I'm running or biking a steep climb, I pray the 
rosary silently in my head. If I lose my place, I know I need to exert 
myself less. I back off a wee bit and then the meditation of the rosary 
flows smoothly in the background as I ride.

I hadn't thought through that aspect fully of not having gears, and needing 
to back off yet facing a stiff headwind. Next time I'll take the 
Hunqapillar, which of course will allow me to shift down to stay 
seated/aerodynamic into headwinds. Next time may come sooner than spring -- 
the highway (at least lower portions of it) is open year round.

With abandon,
Patrick

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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Ron Mc]

very nice photos.  

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 3:08:43 PM UTC-5, Deacon Patrick wrote:
>
> My brain was a no-go yesterday and I was reflecting on how there is no 
> substitute for being out riding or running or camping. Nothing approximates 
> and one of those things, let alone the combo of bikepacking.
>
> So it was with elation that I woke this morning to clear skies and happy 
> brain and headed down from our house to the Pikes Peak Highway turn-off to 
> climb back up again. Wow! Did it feel good to be pedaling my way up the 
> highway. Early on after the toll booth I switched to my low gear of 32-22 
> on the flip-flop side. The ride to Crystal Reservoir is steady climbing but 
> relatively easy as it’s in the woods, protected mostly from the wind, and 
> still at the altitudes I ride frequently (8-10,000 feet).
>
> Things got interesting a bit after the halfway point (9.5 miles). The road 
> was much more exposed to the wind, and it was steady at 30 mph with gusts 
> to 40. The grade of the road was such that I may have been able to ride it 
> sitting down without wind, but it would have been pushing it. Of course, 
> standing make me a huge wall for the wind to blow against, trying heartily 
> to send to backwards downhill. The next three miles to Glen Cove were very 
> challenging. I stopped about ever half mile or so for a mini-breather, 
> kicking into high-altitude climbing mode 3-4 miles before I figured I 
> would. There was brief respite from the wind on occasional short sections 
> of switchbacks, and I made it up these with relative ease, so perhaps on a 
> less windy day that estimate would hold.
>
> I steadily made it to Glen Cove, 7 miles shy the summit. Of course those 
> seven are likely doubly harder than the previous 12.5. Being near treeline, 
> there was nothing to stop the wind, and the direction of the highway was 
> mostly into its teeth. I tried standing pedaling and was able to inch my 
> way forward. That, and me being wimpy, all combined to make the decision to 
> turn around an easy one.
>
> The descent. Sublime. Wow. Smooth, curved flowing road. Amazing! Then I 
> caught up with a vehicle and had to slow way, way down. On a straight-away 
> I was able to pass, and did this several times. Passed bike tourists on the 
> “we drive you up, you bike down” tour. The support van driver had cheered 
> me on on the way up (in a good, didn’t startle me way).
>
> The 4 mile section from the base of the PPH is a very familiar 4 miles of 
> gentle climbing I usually do in 40-16t. Since I was already in that from 
> the descent, I decided to stay in it and see how I did, to get a benchmark 
> of if I was out of shape, or if the wind was a big factor. I had a headwind 
> back, but rode it with ease. Hopefully that bodes well for the next time I 
> give this a go, which I look forward to doing! 
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/32311885@N07/sets/72157648378500158/
>
> With abandon,
> Patrick
>
> *www.MindYourHeadCoop.org *
> *www.OurHolyConception.org *
>  
>

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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[George Schick]

My hat's off to all of you who attempt this sort of thing.  As I mentioned 
in a previous post, we visited my son and his family in Colo Springs at the 
end of September and drove up Pike's Peak.  When we got to the top I walked 
around feeling light headed and my wife complained of chest pressure from 
the altitude.  'Course we haven't lived our lives at the 6,000 or so feet 
of Springs so we weren't even used to the minimal altitude at the base and 
we're both well over 60, but still it seems like an amazing feat to me to 
climb those mountain passes.  Wait until Spring and keep it up!

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 3:54:19 PM UTC-5, Deacon Patrick wrote:
>
> Sounds great, Tim and Dave. Let me know and hopefully the ride elves will 
> all come together. Just be forewarned that my brain requires special 
> preparation on your part to get you as scent-free as possible.
>
> I was really looking forward to trying this because it is paved and I 
> don't ride much paved, and the cars have a speed limit of 30 mph. They gave 
> me a wide berth, save one red-neck truck. The rhythm of a road ride is 
> vastly different from gravel and quadruply from single-track. The only 
> brain issue I had was with the smell of burning brakes from the numb-nuts 
> who were descending without using low gear. I can't tell how big a factor 
> that was, as it began to happen at the same time and the headwinds picking 
> up. Fortunately the winds carried them away quickly. Grin.
>
> With abandon,
> Patrick
>

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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[Deacon Patrick]

Sounds great, Tim and Dave. Let me know and hopefully the ride elves will 
all come together. Just be forewarned that my brain requires special 
preparation on your part to get you as scent-free as possible.

I was really looking forward to trying this because it is paved and I don't 
ride much paved, and the cars have a speed limit of 30 mph. They gave me a 
wide berth, save one red-neck truck. The rhythm of a road ride is vastly 
different from gravel and quadruply from single-track. The only brain issue 
I had was with the smell of burning brakes from the numb-nuts who were 
descending without using low gear. I can't tell how big a factor that was, 
as it began to happen at the same time and the headwinds picking up. 
Fortunately the winds carried them away quickly. Grin.

With abandon,
Patrick

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[RBW] Re: Pikes Peak Highway, First Attempt

[David Spranger]

That sounds and looks wonderful. You have given me another reason (as if I 
needed anymore) to get out to CO sometime soon.

David
Charlotte (flatland), NC

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 4:08:43 PM UTC-4, Deacon Patrick wrote:
>
> My brain was a no-go yesterday and I was reflecting on how there is no 
> substitute for being out riding or running or camping. Nothing approximates 
> and one of those things, let alone the combo of bikepacking.
>
> So it was with elation that I woke this morning to clear skies and happy 
> brain and headed down from our house to the Pikes Peak Highway turn-off to 
> climb back up again. Wow! Did it feel good to be pedaling my way up the 
> highway. Early on after the toll booth I switched to my low gear of 32-22 
> on the flip-flop side. The ride to Crystal Reservoir is steady climbing but 
> relatively easy as it’s in the woods, protected mostly from the wind, and 
> still at the altitudes I ride frequently (8-10,000 feet).
>
> Things got interesting a bit after the halfway point (9.5 miles). The road 
> was much more exposed to the wind, and it was steady at 30 mph with gusts 
> to 40. The grade of the road was such that I may have been able to ride it 
> sitting down without wind, but it would have been pushing it. Of course, 
> standing make me a huge wall for the wind to blow against, trying heartily 
> to send to backwards downhill. The next three miles to Glen Cove were very 
> challenging. I stopped about ever half mile or so for a mini-breather, 
> kicking into high-altitude climbing mode 3-4 miles before I figured I 
> would. There was brief respite from the wind on occasional short sections 
> of switchbacks, and I made it up these with relative ease, so perhaps on a 
> less windy day that estimate would hold.
>
> I steadily made it to Glen Cove, 7 miles shy the summit. Of course those 
> seven are likely doubly harder than the previous 12.5. Being near treeline, 
> there was nothing to stop the wind, and the direction of the highway was 
> mostly into its teeth. I tried standing pedaling and was able to inch my 
> way forward. That, and me being wimpy, all combined to make the decision to 
> turn around an easy one.
>
> The descent. Sublime. Wow. Smooth, curved flowing road. Amazing! Then I 
> caught up with a vehicle and had to slow way, way down. On a straight-away 
> I was able to pass, and did this several times. Passed bike tourists on the 
> “we drive you up, you bike down” tour. The support van driver had cheered 
> me on on the way up (in a good, didn’t startle me way).
>
> The 4 mile section from the base of the PPH is a very familiar 4 miles of 
> gentle climbing I usually do in 40-16t. Since I was already in that from 
> the descent, I decided to stay in it and see how I did, to get a benchmark 
> of if I was out of shape, or if the wind was a big factor. I had a headwind 
> back, but rode it with ease. Hopefully that bodes well for the next time I 
> give this a go, which I look forward to doing! 
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/32311885@N07/sets/72157648378500158/
>
> With abandon,
> Patrick
>
> *www.MindYourHeadCoop.org *
> *www.OurHolyConception.org *
>  
>

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