Colorado! More

Yesterday we cycled up the highest paved highway in North America! We cycled over 6,000 ft to reach the summit of Mt. Evans at about 14,240 ft. The weather was pleasant as we ascended however ran into a thunder/hail/rain storm as we descended which definitely made things interesting!

Climbing to Summit Lake

There were about 30 mountain goats toward the Mt. Evans summit

On top of the world at over 14,000 ft - from this angle the Denver metropolitan area can be seen in the distance

Colorado!

Now don't get me wrong, I love Washington state but Colorado is amazing! I've been here the past week and have had a ton of amazing experiences not limited to seeing the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in-person, sitting VIP at a Colorado Rockies game, climbing above 14,000 feet, and of course, loads of cycling! Photos:

At the Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs with Gus (left) and Kyle (middle)

One of the time-trial cyclists during the Prologue of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge - they may look like space aliens with all the gear but at one point during the course they reached speeds around 60 mph!

Meriwether Lewis pose on top of Gray's Peak at about 14,250 ft above sea level

It's a good thing we're on the same page in terms of physical activity plans - we cycled for a few hours before climbing this mountain pass and then watched the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Vail, CO

Leavenworth Ride

On Saturday I rode from Ellensburg to Leavenworth and back because I wanted to simulate the amount of climbing and length of the average ride during the Washington tour. Here are some of the photos:

Off US 97 overlooking the Teanaway area

For those who haven't done it, the Old Blewett Highway off of US 97 is a scenic, challenging climb

Descending into the Kittitas Valley - home sweet home!

Training Day

Yesterday I did Day One of my proposed route and it went great! Here are some photos:

On top of the Vantage Highway - what a clear day!

Dry Falls - once one of the world's largest waterfalls

Made it to Grand Coulee Dam!

My father Norbert (right) and uncle Lothar (left) made sure I didn't get stranded!