I’m finally back home after a long trip back to Michigan and I am reflecting on several lessons learned while riding in the Rockies this year…

  1. Animal Crackers sound better on day one than on day seven.
  2. We are more efficient as a group than on our own (thank you pace lines).
  3. Shade is a very good thing.
  4. “The Wall” is a pretty good name but maybe “Hellish Hill of Anguish” might work too.
  5. It is possible to have hypothermia and heat stroke all in the same day in Colorado.
  6. The Grand Mesa was only “grand” for me when I made it to the top.
  7. There never seems to be a bad view on Ride The Rockies.
  8. Riders come in all shapes, ages and sizes – we are an eclectic bunch.
  9. A $3 peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the top of a mountain pass is the best thing I have ever tasted and is worth every penny.
  10. I hope when I am ninety years old I am still riding my road bicycle!
Happy at the finish line!

Happy at the finish line!

Thank you to all those that made Ride The Rockies happen this year. I am extremely thankful to have been a part of it. Thank you for letting me write this year on this the 30th Anniversary of this amazing cycling event. And thank you Westcliffe for putting on an awesome finish to an incredible ride! See you all next year.

Kevin (Michigan Mini-pumper)