This post is supposed to be about how the women’s road race of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic was helping me train for Ride The Rockies. Instead, the IHBC became an exercise in trying to breathe. Cold, steep, and difficult…can’t wait to try again next year when healthy!

Talked with her parents and they said the costume was all her idea!

Someone tell me how I can get to wear the cow costumes during the kids crits on Sunday at IHBC. Really, tell me!!

Snow in Silverton at the end of IHBC 2015. It was cold!

Sunday IHBC recovery ride, came across Animas River art. Pleasant surprise!!

I’ve been horribly sick since just before IHBC. Nasty respiratory virus. I completed IHBC and reached the small goal I had set for myself, but really, it was a chore and not much fun. When I got home, I put my bike in the garage and didn’t want to look at it, let alone ride it. All I’ve done is sleep, try to clear my sinuses, and struggle to get strength back. But within the past few days I finally got back on my bike for a short easy flat stroll in Albuquerque and climbing for a lunch run to Madrid.

New Mexico along North Highway 14 is in bloom.

Sandia Mountains along North Highway 14 as a rain storm is in the sun.

New Mexico along North Highway 14 is in bloom.

North Highway 14 just south of Santa Fe has very interesting art work.

Black and white looking west while on North Highway 14.

I have been reading the other Peak Pedalers posts and enjoying them greatly. By this time next week, we will all be together and I am greatly looking forward to it. I should be 100% by then and ready to have the exhausting time of my life. So until we meet zooming up a steep road at 5.2 mph, cackling and wild eyed on a descent, or in the beer garden, have a great week! The game called Ride The Rockies will be starting soon and will take us all for a spin. Ready or not, here it comes!