I have nothing better to say than that today, everything was awesome. The gradual descent following the Arkansas River was awesome, the tough ascent up the “Wall” was awesome, the Royal Gorge bridge was super awesome, and Skyline Drive was awesome. Winning a shirt at aid 2 was awesome, looking down the Royal Gorge as a train went through was … Read More
Remembering the Past on Day 4
After days like the past two, with steep, long climbs, scorching heat, piercing rain and wind, and dangerously close lightning, today was the perfect day for a 27-mile recovery ride to Crested Butte. There was a little wind at the start, no rain, lots of sunshine, and the very gradual climb to Crested Butte. And, of course, beautiful Colorado scenery. … Read More
Conquering Day Two
What an epic ride it was today! The long, steep climb up the Grand Mesa, a fast and fun descent down the other side, and the rollers between Cedaredge and Hotchkiss made this day unforgiving yet memorable for me. The slow and gradual climb out of Grand Junction to Mesa was great. The riverside path was a great course to … Read More
Colorado Weather and Cycling: My Stories
Note: Read this post with dramatic emphasis! School’s out, the rains have receded; what a perfect opportunity for some rides! But wait! This is Colorado weather, not nostalgic summer weather. It can be warm, fun, and mostly painless….but it can turn within minutes to a cold, miserable and windy day. Take a couple of weekends ago. In the morning, it … Read More
Mitchman Multitasks
The end of the school year is upon me. There are numerous track and swim meets, AP exams, final projects, and homework, not to mention inclement spring Colorado weather. With so much going on in my school life, it is difficult to find time to squeeze in a few good long rides. But I find time. So, during the week, … Read More
Meet The Mitchman
Hello! My name is Mitchell Long. I am also known as “The Mitchman.” I am 16 years old, a sophomore at Silver Creek High School in Longmont, Colorado, and I live with my parents, my sister, and two giant fuzzball Siberian Huskies. I’m a member of the high school cross country, swimming, and track teams, and I bike on my … Read More