My first road bike ride went about as well as expected. Having ridden nearly 20 of the toughest miles on a mountain bike the day before, I was just worried about finishing.
The day was a huge success! Colorado sure knows how to run a bike ride; the Bike Jam was well supported with 9 aid stations all along the route offering snacks, water, bike pumps and first aid kits for all the riders. The sag support and motorcycle marshals gave the ride a tour-like feel and the Jam area was a welcome sight after a long ride.
I signed up for the 62 mile route which began innocent enough out of the parking lot of the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette Colorado. The ride was far less taxing than the abusive route of the previous day up until the climb up Lee Hill Road. I'm a mountain biker and I was desperately missing that third ring up front but I managed to reach the top without interruption. The ride down was exhilarating as I pounded on the pedals down Left Hand Canyon Road. The last few miles were up and down on gentle grades but felt long under a scorching sun.
As part of the 62 mile group, I received a timing chip and to my astonishment came in 78 out of 139 riders. It was a great day and take a peek at the route profile, will make a great training ride in the off season.
Click here for the route profile and thanks to all those volunteers who made this all possible. If you've ever felt like giving back to your community and enjoy riding your bike, you absolutely need to sign up for the Good Sam Bike Jam. As the good folks at Good Sam say; Take A Ride, Change A Life...see you next year! (Good Sam Bike Jam)
Dirt Life
