9/8/2011 Salida to 3m North of Cripple Creek
A special day
D 121, T 11.5 hrs, Av 18.22, Total 3948
Awaking, I felt invigorated, it was 12 degrees, the sun was yet to rise, my sweatshirt worn. Its only use apart from Int Falls to Northolme, has been to fill in my pillow slip.
Breakfast was canned salmon and beans, oats, two cups of coffee, a banana and apple finalised the ritual. As the sun rose above the ranges to the east, its warmth permeated my vicinity, like a reptile my activities became more purposeful as I packed and headed off to the nearby ablution block.
The wheels were checking to see the brake pads were not touching the rim, any added friction would impact on the days ride.
I knew this was going to be a special day for me, the day and the environment were all going to play a role. I had energy present in many states.
Having phoned Tone about plans and restricted passage due to toilet breaks and lack of energy, looking at the map, a day of riding all day was not unpractical.
Ahead was Trout Creek Pass (9346ft) then a basin followed by Wilkerson Pass (9502ft) still on 24, then to turn right onto CR1 at Florissant for Cripple Creek.
From camp ( Stone Bridge Rec site) a shoulder existed, as I progressed to Trout Creek Pass, the climb just kept going. The shoulder was less than 300mm of asphalt. I applied my practises for this kind of road. One item was ignored in that I had music playing. Background inspiration was needed.
This ascent was difficult to say the least. The header photo today is of Lake Winnibigoshish at sunset, for me this was the beginning of the spiritual side to this journey.
It is nice to read the below passages as you restart this lovely piece of music
I still remember the warm prophetic words of the Native American elder on the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish as he handed me the eagle feather, “Take this, Nigel, don’t let it touch the ground and it will look after you.
Coming back to me at this time, as my mind was awash with euphoric thoughts. Adrenalin was freely flowing. Energy was present for the taking.
Symbolically, my feather, though not moving in height from the ground, knew altitude was increasing, it had known this freedom as it had once soared, it also knew there were Golden Eagles aloft in the thermals. My constant companion since that evening in Minnesota, I felt it offering me lift during the passage to the pass, This combined with my surreal energy and positive, powerful thoughts aided my companion with push making the ascent easy. It was an emotional few miles to say the least.
Two vehicles approached down hill as they were passing other cars, both in close proximity to me, on both ocassions being in an elevated state of mind neither event was an issue.
I now know, that all things being equal, the symbolism derived from my gift at Winnibigoshish will aid me through the Andes next year, the presence of the Condor and thin air will evoke this combined energy to be drawn upon wisely and always remembered enroute.
However many moons have to pass before that journey begins, moons that will proceed days of unknown events, each being met with enthusiasm. I also know that it will be drawn upon between here and Venice, LA.
The scenery, wishing I had my camera to share it with you, but not so, was one of vast space occupied by grass clad basins with snow clad mountains as back drops. This was Colarado personified. Though magnificent, my true emotions lay with the Mississippi and its evocative beauty, it was a landscape with a centre piece making a journey, almost from one end of this country to the other, it was scenery with life. After all much of the snow here in Colarado would become part of that journey through the heartland of this country.
I stopped at Hartsel for lunch, loaded up on water and a BLT.
The next leg took me up to Wilkerson Pass (9459ft) my euphoria and companion aided me with apparent ease also to this summit. I stopped here and bought water while chatting with staff at the park headquarters buiding, the view was best described as a vista.
The visitors book had columns for state, reason for trip, next destination and comments. I enquired about this. The ranger said many Americans don’t like putting their names in such books. My comment was why would a crim pull in here. Signing off I put my name in the address column. As far as I am aware I have no posse in persuit and haven’t done a runner.
Coming down off Wilkerson I was greeted by 17k,s off down hill, justly rewarded. Turning my peak hat back I let the Surly go for it, handling was superb with the load holding the rubber firmly on the road,a new max speed was set at 74km/hr.
At Lake George I iced up the water bottles and enquired about camping, the woman recommended The Lost Burro camp ground (recommended) up CR1 towards Cripple Creek.
Unbeknown to me this 17 miles was almost all uphill, being a Country road, instead of cutting into the terrain it was largely followed. The resultant passage was bloody steep.
Three quarters up pretty much a brick wall appeared. I had no adrenalin pumpimg and it was just hard work. One thing about the earlier segment of the ride, adrenalin had been produced in copious quantities and was utilized in such a positive way.
No more was on tap, euphoric thoughts, though summoned needed adrenalin to allow them to produce energy.
For the second time so far I had to stop. My small seat was spread, sitting in it, dead meat would best describe the situatoin. The lost Burro was 2 miles up there somewhere.
Having two gels with me, they were consumed. This would put this product to the test.
Resting for some twenty minutes, the time at 1900hrs further passage was necessary. "C’mon legs, not far to go".
I don’t know what got me there, in the lowest gear it was quite dangerous as I wobbled all over the shoulderless incline.
The special powers afforded me earlier in the day were not on tap whenever I wanted them. This made them even more memorable and sacricanct.
In short yes, the gels do work, using them as a last resort would be best. Consuming them to frequently, a fuel efficient diesel VW could rival the cost of getting from one point to another.
Pulling into the campground, the palace was erected, the first dehy food pack was consumed. A shower was taken, at the same time washing was done.
With the internet available, a few friends were skyped. Prior to nesting it was nice to finish the day with a strong Sweet Dreams tea.
A warm feeling of achievement and that of pleasant relaxation were the last emotions of an ever so special day.
A special day
D 121, T 11.5 hrs, Av 18.22, Total 3948
Awaking, I felt invigorated, it was 12 degrees, the sun was yet to rise, my sweatshirt worn. Its only use apart from Int Falls to Northolme, has been to fill in my pillow slip.
Breakfast was canned salmon and beans, oats, two cups of coffee, a banana and apple finalised the ritual. As the sun rose above the ranges to the east, its warmth permeated my vicinity, like a reptile my activities became more purposeful as I packed and headed off to the nearby ablution block.
The wheels were checking to see the brake pads were not touching the rim, any added friction would impact on the days ride.
I knew this was going to be a special day for me, the day and the environment were all going to play a role. I had energy present in many states.
Having phoned Tone about plans and restricted passage due to toilet breaks and lack of energy, looking at the map, a day of riding all day was not unpractical.
Ahead was Trout Creek Pass (9346ft) then a basin followed by Wilkerson Pass (9502ft) still on 24, then to turn right onto CR1 at Florissant for Cripple Creek.
From camp ( Stone Bridge Rec site) a shoulder existed, as I progressed to Trout Creek Pass, the climb just kept going. The shoulder was less than 300mm of asphalt. I applied my practises for this kind of road. One item was ignored in that I had music playing. Background inspiration was needed.
This ascent was difficult to say the least. The header photo today is of Lake Winnibigoshish at sunset, for me this was the beginning of the spiritual side to this journey.
It is nice to read the below passages as you restart this lovely piece of music
I still remember the warm prophetic words of the Native American elder on the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish as he handed me the eagle feather, “Take this, Nigel, don’t let it touch the ground and it will look after you.
Coming back to me at this time, as my mind was awash with euphoric thoughts. Adrenalin was freely flowing. Energy was present for the taking.
Symbolically, my feather, though not moving in height from the ground, knew altitude was increasing, it had known this freedom as it had once soared, it also knew there were Golden Eagles aloft in the thermals. My constant companion since that evening in Minnesota, I felt it offering me lift during the passage to the pass, This combined with my surreal energy and positive, powerful thoughts aided my companion with push making the ascent easy. It was an emotional few miles to say the least.
Two vehicles approached down hill as they were passing other cars, both in close proximity to me, on both ocassions being in an elevated state of mind neither event was an issue.
I now know, that all things being equal, the symbolism derived from my gift at Winnibigoshish will aid me through the Andes next year, the presence of the Condor and thin air will evoke this combined energy to be drawn upon wisely and always remembered enroute.
However many moons have to pass before that journey begins, moons that will proceed days of unknown events, each being met with enthusiasm. I also know that it will be drawn upon between here and Venice, LA.
The scenery, wishing I had my camera to share it with you, but not so, was one of vast space occupied by grass clad basins with snow clad mountains as back drops. This was Colarado personified. Though magnificent, my true emotions lay with the Mississippi and its evocative beauty, it was a landscape with a centre piece making a journey, almost from one end of this country to the other, it was scenery with life. After all much of the snow here in Colarado would become part of that journey through the heartland of this country.
I stopped at Hartsel for lunch, loaded up on water and a BLT.
The next leg took me up to Wilkerson Pass (9459ft) my euphoria and companion aided me with apparent ease also to this summit. I stopped here and bought water while chatting with staff at the park headquarters buiding, the view was best described as a vista.
The visitors book had columns for state, reason for trip, next destination and comments. I enquired about this. The ranger said many Americans don’t like putting their names in such books. My comment was why would a crim pull in here. Signing off I put my name in the address column. As far as I am aware I have no posse in persuit and haven’t done a runner.
Coming down off Wilkerson I was greeted by 17k,s off down hill, justly rewarded. Turning my peak hat back I let the Surly go for it, handling was superb with the load holding the rubber firmly on the road,a new max speed was set at 74km/hr.
At Lake George I iced up the water bottles and enquired about camping, the woman recommended The Lost Burro camp ground (recommended) up CR1 towards Cripple Creek.
Unbeknown to me this 17 miles was almost all uphill, being a Country road, instead of cutting into the terrain it was largely followed. The resultant passage was bloody steep.
Three quarters up pretty much a brick wall appeared. I had no adrenalin pumpimg and it was just hard work. One thing about the earlier segment of the ride, adrenalin had been produced in copious quantities and was utilized in such a positive way.
No more was on tap, euphoric thoughts, though summoned needed adrenalin to allow them to produce energy.
For the second time so far I had to stop. My small seat was spread, sitting in it, dead meat would best describe the situatoin. The lost Burro was 2 miles up there somewhere.
Having two gels with me, they were consumed. This would put this product to the test.
Resting for some twenty minutes, the time at 1900hrs further passage was necessary. "C’mon legs, not far to go".
I don’t know what got me there, in the lowest gear it was quite dangerous as I wobbled all over the shoulderless incline.
The special powers afforded me earlier in the day were not on tap whenever I wanted them. This made them even more memorable and sacricanct.
In short yes, the gels do work, using them as a last resort would be best. Consuming them to frequently, a fuel efficient diesel VW could rival the cost of getting from one point to another.
Pulling into the campground, the palace was erected, the first dehy food pack was consumed. A shower was taken, at the same time washing was done.
With the internet available, a few friends were skyped. Prior to nesting it was nice to finish the day with a strong Sweet Dreams tea.
A warm feeling of achievement and that of pleasant relaxation were the last emotions of an ever so special day.