The Rockies are Real

Since leaving Boulder we have been riding through some amazing mountains. I know I complained a lot while touring the Appalachians, but the Rockies are nothing like this. The grades are not nearly as steep. They are long, that's for sure, but the gradual increase makes the ride much easier. I did have a bit of a struggle adjusting to the altitude changes. At 11,312 feet above sea level, I felt a bit short of breath and light headed as we neared the peak of Monarch Pass, our first pass through the Rockies.

I was hoping that our descent would be like flying. Not so. The wind resistance and the fact that our bike bags act like sails, slowed us down significantly. It was still a lot of fun though. Hands down, Colorado has been the highlight of this trip in terms of landscape. It is amazing out here.

7 Stitches and 3 Awesome Gals

About a year and a half ago I injured myself during a bouldering accident while trying to attempt an epic V3 move underneath a cave (I thought it was epic, others may disagree.) Unfortunately, I swung out with way too much momentum and tore some ligaments in my right elbow. The time it took for this injury to fully recover was taunting. You would think that I have learned my lesson following this incident. Well... you are wrong.

While out in Boulder, Colorado I had the rare opportunity to boulder some amazing routes. I fully seized that chance. How could I not? Ryan and I borrowed a crash pad and headed toward Flagstaff, a very popular bouldering spot. We were just goofing around with a few different routes and I was projecting a route that would had me climb a good 30 feet up. I was doing well. Really well for not having bouldered in a long time. But then again not well enough to come down safely. Midway through the climb, I decided to down climb back to ground rather than making it all the way to the top. Down climbing ain't easy, especially outdoors where you can't always see your holds and footings. Long story told quickly, I came down from about 17 feet, landed on the crash pad and was fine. For the most part, anyways. Only 5 minutes after my fall did I notice that my left knee had been torn open from the impact of my knee bending so quickly. Bones, muscles, and ligaments were all fine, but this was a deep flesh wound.

So what to do when on a bike trip with a pretty big gash on your knee? I was lucky. Andrea, Laura and Brittany came to my rescue. Ryan and I were scheduled to stay the evening at the girls' house. When we arrived (quite late), they had prepared some delicious dinner and welcomed us inside. We ate and talked and afterwards they drove me to the ER to get that wound stitched up before it was too late. I don't know what exactly I would have done without them. For a moment, I was considering doing the stitching job myself (yes, I did buy needle and thread...) but I'm glad that I didn't resort to that option.

I've been taking it easy for the last several days. Mainly been biking with one leg. Having clip-in shoes helps a lot with that! I covered a total of 40 miles one legged, while riding in Boulder. Two days ago, we headed out finally and are now back on the road, going at full speed. My knee is fine. And let me tell ya that a trip to a hospital with some awesome company makes for a great story and some new friends. These girls are awesome, they just got back from a weekend biking trip themselves!