Pike's Peak or Bust

Alas we come to the final episode in Jack's Big Adventure. However, this was by no means the least. Our goal in Colorado Springs was to ride bikes from the top of Pike's Peak to the bottom. We started out at 6:45am at Challenge Unlimited where we were served a continental breakfast while watching them load the bikes up onto the van we would all be transported in to the top. Thankfully, we did not have to bike up the mountain as it rises to over 14,000 feet.

I took this trip once before about 8 or 10 years ago and it was one of the scariest events of my life. The top 14 miles above the tree line were dirt road with hairpin switchbacks and no guardrails. As I lay in my bed the night before the ride I was asking myself why I set myself up to do this again. I was already panicky before we ever left home in the morning.

Imagine my pleasant surprise when I found out that since we were last here they had actually paved the road and put up guard rails at most of the switch backs. The only thing I had to worry about now was how to breath at 14,000 feet.

At first there was some concern that the ride might be cancelled, as the wind was cold and gusty at the top. Challenge Unlimited threw down bags of extra clothes from the top of that truck and we were all outfitted warm and toasty until we got low enough to shed. The wind cooperated and slowed to a bearable gale and the ride proceeded as planned with no interference by the weather. (the last time I did this it snowed )

Jack took on the challenge like a ride around the block only better. He was amazing, always leading the pack and keeping up with our guide, Kent. He followed all the safety rules and never missed a step. He was all smiles from ear to ear.

The hairping turns were still the same but he took them like a pro. Kent said he is born to be a mountain biker. He even recommended a self guided mountain bike ride they offer on unpaved trails down the mountain. We told Jack he had to wait for his Daddy to take him on that one.

Of course the views were spectacular and there were plenty of stops to take in the scenery so we could concentrate on staying on the road while riding.

Well everyone made it to the bottom safely where we were served up a light lunch before returning to town.

Later that day we took in another of Colorado Springs famouns sights, Garden of the Gods. This is a beautiful park full of red rock formations which was bequeathed to the city on the condition that it always remain free to the public. So, basically, it is one thing in town that is unspoiled by commercialism. As we all know Jack likes to climb so he had some final opportunities to get it out of his system before heading for home.


So now we on our long trek home. A couple long days driving and it all gets filed away into the memory banks. But what great memories they are. I guess the best indication that Jack had a great time is that he has already planned our next trip.