Colorado Trail Race 2011

 So this is the year I decided to try and push myself harder than I have in my life.  This will be a test of myself and how much fun(suffering and probably cussing myself) I can handle, I know I may not be the fastest but my only goal is finishing in Durango.  I would like to ride between 70-80 miles a day and ride into the night most days. The race is roughly 500 miles from Denver to Durango following the Colorado Trail with exception of the Wilderness sections.  Last year Jay and myself hiked our bikes through the Lost Wilderness and let me say now I WILL NEVER AGAIN HIKE MY BIKE THROUGH WILDERNESS!!!!!!!!!




 Here is the link to the CTR website

http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/

Although I am doing this race solo it will be an effort with lots of help from friends and family.  My good friend Jay is going to let me barrow his gps and of course my beautiful fiancee without her support I don't think I would be able to attempt such a big race.

So I am trying to get all my gear together and I have been looking for a solar charger and today I met Serena at REI and I purchased the Brunton Freedom.

here is the solar charger in all it's glory

I have not had an opportunity to field test it but I have high hopes that it works (going to keep my fingers crossed). 

The Big Move

So on Saturday Jay, Chris, and the Miller Clan came over for my last taco night in Colorado Springs.  There was lots of beer and tacos although I didn't break the taco record set by Jay at 9.  Thanks Jay for doing taco night and barley wine checkers. 

the last day at the chanty

Definitely going to miss all my friends in Colorado Springs, and of course all the trails.  Now that I am in big Denver I am excited to start my life with my fiance Serena. 

My loving fiance!

There are some definite benefits to living in D-town I am closer to Winter Park which is my favorite mountain in the summer for some lift assist riding.

the new digs

 
The only thing is now there are a lot of bikes and not enough room, so in September we are going to upgrade to a bigger place so the bikes can be close by and not piled up in a closet not getting all of their daily required vitamin D.