Breck-Como-Breck

Did a little solo recon work up near the divide to look check out the climb out of Bayou Salado. I started from the Breckenridge refuge and headed up to Boreas Pass before dropping into the hamlet of Como. A quick loop to check for services, I eyed the Como Mercantile but did pay a visit due to weather moving in. Climbed back up the pass as the clouds builded. The rain held off until the descent back in Breckenridge. Made in back to the refuge a little wet and cold.

Climb to the Pass.

Bayou Salado.

Como.

Looking Back.

Storms.

Fodder

That is what I was last night. I toed the line for the last circle race of the local weekday series. The legs were still feeling the GTDRI efforts from the weekend as I climb the gravel road up to the track. The race was fast from the get go and didn't really let up like in weeks past, that played to my favor as accelerating over and over would have killed me. I did not garner any points during this series but added some much needed confidence as things will begin to hot up soon.

GTDRI

We planned our pilgrimage to Iowa for a random weekend that just happened to coincide with the Mark’s GTDRI. Spending time with the in-laws is enjoyable but grinding some gravel was a much better option. A week before the decision was made to convert the old IRD ‘cross bike to a gravel grinder. The finished product was put to the test with over 100 miles of gravel, dirt, and a bit of pavement.

I left Marshalltown early to meet up at Hickory Hills for a 7:30am departure. The fog on the drive over was the thickest I’ve seen in a good long while. I climbed up to the summit of Hickory Hills to see some familiar faces. The Midwest was well represented with the Iowa contingent made up of Mark “Guitar Ted” Stevenson and David Pals, the Lincoln contingent consisted on Matt Wills, Jeff Bonsall, Matt Gersib with Minnesota represented by Jason Boucher. I was the lone Colorado rider.

We headed out for a 100 mile loop that would take us through Traer, Garwin, back to Traer, and then to Hickory Hills. Considering all the rain that has pummeled the state the roads were in great condition even the B-level roads were good. Ragbrai started this past weekend which lead to confusion with the locals as we rolled into town, we were only seven not 10,000+, but we did have a presence.

Other than sweating profusely my ride was great. Meeting someone new, catching up with others and of course riding my bike. Thanks to Mark for organizing and to the others for making this a most enjoyable way to spend a Saturday in Iowa.

Sunrise.

The Leader - Gted.

Jeff documenting.

Matt, Mark, Jason, and Matt in Traer.

David rockin' a Casseroll.

The leaders.

B-road made easy by Jeff.

Quick stop.

Up the road.

.

Support Role

Headed south to Manitou Springs for my Wife to run a little race. It was fun to spectate and cheer the runners up the last climb to the finish.

Almost there.





At Medical.

Only 7 stitches needed.

Parking garage crit

The State of Texas own some sweet parking garages for bike racing.

Back home

Made it safely to and fro with lots of cold local brews in the middle.