Al, Stephen, Jenny, and I made the assault on Flagstaff last night. After a warm-up tour of the well-heeled neighborhoods of upper Chautauqua, the climb started in earnest. Jenny kept a reasonable pace, while the rest of us took off like mountain goats on amphetamines, with heart rates near unsustainable levels. In a wise move, Al, with two weekend rides under his belt, turned around at the amphitheater road, while the two Stephen's soldiered on. We made it to the top under gray and threatening skies, with Stephen digging deep after two (2!) time trials on Sunday and a commute to work on Tuesday. Someplace on the interwebs, there is a camera picture of Stephen H. at the top, taken while muttering that "...I won't be up here again for awhile..."
Nice temps, great views of the Indian Peaks still deep in snow (if you could bear to take in the vistas under the heavy suffering imposed by the upper Flagstaff sections) and a welcome change from the summer Flagstaff ride heat where the asphalt is melting and one is drenched with sweat. I am thinking that a Super Walker ride is in order soon - get out your knobbies...
Steve
