Riding in Breck...can someone send me a great-granny gear???

Scott and Juli climbing and climbing and climbing....

I've been trying to recap the 2 days of training that I did in Breckenridge with Juli and Scott but it almost seems like it didn't happen. When you combine phenomenal views and trails with thin air, the riding takes on a dream-like feeling. 

We did an insane amount of climbing, and some of the dirt road climbs are the kind that I love to do. The only problem is that they are at 11,000-plus feet. That makes it a little harder :-) I visited Colorado for 2 days last year, but this was my first time really riding high up. I NEVER use my granny gear in Michigan, but it's definitely getting some major use out here, that's for sure!!! 

Juli crossing a creek on day 2

I have to admit that the thought of racing 100 miles in Breck seemed insurmountable after our first day of training. I have never worked so hard in my life to go so slow. But deep down I'm really excited for the race too. It's going to be a challenge, make no mistake about it!

Thin air aside, my biggest concern is actually about the course markings. I've had SO many people warn me about the trail not being marked well, and about lots of people getting lost, that I've become Uber-Uber-Paranoid. So paranoid in fact, that Scott found me in the rescue aisle of REI looking at different tools and rescue items. You know, just in case I need to build a shelter out there and live off the land :-) What can I say, sometimes my imagination gets the best of me. 

I just really, really, really hope the promoter does not skimp on the course markings!!! And when I make the font bold with lots of exclamation points you know that I am being very, very serious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow we are all heading out for another day of riding. I'm not sure where we are going yet, because Juli's husband is going to pick the trail since it's his birthday. After a day of rest I'm ready to get back out and explore some more! Today was a rest day, and definitely needed. I was a little surprised by my legs though. I thought they would be a lot more tired from all of that climbing, but they actually feel pretty good. I'm guess that's from losing power due to riding higher up. I couldn't push as hard! 

Here's one last picture from our ride. Sometimes I had to get off of my bike just to look around. I could very easily fall in love with this State!