Day 35: Estes Park, CO to Granby, CO

Saturday, July 3rd

The fro.

How would he fit it in his helmet? That was the question running through most of our minds as we awaited breakfast, accompanied by Dave Luongo (owner of the fro) a director from ’05 and Chris and Tom, directors from last year. It was a welcome distraction from the 22 mile climb awaiting us just a short distance away.

To describe the climb of Trail Ridge would to be to take away from the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, so prepare for the underestimation of the summer. Arriving at the toll building at the entrance to US-34/Trail Ridge Road, we were each asked to contribute $10 as we passed GO. Ascending the weaving road that would lead to a total altitude of 12,300 feet left our team breathless not only due to the thinning air and physical exertion, but also with the panoramic views that came with each clearing in the trees and lookout point along the road.

Our second day of climbing in the Rockies along Trail Ridge was less steep but longer, yielding more opportunity for photos and more views that encouraged the team to stop more often. Around 5 miles from the summit, most 4Kers pulled to the side of the road for a water stop and photo opportunity at the “4K Rock,” which remained exclusive to the 4Kers even as the Bike-and-Builders tried to approach (Thank you, Chris Louie). Unfortunately, Trail Ridge Road was unpaved, and the harsh headwinds we encountered on the end of our path up the hill nearly pushed some riders off the cliff, if not off of their bikes for a break. The icy peaks above the tree line and the sparse forested areas below that speckled the landscape provided ample reason to stop and take a breather, and left us all exuberant as we stopped for lunch at the Rocky Mountain National Park lodge.

The beautiful and speedy descent lasted several miles down the mountain and was a welcomed follow up to the miles of climbing that had preceded it. Riding toward Granby, we were exhausted but proud to be part of a team that had undertaken such an enormous challenge and succeeded…welcomed at the church by a mandatory van-cleaning session after the largest climb of our trip. Welcome to the 4K.

-Kieran Coleman