It is hard to think of ski season when we are treated to Indian Summer
like today. Temperature at 12,085' above sea level was 38F and the
winds were light out of the west. The road to the summit of
Independence Pass is still open, so it was time to go up it one more
time before it get's to snowed in to ride up it. Shorts and short
sleeve jersey was all that I wore for the ascent. The sun this time of
year is still very warm, and the pavement helped by radiating heat back
up as well. The traffic was minimal, it's off season here so we have
the mountains and our town to ourselves. I really enjoyed the ride up,
it was tough as always, but knowing that it might be the final time for
05' gave me an extra push when I needed it. The top switchback came
into view, and from there it is pure emotion, adrenlinene and
endorphines. The previous two weeks worth of snow storms really made
the mountains brilliant today. That high altitude deep Colorado Blue
sky with the fresh powder snow on the mountains from 10,000' up made
for outstanding scenery, and for some close calls; I almost rode off
the road by spacing out at the scenery, it was so awesome! The wind
changed to a tail wind as I pushed up the last 10% grade at 12,000', I
credit the unicycle gods for that one. The usual excitement at the
summit had me spinning into a snow bank, where I proceeded to crash
into the snow. The parking lot only had a couple of cars in it, and
high fives and words of congratulations were givin out. I wanted to go
to the end of the trail, but had to walk some of it as the snow was too
difficult to ride. I passed a few hikers and had some really fun
conversations with all. Pictures were taken and I headed back to the
parking lot. Hanging out at the summit I reminisced about how great
life is and what a succesful unicycling season I had had. I was
grateful for all that unicycling has brought me and my family, and did
not want to leave the summit. I spun my way off of the Continental
Divide one more time,with emotion running through me, goosebumps were
popping through my skin. I was blown away by the scenery and by the
pure joy I get out of unicycling in such beautiful spots. Made it back
to the car in one piece and drove to play one of my other favorite
summer activities, sand volleyball; which is also coming to a close for
the season. I guess it is time now to start waxing the tele ski's and
snowboard, bring on the snow! Cheers!!
🙄
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