So I had this crazy idea a few years back when I went to visit my father in Colorado Springs, Co. I thought to my self...self, why not do something adventurous...like ride a bicycle down Pikes Peak?
So sure enough, I booked my escapade with an outfit that took me right to the top. I was well prepared with riding shorts, tights, short sleeve top, long sleeve top, ear warmers, my own helmet (smart move), gloves and a Marmot wind shell. Of course when I got to the top I had no idea that there would be snow on the ground. Keep in mind, this was August! This is where hiring on an outfitter comes in handy. For one, they take you to the top, you don't have to pedal your way up. They supply you with a half decent bike, a water bottle, and even fit you with a very warm jacket and cold weather pants and gloves...yeah, the kind with fingers on them. Bonus!
I really don't think I would have made it down from the top if I didn't have the extra clothing. Ok, I would not have EVEN made it out of their van!.
The ride down was pretty hairy at the top. We started out on a frozen dirt
rode...YAY! This picture doesn't give it much justice but just know, it was frozen.After conquering the frozen part of it, it was all down hill. Although it was kind of treacherous (as we were still on dirt), the surrounding view was breathtaking.
Pike's Peak is pretty much the highest peak in Colorado Springs so your view is unobstructed from up there. You can see the road below on the next image. Yes, it was a looong way down to the bottom. The entire trip took about 4 hours. Some of that was going up in the van (you don't think I rode up?) but most of it was coming down. 
By this time it was warming up...and quick. So it was time to shed some clothes...finally. I believe the temperature change from top to bottom was 40 degrees that day. Hence the need for multiple layers. 
When we finally hit the pavement it was time to fly. Too bad the bikes weren't a bit better because what I like to do best is to ride fast and take chances. Although there was some grueling uphill portions, most of the ride was downhill. Of course at the time I was in really good shape so it wasn't that hard for me to keep up with the guide.
All in all this was a really great experience. Would I do it again? Not at $100 bucks, but hey, if they invited me back I'd do it.
There's something said about doing crazy things...or things one would think are crazy. It's putting yourself to the test of both ones mental and physical capabilities and when it's all said and done, you come out alive and, with out any broken bones. Also doing something like this you get the pleasure of saying, "I did it". See...I did it!
So yeah, I did it! However, if you find yourself out in Colorado Springs then I'd suggest trying the Greenland Open Space outside of Monument. It's a great ride and in getting there you have to take a dirt trail which you can opt to stay on if you want and forgo the "Open Space" part. The bike rental was a whopping $15 from the local bike shop and, no need to dress in layers.
If you were to go "off trail" I would suggest that your bring enough water, and be in decent shape because some the climbs can be a bit daunting. Also you have critters like black bears running around. On the day that I did my ride on the Greenland Open Space. I happened to pass two riders coming the other way who had just seen a black bear. Me, I didn't see it, but I did see a lot of cool stuff and I had a great time doing it.
So next time I find myself in Colorado Springs, I'll be headed for the local bike shop in Monument and then it's off to the Greenland Open Space for me. Sure, do Pikes Peak if you wanna spend the cash and the say so effect. Hey, I did it and it was pretty damn cool and yes, pretty damn crazy. 
By this time it was warming up...and quick. So it was time to shed some clothes...finally. I believe the temperature change from top to bottom was 40 degrees that day. Hence the need for multiple layers. 
When we finally hit the pavement it was time to fly. Too bad the bikes weren't a bit better because what I like to do best is to ride fast and take chances. Although there was some grueling uphill portions, most of the ride was downhill. Of course at the time I was in really good shape so it wasn't that hard for me to keep up with the guide.
All in all this was a really great experience. Would I do it again? Not at $100 bucks, but hey, if they invited me back I'd do it.
There's something said about doing crazy things...or things one would think are crazy. It's putting yourself to the test of both ones mental and physical capabilities and when it's all said and done, you come out alive and, with out any broken bones. Also doing something like this you get the pleasure of saying, "I did it". See...I did it!
So yeah, I did it! However, if you find yourself out in Colorado Springs then I'd suggest trying the Greenland Open Space outside of Monument. It's a great ride and in getting there you have to take a dirt trail which you can opt to stay on if you want and forgo the "Open Space" part. The bike rental was a whopping $15 from the local bike shop and, no need to dress in layers.
If you were to go "off trail" I would suggest that your bring enough water, and be in decent shape because some the climbs can be a bit daunting. Also you have critters like black bears running around. On the day that I did my ride on the Greenland Open Space. I happened to pass two riders coming the other way who had just seen a black bear. Me, I didn't see it, but I did see a lot of cool stuff and I had a great time doing it.
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