My 10-day May vacation in Colorado was primarily visiting our number one son. This year, my husband drove out west, toting our mountain bikes so we could ride easy dirt trails in comfort. I often have problems with elevation, so I gracefully altered intense workouts with Fort Collins's easier and extensive trail network, many along rivers, parks, wetlands, and canals. Like last year, I rode my son's Specialized St. Laurent in the city.
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| A loop in Red Mountain Open Space. The Ruby Wash (lower right photo) was particularly challenging to navigate deep sand - thankfully, it was downhill, revealing a change in the landscape around each corner. |
Springtime in the high desert is stunning. While parched and hot as early as June, I'm glad I came earlier this year. The open spaces steal my heart.
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| The Dams Loop is a training ground for various organized rides. |
Our son mentioned we should ride The Dams Loop early on, but with the elevation gain - especially for flatlanders like us - I wasn't sure I could do it. After several days riding, drinking lots of water, and generally feeling good, I proposed that we should try it. I knew I was the weak link, standing in the pedals, taking breaks along with my husband to catch our breath, and despite the ferocious head and side winds, we made it! What beautiful views!
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| Curt Gowdy State Park in Wyoming, a real gem of trails snaking through aspen groves, pines, and around smooth granite rock formations. We barely touched the network of available trails. |
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| One afternoon we went on a bicycle brewery tour, organized by long-time friend, Rich. |
Downtime included relaxing at our son's house, walks, and ball throwing with big dog Doughnut,
cycling for errands, scoring 12 oz 6-pack of delicious double IPA (bought solely due to the label art), and walking to a Food Truck rally. I helped out by weeding their overgrown front beds while enjoying wild bunnies that graze lawns, and my husband mowed the lawn. I particularly enjoyed long conversations with our niece, who joined their household in December. 3 people (son & girlfriend) plus dog and two cats who don't get along make for a complicated household! My husband and I camped in a nearby KOA.
We connected with cousin Kerry in Boulder, who led a fun-filled tour of Boulder Creek Trail, famed Pearl Street, and climbed to views of the Flatirons mountains. Compared with Fort Collins, Boulder is hilly!
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| Our accommodations for a week. I slept well! |
Oh, Fort Collins and surrounding environs, I love you so...I'll be back.
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