So the last 4 weekends it has been in the 80s in Colorado, however this weekend we’ll be lucky if it reaches 60 in Boulder and 40 up in the mountains. What better of a way to start the mountain bike season at Winter Park than cold and muddy conditions! I will feel like I’m racing back home in New England.
Tomorrow is race #1 of the Winter Park Mountain Bike Series. I have been competing in this series since I moved to Colorado nearly 3 years ago. Race #1 is the kickoff with a cheerful climb from the base of Winter Park to the top of Mary Jane. This race will be a true fitness test for me and basically a reality check that I really am in the worst cycling shape I have been in since high school. Sad, but true. Oh well, maybe I’ll surprise myself. If I can beat 41 minutes which was my time from 2 years ago, I will be very very happy. Here are the specs of the climb…yes it will hurt, but damn it will feel good afterwards. OH yeah, for some reason I signed up in the Pro category. I think I just want to punish myself much more than I have to.
Technical Information
| Distance | 5.3 miles |
| Start Elevation: | 9,080 feet |
| Highest Point: | 11,142 feet |
| Total Climbing: | 2,062 feet |