Colorado Trail Race

Got a ride down to the start from Karen this morning (not too far from where I live in Denver) - arrived about 15 minutes early - there were a LOT of people there - kind of cool. Car park was full with boots open - bikes and gear everywhere!!  Nice weather too - didn't need jackets or anything.  I pretty much had put together my bike last night so all I needed to do was put the front wheel back on and attach the lights to the wheel and I was ready to go!!  Only thing was I now needed the bathroom but it was time for a little speech from the organisers and off we set - out on a dirt road with me now looking for a bathroom!! Of course when i found one and stopped everyone went whizzing past and I am now at the back of the pack :)   We carried along this gravel road probably for about 6 miles and then into the woods for the single track.  Absolutely amazing! A lovely trail zig-zagging back and forth through the woods up the side of the mountain!  A nice climb!!  There were a few tough bits - boulders in the way - and had to walk a little every now and then!  My bike feels a bit too heavy with all the food I have with me - but of course that will get lighter as we go along - that is my plan!!   The climb has been great and I am now sitting at the top of my first big climb (see photo) and getting ready for , hopefully, a good downhill!  I am feeling good - slept well last night - about 8 hours - so that was also good!!  my bike seems a lot better although still a bit of grinding - but apparently that should soon go away!  I guess I will find out!!  

Ready for that downhill!!