Mt. Evans

[mgm777]

On Friday evening, I was lamenting the weather report for Saturday because it was calling for 100 deg in the Boulder area. So, to beat the heat, I decided to set my alarm for an early wake-up and drive about an hour to Idaho Springs and ride to the summit of Mt. Evans, hoping it would be cooler at 14,000 ft. It was an absolutely beautiful day. Crystal clear blue skies and very little wind. I enjoyed the ride up and tried to soak in all the scenery. Previously, I would make this ride a workout and arrive at the summit shattered. Not this time, I simply enjoyed the whole experience. I was rewarded with new, fresh, black pave for most of the route below the park entrance. In addition to great weather and scenery, I was treated to some amazing wildlife. After the long descent back to my car, I treated my self to a pizza and beer at BeauJo's in Idaho Springs. A great end to a great ride. If you haven't ridden Mt. Evans, I strongly recommend it.

http://www.flickr.com//photos/32038769@N03/sets/72157630270556382/show/

[thinpin]

Ah lovely. What was the shaggy beast, some kind of goat?

[BryanE]

Works for me.
Beautiful.

[kestrel]

Beautiful!!!! Wish I was 2 thousand miles closer.

[choke]

Looks like a great way to spend the day.

Ah lovely. What was the shaggy beast, some kind of goat? They are Mountain Goats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_goat).

[paulh]

Fantastic! Congrats! You were pretty lucky for such a nice day. Last July I was at that same sign with ice pellets hitting me and just about getting blown off. What do you think the temp was up top when you were there? And you say there's new blacktop from Idaho Springs to the lodge? That has been pretty bad the last couple years.

[gdw]

Nice, last year the weather wasn't quite as nice.

June 18th 2011

[mgm777]

Fantastic! Congrats! You were pretty lucky for such a nice day. Last July I was at that same sign with ice pellets hitting me and just about getting blown off. What do you think the temp was up top when you were there? And you say there's new blacktop from Idaho Springs to the lodge? That has been pretty bad the last couple years.

My guess is the temp at the top was around 50 deg or so. It was cool enough that a wind breaker was appreciated on the descent to the lodge then removed for the remaining descent to Idaho Springs. Yes, the new blacktop was a surprise to me as well. Yes, about 70% of the road, from Idaho Springs to the Lodge, is new, smooth, blacktop, as shown in the first picture. Very nice for the descent. Also, as an added bonus, the park no longer charges an entrance fee for cyclists...it is now free (was $3).

[mgm777]

Nice, last year the weather wasn't quite as nice.

June 18th 2011

Yikes. Descending that road in those conditions must have been scary.

[RFC]

Excellent ride, effort and photos. I've been up that road a number of times (in a car with kids).

BTW, a fun fact for those who don't know. Mountain Goats are not indigenous to the Colorado Rockies. They are a transplant from Montana and Canada. But the do seem to fair famously above Timberline on Mt. Evans.

[Fixed]

Beautiful
Thanks for sharing
Cheers

[CSTRider]

Here's a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzWTiGxHfmY)of our tandem ride up/down Evans in 2010 ... took pics on way up, and video on descent. Also celebrated at Beau Joe's - great ride!

[mso]

Dan and I did the race in 2007. Great weather and experience. We got down just as the skies opened up. Recommend this ride to everyone who loves beautiful scenery and loves a nice climb. Good memories.

[Jaq]

Awesome. Doing the Pike's Peak thing on the 14th. If I could stay the week I'd do the Evans ride after. Gonna hafta be next year. Frankly, Evans looks like more fun.

[geargirl]

Awesome pics! LOVE the goats :) Thanks for sharing.

[BumbleBeeDave]

Sheep and all. all I can say is "Not bhaaaaad!" :p

BBD

[geargirl]

Sheep and all. all I can say is "Not bhaaaaad!" :p

BBD

Uh....those would be GOATS, not sheep :D

[maxn]

that looks awesome! 14k feet is HIGH! Nothing close to that high over here, I don't think.

[54ny77]

terrific pictures thx for posting 'em!

love the goat crossing photos. :cool:

[Fixed]

I rode that road in 1977
Thanks for the flashback one of my favorite bike memories
Cheers