Firefly Rando Ride to Beaver Creek

[thenewguy11]

I'm getting pumped for my ride on Friday from Denver to Beaver Creek. The route I've mapped comes to 133 miles with just under 14,000 feet of climbing. I've decked out the Firefly rando bike with a mini Berthoud bag which is large enough for clothing and tools (which I hope I don't need) and food. All told, she comes in at 36 lbs. of pure comfort.

I'm going to use the forum app to document the ride and hopefully post some pictures for posterity (for whatever reason I can't get my photobucket photos to post on my iPad here). I'll also have the chance to test the Garmin 810's mapping and its ability to allow my wife to keep tabs on me.

Wish me luck.

[thenewguy11]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/13/ujada2ut.jpg

Love riding this bike.

[firerescuefin]

Looking forward to the report

[krhea]

Is the route 100% paved or are there sections of gravel? Whatever it is it sounds very cool, ride safe and have fun. Can't wait to read your ride report.

KRhea

[rice rocket]

So this is just you, bragging to us how awesome you are and how awesome your bike is. Nice. :bike:

[AngryScientist]

totally sweet.

what crankset is that on the f'fly?

[thenewguy11]

It won't feel like bragging if my wife has to pick me up halfway to Beaver Creek :). But the bike is pretty awesome.

That's a Velo Orange crankset. I like the aesthetics basically and it came standard with a rando set of chainrings.

[soulspinner]

Looks ready for anything. Best of luck.

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . if you go through Mohawk! I think that's the town where they ban bikes. Sheriff might throw you in the local jail!

BBD

[terry]

133 miles and 14000 feet of climbing an a 36 pound bike-impossible!!! Are you nuts?
Sounds like the kind of ride I would love to do, lots of fun, I'm jealous.

[Wilkinson4]

It won't feel like bragging if my wife has to pick me up halfway to Beaver Creek :). But the bike is pretty awesome.

That's a Velo Orange crankset. I like the aesthetics basically and it came standard with a rando set of chainrings.

Brag away!!! And since you are in Denver you need to show that off sometime! May have a nice rough road ride up in Boulder with Mike Kone this summer:)

mIKE

[bluesea]

Pacenti rims--must be 650B. :hello:

[thenewguy11]

Indeed it is a 650b bike, comfort on them is off the charts. The vast majority of the ride is paved, except for a short (optional really) section.

Of course, with all my planning, I'm sitting on the tarmac at DIA after a work trip to Montana right now. Landed 2.5 hours late after diverting to Casper, WY to get more fuel because of thunderstorm delay, they can't get their act together for a gate so we're just hanging out, and I still have to drive 45 minutes home. At this rate, I might just have to hop on my bike and start pedaling soon as I get home (I jest, I hope).

[Scuzzer]

So which route did you choose? I've been scoping out a ride to my cabin which would be quite similar with 120 miles and 14k climbing, it would include Guanella Pass for some extended gravel riding.

Looking forward to seeing your updates.

[thenewguy11]

I'll be riding up through Evergreen to Idaho Springs and them basically paralleling I 70 until Loveland Pass. Down into Dillon/Frisco and then Vail Pass. And finally up to Beaver Creek.

Then the Tough Mudder on Saturday.

[Scuzzer]

Lots of pictures or it didn't happen.

Then the Tough Mudder on Saturday.

For this too.

[thenewguy11]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/14/y9e7ebe6.jpg

Zero-dark-way too early. Fueling up for my ride with a ridiculously epic Americano.

Out the door in five.

[thenewguy11]

Lets see if this works. Here's the link to my Garmin Live Track for today.

http://livetrack.garmin.com/session/ee684e09-98eb-4da7-b73c-88a103983eb3/token/8DCCBC88E9523413D3AC03C9E120BB

[thenewguy11]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/14/udyju7a9.jpg

Riding past Red Rocks - great place to see a show.

[zennmotion]

Indeed it is a 650b bike, comfort on them is off the charts. The vast majority of the ride is paved, except for a short (optional really) section.

Of course, with all my planning, I'm sitting on the tarmac at DIA after a work trip to Montana right now. Landed 2.5 hours late after diverting to Casper, WY to get more fuel because of thunderstorm delay, they can't get their act together for a gate so we're just hanging out, and I still have to drive 45 minutes home. At this rate, I might just have to hop on my bike and start pedaling soon as I get home (I jest, I hope).

I'm trying to understand 650b and fat tires for paved roads. I totally get it for gravel and rough pavement, but would 650b/35mm be noticeably better than say 700c/28mm on pavement? Is the total weight (rim+tire) comparable?

[moose8]

This is really cool getting to see how that garmin live feature works. Thanks for posting. Your bike is also absolutely awesome. I have to admit I am succumbing to the sin of envy as I sit in rainy Boston. Colorado seems like a great place to live.

[zennmotion]

This is really cool getting to see how that garmin live feature works. Thanks for posting. Your bike is also absolutely awesome. I have to admit I am succumbing to the sin of envy as I sit in rainy Boston. Colorado seems like a great place to live.
The ride is awesome, the bike is awesome, and CO of course is awesome.
Except when it's burning... I love MA in the summer!

[thenewguy11]

I went with 650b on this ride because I wanted a comfy, semi all terrain ride. I hope to do some gravel rides and long distance rando events. Whether its more comfy than a 700c rim with 28's, I couldn't say.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/14/tygyrube.jpg

Here's the unofficial start of the foothills, heading up Lookout Mtn.

[gemship]

I have been reading and about Firefly bikes for a while here now and wondering even after looking at the site and some pics just what the big deal is. Well your bike in this thread just looks super sharp and eye pleasing. Especially in full rando mode. I really like the colors as well as the front racks, it all ties in nicely.

Good luck with the ride and keep the pics coming, never been that far out west so for me at least this is a treat. :hello:

[JAGI410]

I'm trying to understand 650b and fat tires for paved roads. I totally get it for gravel and rough pavement, but would 650b/35mm be noticeably better than say 700c/28mm on pavement? Is the total weight (rim+tire) comparable?

I switched from 700x28's to 650Bx38's. Shaved ~350g off the bike, it feels faster, corners better, and is way more comfortable. The 650B Kool aid is delicious!

-700c wheelset was DA 7400 32/32 hubs with Sun CR18 rims, DB spokes, Ruffy Tuffy tires

-650b wheelset is DA 7400 32/36 hubs with Velocity Synergy rims, DB spokes, GB Lierre tires

Good luck on your ride OP, looking forward to more pics!

[thenewguy11]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/14/yga5y4eb.jpg

If you look closely, you can see the Coors Brewery. Time up Lookout - 37:40, otherwise known as slow. For comp, fast guys go low 20's and Tom Danielson did something in the 16's I think.

[firerescuefin]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/14/yga5y4eb.jpg

If you look closely, you can see the Coors Brewery. Time up Lookout - 37:40, otherwise known as slow. For comp, fast guys go low 20's and Tom Danielson did something in the 16's I think.

Great way to start the ride...respect (and just a fun climb)...have a safe/great day.

[thenewguy11]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/14/useteqa8.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/14/eqa4y6y9.jpg

Here's some gravel road action.

[thenewguy11]

Just hit Idaho Springs for an iced coffee. Local place, maybe you have one close by if you're lucky :)
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/aqubumy9.jpg

[thenewguy11]

This is neat - tons of rafting trips down the river I'm paralleling.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/4unuga3a.jpg

[SpokeValley]

Watching from my office...I'm so envious! Thanks for the pix and the garmin link.

Keep having fun!

[jt2gt]

Damn...looks great. You are doing this right, rapha, D2, firefly, etc. Oh and can't forget Starbucks. You should of seen if rapha would sponsor for a blog, test or something. Can't remember...are you alone or riding with someone? Looks like livetrack says you just hit 100k or so...how ya feelin? Have a great time either way.

[JAGI410]

This is awesome, thanks for taking us along on your adventure today!

[thenewguy11]

Feeling good but nervous as just finished lunch in Georgetown and now start the climb up Loveland. I'll post some pictures of Georgetown and this hippie jam band festival when I get over the pass. Usually I'm just driving through this valley on the way to the resorts but GT is pretty cool.

[mcgillicuddy_p]

Thanks for bringing us along. I am thoroughly enjoying this from my desk. Counting the minutes until I can get out and ride. Very jealous! Awesome bike too.

[RGW]

Your Firefly rando is incredible. I think that's the bike I now aspire to! What an awsome ride too. Beyond jealous as I do the desk jockey thing today!!

[thenewguy11]

Had to sign off to conserve my phone battery.

Here are a couple photos:

Jam band festival outside GT:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/rusujusa.jpg

GT train trestle:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/dugyhu4e.jpg

Top of Loveland Pass. That was a tough one. Once you go past the tree line, it's like another world. Pretty cool.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/yna8upug.jpg

No I make my way to Vail Pass. Way behind schedule.

[thenewguy11]

Should have said "now I makeup way." Not throwing in the towel yet.

[thenewguy11]

Just about to start up Vail Pass. Unfortunately the GPS died so I won't have accurate ride stats. But I do know its been a long day in the saddle. Feeling decent but running short on time.

[thenewguy11]

The good news is that I just crested Vail Pass. The bad news is that I'm running out of daylight.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/aheruza7.jpg

[bironi]

Excellent ride report. Keep it coming.
Thanks much.

[maunahaole]

You are really close now.

[Tyler Evans]

I love following this. Keep keeping us posted!

[Scuzzer]

Nice job on the ride report. You turned a rando into a spectator event.

[SpeedyChix]

Have really enjoyed checking in on your ride today. Thanks for bringing us along.

[thenewguy11]

Victory! Almost. Still have climb up to the resort.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/6yju6ute.jpg

[firerescuefin]

Tell me that wasn't fun from the top of Vail Pass all the way into Avon/Beaver Creek. Tip of the cap to you! Epic day :beer:

[Wilkinson4]

Epic or epoch. Either way, a tip of the cycling cap to you sir.

mIKE

[krhea]

3 cheers for a great ride and epic "while riding" report. The beer is on us!

[Louis]

I hope you don't have to get up too early for the Tough Mudder !!!

Congratulations. :hello:

[thenewguy11]

Now that's victory.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/e6y5yzad.jpg

What a day. Who bit off more than he could chew? This guy. Took a lot longer than I anticipated but I'm psyched. Big thanks to my wife for watching the kids while dad road his bike all day. And doing it again tomorrow.

Firefly worked like a charm. Honestly, i can ride that bike all day. She'll never win any weight contests, but its so smooth. I'll have to get total mileage but its probably north of 140 miles and 12,000+ feet of vertical. And I'm feeling pretty darn good all considered.

Also, the Selle Anatomica saddle worked its magic. I know some people don't like them, but I had zero discomfort all day.

Honorable mention to Alice Cooper, Lower Class Brats, Volbeat, David Guetta and Rihanna (can't help it, the tunes are catchy) for keeping me going when I was flagging.

This was fun, everyone. Appreciate the comments.

Part 2 starts tomorrow. 10am start time for the Tough Mudder.

[Lovetoclimb]

I'll be riding up through Evergreen to Idaho Springs and them basically paralleling I 70 until Loveland Pass. Down into Dillon/Frisco and then Vail Pass. And finally up to Beaver Creek.

Then the Tough Mudder on Saturday.

Did you take the Continental Divide Trail for your parallel to I70 bit?

[thenewguy11]

Before
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/16/asymeju4.jpg

After
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/16/uty4apy5.jpg

This was a lot harder than the one I did two years ago. More ups and downs - I'm curious how much vertical we climbed actually. I'm really looking forward to some beers tonight.

[thenewguy11]

Talking a big game after the race - we're going out. And here's me with my little girl not too long after.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/16/e8a8e9a6.jpg

Great couple of days.