Preparing for Moab

Now that we are so close to the Mecca of mountain biking, Moab, we've decided that we must try to go there while we're here.

Sharon, keen to go to Moab, has decided that she had better learn how to mountain bike. So we're training here in Boulder.

Because of the semi-desert climate, the trees aren't nearly as dense as the rainforest of Vancouver. This is great because you actually get to see the mountains around you. And the views are outstanding. Unfortunately these photos were taken with my camera phone, but there is a snowcapped 14000 ft peak in the background.. really.








In fact it's a little dangerous, I have been caught looking out at the view and almost missed the rocks jumping out at me.

There are supposedly lots of places to ride of similar beauty all over Colorado. No wonder everyone here seems to own a $2k mtn bike.

I am looking forward to riding in a place called Crested Butte. Apparently there are some epic rides there where you spend much of the ride in the high alpine. At one point you ride over a glacier.

Cycling in Longmont Colorado

I just had to write something quick about the road riding here. It's phenomenal. Compared to traffic snarled Vancouver with narrow roads, this place is something to write home about. No wonder so many pros train here.

So far I have just ridden short 1.5 hour rides close to Longmont. But I'll often ride for periods of 10 minutes and only see one car (and 30 cows). The shoulders are huge such that often riders are two abreast. If you want flats, you can ride for hours on winding farm roads past cows, horses, bison and deer. If you want hills you can ride West into the mountains up past red rocky canyons and gulches.

Admittedly I do miss my commute past English Bay and seeing the ocean views out to Horseshoe Bay... but that can wait.

The local mountain biking looks more rocky and sandy rather than wet and rooty. We just hiked up one of the local spots called Hall Ranch. Hopefully our mountain bikes will arrive soon.

All for now.