An UpaDowna Weekend
I'm writing this after getting back from a great weekend with UpaDowna(which stands for up a mountain and down a beer). Steve from UpaDowna organized a great event this weekend with a ride down Monarch Crest, and then a hike up Mt. Massive (A great name for a 14ner by the way). I have never met a guy more organized than Steve. He had his truck so chuck full of equipment for camping and riding that I felt like I had all the conviencences of home at my fingertips.
We drove up Friday night to Salida and camped along Silver Creek. It was a family event, with some folks bringing kids, and pets. The most notable of the younger set course, was Captain Cody. He ran a tight ship, and made sure Dad stayed in line, and kept everything in top shape. We all spent the evening getting to know one another, and basically being social. Since I'm old, and need more rest, I had to turn in early and hibernate before the morning's ride. I knew what was coming, so I wanted all the rest I could get.
Captn Cody
When Saturday morning came, it proved to be an awsome start. The sun was shining and the temperature was rather mild for such a high altitude. We did our own shuttle for the ride. Steve and I drove to the top of Monarch with bikes and people, and Randi returned with Steve's vehicle back to the camping area. It's the benefit of having an understanding wife. I, of course, had to leave my truck at the top. No one understands me.
We wanted to be at the top of Monarch by 8 a.m. or earlier. We made it by 7:45, just in time to see the shuttles from Salida show up. That made us work faster since we didn't want to be stopped by the crowds. There were already a few other riders in the parking lot as well, all of us having the same idea.
Before even sitting on the bike however, it was obvious that the layers I had on were going to be a little much, so I peeled everything off and rode with just a jersey and bike shorts. This is pretty good considering we start this ride just below treeline. The weather was so perfect. We took off up the first climb, with me leading, which is odd. I stopped and waited for everyone to regroup, while taking pictures of the scenery, and a few marmots. I was surpised at how used they were to humans. They didn't seem to mind me much. I wouldn't want to try to pet one, but they definately didn't mind the camera.
Since we took off slightly before the shuttle groups, we were able to get ahead of the major crowds, which was good. We didn't have to slow down much on the downhills. We did end up playing tag team with a group of about 15 or 20 riders that got a start about the same time we did, but it didn't pose an inconvenience at all. We just made sure they were far ahead before we started our downhills. It also turned out to be an international ride out on the trail. I met people in other groups from Germany, England, Austrailia, and France. Anyone who met our French rider would definately consider improving relations with that country. Freedom Fries be damned; I just might move!
After the first climb above treeline, we started our descent, passing the intersection for Colorado Trail east, and for Agape trail which leads you to the western side of Monarch Pass. Take note, that unless you plan on riding to Gunnison, don't take this trail. However, I have heard it's a better downhill.
We headed down to Marshall pass which when we got there, we took a right and rode about 100 yards up the hill to our first left. From here, there are several roads, but we kept in mind that we wanted to follow the arrow for Colorado Trail, and then hit the trail for Silver Creek. They are clearly marked. Going any other direction leads to ending up not where we wanted to be. We stopped at the intersection for Marshall Pass and had a snack, leading other riders that came by to the right trail to take. I took off early because I needed a head start, and my new French countrywoman was not too far in front of me. After climbing above Marshall Pass I turned left on a jeep road to go up. The climb wasn't too long (3 miles total), but I was already tired, so it was not as fun as the others. When I got near the top, I saw a large group of cyclists. I decided not to stop since the downhill was just 100 yards ahead. I most likely missed my new French friend there, but I'm sorry, no woman is worth missing a long downhill. Hence the reason I'm single, I'm sure.
When I got to the downhill, I let it all out. I used my breaks sparingly, since the trail is rough and loose, and I wanted to get as far ahead of the pack as possible. It paid off too. I was back at camp for an hour before I saw the next rider. I was pretty proud of myself. Well...until I heard about the mechanicals and flats that were had. The trail is rough on tires. I guess my riding prowess was not what I thought. All in all it was a good ride, even with some unscheduled stops.
After everyone got in we packed our stuff and headed out to have pizza in Salida. After some logistical wrangling, I was able to get my truck. We then headed to Leadville to prepare for our hike up Mt. Massive. We hooked up with more people in Leadville, including a very lovely young lady who brought homemade brownies to the camp site. How cool is that? She is DEFINATELY invited to my next camping trip! It was about 6 p.m. when we finally got to the camp site. Everyone got their tents set up, and then made dinner for the evening. It started raining in the evening, but Steve, our fearless host, set up an awning to keep us all dry. I, again, had to turn in early. I was tired from the ride, and with no shower to speak of, felt like I needed some rest before the next days hike.
At 4:30 a.m. Sunday (today) it was still raining. I have this theory that rain at 10000 ft becomes hail at 14000 ft, so I chose to bail early and miss the hike. I packed up and the rain was still coming down pretty good at about 6 a.m. and with the 7 a.m. start and no sign of it letting up, I decided to head back to Woodland Park. I was disappointed, but I like to stay dry, and I REALLY needed a hot shower. I so enjoyed everyone on the trip, and thought they were some of the nicest people I have ever met. I'm old and senile, or I would have mentioned everyone by name here. I need to remember to carry a notebook, and write them down. But special thanks goes out to Steve with Upadowna, and his beautiful family! Oh, and thanks Mike for meeting a girl that knows how to bake!
Everyone have a great summer, and hope to see you on the next ride!
Sir RexALot
We drove up Friday night to Salida and camped along Silver Creek. It was a family event, with some folks bringing kids, and pets. The most notable of the younger set course, was Captain Cody. He ran a tight ship, and made sure Dad stayed in line, and kept everything in top shape. We all spent the evening getting to know one another, and basically being social. Since I'm old, and need more rest, I had to turn in early and hibernate before the morning's ride. I knew what was coming, so I wanted all the rest I could get.
Captn Cody
When Saturday morning came, it proved to be an awsome start. The sun was shining and the temperature was rather mild for such a high altitude. We did our own shuttle for the ride. Steve and I drove to the top of Monarch with bikes and people, and Randi returned with Steve's vehicle back to the camping area. It's the benefit of having an understanding wife. I, of course, had to leave my truck at the top. No one understands me.
We wanted to be at the top of Monarch by 8 a.m. or earlier. We made it by 7:45, just in time to see the shuttles from Salida show up. That made us work faster since we didn't want to be stopped by the crowds. There were already a few other riders in the parking lot as well, all of us having the same idea.
Before even sitting on the bike however, it was obvious that the layers I had on were going to be a little much, so I peeled everything off and rode with just a jersey and bike shorts. This is pretty good considering we start this ride just below treeline. The weather was so perfect. We took off up the first climb, with me leading, which is odd. I stopped and waited for everyone to regroup, while taking pictures of the scenery, and a few marmots. I was surpised at how used they were to humans. They didn't seem to mind me much. I wouldn't want to try to pet one, but they definately didn't mind the camera.
Since we took off slightly before the shuttle groups, we were able to get ahead of the major crowds, which was good. We didn't have to slow down much on the downhills. We did end up playing tag team with a group of about 15 or 20 riders that got a start about the same time we did, but it didn't pose an inconvenience at all. We just made sure they were far ahead before we started our downhills. It also turned out to be an international ride out on the trail. I met people in other groups from Germany, England, Austrailia, and France. Anyone who met our French rider would definately consider improving relations with that country. Freedom Fries be damned; I just might move!
After the first climb above treeline, we started our descent, passing the intersection for Colorado Trail east, and for Agape trail which leads you to the western side of Monarch Pass. Take note, that unless you plan on riding to Gunnison, don't take this trail. However, I have heard it's a better downhill.
We headed down to Marshall pass which when we got there, we took a right and rode about 100 yards up the hill to our first left. From here, there are several roads, but we kept in mind that we wanted to follow the arrow for Colorado Trail, and then hit the trail for Silver Creek. They are clearly marked. Going any other direction leads to ending up not where we wanted to be. We stopped at the intersection for Marshall Pass and had a snack, leading other riders that came by to the right trail to take. I took off early because I needed a head start, and my new French countrywoman was not too far in front of me. After climbing above Marshall Pass I turned left on a jeep road to go up. The climb wasn't too long (3 miles total), but I was already tired, so it was not as fun as the others. When I got near the top, I saw a large group of cyclists. I decided not to stop since the downhill was just 100 yards ahead. I most likely missed my new French friend there, but I'm sorry, no woman is worth missing a long downhill. Hence the reason I'm single, I'm sure.
When I got to the downhill, I let it all out. I used my breaks sparingly, since the trail is rough and loose, and I wanted to get as far ahead of the pack as possible. It paid off too. I was back at camp for an hour before I saw the next rider. I was pretty proud of myself. Well...until I heard about the mechanicals and flats that were had. The trail is rough on tires. I guess my riding prowess was not what I thought. All in all it was a good ride, even with some unscheduled stops.
After everyone got in we packed our stuff and headed out to have pizza in Salida. After some logistical wrangling, I was able to get my truck. We then headed to Leadville to prepare for our hike up Mt. Massive. We hooked up with more people in Leadville, including a very lovely young lady who brought homemade brownies to the camp site. How cool is that? She is DEFINATELY invited to my next camping trip! It was about 6 p.m. when we finally got to the camp site. Everyone got their tents set up, and then made dinner for the evening. It started raining in the evening, but Steve, our fearless host, set up an awning to keep us all dry. I, again, had to turn in early. I was tired from the ride, and with no shower to speak of, felt like I needed some rest before the next days hike.
At 4:30 a.m. Sunday (today) it was still raining. I have this theory that rain at 10000 ft becomes hail at 14000 ft, so I chose to bail early and miss the hike. I packed up and the rain was still coming down pretty good at about 6 a.m. and with the 7 a.m. start and no sign of it letting up, I decided to head back to Woodland Park. I was disappointed, but I like to stay dry, and I REALLY needed a hot shower. I so enjoyed everyone on the trip, and thought they were some of the nicest people I have ever met. I'm old and senile, or I would have mentioned everyone by name here. I need to remember to carry a notebook, and write them down. But special thanks goes out to Steve with Upadowna, and his beautiful family! Oh, and thanks Mike for meeting a girl that knows how to bake!
Everyone have a great summer, and hope to see you on the next ride!
Sir RexALot
posted by Sir RexALot at
12:15 PM
2 Comments:
Hey Rex,
It was great meeting you for the ride around Catamont a few weeks ago. I had actually thought about doing the Monarch yesterday, but everything didn't come together. Instead I just did a quick lap of the Falcon trail.
Great website, let me know if you have any road trips planned.
Will do! You might also want to follow UpaDowna as well. Steve has a lot of rides and activities as well.
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