Mt. Evans
Olympic medalist and seven-time Tour de France rider Ron Kiefel has ridden Mt. Evans—the highest paved road in the United States, at 14,265 feet—a few times in his life. Make that 20. “Evans isn’t the steepest or craziest mountain I’ve ever done,” he says of the 6,575-foot, 18.4-mile ascent. “But it’s a complete classic. There aren’t many places you can climb for four hours straight.” From Idaho Springs, the highway passes shallow Echo Lake and breaks out of treeline into a rocky, lunar landscape. Up there, a 6 percent grade feels like 10. And the views? South, there’s 14,110-foot Pikes Peak. North, there’s 14,259-foot Longs Peak. West, there’s the endless Rockies. And on a clear day, looking east past Denver, you can actually see the curvature of the earth. “Not many people can say they’ve been up here with a bike,” Kiefel says. “I look at it as a journey and an adventure.”
I can say that I've been up there with a bike. And it was awesome!
You have a lot rides to choose from...that is a good problem to have!
ReplyDeleteAndy who? Just kidding:-) I am that old too.
Thanks for the post!
That looks like the kind of ride that I would really enjoy...Your lucky to have been able to do it..!
ReplyDeleteI remember the Andy Williams show too...it was very popular here in the UK.His passing makes me even more aware of my own age..
-Trevor
The places you have ridden are so picturesque.
ReplyDeleteI am awestruck when I look at the elevation stats.
Go Jeff, go!
Peace :)
Of the roads I sampled, I'd agree that Mount Evans was the best. I'd go even further and say it's one of the most epic rides I've ever done. There's something about climbing about the tree-line, then continuing up for another couple thousand feet. Not to mention that the elevation has a way of playing tricks on you.
ReplyDelete