A day from hell! Well. It started ok, with a fantastic panoramic view across the valley. We all decamped and had breakfast, but I knew I was seriously under fed before starting out….never a good sign! We knew we had 19 miles of climbing before the first break at a lake high in the mountains. I felt ok on the first climb as the track was compacted. But as the trail reared up is started to get crazy rocky. Bob is a great gravel bike, but hopeless as a mountain bike. Plus, I’m not a confident descender on a rocky surface. Mike had a full blown mountain bike with massive tires so he simply cruised down the hills, whilst Jake and I gingerly found a way down…..before ascending the next climb. It was brutal, and zero enjoyment- you’d be putting out serious watts and going nowhere. Our average was 3-4 mph! I was seriously out of food and the altitude was taking its toll too. We stopped at an old cabin on a valley floor to get food then hit a massive climb which we all walked up. It was at this point I simply wanted to quit. I was so exhausted and hungry. But we kept on going until we got to Hopewell Lake. There was a log shelter there which we all simply crashed out in. We filtered water from the lake as we were all running very low. The next section was a downhill bit of road for 5 miles before back on the trail. That newer section of the trail was manageable but it started the long haul up the mountain. In the background we could see snow on the peaks. Whilst it was extraordinary scenery, most of us were too buggered to look up from the trail. Take your eyes off it for a second and you hit a protruding rock. Bobs headset was getting smashed and I was equally smashed. Eventually we got on to a valley floor, found a stream and pitched tents. We all just went and sat in the stream, despite its coldness. That was the first wash in days!
Today was torture, it really was. I was pretty miserable the whole time – hungry, thirsty, tired, and each mile was a festival of punches to me and Bob. With the right bike I’m sure it’s a blast. But a fully loaded tourer/gravel…not so! Jake and I are in the same boat with bikes we thought might cope but are finding out it’s called a ‘mountain bike’ trail for a reason. We were all tucked up by 8:30 as the rain came down. A day to forget.
Some gorgeous meadows
Pushing hard!
The long rocky trail ahead….hike a bike time!
On the rare occasion I could ride!
The three amigos!
Beautiful scenery
Just when I thought things were getting a little easier for you… I read this post. Aside from the stunning scenery, not much else to cheer you up. It’s great you have some company to share the pain with at least. It would be soul destroying to be attempting this solo. I hope both you and Bob survive this torture. Personally, I’m enjoying your posts from the comfort of my couch, with the combustion fire on, listening to the much needed rain outside. Lotsa love Tony. Keep on keeping on. 🧡
Golly I see….the photo downhill is horrendously rocky….now I get the issue for sure! Well. Hang in there…for any bad day there will be a good day to follow…light at the end of the tunnel….or for your sake I hope so. Meanwhile, I sit in the sun in my rocking care enjoying a lovely cup of tea. Xxx
As Julie, I think it’s marvellous you share this so difficult moment with your friends Jake and Mike. Even if I am totally sure you are very strong even when you are alone.
Aside from the wonderful scenery….. my goodness what a rough day. No wonder you wanted to give up. But obviously you didn’t and kept on keeping on.
So good you are with others. Clearly a good Team!
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