cascade springs...

yesterday in continued preparation for the california death ride, i rode to cascade springs and back (stats for the ride at the bottom of the post...)

it's a spur off the alpine loop that i thought would possibly take me to midway. i've never ridden that section of the canyon before and it did not disappoint. however, at the base of the descent there were only gravel or dirt road leading towards midway. it wasn't spectacular like the section of the alpine loop near aspen grove, but it still held its share of exhilaration. sweeping views of wide open canyon valleys...

the ride itself had a profile that demanded some work. it wasn't a straight drop to the springs, but had a 6-8% grade 1-2 mile climb set in the middle of the descent. that climb began at the campground where we used to take the 12-13 year old EFY participants and re-enacted finding golden plates, played campground games etc. brought back a few good memories. the climb out held a few stretches at a 10% grade. rough.

anyway. partway down the descent a sign for 'deer creek lookout' appeared, but paradoxically there was no view of the reservoir. maybe they meant the actual creek which i didn't see in my cursory glance...

irony in the signage and federally run open space here as i've been listening to ayn rand's 'atlas shrugged' during my rides. i've enjoyed it very much and occasionally my emotions flare thinking of obamacare in the context of the story. the story has been monotonous at times as a parade of deplorable bureaucrats are marched out with extensive descriptions of their stupidity. hearing it over and over is also frustrating/disturbing. great book though. made all the better by ayn rand's personal experiences with socialism having grown up in an eastern block country...

the climb today was fantastic. grueling at times, but satisfying. i'm looking forward to a group training ride this weekend with joseph, brent and possibly jared. it should be good times. a ride over the loop past sundance and back...

i had to throw a picture of my own in at elevation.

the payoff at cascade springs should have been soothing as seen below, but i didn't stop to look as i had to get home to the kids and they didn't allow bikes on the boardwalk.

this is to be one of my bigger training rides in anticipation of the death ride as it falls 3 weeks before the ride and i will work on shorter rides hereafter to allow for recovery before the big day...

the stats and map: