My friend Earl Invited me up to his place on Shadow Mt. Reservoir for a ride up Trailridge road inside Rocky Mountain National Park. It was to be his last chance to ride this steep road before going back to his teaching job.
When we left in the morning it was cool around forty five degrees with heavy clouds. The forecast was for rain by 2 pm. The first ten miles or so was a slight steady climb. When we arrived at the trail head where the climbing would start we realized that we were over dressed for the climb. after a wardrobe change were off on a beautiful climb.
Our first stop was the Fairview overlook the view of the lower park was stunning. After a few minutes there we were off for more ascent. It was a good climb up past the two mile sign and to the Continental divide, It was starting to get windy and cool down some but still amazing. We stopped and talked to a ranger and some tourist who kindly took our picture.
As we took of the road became steeper and the trees fewer. Soon we were above tree line and the climbing became tougher. After climbing in much colder and windier conditions we arrived a the Visitor's center where we had a snack and conversation with some park guests.
Our down hill was quite invigorating as we flew down. But soon the cars could not go as fast as we had been going and we had to push them down the hill. When we reached the meadows below the cars left us and we were left to enjoy our ride home.
On our way out of the park we encountered two huge bull elks. They certainly attracted a large crowd of tourists.