Last week I talked my friend Mike Molitor into riding Mt Evans with me but he seemed a little hesitant t about it. So I sent the link to "The 10 Best Climbs in the USA". Mt. Evans was rated #1. His reply: "What! Are you trying to kill me!" Here is the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QanomCmeoGc&list=PLUdAMlZtaV101mRAD3qI7l4PhoFUA9Mqi
On that note we started out. We left Erie late [somebody's alarm set wrong] and were certainthat we would indeed be caught on themountain when typical afternoon storms moved in. A hopeful sign, though, we left from Idaho Springs and not a cloud was to be seen. After climbing up Squaw Pass to Echo Lake a few clouds began to appear. We met a few other bike riders at the lodge and promised the we would meet them at the top. We soon were riding up the Mountain with its beautiful view. So a quick stop for pictures and off again.
Soon after we passed the Nature Building the rain came. We ignored it for a couple of miles but were forced to put on light rain gear. A few more miles and the sleet came and another wardrobe change. This time it helmet cover, shoe covers, full rain jackets and of course Sealskin gloves. We then just had to climb, and climb we did up to 14130 ft. I compared this picture to the one taken last year and apparently Mt Evans had grown 15 ft since last year. A nice couple from Indianapolis took this picture for us.
A shaggy goat and kid appeared more picture taking.
It was time for our treacherous descent down Mt. Evans with all its cracks and potholes sothey speak Chinese at the bottom of them. Do not forget the frost heave it also makes for a fun descent. When we arrived at the Nature building a nice couple offered us a ride down but we decline the offer and instead made another wardrobe change emptying out my bag. The remainder of the ride was on smooth pavement down Squaw pass and back to Idaho Springs.