This is Why I'm Here.

Yesterday I got back to Texas.

I started a new job on July 11, then took a week long trip on July 19.  And I'm really glad that I did.  I negotiated it before I accepted the job, and it was a good fit for everyone.

I've discovered that right now, with everything going on, and the way I feel about things, I'm probably a little depressed.  Not like I was a few years back where I didn't care about anything; this time it's hard to decide what to do.  So what I've decided to do is think about what I would feel if I didn't go on my trip.

This was my 5th year to ride the Courage Classic in Summit County, Colorado, a fundraiser for the Denver Children's Hospital.  It is a three day ride, and goes over Vail Pass, Teneessee Pass, Swan Mountain, Battle Mountain, and Fremont Pass.  Over the tour, there is 10,000 feet gain in elevation.  It starts in Leadville, elev.  10,200 feet.  And it's gorgeuous.  And we had the best weather in years.  Partly cloudy and cool, no rain, no extreme heat.  And no flats!

I signed up for the ride in Feburary.  And then I did nothing.

I didn't fundraise.  I didn't buy a plane ticket until the last minute.  I started a new job.  I probably didn't need to spend the money for the trip. 

I hadn't trained.  Heck, I hadn't been on the bike since May 1st.  I knew I needed to train, since I'm at sea level, and altitude is an issue.  What's 10,000 feet difference anyway, right?  There were lots of reasons not to go.  Probably shouldn't have gone.

But I knew that I would miss it; I knew that I would regret it.

So I decided a week and a half before I needed to go, that I would go.

I paid higher plane fare.  I figured all the logistics of staying with my Sister at their new house, but without a car.  I rode three times the week before, in the heat, for a total of 100 miles.  I rode the Katy Flatland in 108 degree heat, and made it 78 miles, planning for 100. 

Even on the plane to Colorado, I still wasn't convinced.  Still wasn't all that excited. 

The next day (Wednesday) I weed-eated for a few hours.  The yard around the house that my Brother-in-law and Sister bought hadn't been mowed, well, maybe never.  Weeds as tall as my nephew.    Gave me something to do.

I probably would not have gone at all had I not met Steve and Rob.   Steve and Rob I met a few years ago, and have rode with them the last two years in the Classic.  I knew that I'd miss riding with them.  Rob called me before I got there, and we hooked up for a ride Thursday morning.  My bike had not arrived yet, but I was able to borrow my Sister's bike for the ride.  We rode for a few hours, did 20 miles, and caught up a little.  And I realized that maybe I had 'trained' enough, or well, maybe just got lucky.  I could breathe.

Friday came, and Rob picked me up mid afternoon.  We got to Copper Mountain around 5 pm, and got camp set up. And then I started thinking it.

"This is why I'm here."

I knew I liked camping at Copper in July.  Cool nights.  Mid 40's at night.  Just a sleeping bag.

Saturday morning, we drove to Leadville.  And I realized that I had made the right decision.  I would have been very dissapointed if I had decided the other way.

I did the passes fine.  My cardio was a little behind my legs, and I had to stop a few times to catch my breath, but I found myself enjoying myself.  Except Swan Mountain.  That sucked.  It's on the second day, and really the only challenge for Sunday.  I really don't acknowlege it until that morning, and I dislike it.  Dont' know why, but I do. And I was bitchy that day.  Maybe because I wasn't feeling good per dehydration, since I wasn't drinking because I couldn't catch my breath on the inclines.

And then I thought of Dad; I thought of the way that Dad couldn't eat and breathe at the same time; I thought about watching him and waiting for him to catch his breath from just talking over Christmas last year.  I appreciated a little more what Dad had to deal with.  Appreciate just a little bit more now.

Saturday night Dave and Renee and the kids drove out to have dinner.  It was a good time.  Nephew Mason got to swing on the bungee trampoline they had out there, and they all stayed for the fireworks.  It was really nice; another reason what I was there.  Good times.

I did manage to catch my breath on the downhills, of which there didn't seem to be enough.  But I do enjoy the hour to get up to the top of the pass, and expecially the 5 minutes it takes to get down (at 35 mph).  Hit 44.4 mph on the backside of Fremont on the last day, but I know I've gone faster before.  And I can't forget to mention that Fremont Pass is my favorite; The pass is only about six miles long on the way up, and four of them are at 7%, but it really is pretty.  And the slight downgrade for 10 miles back to Leadville is the best.  Riding for 25 minutes at 30 mph on a road bike through a mountian valley is spectacularly awesome.

That is why I was there.  The whole thing.  The pain in the ass climbing passes.  The riding down.  The beautiful views, the time with good friends and family.  And, when I was spent, and I knew I didn't have too far to go, and I just wanted to quit....I heard the cheering.  And I knew again I'd made the right decision.  A gentle curve to the right, a slight uphill, then a left turn to the Finish line, where boys and girls, currently being treated at the Children's Hospital of Denver are stand just on the other side of the finish line to personally hand everyone that rides a gold medal.

I regret not getting a picture with the little man that handed me mine.  He had to be 7 or 8, and I hesitated to go back and get a picture.  And know his name.   I think it's really neat that there are kids that have whatever going on inside them, whatever they are being treated for, want to come out to Leadville, Colorado, two and a half hours outside of Denver, to hand out medals to us riders.  It's why I didn't care I was crying right before I made the last left toward the finish.  That is why I was there.  And I knew I'd be back at least one more time. 

My girl told me a few times that she was proud of me.  Proud that I did the ride.  I was proud to do it.  I am proud to be a part of it.  That is why I was there.

A truly beautiful ride.  Enjoy life. That's what it's here for.