Finished

Wow... What a ride. The BTC was definitely a challenge -- climbing, daily miles, total miles, riding day after day, and battling the elements of wind, heat, and rain (and hail for some). Those who have ridden the BTC before felt this was the most challenging they have ridden.

The final day treated us to 100 miles of headwinds up Independence Pass and down into Glenwood Springs. Thankfully, there was little threat of rain. The climb up Independence Pass was beatifully scenic and seemingly tougher than prior climbs of the week with a 16 mile climb and 3000 ft of elevation gain. While I made it over the top, my legs felt pretty cooked... But it was great to know that was the last big climb of the tour. The descent was not as easy as I had hoped as I faced a strong headwind the whole way... I thought downhills were suppose to be easy! For about 15 miles between Aspen and Glenwood I was droppin the hammer all alone. Fortunately I eventually came upon a group averaging decent speeds and we worked together to get into Glenwood... Finished the ride in about 5.5 hours and was extremely excited to see the finish shoot and finish line. Even more, I enjoyed beeing met by Jen and our two dogs and our friend Tricia. Got my bags, found some shade, boug
ht a nice cold Diet Coke and just sat and relaxed for about two hours watching the finishers. Ahhhhh!

All I can say is what an experience riding 500+ miles in 6 days... And these were tough miles. Saw some real pretty country, met some cool people, and accomplished both physical and emotional goals in completing the Tour and riding on behalf of the HANGOUT and TBI survivors. Thanks for the opportunity and thanks to all those who have supported this mission. I hope to do something like this again next year.

Matt A.

Final Days of The BTC

Yesterday was both good and bad. Bad in that Sawyer, Landers and Martin scratched the race as Sawyers grandma was hospitalized and Martin was experiencing worisome achiles pain. Yesterdays ride was awesome... 74 miles through cottonwood canyon (spectacular scenery), 14 mile climb to the summit of Cottonwood Pass, and a rapid 25 mile descent into Buena Vista. Made it into town at noon and just got my tent up when the downpoor or rain began. Riders still at the summit experienced intense hail... Made it in just in time.

Today I ride from Buena Vista to Glenwood 107 miles to complete the tour. Looking forward to summitting Independence Pass and rolling 60 miles down to Glenwood.

Matt A.

Back On The Bike

After a relaxing, partially rainy rest day in beautiful Crested Buttea, we are back on the bike and headed 75 miles to Buena Vista. Today we will climb 6,580 ft and summit at 12,600 ft! It is a partially cloudy morning and we expect rain on the route. At the top of our highest and toughest climb we will be riding packed dirt roads... On roud bikes? Come on... This could be a rough day!

Hopefully we can miss most of the rain and enjoy another scenic ride.

Matt A.

Rest Day Here We Come

Reat day... Need I say more? We are all lookong forward to this well deserved & earned rest day. I think all of our croches are thanking us.

Yesterday's ride was long and beautiful. The scenery here in Crested Butte is amazing. I am waiting at Paradise Cafe for a serious omlette/protein load. Unfortunately, this is seemingly the only real breakfast place I can find on the strip. Regardless, sitting and relaxing while I wait for a table is ok with me!

Not sure what the day has in store, but I am looking forward to hangin' with the boys and relaxing in town.

Matt A.

Day 4 - Montrose to Created Butte

Greetings from Created Butte! We're resting up this evening after a
pretty tough day.

We started today in montrose and quickly met a fierce headwind. The
first 25 miles were a pretty gradual climb and was one way to warm up
the legs. We had another 1500 ft climb to the top of the Black Mesa
followed by a really quick descent.

The day turned very scenic as we headed through Gunnison Canyon. The
weather finally cooled off a bit and we enjoyed (as much as possible
when we are hurting as bad as some of us are) a really nice afternoon
ride. The cross wind and threatening rain made the last 28 miles
interesting, but we made it.

We just re-fueled in Crested Butte and are now lounging around our
camp before a highly anticipated night of sleep. 93 miles in the
books, and we're pretty spent. Good night everyone.

-Eric

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Sent from my mobile device

240 Miles Down... More Like Up

Can't say I have ever rode 240 miles in a week let alone 3 days... It's hard to believe, especially since we have over 260 miles to go, including a tough 93 miles tomorrow.

Today was warm and windy... So it was not easy miles as we had hoped. I don't think any of these miles are going to be easy considering the terrain, conditions, daily miles, and consecutive miles. However, we made it to Montrose from Grand Junction in a little over four hours... Definitely nice to roll into camp around 12:30 pm and not 5:30 pm. After setting up camp, making a safeway run, showering and trying to avoid the hot sun while napping, we enjoyed a great Mexican dinner.

I know we are all looking forward to a good nights sleep and some rest for our saddle sore rear ends before tomorrow's 93 miles into Crested Butte.

Matt A.

Montrose Here We Come!

Is it morning and time to get ridin' alredy? We definitely slept well last night!

Woke up to another beautiful morning. Word has it we will be riding in 85 degree temperature today. Hopefully another rain free day!

Looking farward to today's ride and new scenery. Today we will ride 63 miles from Grand Junction to Montrose and climb just a little over 2000 feet. Should serve as a nice break after two days of climbing in the saddle... Will let you know how the ride goes.

Matt A.