Fortunately (or unfortunately), there were no crashes this year. Slight blood was drawn from a few (including myself). And there were a few emergency dismounts. However, no notable wrecks. Among the far-reaching nominations were ones impaling themselves with a hiking pole, one falling off the trail backing up while trying to take a picture, two people pinching their finger in a chair, and other lame incidents. Therefore, Leia still retains the prized jersey. Sorry Leia!!! BTW...She says hello from Dubai.
The weekend weather was great. There were brief periods of rain, but the weather mostly alternated between sunny and partly cloudy. Due to a late snow burst, there was still snow on some of the trails. The elevation of Winter Park is about 9,100 feet. Our various climbs took us up to (and perhaps beyond 10,500 feet) and down to below 8,500 feet.
This year is the first year we had a mix of both bikers and hikers led by Jenn & future TdF sensation-to-be.
Pete got to ride his new, unrecognizable to all but the most seasoned bikers, "Grey Ghost", and, with Brad's help, Pete even managed to break a sweat.
The end of Sunday's ride was a repeat of last year with Alison, Eric, and me (as well as Jeremy who joined on a rigid) getting lost again. I separated from the group on Buck Creek, and, through sporadic cell phone communications agreed to meet back up with Alison, Eric, and Jeremy at the intersection of Winterwoods and Whoops! After becoming hopelessly lost, I found Whoops!, I found where Alison wrecked and was in serious running for the jersey last year, and I found Winterwoods. Through a bit of luck, we all (sans Brad & Pete who went to do the Wall of Death) worked our way home. We even found where Alison, Eric, and I huddled under a tree last year to unsuccessfully escape the hailstorm.
Sunday night consisted of a quiet evening with Eric, Jenn, Pete, and me on the sofa watching both Supersize She (starring Joanna Thomas) and Dodgeball (with a cameo appearance by none other than Lance Armstrong) and eating Hernando's salad and pizza.
Monday consisted a lackadaisical day resulting in both Eric and me missing our flights and having to fly standby.
All-in-all it was a great weekend. The beer was flowing. The condo was in a great location for a great price (thanks to Renata!). The hot tub held more than four people. And Lisa started dancing!
Hopefully next year, we can try and avoid pre-ride injuries/maimings and get more riders out there so that we can have more of a fierce competition for the jersey!
