MOUNT EVANS. BCC RIDE.
JULY 21st, 2020
Here at BCC headquarters, we have always prided ourselves on working hard; capturing, documenting and sharing inspiring stories from athletes all over the U.S (and beyond). But we also like to enjoy the outdoors, and everything the wonderful state of Colorado has to offer. That is why we decided to do a group ride on Mount Evans!
It’s not every day you get to enjoy majestic views from the highest paved road in the United States (and 5th highest in the world!), reaching 14,130 feet (4,306 meters) while riding your bicycle without a single car around. A combination of COVID and planned road repairs allowed us this great opportunity, so we set the date, got our cameras ready, and headed outside.
With an array of equipment, our bikes, layers, hydration, and snacks ready; we headed up, ready to document every moment of the ride. Our GoPro 7, Sony RX100 Mark VII, Sony A7R3 and the Sony 6500 were on hand for the adventure!
We started our journey bright and early at 7am from the Echo Lake Park, which is at 10,600 feet (3,230 meters). With a steady pace we saw our environment changing every mile, from having lush trees and vegetation, to a barren and very majestic mountain. Every turn, we were given incredible views. The calm air and quiet road provided a sense of peace, seldom found while there are cars around. We stopped from time to time to take it all in and get some footage of each other riding. With just a few clouds, and barely any wind, we had a pleasant ride all the way to Summit Lake.
Summit Lake, despite its name, is not the summit of the mountain. We stopped there for a while for an up-close experience with the locals, the Bighorn Sheep!
Did you know the Bighorn Sheep is the official state animal of Colorado?
Those wonderful creatures were completely unphased by our presence, and they were happy to get close. Of course, we know better than to even attempt touching them, so instead, we captured them all with our lenses.
After having some snacks and enjoying the views from the lake, we continued our ride. Summit Lake is at about 12,000 ft, and from that point on the roads get really rough. A few hundred feet after we got started, Marcus got a double whammy; a double flat tire, with a tire puncture as well. The loud pop startled all of us! The potholes around that area are no joke. We pulled over and got to work.
Three tube changes later, and plenty of switchbacks, we reached the Summit! For most of us, our first 14er on a bike (a 14er is local slang for a mountain with an elevation of 14,000ft or more).
This time we were greeted by some lovely residents, Mountain Goats and their babies, and also, plenty of marmots. Truly a gift to see those creatures thrive in a such hostile environment. The views from the top are something to behold, and conquering that ascent on a bicycle makes it even sweeter.
After a quick climb up to the very rocky top, we “rang the bell” and had some more snacks to celebrate our accomplishment.
Heading down the mountain was an adventure in itself – we had a few more flats to work on. But a team that rides together manages adversity together! We made it down the mountain in one piece, we beat the weather change and the rain, and were more than thrilled to tell the tale!
If you want to watch all the details of our adventure, stay tuned! We will be releasing a video from our experience. Adventure, cycling, laughs, favorite ramen stories, tire changes, amazing animals, and more!
Voyage to Mount Evans, #BCCLive style!
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