It was all about Mt. Evans today. The team took off for a ride to the top at 7 am. The weather does not look promising, but I know these people will give it their all!
And, yes, I took a picture of the kids by this bear. Don’t tell them, but I have been planning this picture for a year. This is the actual conversation between me and them over this picture…
Me: Picture time with the bear.
Kids: Come on, Mom! No pictures with the bear! You are not taking our picture with that thing.
Me: Oh, yes. Yes. I. AM! Now, smile!
After pictures and the cyclists had started their rides, the kids and I took our time heading up the mountain. We stopped at Chicago Forks and explored a little. How beautiful is this?!?
We stopped at the lodge, which is halfway up Mt. Evans, for breakfast and to check in with all of the riders. For some, the lodge was their goal while others continued. Andy chose to continue, though reaching the summit was not necessarily his goal. We decided to meet at Summit Lake, which is five miles from the top. Once the last rider headed up, the kids and I loaded up and started our trek to Summit Lake. We stopped a few times to enjoy the views and have some fun.
John wanted his picture with the mountains in the background.
Not to be outdone, Laura needed one too.
We met Andy at Summit Lake and he decided to load his bike, so we could drive him down to the lodge for descent from there. The weather was beginning to roll in and the wind had turned vicious. Once at the lodge, Andy met up with two others and began the descent. Unfortunately, the rain started within about five minutes, making the descent difficult on a bike. Andy and one other chose to stop and we drove back to the bottom. Despite not reaching the summit, it was still a successful day!