2009.07.25 SUNRISE CENTURY

Since my road bike was destroyed in an accident last fall (and I used the insurance money to buy new skis and snow tires), I've missed out on the spring/summer biking season. However, I decided that I'd join some friends in riding the Sunrise Century with a rental bike. Despite a serious lack of training (only 30 miles), I was able to complete the 100-mile course through the canyons of Boulder and add on another 13 miles in riding to and from the start. After finishing, I realized that I spent nearly a full-day of work (~8 hrs) on the bike.

Map overview and vertical profile of the route:

Devon and I ride up St Vrain canyon with the Indian Peaks providing a stellar backdrop:

2009.07.18-19 6...5... (HUMBOLDT PEAK AND CRESTONE NEEDLE)

It was a weekend of celebration as Ryan was set to climb his last 14er, Humboldt Peak in the Sangre de Cristo range. A large group of 22 (+ 5 dogs) joined for a weekend of car camping, hiking, and non-stop laughs. A big congratulations to Ryan and his Dad, Terry, on the successful summit! Sharing stories around the campfire on Friday night: Humboldt Peak from the summit of Crestone Needle: Devon and I on the trail to Humboldt with Crestone Needle in background (Photo: Nico C.): Ryan (Baba) and I on Humboldt Peak, celebrating his final 14er (Photo: Devon S.): Celebrating on the summit (Photo: Caleb W.): J, Steve, and I scouting out the Ellingwood Arete, a plan which never materialized (Photo: Rick W.): The next day, several of us headed for Crestone Peak to attempt the classic traverse of the Crestone summits. After bailing on the climb of Crestone Peak, I hiked back to Broken Hand Pass surprised to see the weather holding in the early afternoon. I decided to make a bid for Crestone Needle and quickly scrambled up the conglomerate rock to reach the summit at 1:15 pm. Myself on the descent from Crestone Needle (Photo: J W.): A friendly marmot along the trail: The successful climbs of Humboldt and the Needle leave me with only 5 14ers in Colorado to climb. Unfortunately, in an effort to leave an easier one for last and the difficult logistics of organizing several days to access the Eolus group 14ers (and my desire to ski these three 14ers) it seems that my finisher won't happen until 2010. However with all the shenanigans that has become standard on 14er finishers with this group, its probably best we only do one of these each year.

2009.07.10-11 10...9...8 (REDCLOUD, SUNSHINE, & HANDIES PEAKS)

Three more of Colorado's 14ers checked off the list, leaving only 7 more to go. Redcloud, Sunshine, and Handies Peak are situated in the heart of the San Juan mountain range in southwestern Colorado. From the summit of these peaks, the 360 degree panoramic view of mountains in all directions in truly spectacular. I chose to do these peaks in summer in hopes of seeing the wildflowers in full bloom. Although, my visit turned out to be a week or so early, the basins were full of color nonetheless.

Devon hiking at sunrise with Handies Peak looming across the valley:

Devon and I on the summit of Redcloud Peak (14,036 feet):

Starting on the traverse to Sunshine Peak (14,001 feet):

Devon, relieved to be back on solid ground after a steep, loose descent down the north slopes of Sunshine:

The state flower of Colorado, columbines, in the beautiful Grizzly Gulch basin:

Hiking towards the summit of Handies Peak:

Devon spots a moose!:

A closer look:

2009.07.05 MOUNT ANTERO (10 more to go...)

Mount Antero is probably one of the least inspiring Colorado 14ers as its most distinguishing feature is a 4wd road to 13,800 feet. However, its on the list so it needed to be done sometime.

Antero from outside Buena Vista:

With hopes of camping high on the mountain, Devon and I lugged our camping gear to 12,500 feet where we watched the sunset over the Sawatch mountains.

Sunset:

Antero's west face at sunset:

Uncertain weather and building clouds forced a change of plans, as we descended to treeline at 11,500 feet to camp. Rain/snow and wind persisted throughout the night, as Devon and I were thankful to have moved down to the lower elevation. An early start the next day provided some great views on the relatively gentle hike to the 14,269 feet summit.

Hiking above the clouds:

Devon approaching the summit:

Devon and I on the summit with Tabegauche Peak in background:

Antero is the 43rd "official" Colorado 14er that I've hiked leaving only 10 left on the list. And with trips to the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo ranges planned for the next two weeks, the countdown will continue...