First stop, Flagstaff AZ. At 7,000 foot elevation there is plenty of good hill work. One ride is to the top of the Snowbowl ski area, a climb elevation of about 2,400 feet in about 20 miles (if I understood this correctly). This one looks like a fun ride, but being a lowlander and flat farm roads rider, I may have difficulty in this elevation (not to mention the hill itself) as I’m not conditioned for either, but the going down reward would be real sweet!!

My next stop is Denver, the mile high city for more high altitude to riding. I grew up here and rode countless miles all over the Front Range. I would like to hit up one of my favorites which is out and around Rocky Flats and the Boulder area. There is this huge hill that kicked my *kitten* many times. The last couple times I road this route, I finally conquered it (I was about 16 or 17 at the time) I need to go back to remind this hill that it still no longer owns me!! Hope my lungs hold out and I don’t embarrass myself, I would hate for the hill to have bragging rights on me once again. If it did, well it would have them for a long time as I don’t know when I will be back here again. After Denver I will be coming back through Flagstaff and will try to get another ride in.

Awesome

Today I went to Cherry Creek Reservoir to ride my bike as I did not have enough time to go do the ride I originally wanted to do as I am staying over an hours drive away. There is an abundance of trails around the lake. It was a very enjoyable ride. One could ride on the road, or the paved trails. I did a little of both. Lots of nice scenery just as bsexton said. I still have some time here so I may be able to get one more ride in before I head back to Flagstaff. Here are some pictures that you requested.











I did have a little problem, When riding on the roads, there were many cracks that made the road really not enjoyable to ride on the road parts. I guess the bumps were enough to knock a nut loose on my front brakes, and the caliper fell off. Just glad it didn't get caught in my spokes, if it had, it would have been a real mess.


One of my favorite things about bike riding!!

I was a bit concerned about the rain, but I wanted to go ride so I took the chance, besides, I dont get to see rain or clouds for that matter in Phoenix (at least not often that is) , so it was nice to see. The rain did not come anywhere around where I rode. I am building up my Red White and Blue jersey collection, that is going to be my theme. I may get a AZ flag jersey for when I go out of state and do rides like this. I plan on doing this more often, its great fun taking a bike along. It can be a pain at times, but its worth it.