Hopkins 4K for Cancer

July 4, 2005

Grand Lake, CO
After a night in the cabins at the YMCA of the Rockies, all of us put the fatigue and the unexpected hail storm yesterday behind and took on day #2 riding up the Rockies. Today's ride is dedicated to Joe's aunt, an avid cyclist who unfortunately lost her battle to breast cancer. The morning dedication was particularly inspiring not only because it prompted remembrance for a loved one, but more significantly the fact that Joe's aunt and uncle cycled across Europe together really rekindled our weary spirits and helped us prepare ourselves mentally for the challenging day ahead.

We started the ride on Trail Ridge Road right at the gate into the Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of us have been looking forward to ride up Trail Ridge for a long time. Previous riders, local bikers, and hosts, have all told us that despite the strenuous ascent, the entire trek is going to be one of those amazing experiences that we'd remember years later. As the highest highway in the US, the Trail Ridge Road connects the 48 miles between Estes Park on the east, and Grand Lake on the west. Eleven miles of the highway travel above the treeline, and the highway reaches peak elevation at 12,183 feet. I got on my bike with much anticipation, and Trail Ridge did not disappoint. It is difficult to describe how it was like being high up and slowly working our way even higher up. Neither words nor pictures could adequately convey the feeling you get when you look across miles of open space, see an endless wall of snow-tipped mountains across the horizon, and realize that in a few hours you will have worked your way to the top. Although it was cold, and the high altitude had us huffing and puffing up the slopes that would normally be easy, the never-ending scenic surprises after every turn on the road kept us pumped and determined. Once in a while, a fellow cyclist would pass us or come down the hill with a nod or a smile, and that silent understanding of "good job / I feel your pain / keep it up" between us also brought us comfort and encouragement. My team took frequent breaks and fought our way up against the chilling headwind (we like to call them "picture breaks", but all of us secretly use these stops to catch our breaths).

After about 15 miles, we reached 12,000 feet. The last part of the ascent seemed to get more difficult as we got higher. The wind was colder, it became harder to breathe, and we progressed slower. At this point, it was really the thought that we'll make it to the top soon that kept us going. Some of us looked for and found one particular rock off the road that past 4K riders have climbed onto with their bikes and posed for pictures with the mountains in the background. Personally, it was incredibly rewarding to see that rock in person. I thought back to last year, when I saw that picture on the 4K website and thought, "wow, that's an awesome picture. I wish I could be there!". Since then, I've come a long way. I am extremely glad that everyone on the 2005 team has made it to the top and all will share the same memory for the rest of our lives. We've worked hard to earn our place on the summit, and for a short while, it felt like we were on top of the world.

After having lunch at the visitor center, we started the descent. As much as I enjoy downhills, I couldn't help but keep a nervous grip on my handlebars the whole time. It was quite an experience to fly downhills with the heart pounding from fear and stealing a glimpse of the scenery occasionally.

As if the spectacular sights of the Rockies weren't enough, we rode into Grand Lake in time for the 4th of July firework display there. A great number of tourists gathered around the lake and waited in the cold for the show. The fireworks were shot up right over the lake from boats. When the sparkles fell, it almost felt like they were going to hit us in the face. The show was the best one I've seen and it was a perfect way to end day of hard work and accomplishments.

- Jennie