Recovery riding around Strand Hill

Slept in this morning, and checked everything to make sure I was in working order after yesterday's ride.  Aside from some stiffness and a bit of tenderness in the saddle area was good to go.  So, I headed down to Big Al's bike shop to get some ride ideas for the next two days.

The suggestion for doing a 'recovery' ride today was to head over to Upper Upper loop and Strand Hill.  Upper Upper has a gradual climb for a few miles, and then leads down to the Strand Hill trails.  This too has a gentle climb (taking the somewhat secret Strand Hill Bonus trail) until you reach the final stretch to get to the crest.

I learned today that when someone in Crested Butte says, "ahh, it just a bit of good climbing...nothing more than 1/2 a mile or so."  They are lying!  These folks are use to having to climb a few thousand feet straight up to get to any trail, and their perception of an easy (or good) climb equates to me puking up a lung and stopping every mile to carb load.

Aside from the 'good' climbing, the ride was just what I needed to stretch the legs, and not do anything over taxing.  The trails were fast, flowly single and double track along with some great views.  After this week, it will be hard to not seek out some speedy downhills back home.

Enjoy the short, over exposed, video.