Riding the epic Trail 401

Day 1 started with a simple ride on Trail 401 (#2 rated trail in the world).  Heck, thought it would help acclimate my lungs, and at only 15 miles, how hard could it be?

Things started off easy enough with a 4 mile gradual climb up maintained dirt road.  Was easy enough to strike up conversation with two great guys from Denver, Jason and Jeff, and we ended up doing the whole ride together.  We hit the single track, and had another 800 ft to climb over a mile.  At 10,600 ft, another 800ft elevation gain is like getting the wind knocked out of you, and then having an elephant on your chest while trying to catch you breath.  Not acclimated, and not fun...

Only through perseverance, mocking, and sense of sadism was I able to make the crest of the trail at 11,349ft.  Thank the universe that there was only minimal climbing after this effort as my lungs were officially on strike.

After the climb you are rewarded with 9 miles of downhill single track that virtually has every terrain type (sans desert).  Incredibly fast, flowly tracks cut into the mountain side lead to the numerous forest excursions.  Throw in that you are in grandiose scenery, and I can see why this trail is held in such high regards.  It was truly an epic ride.

I do have to throw a special thanks to Jason and Jeff.  They shuttled me back to my truck, and saved three miles of climbing on my lungs.  Thanks guys, and still owe you a beer while you are in CB.

The following video is small compilation of the trail, and hope you enjoy.  Yes, the quality is crappy as I learned too late that you should shoot a test video before heading out to make sure that the exposure and such are set correctly.  Promise that it will improve for the next ride tomorrow.

 

or see the video at Vimeo (better quality than YouTube): http://vimeo.com/15347697