Dave and I both awoke around 6AM to prepare for the day's adventure. The temperature outside was a balmy 40 degrees when we started the car and headed over to the race venue for breakfast. Mmmm. Nothing like eating bagels and oatmeal (which was actually quite good) in a giant (think rich person's wedding) tent in 40 degree temps.
After quickly inhaling our breakfasts we retreated to the warmth of the car and heated leather seats. Soon, the seats warmed not only our bodies but our souls as well. Before we knew it we were lost in conversation: Dave talking about fishing when he was a boy in Wisconsin and me recounting my love of antique radios. We chatted this way for the next hour and half until the race started at 8:10. Our warm up was complete. We toed the start line just as the sun crept over the peaks looming far and away.
Five hours and eight minutes later we rode through the finish line: Day One under our belts. The altitude didn't prove as formidable as we had expected (since we only climbed to 11,200ft today) but the climbing up steep, loose gravel roads really took its toll on our legs. Overall, it was a pretty "rough" day by Colorado riding standards, but we stuck to our plan to go slow and steady and have enough energy for the remainder of the week. Of course, it wouldn't be a stage race if we didn't "suffer" in an ice bath following the ride. Luckily our condo has a creek running right through it (literally).
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