VH1 Blogs

The event starts out with the famous words “you are tougher than you think you are…….” This is true, but when you are riding in wind, rain, and yes snow, a beatdown is a beatdown.  I will be posting my story in a couple days when I get some pics and video but today I wanted to recap, give some props and thank a few people who helped make this day so epic!

First of all here is a cool video, that I swear was shot last year.  I don’t get why the leaders didn’t get the columbine kick in the nuts? When I was “hiking” this climb the weather was horrendous!

Then for a hauntingly accurate picture of what the true Leadville is like read Dug’s rendition.

Major props go to the Ciclista, Mark and Kenny who went sub 9 on a BRUTAL day.

I give the “balls out” award to my arch, but never hated Nemesis Rick, who “manned” up and posted an amazing time on a SS.  Rick you know we will both be back again tying to crack the realm of immortality (sub 9 on a single-speed).  We both know it can be done.

Elden I don’t know how you survived the 30mph flight off the cliff?  As Elden and I were descending down St. Kevins (a paved descent at an average of 8%) rain and tire spray were blinding us.  We had our heads down, and on a hairpin turn Elden looked up too late, locked his breaks and launched off a cliff.  I thought he was dead.  I was in shock not believing what I had seen.  By the time I had come to grips with what had just happened it was too late, Kevin aka “Good Samaritan” was stopping to check on him and I rushed to get medical attention.

EB, Eric, Tyler, and DT I am so proud of you guys.  You guys rode heroic, especially considering how NASTY your motel looked.  Dug will be dedicating an entire post to your accomidations for sure!

Banks, what more can be said for a guy who dedicated his year to Leadville and missed the final cutoff by a mere 2 minutes.  You were more focused and intense then anyone I know and probably wanted the finish worse than anyone out there.  As heartbreaking as it was seeing you not finish, it was amazing how strong you got and how much weight you dropped.  You are primed for a great 2010! A continuation to this story was Banks had serious stomach issues and was trying to beg toilet paper off the other riders while hiking Columbine.  Someone finally spared a few squares, but apparently that wasn’t enough and Banks sacrificed his cycling cap! That is hardcore and deserves a special buckle.

Jamie, Tony and Vince it was great riding to the finish with you.  It is amazing how much strength a friendly face can give. Whit all I can say for you is WOW!

Jon, I hope to have video of your Twin Lakes feed zone wreck.  I was contacted today by someone who claims to have pics and video of this event, as well as an update from the kid in the tent.  Stay tuned

Holly, thanks for your support.  If it weren’t for you I would have been curled up in a ball not wanting to finish.  Your magical powers are stonger than eagle’s eggs. sorry that was the only clip I could find, and I think I acted like this when you handed me the first Muscle Milk:)