The Triple Bypass!This was the day everyone was waiting for. The day that these guys trained months for. The day that separates the men from the boys!
A 120 mile ride climbing 10, 310 ft over 3 mountain passes - over the continental divide!
It was such an exciting day! The women and children headed up to finish line mid morning as to not miss anyone cross the finish line. We knew they were all going different paces and didn't want to miss a thing.
While driving up I-70 I started to notice riders. All the boys were in matching jerseys so I kept my eyes peeled. My heart leaped as I saw Ryan riding up to Loveland Pass. I let out excited beeps on the horn that he heard and waved. I can't say I didn't start to cry as I watched him climb. This is a pass that taxes our van getting over - I can't imagine doing it on a bicycle. I was so proud!
Up just a little further we passed Aaron and let out our wild beeps as well. If I had thought of it sooner, I would have gotten of the next exit to cheer these fellas on. But it was too late, I was up and over Loveland and had to go through Keystone before we could stop and wait for them to catch us. I couldn't pass up the opportunity though to see these guys. I pulled off in Keystone along the route of the ride. Just as we pulled off and looked on as the riders came through, Jason came cruising by. Go Jason! About an hour after Jason Dad came through! Go Grandpa! Go Grandpa! This was exhilarating - seeing all our guys in action!
Ryan and Aaron came through about an hour after Dad and I was thrilled. Everyone was going strong and looking awesome! ( I guess I should note here that it was less than 2 weeks before this ride that Ryan was in a bike accident and separated his shoulder - but that didn't stop him!)
Once they came through the girls and I headed to the finish line. The scenery was beautiful and I couldn't help but think of the perseverance of these men. It took 90 minutes in the car for us to get to Avon where the finish line was. These guys would be riding almost all day to get there - AMAZING!
Unfortunately, I missed Stuart and barely missed Jason crossing the finishing line.
We didn't miss Grandpa though!
Would believe that he turned 60 just 10 days earlier?! He trained so hard and accomplished this wonderful goal.
After Dad had come through, it started to get chilly and the storm clouds began rolling in. Please don't rain, please don't rain. Well, it did. A bunch! Angela and I could only think of our husbands riding through this nastiness. We weren't sure if Ryan and Aaron were going to stop and wait it out or if they were pedaling harder right through it. It was the latter. They pedaled hard right through it. And, don't think for a second they didn't feel that rain, coming down that last pass, Vail, getting hit by large raindrops at 30 -35 miles an hour..OUCH!But they did it! In just under 10 hours in the saddle and under 12 overall!
We hooted and hollared and cheered as they came through!
YAY YAY and YAY!
Ryan
Aaron
So happy!
Congratulations, you guysYOU DID IT!
The Triple Bypass 2009
