On Day 3 we decided to see/climb/descend the Maroon Bells. So we drove to the base of the Aspen Highlands Ski area. Some of us (4) rode our bikes to the top and others opted for taking the bus. John brought his bike to the top on the bus. It is an 8 mile climb with an elevation gain of 1600 feet. At the bottom there are a few hills and an easier grade. Near the top is the steepest.
We all made it to the top – at different speeds. The views at the top and along the way are stunning.
When we were about to descend it acted like it was going to rain – so we went down fairly quickly. We still had to brake quite a bit at the top to keep from going too fast. Most of us aren’t comfortable going more than 45 miles an hour.
We drove to Basalt for a late Birthday lunch and John and Robin rode from Carbondale back to Glenwood. Janet and Janelle went shopping in Glenwood and then we drove to El Jabel after snacks for a Birthday Dinner for Janelle.
Pictures are at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kws1111 in the 2012 Bike Ride Set
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