This weekend was Angel’s bachelorette party. And although it was completely awesome and we had a great time, I don’t really want to write about that. I’d rather write about my new plan: Mt. Evans.
For those of you who don’t know, Mt. Evans is a 14er (mountain above 14,000 feet) here in Colorado that also boasts the highest road in the United States. Yes, there is a paved road to the top. Evans is attached via the Sawtooth Ridge to Mt. Bierstadt, another one of Colorado’s 14ers. I have done Bierstadt a few times, and hiked the two peaks together via the ridge about 5 years ago. They are both great mountains and pretty simple–really good for beginners who are trying to get into the 14er game. (Although, hiking Evans kinda sucks when you get to the top and see the parking lot. Pikes Peak is the same…but I digress). At any rate, we were enjoying the last hours of Angel’s bachelorette weekend yesterday when Cindy made the unassuming comment of, “Hey, we should totally cycle Mt. Evans.” Whether she really meant it or not is debatable, but I am now totally hooked. I want to cycle the mountain.
I figure that I have already hiked it, so for those 14er purists out there, I have technically “bagged” the peak. But I have to admit that I am curious: would cycling the mountain be any more difficult than hiking? Or would it be easier? I haven’t done a lot of hill climbing on my bike this summer, but I bet I could do it. I also wonder how it would compare to the Appalachians? I understand the elevation could be a factor, and it might be more steep than some of the passes I cycled on the East Coast during my trip…but I also won’t be cycling a panier full of tent, sleeping bag, clothes, etc.
In short, I wanna do it. Labor Day Weekend. It’s go time!! 🙂