Under pressure

So if you aren't totally sick of how many posts about bikes I make, then something is wrong with you, or, you're just as crazy about bikes as I am. But now for something completely different.

This Saturday!

First time up Emigration

When I left home the thermometer read 24 degrees Fahrenheit. I was anxious to try out all of my new winter additions acquired during this Christmas season. It wasn't that cold. I knew my winter-blocking technology was working.

The ride up was nice. Turned up Sunnyside around 2000 E and rode at a constant pace (12-14 mph) all the way to the Pinecrest turnoff. Then about 8-10 mph up the steeper part of the climb. My goal was to summit before my computer read 1:00:00, and lucky for me, I stopped right when it clocked over, so I had to take a picture.

I enjoyed the view from the top, about 1,300 feet above the entrance to the canyon, and 6,300 feet above sea level. A fun and gradual climb. Here are some pictures from the way up and from the summit.

These first two pictures are a little blurry because I took them with one hand, on my phone, while climbing the hardest part of the route at 8 mph.

I was happy and giddy when I got to the top, but I didn't bring anything else to layer for the ride down, which was my downfall. Working to climb while it's cold out is fine because your body is the engine, so it's warms you as you ride. Now, on the way down, it's a different story. There is little to no physical exertion and the wind is coming at you 20 mph more than when you were on your way up.

Now, when I headed down, the temperature had dropped to 19 degrees, which, with a 25 mph headwind creates a nice -18 degree windchill. Yum!! Needless to say, My fingertips were a tad cold.

It took me one hour to get up there, and almost exactly a half hour to get home. 1:31:08 and 22.5 miles. Cool! What a fun ride! Who wants to come when Jessica and I do it again on Wednesday?