June 3, 2014

6/3/14 - Castle Rock to Colorado Springs - 48 miles

Another perfect day for riding. Clear blue skies with a forecast for the 80's. We started the ride on the Plum Creek Parkway trail for a few miles until we accessed the feeder road along I-25 for approximately 5 miles. At one point a train came up alongside and the conductor stuck out his head and waved at us with a big smile. The train continued along at a slow pace for several miles. 

We turned west on Tomahawk Road for another 4 miles of almost all incline. This was a fairly strenuous  climb, but we were rewarded with stunning views and a long exhilarating downhill coast of several miles that ended at Co Rd 105, which we road for a good 14 miles. This part of the ride had a lot of slow gradual inclines and occasional wind gusts. Traffic was far lighter than yesterday and the road was in good condition, but not much of a shoulder. We saw several road bikers out for their daily rides. At one point as I was waiting on the side if the road for LaDonna to catch up, I turned around to look for her and to my shock, delight and fear saw this huge black bear crossing the road approximately 50 yards behind me. He was gorgeous! A beautiful thick coat and confident attitude. My initial thought was to pull out my camera, quickly followed by the realization that I better plan my escape if he decided to turn in my direction and come my way. Before I could fully realize my fear, he pretty much ignored me and continued lumbering off the road and into the forest. It was a magnificent moment. I realized that just up ahead on the side of the road was a sign for Bear Trail Ranch. That made me laugh.

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At about the 24 mile mark, we came upon the New Santa Fe Regional Trail. This was a crushed gravel trail that ran for almost 20 miles until it intersects with the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail for the final 5-6 miles into Colorado Springs. It was nice to get off the roads, but we had to pay attention for places where there was a lot of loose gravel susceptible to slipping. Beautiful views of Pikes Peak in the distance. I found that I had to drink a lot of water, and it did get quite hot.  After a while, the constant vigilance to avoid loose gravel took its toll and I was feeling pretty tired. At one point, we stopped at a rest hut for a break. A man came up on his bike and told us he had ridden from west coast to Bar Harbor a number of years ago. I, of course, shared my most rides with him. 

The trail entered the Air Force Academy property, and the trail became increasingly more challenging as it went up and down several steep gravel hills. The scenery was varied and interesting when you could afford to look away from the trail long enough to see. We passed a man walking the trail that warned us he had seen two 40 pound bear cubs in a field just around the next bend, but no Mom. This must be bear theme day. 

By the time we reached Colorado Springs around 4 pm, I think we were both pretty exhausted. We stopped at a bike shop for maps, directions and motel recommendations. We headed for the recommended motel, located several blocks from downtown, and checked in. There were a number of, shall we say, interesting looking characters staying there, and I probably would not

have stayed there had I been on my own. However, because we were tired and I didn't feel like riding around to look for wi-fi to search out other accommodations we just checked in. After a great shower and feeling somewhat renewed, found a Wendy's nearby - love their apple pecan salads - and had an early dinner. Also learned some very useful information. Wendy's has a free smaller size Frosty for seniors.

Tomorrow we plan 35-50 miles along scenic byway 115 towards Florence and/or Canon City.  This hooks up with the Adventure Cycling TRANSAMERICA route at highway 50. Keeping in mind the forecast for rain this weekend.