June 15, 2014 - Post Ride Summary

2014 Colorado Bike Ride - Post Ride Summary

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, til it overflows). John 10:10 - AMP

Mission accomplished! And then some. By any measure, I think LaDonna's inaugural bike ride was a success. 

One of the things I love most about bike touring is the unknown and adventure. You always hope and pray for good weather, but there is no guarantee. You start out with a loosely conceived route plan, but have to be flexible to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, and to factor in your abilities and goals. There are expectations of great scenery, but to see the amazing beauty and mystery of God's creation you have to lift your head up, look, listen and feel. Be present in the moment with all senses engaged.  Recognize the adventure available in each and every day and the essential kindness of most folks.

What I have found is that at the conclusion of these long distance rides I always come away with a sense of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. A wholeness that is seldom felt in the "normal" day to day of life and an awareness of God's grace and blessing there for the taking, if only we open ourselves up to receive. A feeling of hope. My goal is to continue learning how to incorporate this sense of wellness into day to day life, share, and somehow pay it forward to bless others.

ADDENDUM:  Thanks to my family, friends and coworkers - once again - for your help and support. I could not do this without you.

A special thanks to Dawne for her helpful input re trip planning and hospitality, and to Alison and Pam for taking care of us in Cuchara. 

As always, my sister Donna offered her enthusiastic encouragement as she followed every pedal stroke on "Find My Friend," but my Mom had the most important job of all - taking good care of Sassy while I am off living my "abundant life." 

Kim Basinger

Aurora, CO

June 15, 2014

LaDonna' Post Ride Thoughts

June 15, 2014

I am reflecting today on this magical bike ride that has taken me across 500 miles of pure beauty. I have never visited Colorado. And  I am so glad I decided to take this adventure. The magnitude of just how beautiful this country is has been my Oprah "a-ha" moment. 

I received an email today from a cousin who has followed this ride and her comment was that Colorado is one of her most favorite places, but.....She would not want to see this state by bike. I could not imagine it any other way. 

Biking has exposed me to a view I may of never noticed. We all go through life so fast that sometimes a simple pause is all that it takes to reflect on the soul. And believe me I paused quite a bit on this trip. Sometimes I chose to and sometimes life chose those pauses for me. Even before we left Austin there were many pauses as I learned to change gears properly. I had been doing it all wrong. My physical conditioning caused us to pause and rethink our destination choice, I never doubted I could do this ride, but I did wonder how long it would take me. 

When we began our ride out of Aurora I thought, " ok God, let's see what you taught me." My first incline, to me, was a mountain. Kim pedaled to the top with the ease of wings on her feet. I got off and pushed. But, I kept my head up.....always up.....And I was determined to see every sight around me. This challenge to get to the top became my goal and I would often yell to Kim....."see you  at the top".  And now, two weeks later....I still yell "see you at the top"' and Kim always waits, but I am now pedaling.......just like through life, pedaling......one pedal at a time......slow and steady .....at a very slow pace. I don't want to miss one sight.

Biking gave me an opportunity to enjoy the wildlife around me. Prairie dogs of all sizes greeted us as we passed. I think a few if the younger ones stood along side the road and waved. Antelope ran wild through the fields and I loved the day that Kim raced a Fox, she lost. Those moments were magical. I have never seen an open range. The cows were so close I could of petted them . And who has a camel in the mountains of Colorado? 

Snow on PIkes Peak in June. An artist's dream drawing. I found myself always looking up. 

When I reached the top the ride down took my breath away. I reached speeds of 33-34 mph. I wanted to close my eyes ,but I was too frightened by the ride. I will always remember the wind in my face and the look in Kim's eyes when we reached the bottom.  Sheer joy! One day I  wanted to yell to no one, but to everyone" can life be any better than this!". I have been surrounded and blessed by this beauty of land and people. 

And I have seen this from the seat of a bike. 

I could not imagine taking this trip with  anyone other than Kim. She has often told me of these moments, and now I know. I cannot wait for my next ride. 

And my final thought......life should be enjoyed by any means. You should enjoy the moments  that make you smile. You don't have to be on a bike to pedal contently through life, but....... 

Today, I am so happy I was on a bike ride through this wonderful state. I enjoyed every pedal. 

And today, I  am content. 

June 14, 2014

REAL LAST DAY OF RIDE!! WE MADE IT!!

6/14/14 Castle Rock to Aurora - 26 miles

My apology - I mistakenly titled yesterday's ride the last day. Actually, todays's 26 mile ride back to Dawne's house was the real last leg of the trip. And the only way to describe it is "magical." I decided to try a new route back to Aurora, following the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. I read about this trail at the outset of planning before we left Dawne's to begin the ride two weeks ago.  It was described as a 40 mile paved trail from Denver to Frankton. However, when I inquired at two bike stores in Aurora before beginning the ride, none of the people at either store seemed to have heard of the trail and did not have any maps. This did not seem to bode well, so I decided to ride the first part of the trail that ran through the state park across the street from Dawne's condo, then pick up Hwy 83 south before heading over to Castle Rock. As you may recall, this was a pretty high traffic route. Had I known what I know now, we would have taken the Cherry Creek Regional Trail the first day. But I am getting a little ahead of myself.

We took our time getting off this morning since we only had a 26 mile ride to Aurora on the last leg of the Colorado bike ride. Another beautiful bright blue sky and perfect temperatures. A few gusty winds, but mostly of the cross-wind variety as opposed to direct headwinds. Our route took us north of Castle Rock on Founders Parkway, and there were a few gradual inclines to warm up the legs. Soon, we were on N. Crowfoot Valley Rd for several miles. Wide broad shoulders and lots of bikers out for their Saturday morning ride. Along the side of the road we saw many prairie dogs perched on their dirt mounds, chirping away. They were so cute. I never could get my camera out to take a close enough picture before they darted into their mounds. Also a lot of healthy looking horses grazing in pastures and lush green fields. Just a perfect start to the day.

After about 10-11 miles, we got on the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. What a totally unexpected and delightful gift, i.e. grace.  A beautifully paved concrete trail that wound in and out behind neighborhoods, along the creek, and through fields of wildflowers and green plants. Lots of other bikers and walkers on the trail enjoying their Saturday morning. It was quite breezy, but that just seemed to enhance the winding cruise-like feel of the ride. A few people  stopped to ask about  our ride. The feeling was one of unencumbered freedom and pure joy. A fitting blessing to end the trip. Birds perched in trees and on posts alongside the trail and chirped. There were many benches and picnic tables along the way for rest stops. 

Approximately 6 miles from Cherry Creek State Park, the trail was closed for a few miles - probably due to being washed out in parts - and we were re-routed through some lovely neighborhoods. Eventually, we found our way back to the trail proper, and began to recognize some of the places we had biked past on the first day of the trip. We never had to get back on the main busy road, and at approximately 12:45 pm we found ourselves at the entrance to Dawne's condo complex. Happy and grateful for a stunning day to end the Colorado bike ride; sad it was over. 

Spent the remainder of the afternoon unpacking, washing clothes, and re-packing. Dark clouds gathered, and it rained and even hailed for a while. Another weather miracle, since it was perfectly clear up until we reached Aurora. When Dawne got home from work, we had a great time sharing the details of the ride. Dawne is a wonderful cook and fixed a terrific meal of grilled barbecue pork chops, corn on the cob and a delightful summer salad full of veggies. For dessert, LaDonna was in charge of putting together the strawberry/blueberry shortcake with Bluebell homemade vanilla ice cream. We were all happily done in by 9 pm.