schnauzers.ws

I debated whether I would even attempt putting this together. I love my Flip video camera, but it was getting old and banged up, Cisco bought them and single handedly destroyed the product, So I bought a Flip wanna-be from Samsung. So much promise, but so few results. For some reason it always thinks it’s in back-lit mode. I took a few creative liberties with the footage and once I reached the half-way point of editing, I wasn’t about to stop.

Gold Dust Trail (06/10/12) from Mitchell Sprinsky on Vimeo.

A dry Winter brings early riding to the Colorado high country. A lot of people were heading to the resorts, but I wanted a less crowded experience. I decided to try my luck on the Gold Dust Trail. A twenty some mile out and back up Boreas Pass, on some of the best singletrack around. Did I mention there was climbing? A bit of climbing, to get to 11,400′.

I shot a lot of video, but It’s terrible. I used a new video camera for the off bike shots and it was a piece of junk. It never auto white balanced correctly. I may try to doctor it up, but for now all I have for my efforts are tired legs and iPhone pics. Ok, and a great big smile from the fun.

Aside from one older couple hiking up as I was heading back down, I never saw another soul. A few people up at the top who climbed from Breckenridge, but no one else on the gold dust trail. It was kind of spooky on the way up.

I was being overly cautious on the ride.  No cell phone coverage, no people, and every sound made me think of momma bear and her cubs.

Eventually, I get into a rhythm and relax.  At the first clearing, I am in the zone.  This is why I chose the trail.

This was the first time I brought the rocket to the high country.  I thought I would regret it through the boulder field, but it was actually comfortable.   It was also pretty sexy to look at.  Lusting over a bike.  I’ve been married too long.

More flowing singletrack ensued as I continued the climb.

Eventually, I reached my favorite part of the ride.  I’m fascinated by these old flumes used to bring water to the mining operations.  All the work that went into miles of .8% grade.  It’s fun in both directions.

The real task began on the last 500′  of vertical.  I procrastinated a few times on the way up.  Gee, I just reached 11,000′, that should be enough.  Alright, only another 400′.  I’m so tired on pedaling so slow.  Maybe I should turn around now? If I head back down, I can be at the car within an hour.  I need to eat the lunch I bought, I should go to the top.  I made it this far, there’s only another 200′ of vertical.

Yup, those are the thoughts in my head with every pedal stroke.  Maybe that’s my coaxing?  I just keep talking about it, until I get there.

Bam!  Just like that, I’m there.

What goes up, must come down.  Down is the fun part.  I lose my fear of disappearing as I fly back down the trail.

Now that’s a great way to get high!

It’s 6:30 AM. Wait, I know I didn’t set the alarm. Sure, I have my drug induced slumber to blame for a lot of things, but the alarm was clearly off. Why are the dogs barking so loud, I can’t even hear myself dreaming. Was that the doorbell? Damn! I try to close my eyes, but it’s just a continuous noise filled morning. Where’s the snooze button?

Ok, ok! I’m up. At least the sky is blue. Not a cloud in sight. Wow! No procrastination, either. Riding gear on, I fill the camelbak, load up the truck, and head for the hills.

Maybe, I am still dreaming. It’s a beautiful morning. I look at my watch as I open the door to the Clevus storage. Eight o’clock! Yup, that’s what I wrote on the sign-in sheet as I hang the “Patroller on Duty” sign.

(continue reading…)