Connecting with Others

​Connecting with others:
One of my keys to
Saying "yes" to Bigger Things.

Many of my rides have been
With other riders​ who enrich my days.
The 660 to 60th Reunion ride is different—
Connections come in other ways.

The "Connect" part of today's story
Is wonderful Denver, CO day spent
With granddaughter Maggie & fiancé Ben.

Shared good food,
Great conversation,
Privileged time.

Denver record breaking hot!
Return to Snowy Range mountains,
Location of Bruce cabin,
Relief with temp twenty degrees
Cooler than Denver.

Morning training,
Up into elevation of
Snowy Range.
From cabin 8500 to about 9000.

Old portion of highway,
In my youth,
Only way over mountains,
Now alt route to trails & camping.
Light traffic, perfect for me.

Past Barbour Lake,
Nestled midst hairpin turns.
Memories of flattening myself against car backseat,
In terror of my dad's speed in
Taking the turns.

Now I crawl up past Lake,
Huffing at steepness and
Lack of oxygen at the altitude.

Road hugs edge of road cut,
Putting me in line with wind blasts,
Which rock my balance.

I use "good sense,"
Making today's ride short.

Coasting downhill,
I realize my "edge of mountain"
Fears may be as challenging for me,
As the thin oxygen.

My "up mountain" route,
Continued prep for Tour de Wyoming.
Worth every pedal stroke.

Hugs to each of you,
Lin

Mountain-flanked hairpin turns