The peak had seen some snowfall over the past week but the riders were treated to a great day of weather.  The temperature was 40 degrees at the start line dipping down to 32 at the summit. The sky was crystal clear with little to no wind.  

The riders climbed at a steady pace where they could talk and and even took a break to enjoy the views. The trio covered the 20km in just under 1 hr. and 40 minutes.  The group felt that the Pro Cat 1-2 Men’s race on July 14th will have a time closer to 1 hr. 20 min. “There is no doubt that the group will attack this mountain at a faster speed.” Stated Michael Creed. “We took it easy today but we also had great weather. You never know what to expect up here.”  Creed will be competing in the Amgen Tour of California starting this Sunday.

Regarding the time limit that is in place for the Fun Ride participants (Fun Ride participants will have 3 hrs to complete the ride ) LeRoy Popowski commented “I think that the time is just right. To be honest most cycling enthusiasts who are ride regularly should be able to make it to the summit in 3 hrs. That is a speed of about 4 miles per hr.”

 One of the questions that seem to be asked by many is what gearing combinations should they use for the climb. Kevin Nicol, stated “I think a 34 x 26 would work for most riders.  Of course LeRoy rode up today in 39 x 23, but he is a monster!”  

All three riders agreed that the pavement was great. Comments like it “rode like glass” and was “silky smooth” were repeated by all several times.  The Pikes Peak Highway is now paved completely to the summit. The final 1.5 miles of dirt was paved in September of last year so this group was the first to ride their bikes up the new pavement.

Check out this YouTube video of the recon ride.