Tri-state, several thousand feet of climbing, dirt, and generally the most incredible scenery known to man. A cool yet sunny day again, at least with a much more gentle wind. About 7 down in the valley and apparent highs of 0 up where we intended to head. But hey, the sun is out and we're in need of an adventure. Cut around through some back roads to this smokin wicked gravel climb. Full on ~5km of teady gravel road, switch back climbing. 35 minutes up. Immediately after summiting, we turned left on the parkway (107) and continued climbing for another 40 odd minutes + of climbing (back on real roads) up to the top of Whitewater Falls. And then a little more climbing up to Cashiers, just to make sure our legs were starting to feel some pain. Into cashiers and then another turn, to make the final ascent to Highlands. Rolling road led into the final full on climb of the day... the steep and incredible switch backs of the 20-25 minute climb up to Highlands. Steep, beautiful and 1000+ feet of elevation gain in the last few kms alone. Hell, Highlands is apparently at about 4200 ft. above sea level. A quick stop (ok, about 30 minutes) in the wonderful local coffee establishment for a macchiato and a pie of fresh baked organic apple pie. Life is good. Saddle back up for the final ride back home, all along the scenic and gorgeous Hwy 28. Quiet, rolling, with some solid and smokin fast and snaking descents. Sheer drop offs off the the side, lush mountain greenery on the other... You can see why this ride was so awesome. 6 hours, 150km. And 3 happy riders. Next part of the day. 3 guys, 3 pizzas. Sandy's creation. My babies. Fresh made whole wheat crust....
Pizza #1 pesto sauce/chicken/green peppers/green onion/red onion/red pepper/mozzarella
Pizza #2 thai spicy peanut sauce/chicken/red peppers/green peppers/green onion/ mushrooms/mozzarella
Pizza #3 tomato slices/sausage/pepperoni/spinach/mushrooms/olive oil/mozzarella
Plus a few fresh Caronas. Now I find myself stuck to the couch, full and unable to move. The best day yet. A day that makes me glad I've followed the path I have, glad for fresh made pizza, and good people. I'm sure I'm forgetting some cool and interesting (perhaps even funny details) but either way. I'll leave with some pictures. Luckily I brought my camera today.
Geoff climbing through one of the many windy turns of the gravel climb. Looking down through some switchbacks...
Me enjoying a macchiato, perhaps a little too much. And again, over excited at the sight of one of 3 pizzas. I fully can barely move 3 hours later as a result of being sooo bloody full. It was worth it. Really.
2 comments:
i think thats a better photo from those chairs then last year....
woah!!! that looks like a crazy ride. Super steep !!!!
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