I’ve raced up Mt. Evans several times and had my eye on Pikes Peak for a while, but was nervous about riding up the twisty road with traffic. I filed it for “another time…some day”. Then, after participating in the Gran Fondo Nationals, I began receiving emails for other Fondos. One email just jumped out at me and I noticed the Cycle to the Summit Fondo!  I was thrilled to try cycling up Pikes Peak while the road was closed! It’s almost as if the email screamed “here’s your chance!”. I immediately signed up.

I was a little nervous initially, but the staff was so friendly and answered all of my questions. I was ready! The morning was crisp and beautiful with a full moon upon arriving at the parking area. The scenery was also absolutely beautiful. The area was bustling with participants who were pumping up tires and getting ready. The candor was friendly and fun. The music at the start was awesome and the volunteers were just as wonderful! The stations were perfectly distanced and before I knew it, I was done! I was thrilled to have made it in the Summit Society! And at the top while waiting for the shuttle to take us part-way down, I noticed a familiar face. I couldn’t initially place the person and began to ask questions: “You look familiar. What is your name? Where are you from?” Yes-I just found my spinning instructor from 15 years ago! Have I come a long way since the early days of the 45-minute spin class, and to find a friend I haven’t seen in a while!

A fantastic closing to a wonderful day on this amazingly beautiful peak!