Ride 8 was another "two-fer" that originally planned to have two rides that go from Vail to Eagle. The first leg was 11.93 miles from Vail to Edwards. The second leg was 16.65 miles from Edwards through Wolcott along the Bellyache Ridge, ending up at Eagle. But as in the old Robert Burns poem, "In proving foresight may be vain: The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men" our best-laid plans went awash. Literally.
The trail from Dotsero to Eagle was washed out due to heavy spring run off, so our original ride was cut short. But we decided to change our plans—in fact, we rode out and BACK for a total of 58 miles. This made the team very happy, happy, happy.
We started at Donovan Park, with Bryan's girlfriend Madi and her mom, Yvette, lending their support. Madi filled in as concierge for brother Jake—who works and studies in nearby Vail—and did a magnificent job as the Team has come to expect.
The ride went smoothly under threatening skies, but we did not get rained on. Since we have been at this for two weeks, our endurance and speed have increased—and we had the Vail to Dotsero run finished in record time. Which left time for...
FISHING! Steve traded in his jersey for waders and tried out his prodigious fly-fishing skills on the bloated Eagle River. "The Moms", Yvette and Wendy, tagged along and Yvette was even given a few pointers along the way. Alas, the river is still too muddy and swollen to provide perfect conditions, so there were no fish to be caught.
"There stood my friend, patient skill, attending of his trembling quill" – Sir Henry Wotton
Our next ride is Monday from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. Come on out and ride with us! See the route here.