They always say, just wait five minutes for the weather to change. It was one of those days today, but, even more dramatic was the weather change from yesterday to today. Saturday brought Colorado blue sky and 70’s F temperatures. It sure felt like summer, but when you looked around, the changing colors hinted that fall was on it’s way.
Today, rain and 40’s F. I planned on going on a BIG MUni ride today, but due to the weather, mostly the mud on the singletrack that the weather created, I opted for a shorter, MUni ride with rideable conditions due to the rock on the road. This one is easy, as the access is right out my front door. Paco, my uni buddy, and I headed up Highlands ski area. The rain was coming down softly, and the fog was dense. The changing aspen tree’s could be seen glowing through the fog. The road is steep, but mostly rideable, I had my GB4 29er and some of the pitches are just to steep to ride, so I walk.
I make it to midway on the mountain, around 10,000’ elevation, where Paco and I take a break before the fun spin back down the mountain. The rain is letting up and the sky is getting brighter. Fall colors begin to sparkle in the sunshine that is peeking through the dark clouds.Low clouds hover in the valley below with the mountains standing tall above. I find myself stopping allot to take pictures, the scenery was just to spectacular not to. So, here are some pictures from Aspen Highlands ski area, and the surroundings mountains, enjoy them. Get out and ride.
8 miles, 2400’ vertical, 4.8 mph average speed
First pic is about 1/2 up my ride, but only 1/4 way up mountain
The more you post pics like this, the more likely you will get a new neighbor. Nice write-up and nice pics. Who needs the beach when you have stuff like this out your front door?
Cyndad, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing:D Get out and ride, the snow is lowering with every storm, so high country MUni is moving over for telemark skiing, a choice that is alright with me.
Wow, nice pic of the Bells, Mike. I agree with the clothing comment.
Re: Telemark (you’ve probably heard all these)
Free the heel and the mind will follow.
Drop the knee or drop the sport.
Drop the knee, squat to pee.
Free the heel and the wrist will follow.
Awesome photos. I was thinking of making a bumper sticker that said “If you tele in the winter, why would you ride on two wheels in the summer?”. The sports are just so similar.
Ok, OK…I rode the last 2 days, and avoided the mud. But,I don’t get to tele anymore. We leave for Mexico to kiteboard everyday, all winter long. It is the ultimate 3 dimensional sport, and I’d take it anyday over sliding down hill on frozen water!
Nice one Kris. I think that both telemarking and unicycling are the purest forms of each sport, demanding a more delicate balance and heightened awareness. I believe the reward is greater because of that.
Sounds awesome Cynbad. How would you compare a big phat powder day in Highland Bowl, to kiteboarding? The right wind speed, coming from the right azimuth, with the right size swell? I learned how to kiteboard this past June in Aruba, intense sport. There the wind blows you to Venenzula, luckily I knew someone with a boat:)
Another pic from the end of the ride, a sweet way to end it.
