Reflections on my first Mount Evans climb
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 63
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Reflections on my first Mount Evans climb
This past Monday I was able to go with a friend of mine and ride from Idaho Springs to the Mount Evans summit. This was something I have wanted to do and was finally able to get it arranged. I have climbed several 10,000’ passes, but getting to a summit at 14,130’ was definitely uncharted waters for me. Weather was a little cool (46 to start, 41 and breezy at the summit) but overall it was a great day. Felt good the entire ride and the elevation didn’t seem to cause any major problems.
As I plodded along at my 3 ˝ hour pace, I could really begin to appreciate the 1 hour 41 minute hill climb record. This ends up being nearly 16.5 mph up a 27 mi, nearly 6% average grade, at altitude. These world class cyclists continue to amaze me.
While I was being passed by vehicles driving to the summit it occurred to me that about 15 years ago I was driving this very same road thinking that these bikers I was passing were crazy for riding up this thing. Today, I guess I am one of those crazy bikers.
As both my friend and I approach our mid-50’s it also occurred to me how lucky we were to be healthy enough to look for challenges like this. Seems like age has a way of allowing us to appreciate these things more than when we were young.
Anyway, it was fun day and looking forward to more of them!
As I plodded along at my 3 ˝ hour pace, I could really begin to appreciate the 1 hour 41 minute hill climb record. This ends up being nearly 16.5 mph up a 27 mi, nearly 6% average grade, at altitude. These world class cyclists continue to amaze me.
While I was being passed by vehicles driving to the summit it occurred to me that about 15 years ago I was driving this very same road thinking that these bikers I was passing were crazy for riding up this thing. Today, I guess I am one of those crazy bikers.
As both my friend and I approach our mid-50’s it also occurred to me how lucky we were to be healthy enough to look for challenges like this. Seems like age has a way of allowing us to appreciate these things more than when we were young.
Anyway, it was fun day and looking forward to more of them!
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,281
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8275 Post(s)
Liked 9,031 Times
in
4,471 Posts
Cool. What gearing did you use? Are you a lightweight climber?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,972
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
I've hiked Pikes Peak twice and the air really thins out above the tree line. I couldn't imagine biking it....or maybe I can. anyway congratulations on a difficult achievement!
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 63
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am about 170 lb so definitely not like my 130 lb friend who climbs like a mountain goat.
I tend to prefer a little higher climbing cadence than many so I actually changed the gearing on my Roubaix a couple of years ago when I was getting ready for the Markleeville Death Ride. I have a 52-39-30 triple and put on an 12-30 cassette. Didn't need the small gear on this climb but there were times when I climbed Ebbett's pass in CA and rode the Rist Canyon Road in CO that I was glad I had that low gear. Evans is a pretty steady 6% or so but when you get close to the top it felt more like about 10% to me.
I tend to prefer a little higher climbing cadence than many so I actually changed the gearing on my Roubaix a couple of years ago when I was getting ready for the Markleeville Death Ride. I have a 52-39-30 triple and put on an 12-30 cassette. Didn't need the small gear on this climb but there were times when I climbed Ebbett's pass in CA and rode the Rist Canyon Road in CO that I was glad I had that low gear. Evans is a pretty steady 6% or so but when you get close to the top it felt more like about 10% to me.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,617
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1068 Post(s)
Liked 781 Times
in
503 Posts
and grab for the ring as often as you can.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,281
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8275 Post(s)
Liked 9,031 Times
in
4,471 Posts
I am about 170 lb so definitely not like my 130 lb friend who climbs like a mountain goat.
I tend to prefer a little higher climbing cadence than many so I actually changed the gearing on my Roubaix a couple of years ago when I was getting ready for the Markleeville Death Ride. I have a 52-39-30 triple and put on an 12-30 cassette. Didn't need the small gear on this climb but there were times when I climbed Ebbett's pass in CA and rode the Rist Canyon Road in CO that I was glad I had that low gear. Evans is a pretty steady 6% or so but when you get close to the top it felt more like about 10% to me.
I tend to prefer a little higher climbing cadence than many so I actually changed the gearing on my Roubaix a couple of years ago when I was getting ready for the Markleeville Death Ride. I have a 52-39-30 triple and put on an 12-30 cassette. Didn't need the small gear on this climb but there were times when I climbed Ebbett's pass in CA and rode the Rist Canyon Road in CO that I was glad I had that low gear. Evans is a pretty steady 6% or so but when you get close to the top it felt more like about 10% to me.
I've been curious about Mt Evans ever since I first read about it years ago. I've never climbed much above 10,000 feet, so I don't know how I would react there.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 63
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I prefer a higher cadence as well, but , at 205 pounds, I usually end up grinding slow no matter what gear I have.
I've been curious about Mt Evans ever since I first read about it years ago. I've never climbed much above 10,000 feet, so I don't know how I would react there.
I've been curious about Mt Evans ever since I first read about it years ago. I've never climbed much above 10,000 feet, so I don't know how I would react there.
The other wildcard is always the weather. Those mid-day thunderstorms can pop up quickly and you have to got off the mountain now.
Hopefully, you will have a chance to give it a try. If you can have someone drive a chase vehicle you would have a safety net and also have a taxi ride down. That way you could avoid the descent down Mount Evans road, which is not a fun one due to the VERY rough road. The last half from Echo Lake to Idaho Springs, however, is wonderful. Not much shoulder but very smooth.
#9
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
Congratulations!
My Evans climb was, and remains a... erm... high point of my life.
I agree with you on the descent. Not only is Mt Evans Rd the highest paved road in North America, it's the highest paved road in need of serious repair and resurfacing. Darned marmots.
My Evans climb was, and remains a... erm... high point of my life.
I agree with you on the descent. Not only is Mt Evans Rd the highest paved road in North America, it's the highest paved road in need of serious repair and resurfacing. Darned marmots.
#10
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
I prefer a higher cadence as well, but , at 205 pounds, I usually end up grinding slow no matter what gear I have.
I've been curious about Mt Evans ever since I first read about it years ago. I've never climbed much above 10,000 feet, so I don't know how I would react there.
I've been curious about Mt Evans ever since I first read about it years ago. I've never climbed much above 10,000 feet, so I don't know how I would react there.
As the OP said, it's not the grade. Six-percent isn't bad at all. But it is relentless--27 miles from Idaho Springs, 14 from Echo Lake where I started--and it's the altitude that will get you if anything is going to get you.
A chase car or the sensibility to turn around are good things to have, because if you're going to get altitude sickness, this is the climb that will do it. The climb itself is easier than it sounds. Altitude sickness is bad, and can happen just driving a car.
If you don't get altitude sickness, which I didn't, then just plain breathing is the bigger chore than turning the pedals. At least for me it was, especially above Summit Lake. (I have only 70% of expected lung capacity.)
Like the OP, I used a road triple. I knew from the grade I wouldn't need ultra-low gears, but I like to keep my cadence up. I used an Ultegra 6600 16-27 "juniors" cassette (27-25-24-23-22-21-19-18-17-16) to keep the jumps between gears in tiny increments. Worked a charm. You can still order these cassettes if you shop around.
Last edited by tsl; 08-14-15 at 10:18 AM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,281
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8275 Post(s)
Liked 9,031 Times
in
4,471 Posts
[QUOTE=tsl;18075026]Just do it.
Yes, I remember reading your report and I was impressed. I have a triple on one of my bikes with a 30x28 low gear, so I have that going for me. I did smoke cigarettes for 20 years and heaped all manner of abuse on my body back then but I still enjoy climbing.
I've done some of the climbs in the Sierra Nevada mountains and I should try and talk friends into going to Colorado. Maybe someday.
Yes, I remember reading your report and I was impressed. I have a triple on one of my bikes with a 30x28 low gear, so I have that going for me. I did smoke cigarettes for 20 years and heaped all manner of abuse on my body back then but I still enjoy climbing.
I've done some of the climbs in the Sierra Nevada mountains and I should try and talk friends into going to Colorado. Maybe someday.
#12
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
What's the total climbing feet of the 27 miles? I don't know the elevation of Idaho Springs......too lazy to look it up.
__________________
Ride your Ride!!
Ride your Ride!!
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,083
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3375 Post(s)
Liked 5,512 Times
in
2,855 Posts
I did not realize until he told me, that those holes that appear in the middle of the road are the work of marmots.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 63
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
Great job!! Thanx for sharing your ride with us. I've hunted elk in the Flat Tops region near Meeker, Co where our camp was at 10,300 feet. Took me a good 4 days to be able to walk uphill more than 6 steps without having to stop with my head down low. Oxygen deprivation is a revelation. Of course, I wasnt cycling in those days.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150
Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
43 Posts
Definitely a notch on the belt. Never rode up Mt Evans though my dad did (English 3-speed) back in the 40's. His mom/dad drove up to meet him at the summit & took film of the high-speed descent. Pike's Peak is famous for the auto TT's but Mt Evans is far more scary with switchbacks with near-zero run-off room, a little freaky even while driving. & last time I drove up Mt Evans I saw a team of Skoda test drivers, apparently the altitude is so high that it's worth it for them to transport drivers & cars over from Europe.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,083
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3375 Post(s)
Liked 5,512 Times
in
2,855 Posts
Most recent example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFySb3NuqI
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Northeastern MA, USA
Posts: 1,678
Bikes: Garmin/Tacx Bike Smart
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 646 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
191 Posts
As someone who spends most of his time riding from sea level to 300', I'd have croaked shortly after starting! Nice job, sounds like you're in good shape.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150
Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
43 Posts
I see camouflaged cars with mgfr plates every summer on the roads up there;
Most recent example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFySb3NuqI
Most recent example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFySb3NuqI
RE altitude, I drove up Pike's Peak & just walking around at summit gave me a bit of a headache. I'm from lowlands but as a kid visited those places & the altitude didn't bother me. Combining altitude with the grueling climb, wow.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,083
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3375 Post(s)
Liked 5,512 Times
in
2,855 Posts
You think that was bumpy?
Then check out the Summit Lake section from the same ride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hte-8JEsMV0
I was sooo thankful for the high ground clearance on my Versys!
Then check out the Summit Lake section from the same ride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hte-8JEsMV0
I was sooo thankful for the high ground clearance on my Versys!