Day 27 Winter Park Snow Mountain Ranch to Denver

Day 27 Winter Park to Denver Sea to Sea 08

Stats for today
Distance from top of Berthoud Pass 63.54
Time in saddle 4:19 hours
Average speed 14.9
Maximum speed 43.8
Ascent 1860 with Berthoud in the car 4992
Descent 11940
Current elevation 5304
Time we left from top 9 AM arrived at camp 4PM.

Wow we are at the end of week 4 and we have finished the mountains. Everyone is glad that we are now finished with major climbing for a while. Probably the second to the last day will give us a challenge but that is a long time away. Right we are all looking forward to just having some days of riding downhill from Denver and in the flat lands. We will probably look forward to getting through the prairies as well but for now having the mountains behind us is a great relief. We will miss the spectacular scenery we have been viewing and the grand vistas. Every one really enjoyed today’s ride. It was a major accomplishment for most people as they had cycled four weeks, over a couple of mountain ranges.

Our day started out at 530 packing up our stuff in our comfortable room at Silver Sage Lodge at Snow Mountain Range. I did not sleep well even though the bed was very comfortable. Had too many things on my mind from last night and thinking about today. Hank slept like a log.

Hank and I had both decided not to try to climb Berthoud Pass as it would drain us by the end of the day. Since we are staying with my daughter Sarah and Brian Boonstra and the three grand kids Sydney, Grant and Cole, I did not want to be completely exhausted at the end of the day so I could not enjoy our visits. As it was the day was long enough just biking down from the summit of Berthoud Pass. Hank and I biked together the whole day. It is the first day we have biked together. The ride was mostly down hill and Hank does well on the day hill. He can coast behind me while I still pedal.

One of the group had an unfortunate accident today. A young group of riders had decided to add an extra 45 miles to their ride by going up to Mt Evans. As they started out in a pace line the last rider Tyler hit the rear tire of the person in front of him and went over his handlebars breaking his collar bone. He will have to go home to have surgery and will not be able to ride the rest of the tour. This is the second person who now will not be riding the whole way due to injury.

Top of Berthoud Pass.

SAG stop with Cory at top of Berthoud

The scenery along route 40 the bike path along 70 and route 74 out of Evergreen were awesome. We had mountain creeks running along the road and cliffs beside the creeks. It was quite spectacular. God provided beautiful views and scenery along our routes. We did enjoy God’s creation and the mountains immensely even though the climbing and altitude took its toll on the riders.


River rafts on the river we biked beside. Looks fun and refreshing


Abandon mining shaft along the route Hank crossing the bridge from the bike path along the river. We never knew this bike path was there along I 70 to Idaho Springs. This was a treat.

Bear Creek running along the canyon road from Evergreen. It was thrilling to ride down the canyon road and along the creek.

We were treated to cold refreshments along Jewell Ave by the Reformed church there. It was much appreciated.

When we arrived at Denver Christian High, we were greeted by shouts of welcome, applause and music, cool drinks and cookies, and welcome packages provided by Denver churches. Thanks to the people in Denver for a grand welcome. At night we had an ice cream social provided again by the Denver churches.

Hank and I were glad to be finished our ride. I did have my first flat tire just a mile from the high school. So far Hank has had two flats and I have had one. Hopefully we will not have anymore.

Hank and I are staying with Sarah, Brian, Sydney, Grant and Cole this weekend. It is so nice to be in air conditioned out of the sun, have a bath room and shower close by and a regular bed. Brian has agreed to drive us back to camp early Monday morning so we can stay two nights with them. Thanks Brian for your willingness to get up early to drive us so we can start by 630.