June 7th, Pagosa Springs, CO - South Fork, CO
Day 14
This was our hardest ride of the year, on paper. We have 12 miles uphill with an average of an 8% grade. We were anxious and excited to take on this challenge of cycling uphill and battling the altitude of ascending to 11,000 feet.
We began our ride with a dedication to Tyler’s friend Beth who works at the Gatton Academy in WKU. Her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and had died on Thursday and had her funeral on this day. So we rode in her and her family’s honor.
The ride would prove to be challenging but extremely scenic.
We rode up the hill and we all made it to the top in spite of steep hills, altitude issues, and our minds messing with us.
When we reached the top it was truly victorious. We were all welcoming as we arrived to the top at different times and celebrated our accomplishment. We are all thankful for what God has done through our ride thus far and just the simple fact that we have made it to this point.
At the top of Wolf Creek Pass was the continental divide. We were able to symbolically stand on the line that separates the Western and Eastern Hemisphere and also hiked a small section of the Continental Divide Trail.
At the summit of Wolf Creek pass we were also able to talk to several people about our cause as many people were amazed to see cyclists at the top of this mountain and see us all in matching uniforms. We raised some money, passed out cards, and made new friends. It was a moment where we said, “This is what makes riding our bikes all day worth it.”
The remainder of the ride turned out to be mainly downhill and we even reached speeds up to 45 mph. It was a great day as we finished earlier than most and enjoyed a wonderful chili burger at the Hungry Logger restaurant.
In His Adventure,
Chaz Vittitow
