24 miles
1:25
Rode to Eldo with Allison on the road bikes easy.
Sierra
Sierra
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday, 10/02/09 Pancake House, REI, S. Boulder Peak and Bear Peak
Slept in today (6:10am), putzed around for a bit, then we went to the Original Pancake House in Boulder. If you have never been, go soon, it is the best breakfast joint around, seriously. Went to REI afterwards and I picked out the ultimate winter pack, the Osprey Stratos 40, which is now on my wish list.
Spent 3 hours this afternoon taking a casual walk up S. Boulder and Bear with Allison and Sierra. It was pleasant in the sun, but the shadowy Shadow Canyon was chilly and had that fall bite.
8 miles
3,200 vertical
3 hours
Spent 3 hours this afternoon taking a casual walk up S. Boulder and Bear with Allison and Sierra. It was pleasant in the sun, but the shadowy Shadow Canyon was chilly and had that fall bite.
8 miles
3,200 vertical
3 hours
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, 10/01/09 Biked SuperFlag
28 Miles
1:40 RT
Had a great ride up SuperFlag despite the wind and cooler temps. 31:59 up SuperFlag, felt pretty good.
1:40 RT
Had a great ride up SuperFlag despite the wind and cooler temps. 31:59 up SuperFlag, felt pretty good.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, 9/29/09 Green Mountain
Met George, JT and Brandon for a trip up Green. Took the bushwhack route up past the 1st Flatiron, went fairly easy, topping out in 47:22. I then opted for the short route down (standard) and got back to Chautauqua in a really slow/cautious 32. Great day, really warm.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, 9/28/09 Green
Super easy "dog jog" up/down Green via Gregory/Ranger. Felt good, but was happy to go Sierra's pace and enjoy the perfect afternoon.
49 up
39 down
49 up
39 down
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, 9/26/09 Belford, Oxford and Pecks
Mt. Belford, Mt. Oxford, Pecks Peak (13,270)
9/26/09
~11 miles
~6,000 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Sharon Hale, Kevin Lund, Ken Nolan, Jean Aschenbrenner, Sierra, Shep, Kiefer and Sophie
Although Allison and I have climbed these peaks before, we decided to join Dave and Emily for Belford/Oxford, as Oxford was one of Emily’s final two Sawatch 14ers and I had not hiked with them for over 3 months. As usual, Kevin was game for anything and a last minute e-mail to Ken revealed that he and Jean were considering this combo to fulfill grid requirements. A great group formed in an instant and I was very much looking forward to catching up with good friends on a bluebird day in the high mountains.
We got started from the Missouri Gulch TH a bit before 7am and made good time to the cabin at treeline. After a short break, we continued up the trail for a few hundred feet and then left the trail to engage the steep but grassy West slopes of Pecks peak, just for something different. The slopes were mostly dry, save for a thin, but crusty and inconsequential dusting of snow higher up.
The summit of Pecks seemed very much like the insignificant bump on the ridge to Belford that it is, but was enjoyable regardless and the dogs had a blast chasing one another and wrestling in the drifted snow.
Belford still looked surprisingly high and distant, but turned out to be a quick and easy walk up steep, snowy (but solid and intermittent) talus and tundra. The summit of Belford was a bit breezy, but just ducking down a few feet on the South side made for a warm and toasty spot for another long break.
Eventually, we mustered up the motivation to get off our lazy butts and head over to Oxford. The initial descent to the saddle had a good bit of snow in spots, or at least enough to make things a bit slick. Oxford, though distant looking, comes up quick, as the terrain is mellow and the walking fast and easy.
The summit of Oxford seemed a little busy with another group of 5 and some others crossing back and forth between the two peaks, but I guess busy is relative and I found it somewhat enjoyable to see others on the trail/peaks for a change.
Ken, Allison, Dave, the dogs and I made a 2nd visit to Belford, while the remainder of the group headed down in the general direction of Elkhead Pass. They had quite the jump on us, but we boogied hard to catch them and did so easily once they plopped down for break.
The walk out the valley was surprisingly long, but incredibly scenic and enjoyable, enhanced by the perfect weather and great company. Leisure was the theme of the day and we made it back to the TH around 4pm. A perfect day in the mountains with a great group.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_26_Belford_Oxford/
9/26/09
~11 miles
~6,000 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Sharon Hale, Kevin Lund, Ken Nolan, Jean Aschenbrenner, Sierra, Shep, Kiefer and Sophie
Although Allison and I have climbed these peaks before, we decided to join Dave and Emily for Belford/Oxford, as Oxford was one of Emily’s final two Sawatch 14ers and I had not hiked with them for over 3 months. As usual, Kevin was game for anything and a last minute e-mail to Ken revealed that he and Jean were considering this combo to fulfill grid requirements. A great group formed in an instant and I was very much looking forward to catching up with good friends on a bluebird day in the high mountains.
We got started from the Missouri Gulch TH a bit before 7am and made good time to the cabin at treeline. After a short break, we continued up the trail for a few hundred feet and then left the trail to engage the steep but grassy West slopes of Pecks peak, just for something different. The slopes were mostly dry, save for a thin, but crusty and inconsequential dusting of snow higher up.
The summit of Pecks seemed very much like the insignificant bump on the ridge to Belford that it is, but was enjoyable regardless and the dogs had a blast chasing one another and wrestling in the drifted snow.
Belford still looked surprisingly high and distant, but turned out to be a quick and easy walk up steep, snowy (but solid and intermittent) talus and tundra. The summit of Belford was a bit breezy, but just ducking down a few feet on the South side made for a warm and toasty spot for another long break.
Eventually, we mustered up the motivation to get off our lazy butts and head over to Oxford. The initial descent to the saddle had a good bit of snow in spots, or at least enough to make things a bit slick. Oxford, though distant looking, comes up quick, as the terrain is mellow and the walking fast and easy.
The summit of Oxford seemed a little busy with another group of 5 and some others crossing back and forth between the two peaks, but I guess busy is relative and I found it somewhat enjoyable to see others on the trail/peaks for a change.
Ken, Allison, Dave, the dogs and I made a 2nd visit to Belford, while the remainder of the group headed down in the general direction of Elkhead Pass. They had quite the jump on us, but we boogied hard to catch them and did so easily once they plopped down for break.
The walk out the valley was surprisingly long, but incredibly scenic and enjoyable, enhanced by the perfect weather and great company. Leisure was the theme of the day and we made it back to the TH around 4pm. A perfect day in the mountains with a great group.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_26_Belford_Oxford/
Friday, September 25, 2009
"Race Across the Sky" (Leadville 100 Movie)
I meant to post this sooner... "Race Across the Sky" starring Lance Armstrong and JV (hobbling along as a spectator) will be showing on October 22 at theaters nationwide. Tickets go on sale today, looks awesome!
http://www.ncm.com/Fathom/Sports/RaceAcrossTheSky.aspx
I am going to the showing at Westminster 24. Feel free to join us.
http://www.ncm.com/Fathom/Sports/RaceAcrossTheSky.aspx
I am going to the showing at Westminster 24. Feel free to join us.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, 9/24/09 Green
Started at Chautauqua as a rain squall was moving through. Undeterred, I continued on as the rain moved passed and headed up the trail between the 1st and the 2nd Flatiron, of course realizing before long that I was again over dressed. At the back of the 1st, I took the little shortcut up to the NE ridge. Made the summit in 41:30 and decided to head down via W. Ridge/Long Canyon. Jogging easy, I made it to the top of SuperFlag at 55, back to the car at Chautauqua in 1:28. Took it very easy on the down.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, 9/23/09 Sanitas
Plans changed at the last minute from Green to Sanitas, as I needed to get home a bit sooner than I anticipated. I wanted to go "fast" because I was in a hurry and because I was slowed down so much by the dog yesterday, but unfortunately I was not feeling nearly as peppy. I went about as hard as I could muster, but I was a bit bloated from lunch and feeling generally tired, not to mention I was a bit over dressed, wishing I was in shorts and a t-shirt instead of long pants, thick wool socks and two warm shirts. I just zoned out listening to my walkman, not really paying attention to time and ended up making the summit in 18:20. I turned tail and made the descent in a semi conservative 13:40. Not a bad run all things considered, lots of room for improvement.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, 9/22/09 Sanitas
Today was the first day I felt truly good about running uphill since sometime in May, long before I broke my foot, as I had been struggling for some time. Unfortunately, Sierra was not feeling as eager to go fast and I ended up having to stop, wait, encourage and backtrack as to not completely drop her. We ended up making the summit in 23:28 which was a little bit of a downer considering how good I felt. I am certain that I would have been good for at least 5 minutes faster. Took it easy on the down, 17ish.
Despite this being a "dog jog" as GZ would say (more like dog walk), I felt awesome about being out and was encouraged with how well my foot was feeling.
Despite this being a "dog jog" as GZ would say (more like dog walk), I felt awesome about being out and was encouraged with how well my foot was feeling.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, 09/20/09 Bear Peak
I was planning on a bike ride, but when I got out of work it was cloudy and really windy, so I called Homie to see if he was game for a trip up Bear Peak and he was game. We started around 5pm from the Cragmoor TH and it was actually quite nice out, surprisingly little wind. We took it fairly easy, conversation pace the entire way as we always have lots to talk about. Made the true summit in 51:29 and then took it slow and easy on the down. 1:32 RT.
Friday, 9/18/09 N. Twin Cone Peak (12,323), Mount Blaine (12,303)
N. Twin Cone Peak (12,323), Mount Blaine (12,303)
~11 miles
~2,800 vertical
4.5 hours
Jeff, Allison and Sierra Valliere
On our way home from a few days in Fairplay, we decided to stop on Kenosha Pass for a short walk to enjoy the fall colors. We started walking at a fast pace along the road toward N. Twin Cone Peak at 10:30am with no real plan, aside from taking some pictures and enjoying the warm sunshine.
Before we knew it, we were well on our way to the summit of N. Twin Cone Peak. We had climbed it before in December, so it was nice to climb it again under more pleasant conditions. I had hoped to take a long leisurely break in the nice warm sun to soak up the views that we sacrificed on our previous trip, but as soon as I took a picture or 3, Allison pointed toward Mount Blaine and suggested we head over.
From N. Twin Cone, Blaine looks very close, 10-15 minutes maybe? We reached the saddle quickly on the dirt road, but the trip to the summit of Blaine from there was a little slower than expected as it is all uneven grassy mounds, rocks and willows. Normally it would be no problem, but since I am still favoring my healing foot, I was being slow and cautious as to not tweak it on the unstable footing.
Eventually we made the summit and were surprised by the jumble of huge boulders which made for an easy, but very fun rock hop. The weather and views were great and I was pleased to get an unexpected new LCW peak.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_18_N_Twin_Cone/
~11 miles
~2,800 vertical
4.5 hours
Jeff, Allison and Sierra Valliere
On our way home from a few days in Fairplay, we decided to stop on Kenosha Pass for a short walk to enjoy the fall colors. We started walking at a fast pace along the road toward N. Twin Cone Peak at 10:30am with no real plan, aside from taking some pictures and enjoying the warm sunshine.
Before we knew it, we were well on our way to the summit of N. Twin Cone Peak. We had climbed it before in December, so it was nice to climb it again under more pleasant conditions. I had hoped to take a long leisurely break in the nice warm sun to soak up the views that we sacrificed on our previous trip, but as soon as I took a picture or 3, Allison pointed toward Mount Blaine and suggested we head over.
From N. Twin Cone, Blaine looks very close, 10-15 minutes maybe? We reached the saddle quickly on the dirt road, but the trip to the summit of Blaine from there was a little slower than expected as it is all uneven grassy mounds, rocks and willows. Normally it would be no problem, but since I am still favoring my healing foot, I was being slow and cautious as to not tweak it on the unstable footing.
Eventually we made the summit and were surprised by the jumble of huge boulders which made for an easy, but very fun rock hop. The weather and views were great and I was pleased to get an unexpected new LCW peak.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_18_N_Twin_Cone/
Thursday, 9/17/09 Mt. Evans B (13,577), London Mountain (13,194)
Mt. Evans B (13,577), London Mountain (13,194)
9/17/09
~11 miles
~3,200 vertical
5.5 hours
After climbing Decalibron the previous day and a great night of sleep in the cabin in Fairplay, we headed over toward Mosquito Pass for a few new 13ers. In this area, Mt. Evans B and London were on my unclimbed list (as well as Pennsylvania, but we decided to save it for another day).
We parked below the London mine, walked past the mine and headed directly up the hill to cut off a little walking on the road. Once on the road, it was smooth sailing up to the pass, where everything was covered in a layer of rime ice. It being a Thursday, we were surprised to encounter a Jeep on the pass. The guys were quite friendly and we chatted it up a bit, mostly about the poor little dog that had been lost up there a few weeks prior on Mosquito Peak as indicated by the signs posted throughout the area. I hope he was eventually found and maybe the posters just had not been removed?
The stroll along the ridge was pleasurable as the day warmed the views to the West opened up. The summit of Mt. Evans B was enjoyable, but somewhat unremarkable (except for the views of course).
On the way back to the car, we took the little side trip up London Mountain. Though not much vertical is gained, the initial section of the ridge is a bit scruffy and requires a little route finding to keep it at class 2+. After the scruff, the ridge rolls for a long time over several false summits before topping out and took a surprising 25 minutes from the road at a not too fast hiking pace.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_17_Evans_London/
9/17/09
~11 miles
~3,200 vertical
5.5 hours
After climbing Decalibron the previous day and a great night of sleep in the cabin in Fairplay, we headed over toward Mosquito Pass for a few new 13ers. In this area, Mt. Evans B and London were on my unclimbed list (as well as Pennsylvania, but we decided to save it for another day).
We parked below the London mine, walked past the mine and headed directly up the hill to cut off a little walking on the road. Once on the road, it was smooth sailing up to the pass, where everything was covered in a layer of rime ice. It being a Thursday, we were surprised to encounter a Jeep on the pass. The guys were quite friendly and we chatted it up a bit, mostly about the poor little dog that had been lost up there a few weeks prior on Mosquito Peak as indicated by the signs posted throughout the area. I hope he was eventually found and maybe the posters just had not been removed?
The stroll along the ridge was pleasurable as the day warmed the views to the West opened up. The summit of Mt. Evans B was enjoyable, but somewhat unremarkable (except for the views of course).
On the way back to the car, we took the little side trip up London Mountain. Though not much vertical is gained, the initial section of the ridge is a bit scruffy and requires a little route finding to keep it at class 2+. After the scruff, the ridge rolls for a long time over several false summits before topping out and took a surprising 25 minutes from the road at a not too fast hiking pace.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_17_Evans_London/
Wednesday, 9/16/09 DeCaLiBron
Decalibron
9/16/09
7 miles
3,600 vertical
~5 hours
Jeff, Allison and Sierra Valliere
To celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary, a co-worker friend of Allison’s loaned us their cabin in Fairplay for a few days. We do this annually and climb local peaks, enjoy the fall foliage and have a nice dinner in Breckenridge.
Allison came up with the idea of climbing Decalibron, as she had climbed them all before, but never all at once. The weather report looked iffy and our somewhat late 9am start was no guarantee for success, but our plan was just to keep an eye/ear on the sky and be willing to turn back if things looked bad.
Not much to say about the route, as it has been recited many times before. I will say that this was my first time up the entire trail leading to the summit of Democrat and was impressed with how nice it is. In the past, I have always taken different routes, or deviated from the main trail on snow or talus. I think next time I run this loop, I will stick to the trail exactly and save some time.
It was a nice change of pace to interact with others on a mountain, as we have been climbing obscure 13ers on weekdays as of late and never see anybody. We exchanged hellos with 5 people descending and passed two others on the way up and on the summit who we spoke with a bit. The first was Joe from NC, who was on his 3rd 14er (after summiting Grays/Torreys the previous day). Joe was planning on the whole loop as well, but we never saw him after Democrat, so I am assuming altitude got the best of him.
Also on the summit was a 75 year old gentleman from Kansas who drove out for what I think he said was his 10th 14er. We were impressed and gave him kudos and encouragement and remarked that we hope we are still as fit at that age.
Although there was a fair amount of fresh snow, it added to the enjoyment, especially for Sierra who was rejoicing that winter is on it’s way (Allison was not so pleased with the snow on the descent of Bross).
Crossing from Cameron to Lincoln, we were walloped by a quick moving snow squall which forced us into all the warm clothes we had and reduced visibility greatly. Since there was no thunder or lightning and I am very familiar with the route, we thoroughly enjoyed the short winter preview.
All in all a great and somewhat leisurely way to spend the first of our 3 days in the mountains.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_16_Decalibron/
9/16/09
7 miles
3,600 vertical
~5 hours
Jeff, Allison and Sierra Valliere
To celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary, a co-worker friend of Allison’s loaned us their cabin in Fairplay for a few days. We do this annually and climb local peaks, enjoy the fall foliage and have a nice dinner in Breckenridge.
Allison came up with the idea of climbing Decalibron, as she had climbed them all before, but never all at once. The weather report looked iffy and our somewhat late 9am start was no guarantee for success, but our plan was just to keep an eye/ear on the sky and be willing to turn back if things looked bad.
Not much to say about the route, as it has been recited many times before. I will say that this was my first time up the entire trail leading to the summit of Democrat and was impressed with how nice it is. In the past, I have always taken different routes, or deviated from the main trail on snow or talus. I think next time I run this loop, I will stick to the trail exactly and save some time.
It was a nice change of pace to interact with others on a mountain, as we have been climbing obscure 13ers on weekdays as of late and never see anybody. We exchanged hellos with 5 people descending and passed two others on the way up and on the summit who we spoke with a bit. The first was Joe from NC, who was on his 3rd 14er (after summiting Grays/Torreys the previous day). Joe was planning on the whole loop as well, but we never saw him after Democrat, so I am assuming altitude got the best of him.
Also on the summit was a 75 year old gentleman from Kansas who drove out for what I think he said was his 10th 14er. We were impressed and gave him kudos and encouragement and remarked that we hope we are still as fit at that age.
Although there was a fair amount of fresh snow, it added to the enjoyment, especially for Sierra who was rejoicing that winter is on it’s way (Allison was not so pleased with the snow on the descent of Bross).
Crossing from Cameron to Lincoln, we were walloped by a quick moving snow squall which forced us into all the warm clothes we had and reduced visibility greatly. Since there was no thunder or lightning and I am very familiar with the route, we thoroughly enjoyed the short winter preview.
All in all a great and somewhat leisurely way to spend the first of our 3 days in the mountains.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_16_Decalibron/
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