Stardate 2015.458

Elephant Rock Cycling Festival 2015

The Elephant Rock Cycling Festival kicks off the summer riding season along Colorado's Front Range. This was the 28th anniversary of the event. With all the spring rain, it also was one of the greenest. The ride offers 100-, 62- and 40-mile road routes. Moreover, there's a 27-mile gravel route, as well as an 8-mile family route.

I normally ride the 100-mile route. However, I bumped down to the 62 this year. The course primarily is nonstop steep rollers that eventually take their toll on your legs deep into the ride.



A wet afternoon was forecast, prompting Snowcatcher and I to leave at 5 in the morning, a half hour earlier than normal. (Snowcatcher also wanted to be able to attend church at 11 a.m.)



After several miles, the sun began its magic.



14,110-foot Pikes Peak (state rank 30) greeted the morning in fine fashion.



The top of a roller just south of Castle Rock, Colorado



Palmer Divide aid station



The long and winding road of the final 25 miles



Festival Expo getting under way



Festival Expo

That's it for now; later gator.

Adios