Around Lake Dillon &
Summit Co. Rec Path

This was my first encounter with real mountains, and it was probably my first time ever above 8,000 feet. This ride was hard, but incredibly rewarding and beautiful. It was a shock to realize just how hard it was to climb those hills--and how easy it was for others--but I loved it tremendously.

Miles: 34.5

Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Miles: 18

The cliffs of Capitol Reef look as if the ground around them has simply fallen away, as if part of the earth below fell suddenly, and with it the fragile crust that we wander on. The asphalt of the road is red, and clean, as if it is newly laid. It climbs nearly 1,000 feet in 7 miles of spectacular wandering scenery. The cliffs tower easily that above me. I huff and puff the whole way, since I've never slogged up that big a hill in my entire life. At the end of the drive, there is an enormous dome of golden rock, resting there as if it is some sleeping orge's belly, though it doesn't move or take a breath.

I am completely alone at the end of the road, save for a man writing furiously under the shade of the picnic tables.

I set out past the paved road onto a gravel road, well maintained. Everywhere in Capitol Reef there are signs warning against going into washes when storms threaten. I can see clouds mounting, but it's early in the morning. Storms can't make it until afternoon, right? Isn't that how it goes in Minnesota summers?

I am reminded of Deborah, Jael and Sisera--some four or five thousand years ago,

the only crone judge of Israel, riding into battle against an ironclad army. The Wadi Kishon fills from a distant storm and destroys everyone, throwing them into a panic. The Israelites win, God is praised. On my bicycle in a wash all alone, I pray...only about 50% sarcastically...that God is on my side today.

Colorado National Monument

Miles: 18.5

Standing high above the valley--can it be called a valley, if it looks like a basin with walls?--another shelf of land watches spiny mountains far away. The road dips and weaves, uphill and then down, hairpin turns, wild. My mile time on this ride is catastrophically slow--but I kept stopping to stare, and on the uphills I wasn't motivated to go any faster. I was struck with awe even as I gasped for breath.