Rocky Mountain Cycling Club
The Club for People Who Love to Ride!

2003 Grand Loop Results
By Charlie Henderson

Fifteen riders started the 2003 Grand Loop with 10 successfully completing it. The 3:00 AM start made for a peaceful ride with no traffic through Boulder, and then it was on to Lyons with no wind to light head winds. Most riders arrived with dawn, as they started up  US Highway 36 to Estes Park in cool conditions with only light traffic. 

The ride up Trail Ridge was one of the best in years with crystal clear skies and no clouds. Trailing riders did encounter stiff head winds above Rainbow Point. The descent from the visitors' center was fast and fun because of low traffic volume. However, there were stiff head winds all the way into Granby. Early riders had tail winds heading east out of Granby to the base of Berthoud, while later riders encountered some head winds and tail winds. With 146 miles and over 11,000 feet of vertical ridden, the start of the climb up Berthoud Pass is always ominous: another 2,000 feet  is coming and the body and legs are tired.

At the top of Berthoud Pass three riders would stop with 13,500 feet of climbing and 152 miles - not a bad day and a lot more feet per mile than the Denver-Aspen Classic (the reason we use it as a Grand Loop qualifier). It is also a good warm up for the weenies who like the Triple Bypass. Congratulations to you three. 

The ten who continued had good tail winds down the pass to Empire, and then they were greeted by strong head winds blowing up Clear Creek (UGH). Those who are veterans of the Grand Loop knew what was lurking ahead: the 1.8 miles of 7% to 10% grades in the form of little gem called Floyd Hill  - a true test for tired legs!! Finally, the barn was calling, and the riders rolled down Lookout Mountain to the finish with the second hardest Colorado ride behind them (first is the Durango Death ride) at 201miles and 15,000 vertical fee. A huge congratulations  to all of you.