Boulder, Colorado/ Rocky Mountains

Our first stop in Colorado was Durango. We arrived early enough to relax and consume a fatty meal to keep as warm through the mountains. The five pullovers plus Motorcycle jacket and three pants weren't enough to keep us snugly. But the biggest challenge was to get on the bike
and reach the handle bar as a Michelin women also the reach to the foot pedals created some difficulties. Talking about handle bars, I decided to worship the heated handle grip gods. I kind of switched the last couple of days from the flip flop gods.

The ride from Durango to Montrose went through narrow paths, steep inclines and declines high up over 11000 feet with snow and wind. I am definitely G- force experienced, in fact I am pretty cool with 3 to 4 Gs now. I might apply for a job at NASA after my trip.

The hot springs in Ouray were just perfect to thaw on our way to Montrose. Montrose was interesting because we met the owner of the motel we stayed in. His first approach towards us was offering a much better map of the region, which sounded good but it was an old map he gave us where non existing or damaged bridges over the black Canyon were still marked on the map. I am glad we solved that one right away. But he was quite a character. He displayed us his passion for hunting by showing us his living room. Let me tell you there was plenty of proof. He showed us frozen fish he caught and self preserved dried elk meat. A true hunter and gatherer - a true Caveman. His stories were funny and amusing. My favorite one is about his jail experience. He got caught by the border patrols in Canada while trying to bring his Cousin in to the country who had the ID of his Cousin's Cousin's Cousin....

My favorite ride was from Montrose to Glennwood Springs and to Boulder. Great views, perfect weather conditions and the satellite radio was working.
We spend two days in Glennwood Springs, great little town. After getting inspired by the outdoor sports opportunities we chose mountain biking and hiking which sounds cool but it literally kicked our butts. And the wind was also not working with us while we were trying to return the bikes back in our 4 hour rental time window. But we made it on time and sign language at the rental return shop was just fine.

With our new build muscles we crossed the continental divide to Boulder. What a fantastic city. I could finish my trip right here. Wondering around in the sweet down town area with a creek running through we were impressed by all the healthy and sportive looking people around us. We were pretty sure it had something to do with the altitude around 6000 feet and the healthy mineral filled air. Until we found out that on the next day, May 28 was the biggest 10 K road race in the world.
Still in pain from our spontaneous bike/hike trip we signed up for the one and only chance to win the 29 th. bolder Boulder run. The night before we met our new friends in a fantastic bar with live music. After building up plenty of liquid carb reserves for the big run we fell in our beds way after midnight. Couple hours later, we and about 50 000 other participants prepared for the big run.
It was spectacular and I am still hyped up about our experience. The best part was running with the crowed along live music and lots of cheering people on the side way. But the biggest reward was, here it comes, running in to a stadium with 30 000 cheering people right before the finish line. I truly felt like a star and that made me lift up my arms and run like a pro through the finish line. Also passing Till on the way was very much rewarding.

Tomorrow early in the morning we are heading further north to Fort Collins to get our first 12 K bike check at a BMW dealer and after that we will be on our way to Utah.

Now my dear friends it is again time for my beauty sleep.

Zenni