Sittin On Top

Well that's what it felt like.

Yesterday when we got in to Colorado Springs we could hardly see the mountains.  So many clouds it was not a good time to go up there.
But this morning dawned fine and clear.  The gates don't open until 7:30 so after a light breakfast, we set out.
Arriving at the gate to Pikes Peak Hwy, we were about sixth in line so didn't have long to wait to pay our $12 each.
The ride up was exhilarating.  Started out easy going but as we approached the top we were above the clouds on a road with no side.  On our side!!

Sharing the road with graders didn't help.

Road to the sun?

Hug those yellow lines

Lack of oxygen.  That's what makes you crazy.

Some pretty summer flowers are out

 We were one of the first vehicles to the top.  And the views were fantastic.  At 14,110 feet above sea level it was quite hard to breathe.  Not only me, but the bike too.  It handled the climb quite well until it hit 14 thousand and then just had no power.  But we were there by then.
We stayed up there for an hour or so taking photos and buying t-shirts - as you do.  
Then it was time for the ride back down.
That was fun too.

Road goes every which way.

Typical corners.

I found I maybe use the rear brake too much as the pedal went spongy after a little while.  Time to use the front only for a while and a little engine braking to let it all cool down.
By the time we reached Crystal Reservoir, it was all good.

Related?

 Back down again, we headed west for a while, deeper in to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains.  Very picturesque countryside, every shot postcard material.

Going past Black Canyon there is a bit of roadwork going on with substantial delays.  First time we've seen polystyrene foam used as road building material, but who are we to argue with Americans on road building.  They're pretty good at it.

Lotsa Polystyrene.

 We finished up the day at Montrose with a late storm wetting everything.  Luckily we were well ensconced in our digs.
Lets hope it all blows over by the morning for our ride on the Million Dollar Hwy.

At the Summit, that coffee cup.