It's unbelievable. Simply amazing.
The sun, moon, plants, stars work and wife are all in perfect alignment in June. Due to some crazy miracle, I have a week available to ride - anywhere. Free range to tackle my bucket list. So, what does a Bucket Rider do?
It's a no-brainer. Sign up for an ultimate bucket ride - the inaugural Mavic Haute Route Rockies Race, June 23-30.
I'm all in.
Diving into the guide I quickly realize the most challenging part of making the time-cut each day is having enough training time in the bank. There are no short-cuts, the only way to prepare is ride, ride, ride and then ride more. Motivated to do my best I head to bed early, ready to kick-off my Haute Route training the next day.
Thankfully in sunny New Mexico the snow is short lived and training resumes the next day with a long sunny solo ride. It's 80 degrees by the weekend and I'm jonesin' for a group ride. I get my fix at Mellow Velo on Saturday morning. With some intense segments the ride isn't that mellow, but a great way to bank 4.5 hours in the saddle.
WEEKLY TRAINING TIDBITS
SNOW DAYS: 1
SADDLE SORES: 0
TRAINING TUNE: HEAVEN, LOS LONELY BOYS
DAYS TILL HAUTE ROUTE ROCKIES: 47
Cheers and have a great ride. What's on your bucket list?
John is a former faux pro racer enjoying life as a geriatric cyclist in search of great bucket list rides to keep him in shape and out of trouble - well, at least in shape.
He writes about his Bucket Rides in all their variety and glory for Granfondo.com. See his other pieces here