Here I am in the hospital - smiling because I only have an infection, not appendicitis like the doctor first thought.
Getting our fill of hiking in the mountains during our time off the bikes
After a mountain rain-shower we spotted a double rainbow all the way across the sky. (It was almost a triple rainbow!) What does it mean?
We are now all in full health and will continue our journey tomorrow! This evening, we said our good-byes, hopped on our bikes after almost 2 weeks off and headed 8 miles to the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park to check into Alpine Trail Ridge Inn at the base of the Trail Ridge Road.
An alarm clock and a wake up call is set to take place at 4:30am tomorrow morning where we will load up the bikes, eat a quick breakfast and transfer our sleeping children into position and head up our very first mountain pass.
We’re pretty sure this is no ordinary mountain pass. It is the highest continuously paved pass in the entire U.S. It has a reasonable average grade of 5.8% and climbs approximately 20 miles from the base (at 7800 ft) to the highest point (12,183 ft). For us this is a huge challenge. We are nervous, we are scared, we are excited – and every emotion in between. Fortunately we were able to ‘preview’ the ride earlier this week in a vehicle and took notes about how to proceed along some of the sketchier sections. We’re not sure if we are better off knowing what is in front of us or if we are more freaked out because of it!
Reuben’s parents will be driving up over the pass tomorrow as well and will be available if we run into any trouble. Once we are all up and over the pass, they plan to hop on their own bikes and join us for a few days of touring in the Rockies. Having more family along for the ride is sure to be a great time – but for now all we can think about is the huge climb in front of us in the morning. See you on the other side!
Be careful at high altitudes, the children may be impacted more than you. At 12000 feet the air is a little thin. I know when I get to 10000 I feel light headed and have had occasions when I had to stop and recover. Be careful.
Hey guys! So glad to hear Heidi is all better and ready to resume life on the road. It’s good to know you are being backed up on such a challenging section of your trip as well. We miss you guys and continue to pray for an incredible adventure, new and strengthened relationships and a safe return home to tell us all some stories.
We love you guys,
Erik.
Hi guys!!! Thinking of you and wishing you a safe and amazing journey! Glad to hear that Heidi is back on her feet!! Peace, Len
Just hold those rainbows in your heart and minds. Always a sign of God’s best promise to be with us. And yours was right over the spot of concern, those mountains! Very cool, really.
Praying for your journey. May God continue to bless you with rainbows!
Good luck on that pass! Sounds like you’re in for a spectacular journey. Wishing you more rainbows!
So happy to hear that everyone is healthy! We were just in Kelowna BC and while walking thro the down town we bumped into Matthew having coffee at Starbucks. That was a great surprise. He is doing well so far and is looking forward to the up coming adventures.
Way to go guys. We were just reviewing our journal and looking at the pictures that we took of you all. We miss the road.
Can’t wait to hear how the climb went. Sometimes we thought the downhills were scarier than the climbs.
Hope Heidi is felling well again. As you said it is all part of the Grand Adventure and meet it all with open arms.
Give the kids a hug for us!!!!!
I walked up Sunwapta pass because of the steep grade. I was worried the other day about crossing Roger’s Pass, but it wasn’t as steep a grade as Sunwapta and the rain made it easier as the heat slows me down.
I hope you get better! I just have saddle sores from riding and blisters on toes and lips, so not anywhere like yours…I can’t imagine how you must have felt having to stop for a rest because of it, when one wants to continue on so bad!
Heidi, I am not sure what caused your problem but I would try to avoid steak and leafy green lettuce…and cuc seeds, etc.