Sunday, June 22, 2003

First (Almost) and Probably the Last Amputee Pikes Peak Downhill

No thanks to the Department of Agriculture

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Ok if this is Sunday the 22nd it must be Pike's Peak day.  Yes that's right the boys and girls at AAA world headquarters put their heads together and decided to have the gentlemen descend Pike's Peak by bicycle.  Here the crew pose at the top of Pike's Peak (14,000 plus feet) in anticipation of their downhill glide. 

Jim takes a moment to do his Charlie Atlas imitation.

The brave lads posing by their customized bikes prior to their anticipated hair raising descent.  They are (from left to right), Jim, Bruce and Keith. 

The boys check their equipment (including brakes).  They knew this downhill run would be difficult.  However, the boys were able to proceed only a few feet when an official park vehicle pulled up behind us, horns blaring and lights flashing, and ordered us to cease and desist.  It seems the park officials frown upon bicyclists due to safety concerns.  With heavy hearts the boys stored their bikes in the truck and headed downward via truck.

After a quick consultation, the AAA crew vowed revenge on the unruly park officials who denied the boys bicycling access.  Trish was appointed lookout for the offensive park vehicle while the boys searched for a way to stop their approach.

Using a large boulder as their weapon of choice, the boys wait for Trish's signal before dislodging the missile at the oncoming park vehicle.

As usual, the boys plan go awry.  The giant boulder bounded down the hill only to bounce back up and land on poor Bruce and Jim, forcing their torsos into a very awkward position.   Here the hapless lads smile even while their feet are bent up to their necks.

After a few moments, a more than a few sticks of dynamite, the boys are freed from the unwelcome boulder and we headed down the hill.  Here Jim celebrates a first ascent of a Pike's Peak pinnacle. 

A shot of the overloaded vehicle.  The poor beast was forced to carry our entire crew as well as the bikes due to the short sighted regulations of the park service.  The crew are already drafting letters of protest to their congressmen on this matter.

One of the stipulations in our contract was a requirement to test various suspension systems.  Here Bruce and Jim perform an acrobatic feat in an effort to test out Jim's belt suspension system produced by Rob at Ohio Willow Wood.  Bruce clings to a vertical crack while Jim hangs upside down with only his foot hooked to Bruce's.  We are relieved to announce that the suspension system works quite well thanks to Rob's superior craftmanship.  Thanks for the belt system Rob.  And hey kids don't try this at home. 

Cheryl poses by one of many incredibly beautiful scenic overlooks.  The view stretched for miles.

Here is a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. 

Here some of the crew celebrate their conquest of Pike's Peak.  Although we were not able to ride, the trip was nonetheless a qualified success. 

Tomorrow we leave for Kit Carson, CO.  We had a great time in Colorado Springs and met some very fine people.  It will be sad to leave the mountains but we are excited about our adventures to come.  It's also a sad day as our first guest rider, Keith, will be leaving us early tomorrow.  Keith has been a wonderful friend and great biking companion.  The trip tomorrow will not be the same without you Keith.  Jeanne, you are a lucky lady. 

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