Home Stretch

Day 4: Steamboat Loop Ride | 52 miles | 20 Mile Rd.
Wednesday's ride was the shortest so far, however it did not disappoint with challenging climbs. Lucian appreciated the shorter day revealing to me that he severely pulled his hip flexor and diaphragm back on day 2. It has been getting progressively worse. He had a PT work on it Wed. evening and that brought him some relief, but he was dreading Thursday's route with the way he was feeling.

The sun was out and the scenery around Steamboat did not disappoint.

An old mine scoop

Helmet tan lines

Looks red in the photos, but he said it was tan.

He traveled the long windy road you can see behind him.

Cresting a big climb on Wed. and feeling great.

A unique fence near camp

Day 5: Steamboat to Granby | 78 miles | Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft. & Muddy Pass – 8,772 ft.
Judgement day. Lucian was really worried he wouldn't be able to finish today. I got a few text updates, the first of which were these beautiful sky images. He said it stormed overnight with high winds, but it sure made for a beautiful morning sky.

The ride today had some 15% grade inclines. He powered though, meditating as he rode and finished the climb only 13 minutes behind a local rider's best time on the Olympic team. Amazing if you ask me. I know he really dug deep for that one. What a trooper. He took this shot right after. It's atop Rabbit Ears Pass.

He did finish the route and has one more day ahead. I think this Wisconsin boy is ready to come home. We are ready to have him here too! I'm so proud of all he's done and seriously amazed.