Yesterday we drove from Denver up to Steamboat Springs. We got here just in time for the final race of the MTB season here in town. The problem was that a crazy isolated storm blew in 15 minutes before the race and it was a deluge of rain. The race was cancelled. So, I went out of an hour ride up the time trial course for tomorrow’s race.

We’re staying at Kent and Katie Eriksen’s house up towards the hot springs, about 7 miles up the mountain. It is quite a drive here. It was super nice waking up in the aspen trees. His house is completely surrounded by an aspen forest. I’ll post some pictures tomorrow.

Sue and Trudi went cowboy boot shopping yesterday during the rain storm. They aren’t even close to cheap. More like pretty expensive. But I guess they are a lifetime purchase, so maybe the cost shouldn’t matter that much.

I’m racing a four day stage race here starting tomorrow afternoon. I haven’t raced in Colorado on the road for ages. It should be interesting. Tomorrow is a 6.5 mile TT, but I only have my normal road bike, so I doubt it is going to go that well. I’m just here for training and the experience, so it should be pretty low pressure. At least as low pressure as it can be on race days.

Katie and Kent are going to take some time off from building frames to ride this afternoon. That’s all I have on my agenda. Pretty nice day. Bromont is running crazy in the woods here, so he’s in dog heaven. Okay, I’d better get the day going.

Rishi Grewal lives here and is coaching the high school MTB team. I'm going to ride with him this afternoon.

Sue and Trudi trying on cowboy boots at F.M. Lights in Steamboat.

Kent putting hot sauce on a ice cream taco after dinner last night.

I hunkered down during the storm under this pagoda with this guy.

I can’t believe it is Labor Day already. I’ve always done the Gateway Cup in St. Louis, but racing in Steamboat Springs seemed to be in the cards this year. I was already at altitude and Trudi was coming back through Denver for 3 days, so it worked out well.

Yesterday I went out and did a 2 hour ride with Kent, Sue, and Rishi Grewal. (And no, I didn’t find out what Alexi is up to.) After the ride we rode back to Kent’s place and went down to the Yampa RIver and swam. That was definitely the highlight of the day. The water was so refreshing. Bromont got into the mix and didn’t mind jumping right into the white water to cross.

So there is a 6.5 mile TT at 4:30. Now Kent says he might have some fast wheels and clip on bars for me to use. I’m not sure I want to go to all that trouble, but probably will. I had been feeling pretty good riding up at altitude, but ever since I’ve been in Steamboat I’m been kind of mediocre. Katie says it is bad allergies since they are harvesting all the hay here now. I don’t know the reason, but it isn’t the same good feelings as Silverthorne. I need to get some race miles though.

I’m going so for a ride this morning and mess with my bike later. There is a first Friday art walk in town this evening from 5-8pm. Got to get done with the TT quick to get to the wine tasting.

Kent and Katie's house up the aspen grove.

Another view from the side. The logs are aspen.

Welding a frame at Eriksen Cycles.

Rishi's training bike. (The Etto helmet isn't his. Just for the photo.)

Rishi coming out of the Yampa River. He thought the water was cold. Not compared to the lakes in Wisconsin.

We walked down the road towards the hotsprings yesterday evening. Here's Sue and Trudi checking out the storm coming in.