Hill Killer Apparel Summer Jersey

olenkaphoto  

I know, I know...Winter is coming...BUT check out this new jersey from Hill Killer Apparel.  It is unlike any jersey I've ever worn.  The fabric is ultra-light while remaining structurally sound.  It lays beautifully, a modern classic.  An all black everything, luxury aesthetic, with a tinge of 80s revival, meets the feeling of cycling naked.  It features lengthened sleeves with asymmetrically pigmented compression-grip bands.  A favorite jersey of mine for sure.

Separate fabrics, textures and weights used for individual sections around the jersey. 

     

Mt. Evans

Grueling and epic (Mt. Evans was a blast)  Tips: Eat and drink enough on the ride up, approach well rested, pace yourself, pre-acclimate regarding elevation, be careful descending.  The first half of Evan's descent from the summit is painful.  Cracked asphalt, potholes, high-traffic (goat, human, car)  Met majestic mountain goats with babies.  So graceful on the rocks (compared to the greatest athletes, mountain goat mannerism, and skill set remains unparalleled.

Cycling Sunshine Canyon Solo

While it can be done on a 28, the ascent definitely calls for a 32/40T cassette (seated) Found the rear wheel spinning sand (out the saddle)  Blazing sun, convenient rest stops, gorgeous views.  With a maximum grade of 21-24% Sunshine Canyon definitely requires pacing.  Underestimated the climb for sure.  It's convenient to blame altitude acclimation, wonky sleep, slacking nutrition/glucose exhaustion, 28T cassette, or emotional stress.  In reality, the climb is just a bit soul-crushing.  I recommend going up in peak condition...otherwise, relax.  The descent offers short and steep switchbacks, many blind turns, very few potholes. Epic ride.   

Arapahoe > Flagstaff > Baseline

I've been wanting to explore Arapahoe AND Baseline. So what better way than take Arapahoe to Flagstaff, hit the Strava segment on Flagstaff, and ride Baseline back.  The road conditions and vehicular traffic taking Arapahoe into Boulder (center) were intense. I'd highly suggest Baseline in either direction. Baseline has a wider shoulder, smoother tarmac, and is full of "sport and commuter" cyclists of all types.
Flagstaff was fun.  Snow-capped mountains, ominous and cloudy Flatirons.  Met a friendly deer and helped her cross the road.  Young kids in sporty cars, flooring it on the straight-away, could've hit her for sure.  The deer aren't shy here.  Brought one metal bottle, refilled it once. First water had electrolyte / hydration powder.  Had a few dark chocolate peanut butter cups.  Even though I don't enjoy chocolate on rides, put myself in a situation where I had no option. I'd rather meditate on chocolate.
Coming back on Baseline was fun.  Got the high / leg chills.  Drafted behind a bus and later behind a confident commuter with a large messenger bag.  Strong rider, nice pace.  Epic road conditions and beautiful rolling hills.  The scenery is amazing here. Everywhere I look is like a landscape painting, stunning and surreal.  Always grateful, it will never get old.

Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain was my first ride in Colorado (after a year of being away) With Jeff Osar (Big Vegan Jeff) setting the pace, it was obvious I hadn't trained in two weeks (before a three-day drive) Temperature on Lookout was around 80 (give or take) with subtle snowy patches lining the way.  Forgot my bottles (at home) so Jeff let me borrow two of his.  The combination of not training, lacking sleep, and putting on weight (in the form of water and fat) had me feeling fatigued, but stoked to be riding regardless.  Jeff arrived decked out in avocados, so naturally, I knew it would be another fun ride with epic levels of positivity and gratitude for the natural world. Avocados and seafoam green...DUH!

    

Trail Running Baltimore Maryland

Baptized in the Gunpowder River, I've been running and cycling trails of Baltimore Maryland since birth.  Through miles of sunny sky and flooded, frozen trail, I'd hold onto morale and arrive home with a newfound sense of accomplishment and awe, inspired for the next adventure.  Connecting with the natural world, away from the confines of concrete, glass, and stainless steel.  Open to a world of endless possibilities, senses overwhelmed with nostalgic stimuli. Manmade concepts of mercy and ferocity do not exist here. Go outside.  

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