My tires pushed against the ground as my heart raced. The rhythm of my breath outmatched the cadence of my legs. I could see the top of the hill in the distance. My mood could only be described
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My tires pushed against the ground as my heart raced. The rhythm of my breath outmatched the cadence of my legs. I could see the top of the hill in the distance. My mood could only be described as blissful agony.
I kept telling myself to fight because giving up is never an option. So, I fought like my life depended on it, and for a few moments, I was almost convinced it did. I don’t know how long it took, I didn’t care.
The most important thing to me was saying, “I did it.” Feeling a bit delusional and, perhaps delirious, I summited. After catching my breath and chugging a liter of electrolytes, I leaned my bike on the ground to look at the 360-degree view of the Rocky Mountains.
As I took in the scenery, I wasn’t sure when my heart beat the most out of control, while mountain biking uphill or witnessing the breathtaking beauty before me. I couldn’t stop smiling. It felt like I had made it to heaven.
The Winter Park Resort (WPR) opened on January 28, 1940. Since then it has been a year-round mecca for outdoor adventurers. During winter, skiers and snowboarders enjoy dancing with the Colorado snow.
The fun isn’t over at the end of ski season. Residents and summer tourists crowd the resort for mountain biking, downhill riding, hiking, and summer events. The WPR also offers uphill biking opportunities.
Uphill biking access to Winter Park Resort and Trestle Bike Park is available on designated routes with a free uphill pass. Riders must sign a summer waiver by visiting the Guest Services in Balcony House at the Winter Park Resort base. Yes, you can rent a bike.
One of the many things I appreciate about the WPR is their respect for nature and Colorado’s history. The resort has written a land acknowledgment statement as a “foundational step toward recognizing the role Native and Indigenous people play in our past, present, and future connection to the land and water.” I love this!
At my age, I should probably just stick to hiking, but if a small knee injury is all I suffered this day, I’ll take it. Besides, my new narrative tells me that I’m unstoppable and worthy of all the beauty life has to offer.
So, I spent a few hours in a euphoric state in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, experiencing what the late John Denver described as “Rocky Mountain High.”
The Winter Park Resort is located at 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WinterParkResortCO or call them at 970-726-5514.
