Mountain Biking Mania!!!

Ready to ride!

A full day of mountain biking wasn't what we had planned while here in Colorado Springs (although Daddy would have enjoyed that immensely) but our original plan to head down to the Royal Gorge Bridge had to be changed - the wild fires have devastated that park.  There is no access to the bridge, 48 of the 52 buildings in the park were destroyed and they don't anticipate opening until the fall.  And even then on a very limited basis.  Really sad - Lisa and I were looking forward to sharing that with the kids...

Palmer Park - great trails with great views!

But, if you're looking for things to do in Colorado Springs, mountain biking would be at the top of the list.  In the morning, we headed to Palmer Park in the northern part of the city.  We parked at the wrong end of the park for Annalise - her training wheels were no match for these trails.

Lunch time!

Maribeth and the girls explored a little, but then headed back to Gigantibeast for lunch while Lisa, Graeme and I climbed a trail with a great view of the city.  Fantastic trails with the right balance of technical sections and geographical beauty.








I decided to put together a little video - it is a combination of our ride in Palmer Park and then "Date Night" for Lisa and I which was a ride through Garden of the Gods (on the road) and then a trail ride in mountain biking section of the park.  We can't thank Maribeth enough for allowing Date Night to happen - she stayed back at camp with the kids.  The did a combo "pool and laundry" night.  Thank goodness the pool and the laundry are right next to each other!

So here's the video - the strangest thing about Date Night was that we waited out an hour and a half rain squall, unsure of whether or not we would get to ride or not.  But the sun did shine and the crowds all left the park so our ride was in relative seclusion for a Saturday evening at Garden of the Gods.

One last thing - after you watch this video, you may see why Graeme is my hero.  That kid can ride!  Nothing phases him and he makes great decisions on the trail.  Fun to watch as a father.  And a passing hiker summed it up pretty well.  "That little guy is tearing it up!"

Finally!  Enjoy!

Mountain Biking Colorada Springs