After my 0'dark thirty conference call this morning I went out for a spin on my bike.  Rather than ride east, I went west.  Up, up and up.  I decided there was no time like the present to give Olde Stage Road, a notorious climb in Boulder, a try.  It's especially prudent given I've signed up for the Boulder Peak triathlon this summer.

Initially I spent a great deal of time gasping for air, but that quickly changed to gasping in awe at the beauty of the day.  All of my senses were engaged.  The lightest cool breeze was tickling my skin.  My eyes were treated to the rolling green mesa in the plains, an unusual treat in semi-arid Colorado.  Young aspen leaves twinkled against the bright blue backdrop of the clear Colorado sky.  The perfume of the pines was subtle, while the trill of the hummingbirds competed with the crickets, all with the backdrop of the river roaring down the canyon.  A brief stop at the friendly Jamestown Mercantile for a fresh backed muffin and cup of coffee was just one more special treat the day offered.

I don't believe I have ever had a more amazing day on my bike.  In many ways it took me back to the summers of my childhood.  Everything was so green, so beautiful, so new.  I think the glow of this mornings unexpected sensory experience will stay with me for a long, long time....

(Not that these pictures even due the ride justice...but since I took them here they are!)

View from Olde Stage across the plains, Boulder Rez in the background: 

 While many of Boulder's uber athletes charge up to Ward,  I did the smart thing for me:

 This picture would be sooo much better with sound:

Check out that blue-blue of the sky.   The aspen leaves were just dancing in the breeze.