The 75 mile ride today was again blessed with totally blue skies. Unfortunately, the cross winds coming out of Buena Vista practically brought the riders to a stand still but once they passed the first aid station, the wind started to calm itself. The ride took them over the 10th Mountain Division Hwy with all its beauty and snow capped mountains. Hwy 24 tends to be really quiet with little traffic but it also lacks a shoulder after Leadville. All up hill for the first 40 miles over the Continental Divide and then they dropped into my aid station.
Dion and I once again set up aid station 4. We were first shift and once the set up was complete, we had little to do as the riders were taking a lot longer with the strong cross winds. Well, we got to talk to the vendors, and each other and the early riders which is rather an enjoyable thing to do. I had a lengthy talk with Ron Kiefel who raced for the 7-11 team in the Tour and now owns one of the largest bike shops in Colorado. Always nice to hear about whats new in the bike world. The Shimano wireless shifters which are currently available at the Dura Ace level, will next year be available at the Ultegra level thereby bringing the cost down. He likes the wireless but still needs a little work. Not sure if Campy will come out with anything that competes.
After we were done with our shift, we were able to really enjoy the rest of the drive into the Vail Valley. We are staying in the gated community of Beaver Creek where the local chefs come out with warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to help perk you up in the middle of the afternoon.
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