Old Fall River Road

What an adventurous trip! We went camping in Rocky Mountain National Park for the weekend. I love that park. It holds so many special memories for me. We had been planning this trip for a while, and it has been my goal for a few months now to ride my bike up Old Fall River Road, in preparation for the Century Tour in Moab this fall. The road opened to cars on July 1st. We wanted to ride it while it was still closed to cars, but open to bike and foot traffic. We made it just in time.

I chose Old Fall River Road because it has 3,000 feet of vertical gain over 9 miles. The ride in Moab will have 3,000 feet of vertical gain over about 7 miles. The biggest differences are that the Moab Century Tour is on a paved road and starts at a much lower elevation, and Old Fall River Road is a dirt road that starts at 8,600 feet and ends at 11,600 feet.

It seemed impossible to me. How can I ride my bike up that far?? The first 600 feet of vertical were the hardest. Once I got past that, it seemed easier as I rode on. I could breathe, and keep up with Brent, and I rode my bike the whole way up in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes. Not too bad for my first big climb. I was so happy to see the top. Now all I need to do is add about 50 to 90 additional miles on top of that climb and I will be set. At least now I know I can do the Big Nasty.