Summit Push

Recently (yesterday) I challenged my family to test their physical limits. We rode our bikes from Vail to Vail Pass. We gained 2000 vertical feet in 10 miles for an average gradient of 5%. That's a big ride even if you're not pulling the children behind you. Pulling the kids adds a whole new dimension to the challenge of riding up a mountain pass.
The array of emotions that we experienced while overcoming the physical rigors of this ride was simply spectacular. The conversations that take place in the head, the personal battles we fought in the silence of our minds, the occasional verbal outburst from the kids, who speak their minds rather than suffering in silence..... We made it to the summit after about 2 hours. Heather and I were in awe of the natural beauty, Jacob was sound asleep in the trailer, and Grace was quite impressed with the cleanliness of the public restrooms at the visitor center.