Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Never Summer 100K

  
 
This race had been on the radar for a couple of years and I would say it even exceeded my high expectations.  I knew I wanted to be a part of this inaugural event as it had "epic" potential.  When the opportunity came up to "race" it, I jumped at the chance.  I know how much hard work it took by all the volunteers to make this thing work and I thank you all for allowing 197 of us lucky runners to take on this challenge.
 
Being 2 weeks after Hardrock and 1 week before Ouray, I decided not to even think of this as a "race", but instead went very conservative, chatting with friends and taking tons of pictures.  Even with a conservative approach, I felt pretty worked by the finish line.  Pete and Nick have created a monster.  It was like a mix of Hardrock, Bighorn, Bear, and Wasatch all rolled into one incredible 65 mile course!
 
While I had hiked or run several parts of this course in State Forest State Park over my 20 years living in nearby Fort Collins, putting it all together in one big loop made me appreciate it even more.  Put this race on your bucket list everyone!
 
 
The starting line at Gould Community Center
 
Climbing up Seven Utes with the full Never Summer Range about to come into view
 
 
Kristel and Alan traversing the ridge before the drop to Lake Agnes

Lake Agnes
 

The American Lakes

 
The climb to North Diamond Peak to the beat of the kilted drummer

 
The traverse from North Diamond to Montgomery Pass

Near Montgomery Pass

Climbing toward Kelly Lake.  Most amazing wildflowers ever!

Kelly Lake

Some scrambling above Kelly Lake




7 comments:

  1. Not that I'm keeping track or anything, but this is twice in a row I've whooped your ass in the mountains.

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    1. You seem to have a selective memory (Cheyenne Mt, Black Squirrel, ...). I do want a rematch at Hardrock someday.

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  2. That course looks awesome

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    1. You need to come back to Colorado and do this Mike.

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  3. Awesome pictures. Sounds like a burly race, though I expect nothing less from the two clowns that orchestrated it. Would you do it again?

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    1. You would love it Steph! Yes I want to do this one every year. Nice job at Kendall Mt!

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