Day 4 – 8/24/17

8/23/17 – Day 3

8/21/17 – Day 2

Monday was about getting our equipment fitted out for the athletes and getting acclimated. We started with basic skills and they learned how to maneuver their wheels over various obstacles.

Each athlete had different types of trikes as you will be able to tell from the video and each one came with their own challenges.

 The day was interrupted to watch the eclipse and gave us a chance to take a short break.

 After lunch we ventured out for some riding around the town loop which got all the fellas out into the hills and gave us an opportunity to see the amazing vistas and challenge ourselves on the trail.

The trail had its challenges but the most challenging was the lack of oxygen! No injuries despite a couple of crashes so the day was a success.

As I get to know everyone I am inspired by their positive attitude and GRIT!

-Thomas

8/20/17 – Day 1

The day started with a 3am wake up call. All packed and ready to go headed out the door at 4am BWI-DFW first leg.

DFW-flight was on time and off to Montrie to meet Jody Shifler-the event organizer, Mark and Linda Power along with Luke and Brianna from the Adaptive Sports Center http://www.adaptivesports.org

Off to Crested Butte 2 hour drive.

Arrived Crested Butte and all is well. Met all the athletes and got briefed by the ASC staff about the exciting week to come finished off with Pizza and water.

Crested Butte is at 8880 feet. Nothing to mess with so water and NO booze. Skiing is one thing but mountain biking at this altitude should be exciting. The highlight of the briefing was finding out that one of the rides is a 2-1/2 mile hill climb and 1,000 feet of climbing. That will be a record for me and at this altitude should be interesting.

Monday is planned to get our bikes checked out and out for an easy 10 mile ride in the low country. Low country is above 9,000 feet. Ill be working on getting used to using the go pros and adding footage to my diary.

-Thomas

We printed some awesome bike decals for the event! Can’t wait to share them with everyone!