out of our heads

People kept saying we were crazy for doing what we did. at times we were questioning ourselves as to why we were doing what we were doing. 5600 ft of vert on day one?!!!! sure why not! climb from 7700 to 13000! this turned from a bike trip into a test of endurance and determination. sadly weather and a terrible asthma attack on my part left us with little option but to dip out early. I am disappointed that we didn't get to finish out the full route, but looking back it is hard to be disappointed seeing the terrain we crossed. there is a really good chance no one had been where we were with bikes, ever. riding/hiking old mining trails that were used over a hundred years ago. traversing a ridge at 12500 feet with 1500 vert of exposure to the valley floor. there were several do or die situation we ran into. Not to mention the insane weather that left us jumping into an old mine. Hail and lighting at 13000 feet will make any man feel more like a little baby.

Would I ever go back to attempt the full route? Never! This was definitely a once in a life time experience. We were lucky to make it through unharmed, another attempt would simply be pushing our luck. Thanks to all over our supporters; WTB, Ergon, Bern and of course Banshee Bikes.


Linden Carlson cruizzzzing along at 12500 feet, with a little bit of exposure. it wasn't until we were across the valley until we fully realized the extend of the exposure of this section. riding along on a shelve about four feet wide with an 800 foot climb to another 1000+ feet of 40 deg slope. No falling here!