Squaw Peak

Since being sick I have not been able to go on any major rides. I lost a lot of the muscle I'd gained over the last 2 years of biking and have slowly been working back up to where I was, (which probably will take all the way through next summer). But there is definite progress. 

This last Saturday I was able to ride with Foster, Lorin and Jared, (the group that rode in Salt to Saint except we didn't have Jaron) up Squaw Peak. It was incredible to really see the difference that being sick had made. I've ridden Squaw Peak about ten times and could make it up in about 30-35 minutes. Now I was hitting 45 or 50 minutes. Not only that, but I was EXHAUSTED. I could barely make it up the last (steep) hill. But I did, which I'm pretty happy about. I plan on riding it at least once more before winter hits. 

Me, at the top of Squaw Peak.

If anyone has ever done this ride you'll know, it really isn't that easy. Not only is the average grade pretty high, (about 6.5%), but it only gets steeper as you climb. However, the views you get are amazing! Through the switchbacks that take you to the look-out point you get a climbing view of the city below. The trees around you, (and especially at this time) are beautiful, their leaves beginning to turn autumn colors and the only noises you hear for the majority of the time are that of wind, the cassette on the bike spinning, and your own panting breaths, carrying you to the top. You hit the steep finish ranging from 7-9% grade and stand up on the bike, pumping your arms back and forth trying to get over this last climb. You round the last switchback and see the city below you, from AF and Lehi, all the way to Springville. But there is still the steepest climb left and you mind soon turns to that last hill. The trees shade is gone now, and you feel the sweat really starting to pour. But you pedal, your cadence varying as you stand and then sit and then repeat. Finally, you see the people at the top, most with cars, looking at you like you're crazy or encouraging your last few pedal strokes and you've made it. For me, it was rough, but definitely worth the the feeling of accomplishment. 

All of us. Me, Jared, Lorin and Foster.

 I'm very grateful for all of the riders I've gotten to know and ridden with that have been nothing but encouraging. I'm sure they've all seen or heard my frustrations at slowly getting back to where I once was but they've really helped me along and kept me motivated. I made it to the top of squaw peak last of everyone but still felt accomplished at doing it and am glad I had some awesome riders pushing me and encouraging me the whole way up.