Here’s a Quick Way to Extend the Benefits of a Mountain-Top Experience

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Route Map showing Day 32 of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, Breckenridge Colorado to Cañon City Colorado

I reached the peak elevation of the trip: Hoosier Pass at 11,542 feet (3,518 m)!

Then my heart sank as my altimeter registered drops more aligned with landing an airplane that riding a bicycle.

So in today's video, I reflect on how to extend the benefits of having a mountain-top experience.

Photo, Day 32 of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, Mandy with her bicycle in front of large sign that says: "Hoosier Pass, Elevation 11,539 feet, Continental Divide." There's also a smaller plaque that says: "Hoosier Pass across Continental Divide between South Park and the Blue River. Altitude 11,42 feet. Crossed by Fremont 1844. Named for Hoosier Gulch, discovered and worked as a placer camp by Indiana men 1860."

Today I reached the highest elevation point for the entire journey. Hoosier Pass is 11,542 feet (3,518 m). I love it that the highest pass of the journey is named in honor of the state where I grew up, Indiana. Zoom in on the plaque in the photo to learn more. I had one of the steepest climbs today from Breckenridge up to the pass, gaining 2,000 feet (610 m) in just 10 miles (6 km). I also had the largest daily descent of the trip rolling down 7,024 ft (that's 1.3 miles or 2.1 km). I also had some surprise 9% uphill grades as a crossed the county line from Park County to Fremont County.

Making memories
  • I stopped in the small town of Alma for a coffee to warm me up on my way down from Hoosier Pass.
  • I stayed at a KOA campground near the Royal Gorge. I was only sad that the water slide was already closed for the season.
  • My repairs were a success! Pedal assist is working again. It made the ascent up Hoosier Pass an even greater joy. Plus, road construction had one lane closed to traffic (but not bicycles) so I had a separate, calm riding space all the way to the top.
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Mandy Birch is a global executive engineer and military veteran who builds teams, leaders, & multinational organizations that unlock the potential of disruptive ideas. She enjoys accelerating emerging technologies & strategic partnerships to drive multi-generational thriving for people & communities around the world.

Mandy's interests include: #innovation #leadership #technology #partnerships #quantumcomputing #career #growth #womenintech #veterans #entrepreneurship #creativity #future #foreignpolicy #democracy #geopolitics


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