Sporting yellow jerseys, tired legs, and huge smiles, local cyclists Robert Heyl, Marty McKean, Chuck Howe, Jack Nickerson and Dean Palmquist rolled into Cortez on Sunday, completing the first leg of the Ride the Rockies bike tour. After a night or rest, relaxation and some home cooking, the riders were back on the road early Monday morning to begin the second leg of a trek that will eventually take them to Colorado Springs.
For each member of the team, participating in the Ride the Rockies tour has already proven to be a rewarding experience.
"My favorite part of the tour thus far has been riding with all these wonderful cyclists who are in terrific condition," said Bob Heyl. "I love the beautiful scenery we have here in Southwest Colorado and I expect the beautiful scenery to continue as I continue to ride across the state."
Echoing Heyle's comments regarding Colorado's natural beauty, Chuck Howe stated, "Going up over Lizard Head Pass has was my favorite part of the ride thus far. The landscape was absolutely incredible."
While the riders were eager to continue their ride through Colorado, they were also cognizant of the challenges that lay ahead.
Beginning their second day of the tour, the riders were aware that challenges lay ahead. "Wolf Creek pass will be the most challenging aspect of this ride for me," said Howe. "That's going to be a long day."
"Sitting on the bike for so many miles, getting sore, will be the most challenging aspect of the ride for me," said Hyle. "It's only the first leg and I'm already sore."
For the entire Cortez bike team, participating in an event that brings a great deal of positive energy to the local community is especially gratifying.
"It's a wonderful thing to showcase our community," said Hyle. "We have a wonderful park system and recreation center here. For the town of Cortez to have so many people from not only Colorado, but the entire United States see our beautiful town is special."
Throughout the day Sunday, Cortez played host to more than 2,000 riders and demonstrated just how special this place is.
"We had lots of volunteers here, the child advocacy center has been here, and Crow Canyon Archeological Center was here," said Heyl.
Representatives from The Medicine Horse, a local non-profit organization that provides equine therapy, were also on hand to receive a $5,000 grant from the Denver Post Community Foundation. Local non-profit organizations were eligible to apply for the grant due to Cortez's role as a host town for Ride the Rockies.
At the end of the day, Sunday, acclaimed international cyclist George Hincapie shared his experiences in international cycling with a large crowd. Following Hincapie's speech, The Beautiful Losers delighted the crowd with a wonderful musical performance. All in all, hosting Ride the Rockies in Cortez provided a gratifying experience for local riders, visiting riders, and the entire Cortez community. The overall experience of the event was truly special.
