Arriving in Colorado Springs was the culmination of research begun a year ago. Our 5-month travel plan incorporated stops in various cities specifically to take in key events. In Colorado Springs – that included the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, otherwise known as The Race to the Clouds, held for decades on the Fourth of July. That is, until we came to town.
About a week before July 4th, we pulled into the Colorado Springs KOA excited and anxious to see the Race. As we were checking in, I chatted excitedly to the clerk how thrilled we were to be there to see The Race! “Oh!” She exclaimed. “That was yesterday!”
WHAT? This can’t be! But, it was.
Lesson learned: when you do research a year out, check your facts as you get closer to launch date. New organizers evidently took over planning for the Race and moved the date up and off July 4th. DANG!
However, Pikes Peak is a must see when visiting Colorado Springs. I recommend avoiding it on weekends if possible. The 19-mile road leading up is no thoroughfare, and it’s shared with Santa’s Workshop, a large tourist attraction that itself draws hundreds of visitors. You can also take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway up to the Peak, though you’re packed in with a lot of other summit seekers. Many people take the Cog Rail up and bike down, a service organized as: Challenge Unlimited Pikes Peak by Bike. Or, you can hike to the Peak.
The road winds up above the clouds at 14,115’ elevation, and is open year-round, weather permitting. There’s a 30 degree temperature difference from the base of the mountain to the top. Donuts served at the souvenir store on top are considered “famous” by many. I however, was not aware of this and missed out. Besides, I was too busy trying to breath to eat donuts. At this elevation I got a headache (aspirin before proceeding up is recommended). And, since I was so excited about being there and taking in the incredible 360 degree views, I was running about, shooting photos and… I got very dizzy. So, my advice: Slow down, breath deep, drink lots of water. Be conscious of the fact that oxygen is very thin at this elevation.
It took us about 3 hours to drive to the summit and back. That’s well over an hour just going up. The current record holder for the 12.42 mile Pikes Peak Race is Sebastien Loeb, who made it to the summit in 8:13:878. Again, WHAT? Sure wish I could have seen that!
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