A Mountain Journey - Bandi's First Run and Ride

  Evening Star:  The Eternal Light

From:  Lord of the Rings

As I had planned on going on our long run/ride today...

I made an extra large breakfast for us earlier in the morning...

so as to allow our food to fully digest before we began

(eggs and corned beef hash).

I waited until the late afternoon before beginning our longest ride/run yet

(It was about twice as far as our regular ride/runs).

This way there would be plenty of shade all along the way.

In preparation for it...

I packed water for Bandi...

and I hooked up her doggie carrier in case she got tired

(she did...and she rode part of the way).

I opened up the top, front, and back of the carrier for free airflow for Bandi.

Inside there is a thick and soft floor for her to lie on comfortably.

On the left vertical steering handle is the trike computer...

and on the right side is the iPhone holder so I may use GPS on Maps.

As I am unfamiliar with most of the many roads on the mountain...

I use it whenever I ride on new routes.

This is my bag to carry my gloves and balaclava in case of cold/windy conditions.

I keep this bag permanently attached to my trike now.

This will ensure I never leave home without them again  :)

We are all set to go.

Bandi is always excited to go on her run.

You can see the thick padding on the floor of the doggie carrier.

The fluffy and brilliant white clouds against the backdrop of a big blue sky were magnificent

(as you will see in the photos...the clouds just seemed to glow).

The temperature was in the low to mid 60s F (15-18 C or so)...

and there was a constant 5-10 MPH (8-16 KPH) cool mountain breeze blowing.

It was such a perfect day to ride.

We headed down the mountain ridge to the adjoining ridge...

but instead of going to the top of the mountain...

we just went around the side of the mountain from ridge to ridge

before going back down to the main road going back up the mountain...

following my ridge line.

I love partly cloudy skies.

They are just so beautiful to watch.

We stopped many times in the shade so Bandi could rest.

This was her first water break.

Straight ahead goes to the top of the mountain...

and to the left (our route)...

it goes from ridge to ridge along the side of the mountain.

This particular route is absolutely beautiful in Autumn

(I had driven this route last Autumn).

It is lined with Aspens almost the whole way.

Just one of many rest stops for Bandi.

Another water break for Bandi.

I would allow her to drink and rest for about 15 minutes at each water break.

For the other breaks...

they were anywhere from 5-10 minutes long.

It depended on her breathing rate and her restlessness to continue.

Plus...

on all of our trike runs...

the whole way...

we only go so fast as Bandi wishes to go

(as soon as she starts to slow down...

it is time for another break).

Most of the time it is at a leisurely 5 MPH or so.

The water container.

It is insulated stainless steel so the water remains cool.

About three quarters of the way...

Bandi was getting very tired.

So...

without hesitation...

Bandi got in the carrier and lay down.

She was more than ready to ride

(there are multiple attached straps and clips to hook on to her collar...inside).

We finally hit the main road going up the mountain.

There is this little park in a mini Aspen grove dedicated to Lilly...

just off the side of the main road.

I am assuming it was someone whom had died and this was a memorial for her

(it is very beautiful in Autumn).

It is, both, sad...and sweet.

Part way up the mountain road...

Bandi was insisting to run again.

She was fully rested and raring to go.

I took her from the carrier and reattached her leash to the trike...

and off again...we went.

My ridge line turnoff is just ahead.

This day was just so perfect...

the views were amazing...

and the constant cool breezes were refreshing.

We still took many breaks on our way back up the ridge.

We were nearing home here.

Home was just ahead.

Although Bandi loved her long run/ride/run...

she is always glad to get back home.

In all...

our run/ride took about 2.5 hours.

We just took our time and enjoyed the fresh air...

cooling mountain breezes...

and beautiful scenery...

including the extraordinary cloud formations.

Bandi almost immediately went to my room and went to sleep.

My legs are a little sore...

but that ride was so worth it.

I will make an extra large and delicious meal for us tonight...

we have both earned it.

We are going to stuff ourselves with...

Avocados...

Somen...

Sausages...

and a couple of fruit pies.

But...

right now...

I am going to take a nice long and hot shower.

What a beautiful day...

an absolutely beautiful day.