JJ with Friends!

Michelle Grainger, Steve Le Goff, John Lien, and JLE head out on the highly popular James Canyon Jaunt 200km Permanent on Saturday, April 20.

 

Thanks, Michelle, for these great photos!

 

 

This was a great example of rando camaraderie, as Steve and Michelle invited new rando John Lien on their favorite 200k perm.  John was fresh from his first-ever 200k, the Drake Doubleback the Saturday before.  They easily persuaded JLE to change his plans from the Glen Haven Gallivant, as snow was already flying on the Peak-to-Peak Highway.

 

John Lien climbs the silky smooth Niwot/Neva Road heading for the snowy peaks:

 

We clear the sole dirt segment, the Neva Rd. Shortcut.

 

Entering Lefthand Canyon ...

... and continuing our climb - the ample sand was manageable.

 

Michelle contemplates spring in Colorado.

 

This was a solid foot of snow five days earlier.

JLE climbs the Lower Carter Lake Road, decked out in his Last Chance thermal jersey, in anticipation of a frostier ride on the Peak-to-Peak.

Nice view of the Morrison formation and Devil's Backbone from atop the dam bordering Paradise Valley:

The reservoir remains entirely thawed despite the wintry weather - it's spring after all!

 

What is John Lien doing in the proximity of the information control at Masonville??

The descent towards Masonville is lyrical and reveals the always-scenic Horsetooth area outcroppings, replete with April snow dusting.

 

Steve and John prepare for a serious resupply at Sandy's outside Loveland:

The whole gang joins in, to show that casual perm-ride spirit of camaraderie and gustatory indulgence (the two sunglass-clad riders are probably hearing the clocking ticking the loudest):

 

The homebound segment was a breeze, especially with a NE wind, and the statutory 48 minutes from the Erie control to the finish turned into 40 minutes.

 

I really enjoyed this ride with friends on the JJ, and especially thank Michelle and Steve for being so welcoming.  This hopefully shows how we share the fun (and occasional grit?) of randonneuring with unsuspecting folks who will learn to love it.

 

-jle