“Team” is an elusive thing.
Most teams take a photo at the beginning when everything’s fresh with excitement and anticipation. No stains on the uniforms, no battle scars. Easy to call yourself a team before the work begins.
So we gathered with our hosts in Gunnison, fourteen individuals filled with some mixture of “I can’t wait to get going” and “I wonder how it’ll all work out.” Can’t wait to bust out the team jerseys and finally hit the road, no idea what will happen.
I prefer the pictures at the end of the journey. Satisfaction mixed with experience and perhaps bit of weariness adds fullness and texture. I imagine the stories, the relationships, the bumps and bruises that happened along the way.
“Team” isn’t about uniforms. If you’re fortunate, “team” happens as you follow the dream together, as you work and sweat and sacrifice together.
COLORADO MOUNTAIN FREEDOM TOUR is off to a great beginning. We had a special time together on Thursday sharing stories and getting acquainted. Friday the cyclists cranked 67 miles from Gunnison to Salida over Monarch Pass.
Everyone climbed the pass successfully, lunch at the top was spectacular, and the descent was fast (35 mph to 50+ mph!) but uneventful. We rolled into town just ahead of the rainstorm.
Lots of climbing today from Salida through Buena Vista to Leadville at about 10,100 feet. More stories, more relationships, more chances to add meaning to that end-of-the-tour photo. I hope you’ll follow along and share the journey with us.
I believe we’re in for an amazing tour. I can’t wait to experience everything that will fill our final team photo with great memories.