I came across some descriptions on the Internet about biking up the Mount Evans, and that intrigued me a bit. So, I decided to try it myself. You can use this link to read a detailed description of a Mount Evans ride that has quite a bit of overlap with mine experience and impressions.

I shifted into the rear gear (in my garage) at 5:55 a.m., and was back turning the car engine off at 4:55 p.m. Went from Greeley through Denver in the morning, had a breakfast at Idaho Springs, and reached the parking at Echo Lake at 8:40-8:45 (a 108 miles total). Paid mine $3 fee and started the ride at 9:00 a.m.

I did not start taking pictures until more than half a way up. Here is one, a look up

Got to take some pictures at Summit Lake. You can see this one or another one

The climb after Summit Lake was more and more difficult. Once you spot the top it is still long ways and a lot of hard work before getting there.

How about this!

As I was into the last switchback before the parking something started hitting my jacket. Was it rain or snow, I wondered? - kind of both. It did not last long though. The parking is reached:

Change into a dry T-shirt (and add another one), and put a full-length pants over my shorts, and take some pictures.

My bike is ready to go back, but a few more pictures are in order.

Let's get up to the official top of Mt. Evans.

You don't want to try to touch that water! Here is a better look at it, the Summit Lake again.

I wish I could stay longer here, continue visit with some people, enjoy the views ... - but the clouds look threatening, so I better try to get back to my car (or at least below the tree line) asap. One more picture from the top:

There was quite a bit of traffic on the Mt.Evans road that day, but I was lucky to have the road all for myself for most of the descent. Back to my car in about 50 minutes. Now I can afford some time to take a few pictures of the starting point area. Here is the Mount Evans sign A picture of and we can say bye to Mount Evans

On the way back, I took HWY 119 route through Boulder. Even though it is a bit longer (128 miles) it is much more pleasant than Denver's rush hour. A nice light rain shower refreshed the air so nicely, but that was still up in the mountains (Black Hawk and nearby area). Greeley was there with 104 or so.

It was such a nice day up in the mountains, and at least several hour away from the heat!