Loam MTB

Seasonal Transition Disorder. . Earlier this week I found myself in the general area of the Maroon Bells in Aspen, CO. With my summer dedicated to long and steep alpine runs, my legs and lungs feel fitter than ever. So, I bankrolled a lot of optimism, a mediocre forecast, and went for the Four Pass Loop. You don’t know unless you go, right?! . The snow that fell less than a week prior was more substantial than anticipated and wind loading made for fresh sneaker tracks on a few passes. Where there wasn’t snow, there was mud. So, the 27 miles and 8,000’ of gain went 1-2 hours slower than I expected but I can’t say I regret just showing up. . I can say that I am slowly coming to terms with lower elevation cement pounding and starting to eye up my ski quiver more illustriously. . If the snow is here to stay up high, which it very much appears to be, I’ll adapt. That’s the thing, I’m just so damn grateful to be capable of adapting to these seasons. . Who knows, maybe this means lycra and skinny skis 😉. . Photos: (1) Atop a very gusty West Maroon Pass (12,465’), the fourth and final pass. (2) The classic Maroon Bells at a not so alpine start of 8:15am. (3) Reflecting on Buckskin Pass (12,462’) (4) 31° F start 🥶