shelter from the storm

PULLING A CHAMOIS ON BEFORE SUNrise requires motivation. Or at least the reassurance that a warm blob will soon rise above the horizon, heat the earth and guide your path. This morning we have no such reassurance. A thick, low ceiling of storm clouds and an ominous forecast call for every layer and piece of Gore-Tex we brought. Our packs are bursting with bars, water, shoe covers and extra gloves as we leave the comforts of the OPUS Hut, board our wet bikes and roll through the first of many puddles on an old mule trail east of the hut. Here, rides start at 11,600 feet above sea level. The singletrack quickly fades to scree, and I’m on and off my bike as we dip in and out of slide paths. Within an hour, we’re above treeline and fully exposed to the raindrops that start falling. The views of Colorado’s largest mountain range are