Pre-Trip in Fraser, Colorado

Andy Straus is the man. Andy graciously allowed me to crash at his Fraser, Colorado condominium for a few nights before my ride began. Andy has a beautiful view of the mountains in all directions, a awesome dog named Ruby, and a bunch of friendly neighbors. I spend so much time in the city that I forget just how laid back life in the country can be. I really envy his set-up.

Upon Andy’s recommendation, I had my bike shipped to Christy Sports in Fraser. Of course everyone in the place knew Andy the second he walked in. I was charged a total of $35 (ridiculously low price) to have my bike assembled and tuned, no doubt on account of being a affiliated with a local celebrity of Andy’s stature. It felt good to get on the bike and ride from the shop as we had spent nearly two weeks apart. Reunited and it feels so good!

Andy and I took a nice hike around Monarch Lake, located just a few miles from the border of Rocky Mountain National Park. Monarch Lake is one of those places that get overlooked by the RV tourist hoards as they drive to the park, which is precisely why it is a special place. Andy brought along a couple of fishing rods for our walk. Although he only cast a couple of times, it was fascinating to hear his observations on how fish swim the river, and where the best fishing spots are located. Ruby was a lot of fun to walk around the lake, she is a super friendly and full of energy.

Andy also took his roommate Nate and I on a rafting trip on the Colorado River. The whole trip blew my mind. For starters, Andy is completely outfitted with first-class rafting gear and he has years of expertise guiding trips. His boat is configured right now to seat three comfortably, but he can re-configure to bring more folks along as well.

The river was powerful and wild. Andy rated our run through the Lower Gore Canyon as a Class 3+ in rafting terms. Let me tell you if that was a Class 3+ I don’t feel any pressing need to every try a Class 4 or above!! While Andy was in complete control of the raft the entire time, I was in awe of the sheer power of the river. In the narrow turbulent sections, massive haystacks of whitewater burst over huge boulders as the current seemed to fly in from all direction at once. The boat would heave forward and backward, backwards and sideways, in such a way that a layperson might think, even for a second, it was out of control until all of the sudden they realize that the whole time Andy has been setting the boat up for a perfectly controlled exit from the chaos.

After we returned from rafting, Andy went on later that night to play in a two-man bluegrass show at a place called The Pub. He had the crowd completely captivated and it was a great time for all. Where this man gets the energy to lead a three-hour rafting trip and play a three-hour concert in the same day I have no idea!