Triple Bypass 2007: A Milestone to Adulthood
by Paul Kincaid-Smith

Grandparents and philosophers know that young men need to prove themselves. Most of us aren’t so young anymore, but at 13 years of age, Jordan, is in the middle of his journey to adulthood. In 2007, Colorado’s 19th annual world-famous Triple Bypass bicycle ride became an epic milestone in his personal growth and development.

Here’s the story of how one young man joined 3,500 other bicycle riders and pitted himself against 120 miles of mountains. It’s also the story of how Colorado’s cycling community helped him grow.

The Calling. Three years ago my family watched our first bicycle race in downtown Golden. It was exhilarating for all of us! Jordan, just ten years old at the time, saw the junior racers zoom by in a colorful pack, and he yearned to get involved. I struck while the iron was hot. My friend, Brett Hunter, the owner of Sports Optical, was racing that day, so we asked him for some suggestions. He gave us an American Cycling Association newsletter that contained a schedule of upcoming local races. Brett’s generosity and willingness to guide us opened the door to a whole new world of cycling.

Jordan and I opened up my toolbox and adjusted my trusty commuter bike to fit him as best as we could. I took him to his first race the next weekend – the Sara Kay Memorial Criterium. It started early in the morning. It was wet. It was cold. It was hard. He joined the starting line, and his oversized green bicycle, complete with fenders and rack, looked like a work truck among sports cars. The racers took off and he pedaled his little guts out – literally. While Jordan struggled to finish his first bicycle race, I searched the crowd for a team coach. The motto on the Blacksheep (North Metro) junior cycling team jersey caught my eye: “Creating cycling’s future one youth at a time,” and I knew this would be our next step. I felt that if he joined a strong team, Jordan would have more opportunities to develop a lifelong love for a healthy, wholesome sport.

The Team. Jordan started attending Blacksheep’s Thursday cycling practices in Golden. He was hooked from the start. The team camaraderie was very encouraging. Not wanting to ride my commuter bike longer than he had to, Jordan worked around the house and in the neighborhood to save the money for his first road bike. Jordan quickly learned that training and hard work produce positive results. His riding skills and fitness level improved quickly. So did his confidence. After about a year with the team, he confided that he was glad that he finally found a sport that was perfect for him. He could see how cycling had helped him grow physically, mentally and emotionally.

The Connection. Life has a way of putting the right people in our path at the right time. I met Laura Robinson, a Team Evergreen board member, at work. She opened up a broader world of cycling possibilities to me. My cycling focus had been narrow – bicycle commuting. She showed me Michael Seeberg’s book Road Biking Colorado and recounted stories of inspiring rides she’d enjoyed around the state. Then she told me about the Triple Bypass ride that she helped organize. I was intrigued to learn more about this 120 mile bicycle ride that climbed over three Rocky Mountain passes.

Laura invited me on a Team Evergreen group ride that took us from Idaho Springs to Echo Lake. I loved that hilly ride. Mount Evans, she said, was her proving ground for the Triple Bypass. She knew she was ready for the Triple Bypass if she could ride to the top of Mount Evans. I immediately set two goals: Ride to the top of Mt. Evans; and then register for the 2006 Triple Bypass the following year. Despite the unusually wet and cold weather, I completed the 2006 Triple Bypass. Jordan, seeing my beaming face at the finish line, declared that he’d do the ride with me in 2007. In early 2007, Laura warned me that registration was filling up fast, so I paid our entry fees and started making training plans.

The Preparation. The 2007 Triple Bypass date became a focal point of our year. It was a motivator – a beacon – drawing us onward and upward. Our family and cycling team worked together to prepare Jordan for the challenge of his longest, hardest ride. Happy cycling miles ticked away over the months. He attempted Mount Evans several times. On July 4th, he felt he was ready for another attempt at his Triple Bypass proving ground – the ride to the top of Mt. Evans. We started early, and deliberately separated, so he could face the majestic mountain’s challenge alone. He made it to the top! We all knew he was ready to ride the Triple Bypass.

The Triple Bypass. On the day of the ride, Jordan and I were joined by two other Blacksheep riders and an acquaintance from work. The five of us set off in the grey pre-dawn light. We stuck to our energy conservation plan, which had a clear and simple indicator: Talking. If we could resist the temptation to race other riders, keep fueled with food and fluids from the bountiful aid stations, and be able to chat while riding, we’d have the energy reserves for a strong finish. So we talked as we pedaled. We enjoyed conversations with other riders and volunteers. The weather was perfect and I was thrilled to see so many people in one place who loved a challenge.

Then Jordan faced a minor energy crisis. Half way up the third and final mountain pass, his fuel tank seemed empty. We took a break so he could eat some energy food. This food, some encouragement, and visions of mouth-watering barbequed chicken at the ride’s end, spurred him on. He rode up the remainder of Vail Pass, and onward to victory in Avon. We felt like honored Tour de France racers as we zoomed through roundabouts where traffic had been stopped to let us speed by safely. Crowds of encouraging spectators cheered as we rode to the finish. We felt jubilant.

The Growth. A smile of satisfaction beamed from Jordan’s sweat-streaked face as we rolled into the post-ride party zone. DJ music pulsed in the background, and Jordan phoned his mother with good news – he had succeeded! He had taken on a difficult challenge, prepared, sought advice and received encouragement along the way. He put in the effort and accomplished his goal. He was rewarded with the tastiest barbequed chicken in the Rocky Mountains, but better yet, he is now experiencing a personal sense of empowerment that can only come from within. That’s a pattern for success in life!

Jordan will feel proud to wear his 2007 Triple Bypass jersey and hat. They will remind him of the day he took a big step toward adulthood. We are thankful for Team Evergreen, the many Triple Bypass volunteers, the Blacksheep junior cycling team, and Colorado’s cycling community for helping Jordan grow. Events like this give people worthy goals to strive for. May the Triple Bypass continue for another 19 years!