Mill Creek Canyon

The first time I rode Mill Creek Canyon I wasnt able to share all the usual stats with you because I had forgotten my Garmin. Today, I woke up and went to watch the Steelers beat Favre and the Vikings. After eating far to many Nachos and having had pancakes for breakfast I thought it best to get out on my bike and repeat the Mill Creek Hill Climb from a month ago.

The start was pretty rough as my muscles were rejecting the idea of the hill climb, and it it definitely starting to get pretty cold in the canyon. The sun provided occasional relief as It poked into various parts of the canyon, but for the most part it was pretty cold. I broke out the gloves, arm warmers, and leggings for the first time this year on the bike.

The canyon goes up further than I ended up climbing but it was due to cold more than exhaustion. I made it to mile marker 6 which was the initial goal.

As Always, Garmin stats are below.

Post Work Mill Creek Canyon Ride

After work today, Justin, Paul, and I rode 6 miles up the Mill Creek Canyon road. Unfortunately, in my rush out the door I left my precious Garmin on the counter. I put the image below together using the gmap pedometer and then overlaying it onto a topographic chart. Its really cool to see the mountains like this. I wish I had the typical elevation change and speed charts because this was one of extremes. While Mill Creek isnt the most difficult canyon, its not easy. It was 90% up hill while heading into the mountains. The climb took us about 51 minutes. The decent was amazing. The roads through the canyon are very well maintained, and with the exception of areas surrounding the restaurant traffic was very minimal. I estimate a decent speed of around 45mph max. Justin's Spedometer stopped registering on the way down at 41 but I imagine we broke that speed during a later decent. I will be sure to ride this one again and next time to wear the Garmin.