Why I have no desire to run pikes peak.

[sachilles]

While this isn't Pikes peak, it certainly captures why I'd be hesitant to try that hillclimb.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d8c_1238839817
Something to be said for a good cage.

[jkale]

Doesnt change my desire to try pikes peak.. just makes me want to keep working on the car i will be driving that weekend...

[sachilles]

I've been up pikes peak. It's like nothing I've been on. The switchbacks on the top are interesting at normal speeds. You seem to go up, it then crests as you reverse direction. You can barely see the outside edge of the road, let alone where you might land if you miss the corner. You can actually see the curvature of the earth. It's very cool.
I think I'd need several pairs of underwear if I were to try it at speed.

I don't know why it makes me more nervous to drop and tumble hundreds of feet, compared to hitting a tree or rock at speed. Makes no sense what so ever. Of course if you ask my wife, it's not the only thing about me that doesn't make sense.

On the upside, the video does make it seem survivable.
Must have been fun recovering what was left of that car.

[Rabbit Farmer]

Pikes Peak is on my 'must do' list. (sky diving is four notches below that) One thing at a time. I think working the hill or at least spectating is where I'm going to start.... drive the hill (is it open to the public normally, UNlike Mt. Washington?)

Steve

[sachilles]

Yep, it is open. Gift shop at the top of the hill even has an oxygen bar. Very neat place.
I have to go out there for a wedding this summer, maybe I'll take a data log run up the hill for you.
They even have a mid station where someone takes a pyrometer to your brakes, to make sure you won't kill yourself on the way down. It's an extremely beautiful place, and well worth visiting even if the race isn't happening. There is nothing like it in the east, Mt Washington isn't even close.

[jkale]

i have got to get out there just to check it out. the way you describe it makes it very appealing.

[sachilles]

Besides the hill, you have Garden of the Gods in Manitou springs, just down the road.
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Trai ... rocks.html
Well to the north you also have the Rocky Mountain national park, which is extremely cool. It's a winding mountain road that rides the ridges of the mountain in Colorado. Gorgeous views, lot's of wildlife.
You could spend weeks just driving around colorado enjoying awesome roads, that have views that are just as good.

[walterclark]

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d8c_1238839817

That 'll buff right out...

[jkale]

where can I find info on Carl Merrill's crash at Pikes Peak?

[sachilles]

http://thegarageblog.com/garage/video-2 ... ighlights/
This link has the 2008 highlights on it.
Couple things I found interesting was at the end they had the atv's and motorcycles, and they seemed to send them up in pairs. Any idea why?
Also the very last biker is number 442, could that have been Jimi Heyder? Tough to tell with the bike gear on, but it looks like it could be him.