I was thinking about Bill Briggs a lot on this route. I’ve never met Bill in person but have admired his mountain pursuits for many years. His time on this particular linkup was set in 1985 and stood for many years. Bill was putting up fast times before I was even born and before most people realized what was possible in Colorado’s giant mountain playground.
Beyond his fast times, I’ve drawn inspiration from Bill’s style. Pushing what is possible in a day or a weekend because he wasn’t a full-time professional athlete.
Personally I like the stories of athletes who have to balance working a full-time non-running-job with their mountain pursuits. At the end of the I find these types of people more interesting.
And from what I know of Bill he’s an interesting person, who’s contributed to society in meaningful ways. I hope to write more reports of chasing after Bill in the mountains.
Fun day in a zone I’m familiar with, sustained elevation, I’m surprised this route didn’t include Mt. B-S and think it would be better if it did, instead of having to return to Bierstadt’s TH.
started at the GT TH wilderness signs (photo) and finished back on the pavement at the Bierstadt TH