I'm in the throes of MHRR withdrawal.

THE AUTHOR GRINDING GRAVEL STAGE 1. CREDIT: PHOTORUNNING
It's been a few days since finishing the Mavic Haute Route Rockies and symptoms persist: dreaming of 1km to go summit signs, waking at 4:30am to fill water bottles, wanting to ride 100 miles over 10,000ft passes, consuming massive quantities of food and looking forward to visiting cool ski resort towns.

I have it bad.

I miss the daily routine, suffering, riders, host cities and competition. I miss it all, especially trying to explain to Sauli, my Mavic Haute Route Rockies riding buddy from Finland, that not everyone in the USA is a cowboy...or Indian.

ROCKIN' BUCKET RIDER BLUE BOOTIES ON BERTHOUD PASS. CREDIT: PHOTORUNNING
For a Bucket Rider it doesn't get any better than the Mavic Haute Route Rockies - a week-long gran fondo stage race in the majestic Colorado mountains with hundreds of talented riders from across the globe supported by a world class organization - OC Sport.

So, I'll just cut to the chase.

Hands down this an Ultimate Bucket Ride.

(Read the Bucket Rider's Despatches From Each Stage of the MHRR)

(Catch up with all of John's Haute Route training HERE)

(Read Granfondo.com's preview of the Mavic Haute Route Rockies)

EXTREME BUCKET RIDER SUFFERING IN THE HEAT OF STAGE 3. CREDIT: PHOTORUNNING
Throughout 40 years of cycling I've ridden hundreds of one day races, 3-5-7 day stage races plus numerous epic gran fondos. None of them (including the old Coors Classic in Colorado) compare with what the Haute Route organization pulled off this past week.

Yes, it's expensive, but worth every pound, franc, dollar, yen or shekel. It offers a riding and competitive experience not available at local gran fondos, centuries or USA Cycling races. If you want to experience a week of Pro-like Grand Tour riding in North America the Mavic Haute Route Rockies is the answer.

The only answer.

THE AUTHOR BEFORE THE MAVIC HAUTE ROUTE ROCKIES. CREDIT: PHOTORUNNING
The stages will push you to your limit and beyond - both physically and mentally.
THE AUTHOR AFTER STAGE 4 TIME TRIAL AND LOOKING 20 YEARS OLDER. CREDIT: PHOTORUNNING
The Mavic support wrenches and Haute Route crew will be with you every pedal stroke - they just can't help you pedal.

The professional on-road safety, police and medical staffs are outstanding and let you focus on suffering.

The talented international field of riders is competitive - yet, you'll always find a friendly wheel to follow.

The point-to-point stage format is soooooooo cool - nothing else like it in North America.

The gravel segments are thrilling and challenging - just practice going downhill on gravel, at 40mph, a lot.

Thumbs Up. Credit: Haute Route
2018 is just around the corner and the 2nd Mavic Haute Route Rockies is sure to sell out. Clear your schedule, make a training plan, round up some mates and register. You won't be disappointed.

You might also review my 2017 MHRR training and stage articles.  Hopefully, they'll provide insight and tips to help you have the ride of a lifetime - just like I did.

Finish Line Triumph. Credit: Haute Route
Cheers and most of all enjoy the ride.  What's on your bucket list?

MHRR Results

Editor's Note: Modestly, John does not mention that he came 49th overall and 3rd in his age group - Chapeau!

THE BUCKET RIDER ALL SMILES AND RIBBONS AT THE FINISH OF STAGE 7. CREDIT: PHOTORUNNING
John is a former faux pro racer enjoying life as a geriatric cyclist in search of great bucket list rides to keep him in shape and out of trouble - well, at least in shape. 

He writes about his Bucket Rides in all their variety and glory for Granfondo.com. See his other pieces here

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