Perfect Colorado weather, pristine scenery, rolling roads, and 7,000 pairs of strong legs.

That was the 20th Anniversary, 2007 Compass Bank Elephant Rock Cycling Festival on June 3rd.

Riders took to the roads bright and early that chilly Sunday morning on a beautiful course that meandered through some of the most scenic roads in Douglas and El Paso counties.

All day long, riders enjoyed friendly police support, superbly stocked aid stations, fantastic volunteers, lunch, and a huge cycling expo. More important than the tangible elements, though, was the camaraderie.

Get a bunch of people out on bikes at the same time in the same place, and you truly have something special. As corny as it may sound, there is a kind of brotherhood (or sisterhood) with cyclists - a common appreciation for the dedication, the health benefits, and the joy of the sport. At an event like this, it is not at all uncommon for a group of six or seven total strangers to work together in a paceline, drafting off one another humming along the road like a well-oiled machine. For some riders, it was a training ride for an another cycling event. For others, this was their Tour de France - a crowning achievement to accomplish an 8, 32, 50, 65, or 100 mile ride. That is the beauty of an event like this. There are all types of riders, all levels of ability, and all types of bikes. Adding to the festive atmosphere is the circus of color emanating from the many varieties of cycling jerseys. Collectively, all riders gathered in one spot might well resemble a bowl of jelly beans from high in the air.

Whether a lean and fit licensed racer, or a casual weekend rider, there was one thing everyone had in common: the bike. Even if somewhat cliche, cycling is often referred to as a metaphor for life, full of ups and downs, triumph and failure. There are times when it is sheer fun, blazing down a hill with the rush of adrenaline. And of course for every descent, there is the cruel joke of an often nasty climb. Sometimes, simply climbing off the bike and selling it to the first person with cash seems like a great option.

But there are the times the wall of a climb that looms ahead provokes one to think, "I can conquer that climb. I can not only conquer it, but I will do so with strength and confidence even if it kills me." And if you fail to master it, there is always the next time which will undoubtedly be better.

The Elephant Rock ride was indeed full of challenges, but the spectacle and the scenery far outweighed any hint of drudgery. In the end, all that mattered were a few tired muscles, a feeling of accomplishment, and the joy of a great day in Colorado on the bike. For cycling fanatics, it couldn't have been better.