Sombrero Ranch Rain (and snow)

Saturday we left early for Estes Park and more specifically, the Sombrero Ranch. It's a yearly short (4.5 miles) trail run that takes place at a horse ranch in Estes Park...appropriately named The Sombrero Ranch Run.

When we left Boulder we could see clouds building up over the Front Range and the forecast called for rain and snow (above 8200'). As we made our way into Estes Park the peaks were mostly obscured by clouds and we realized that our window of good weather was closing fast.

I left Brenda and the girls to get up to the start line and check in my post-race clothing bag. We could already see the weather moving in further up the trail. After quickly saying goodbye to the girls and Brenda the gun went off promptly at 9am. This race has grown significantly over the years and I've done it since it's inception about 5 years ago, including 1 year carrying Sarah in a carrier on my back.

After the first short climb the weather started. Rain, followed by sideways snow/sleet. The course is mostly single track and climbs significantly so I was keeping pretty warm...I was more concerned about the girls.

Meanwhile, Brenda and the girls were taking the covered wagon ride up the trail. They were midway up when the rain started. Since the wagon ride only goes partway up the trial, Brenda and the girls hiked the last 1/2 miles in the rain and snow. Sarah was a trooper and lucky for Haley, Brenda was carrying her and she was protected from the weather by the carrier which has a weather shield.

After about 40 minutes I reached the finish line and it was raining pretty hard by then. One of the best parts about this race is the post race trail breakfast with fresh griddle made pancakes, eggs and sausage (though we skipped the sausage).

Within about 5 minutes of finished the rain really began to come down and we took shelter under one of the tents over a few strategically placed picnic tables. The girls, besides being cold, were still happy to hang out, eat breakfast and watch the rain come down.
After a quick breakfast (for me) I ran down the trail for about another 2 miles and got the truck. I figured that as hard as it was raining it would be best for me to pickup the girls rather than have them trod down in the rain for a 1/2 hour. We were all glad that we brought the Blazer and it was one of the few vehicles that could have made it up to the area.

Even with the weather, we'll be back next year...rain, shine or snow.