Emonda. First trip up into the Rockies in a few years. Met up with Dave Struck and two friends (Mike and yes, another Dave) for an early morning ride starting in Nederland, which is a little over a 1/2 hour drive West from Boulder. Elevation was pretty wicked for a flatlander: around 8,000 ft in Nederland, we hit 10,800 ft in Brainard Lake. I felt great from the get go, despite a late night before and too many beers. Very comfortable long climbs for me, surprisingly, the longest one being over 5 miles from Hidden Lake turnaround up to Brainard Lake. No shortness of breath or any gasping, didn't really feel the elevation like I was expecting. Very enjoyable ride and a big confidence builder for the Triple ByPass. TSS: 140, IF: 69.