What a difference a year makes.

[carbonman]

One year ago, I knew I had OSA.
Didn't understand it....was actually afraid of it.
I had not yet received my machine when we did this ride.
It's a climbing ride. Training for TripleByPass.
It involves an 18 mile climb up Big Thompson canyon and the
North Fork of the Big Thompson to the tiny town of Glen Haven.
Then a very commanding, steep climb up Devil's Gulch to Estes Park.
I started the climb out of Glen Haven wayyyyy too fast.
Half way up Devil's Gulch...I hit the wall.
I bonked. Drained the tank. Took me three tries to make it to the top.
Almost cost me my TBP ride.

This year was a little different.
I understand OSA.
I'm not afraid of it anymore.
I sleep w/Grace now, every night.
I was rested and ready today.
We cruised Devil's Gulch. It's a hard climb, make no mistake.....
but today was MY day.
Today was a testament to the success of my cpap therapy.
Can't even begin to explain how good I felt at the top.

It was an absolutely beautiful, sunnnnnny day.
No rain, no thunder, no lightening......just fun.

Ride along.
Lower Big Thompson, running full.

Lower approach to Devil's Gulch.

North side of Longs Peak. Meeker Peak on the left

The south end of the Never Summer Range, looking into the heart of Rocky Mt. Nat. Park.

How often do you have a GatorAid/fig bar stop w/this kind of view.

Colorado white water, in all it's glory.

...and you have to be careful in Colorado, you never know where bears can be hiding.

....a whole family in a tree.

[cassaro]

Carbonman,

Thanks for showing us all what can be accomplished with a good nights sleep!

Chuck

[SleepyNoMore]

Carbonman,
I remember when you joined the forum, you (as we all do) had many fears & questions, and through this past year, I have watched you grow and get stronger day by day with your therapy!

GREAT JOB, keep up the good work, I love your pictures & I like reading your great stories you have posted throughout the year, keep them coming, I think we all enjoy them!

Thanks & "CONGRATS", I will be 2 years in in August or Sept of this year, i'm not sure if we count the trial month of titration, if we do, it will be 2 years for me in Aug. of this year, I forgot to post my 1 year anniversary, guess I was just to SLEEPY, ...

SleepyNoMore

[Muse-Inc]

Carbonman, love the pics! You go, man.

[Pneumonym]

Thanks for the thread, most inspirational. Great photos also. I am newly diagnosed with OSA but already feeling much more energetic and positive about physical pursuits (after 4 nights on the blower!), just like the good old days. Last year I trained for and rode in a charity event but this year I didn't sign up - much too tired to even consider it. Now I know why.

[carbonman]

[

Carbonman,
I remember when you joined the forum, you (as we all do) had many fears & questions, and through this past year, I have watched you grow and get stronger day by day with your therapy! SleepyNoMore

Thank you! I was afraid.
The first thing I read here was
Seven Stages of CPAP and What Is Feeling Good? under the light bulb.
I cried when I realized that I was not alone in this.

.....have never felt alone since.

[Birddog]

Congrats carbonman on your progress,You are inspiring many of us here and we all admire your beautiful pictures and hope you keep them coming !
Thanks-