Pike’s Peak : The Ultimate High

16 Aug, 2012

Words and Snaps : EmotiveImage

The Pike's Peak International Hill Climb. There are very few, actually, there is absolutely no where on the planet like Pike's Peak. No where else on this planet is there a road that winds its way to a 14,110 foot mountain summit for the general public, and then for one week out of the year, is brutally attacked by the most fearsome vehicles piloted by the most fearless drivers.

I find myself struggling to describe the experience that is Pike's Peak. The air is so thin, your body hyperventilates itself awake from the fear of being unable to breathe. Your muscles plead for more oxygen as you hike your way along the mountain trails, making you question if the next photography spot is really worth the struggle. Migraines pound against your head if you do not consume enough water. As if to tease, mother nature offers up her worst with freezing temperatures, hail and snow alongside epic thunder and lighting, intensity of which are only seen on National Geographic.

If somehow, someway these obstacles do not deter you, you are rewarded with that which is Pike's Peak. A sunrise at ten thousand feet. Beautiful works of automotive artistry dancing its way up the mountain. Peering out towards the horizon and hearing the exhaust note of a race car on full chat. Standing between a sheer cliff and a racing line. It is incredibly desolate on the mountain, especially above the tree line and there are times you do genuinely feel alone out there. Alone with the thousands of die hard fans scattered across the mountain, alone with the one hundred and eighty two fearless competitors, alone with the ultimate high that is Pike's Peak.