Pikes Peak was in a bad mood on Sunday as about 200 cyclists clipped in for the fifth Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb.
The ride started out in mild temperatures, but soon turned brisk, and then frigid as a 50 mph wind thrashed the cyclists above timberline.
Many were forced to dismount and walk their bikes while leaning into the gale. The windchill, reported at 18 degrees, left many with icy hands and feet.
And while some turned tail and bombed it back to the start line before reaching the summit, the majority rolled on to the peak's summit at 14,115 feet, where frost had coated the granite landscape.
A citizens ride began at 6 a.m., starting at the same location as the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, just above Crystal Reservoir.
From there the cyclists pedaled 12.42 miles up one of the most scenic stretches of pavement in the country.
But it was hard to enjoy in the brutal wind.
The racers followed at 7 a.m. with Leroy Popowski of Colorado Springs capturing his fourth win in four starts.
Popowski finished in 1 hour, 14 minutes, about six minutes off of his race record. Annie Toth of Laramie won the women's race, though her time has not been posted.
Though the riders shivered indoors at the summit, the mood was jovial as they dressed for the cold descent.