Foto ©1999 by John C. Maki
Quandary Peak, Tenmile Range 14,265'
East Slopes II, Class 1
From Monte Cristo Trailhead: 5.4 miles/3370'
July, 1997
We did this one in 1997, along with David and Allison. We even
rented a condo in Breckenridge the night before and after the climb.
This was really an easy climb, good weather too. The only problem
is that the moment we turned around to go back, my knees started giving
me problems. All the way down. I was
really getting slow by the time we reached treeline... This prompted
me to visit a doctor, who said my knees looked fine, but I was probably
experiencing an imbalance of my quadriceps, which failed to support my
kneecap so it would track incorrectly. I think they also call this "runner's
knee". The cure is to strengthen the front of the quadriceps, and
wear knee sleeves for support. I rode my bike a lot the next spring,
and wore
neoprene sleeves for 14ers (still do) and it hasn't really given me
any trouble since. The hot tub at the condo was very welcome when
we got back to Breckenridge...