Last Chance Day 1, more detail

As expected, this first leg was fast, with a strong group of riders, mostly downhill, and a light tailwind. Arrived in Byers with about 10-12 of us, at dawn. All departed at different times, so we were now spread out. Andrea and I were last to leave, even though we were only there about 7 mins. Realilzed that we wanted to stay with Colin and Tim, so worked together to catch up with them. That was hard work. Passed Victor, Tom K, Russell & Peter, Tom L and I think Sara. Mark Lowe, as usual, was gone up the road. This was all in a drenching fog - needed wipers on the glasses, had to keep using my glove to clear them. Everything was soaked. And it made for interesting riding - who was that fuzzy red light up ahead? In a few miles we made contact with Colin and Tim, and the 4 of us worked well together through the fog, over the rollers to Anton. Glad I couldin't see what was in store for the return trip! And it was cool - a blessing. Stopped for a quick pee break in Anton, where Tom & Tom passed us. Decided we wanted to catch them before the control in Cope, so rode a team time trial, with Colin and Tim putting the hurt on Andrea and I - we could only take short pulls, but at least gave them some rest. Reached both my max HR and max speed for the ride in the stretch - 198bpm and 41mph. We missed the catch by about 300 yards as we rounded the corner into Cope.

Quick control, then back on the road, Andrea and I were 2nd out, after Tom K. I decided that I was working too hard, so when Tim and Tom L rode past, I resisted staying with them. Still cool, but the fog was burning off, and the N wind was picking up. It was during this section that poor Victor missed a turn and rode 30 miles off course (60 miles round trip!!!!). No wonder he was last in to Atwood. He still completed in 83hrs - but that was for 810 miles, not 750! Colin, Tom L and Tim passed us and led us into St Francis. Andrea had another quick control, I wanted to double check that my supply box reached the motel for my Thursday night stay. So rode to Atwood solo, temps finally on the rise. Lots of grasshoppers on the verge, many jumping into the spokes as I rode by, a mobile guillotine.

Everyone was at Atwood when I arrived - except Andrea, who was now leader on the road, and Tim. Tom(s) and Mark were taking extended breaks before riding through the night. Had some pizza, watermelon, Coke, then headed out as Russell & Peter arrived. Was soon passed by Tom(s) and Mark. Arrived in Oberlin for my first sleep stop. Colin was already there, and Russell & Mark, Vernon & Paul, Val & Robin, and John Lee arrived later.

Last Chance 1200k - Day 3

slept well, thankfully. off @ 1:40, crossed back into CO! Leap-frogged with a couple guys who left Atwood before midnight. Actually think I slept on the bike with my eyes open around 4am for a few miles. And I was done with liquid food - started making me quesy, so it was all about microwave burritos and such at the checkpoints and passing convenience stores. Shooting pain in my left knee with about 130mi to go - couldn't get out of the saddle for power or stretching. Long rest @ Byers control, then the last 100mi. Some good winds to help, though it was hot. Nothing left in the tank with 10mi to go, limped on in (literally) @ 10:15. Done!

Last Chance 1200k, Day 2

Too tired to relate everything, must get my alloted sleep tonight. Left late this AM, nice sunrise @ Kensington, turned around with 650k to go, 20,000ft of climbing, and headwinds. Slow going, discouraging, picked it up after Norton, good legs to Oberlin, Atwood, & St. Francis, arriving at deep dusk. Feel good on the bike, tired and sore off it - makes checkpoints slow as I'm not in a hurry to leave. Must sleep now. Off at 1:30am, approx 230mi to go!

Last Chance 1200k, day 1

280mi, 16:05hrs - longest I've ever ridden in a single day, and FAAAAST. Hopefully didn't cash all my chips in today. Strong group to lead it out, avg nearly 22mph to Byers (71mi). Then 4 of us (me, Andrea Koenig, Tim Feldman & Colin ?) basically did a team time trial for 75mi to Cope. Super fun, hope I won't pay for it later. Every leg I completed faster than plan, the last two much closer to plan than the first 3, thanks to strong riders and tail or cross-tail winds. Likely to be head winds coming home, tho. arrived in Oberlin about 2 hrs ahead of plan, but too much to organize here, will likely leave @ midnight, nearly 1 hr ahead of plan. Icing knees & achilles as precaution, time for 3 hrs of sleep! About 240 miles tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Sept Tuesday Rides

Tuesday evening rides are still on through the end of September. Meet at Flanders Park and be ready to ride at 6pm prompt - rides return at dusk and there is little light left this month!

Recovery?!

After an intense, for me, ride out to House Creek (thanks Michael, Lauren, Dean & George) - there's nothing like arriving home to a sake and gin recovery martini!

Sat Ride, 8/28

I'm riding to Rico and back on Saturday morning, leaving 8:30am from Flanders. Anyone want to tag along? You can go all the way, or only as far as you want, I don't mind (West Fork, Stoner, Preist Gulch, wherever).

See you there...

Tues Nite Rides Are On!

... while the evening light lasts.

Meet at Flanders Park, Dolores, at 6pm. Usually we'll head to House Creek.

See you there!

3/27 ride to Hesperus

Weather willing...

Leaving Parque de Vida in Cortez at 10:00am

I'm riding base pace = low hr/slow enough to talk without breathing hard. I have learned to not speak for anyone else on that.

Hope to see you there.

Sat Ride, Mar 6

Hola Ciclistas,

Looks like the roads are clear and the weather will be warm (relatively)! Great day for a ride! See you all 11:30am at the Park de Vida north parking lot in Cortez (by the ball fields).