This one is late too. I'm writing this Saturday AM, and we finished the ride Thursday at noon.
The last ride was amazing. Primm to Vegas 39 miles. The first 12 were slightly uphill, but with a strong tailwind. I left late with the last group, "The Speedy Boys". I felt amazingly strong that morning. It was as if new legs had been transplanted. I took the lead after about 5 miles, we always start slow to warm up, put in the headphones and turned up some Stevie Wonder. Soon I was pushing 27 mph. It was too fast too soon though. I forgot that we had picked up Sean's friend Eric that morning, and he hasn't been riding like this before. So I slowed down and rejoined the group. I also saved energy for the upcoming gradual descent, which was a good thing.
At mile 12 we had to exit the freeway to get onto Las Vegas Blvd. This is where the fun began. Initially there were some rolling hills and we were taking turns in the front of the pace line. We were cruising along at about 30 mph. After about 5 miles of this it became just a gradual descent with the wind at our backs. The first part of the "real" descent was a little bit steeper and I tried to beat my 44 mph max that I hit earlier in the trip. I matched it, but couldn't get 45 mph :(.
As I coasted recovering from my attempt I was passed by John, Mike and Travis. The were in a tight group and moving fast. I jumped on the pedals to join the group. It was the most fun I've had on a bike. The four of us took turns at the front and kept a tight group going about 38 mph for probably 6 miles. I really don't know how far we did it. We only stopped when we ran into construction and it got too dangerous to continue.
As we started to reach the outskirts of Vegas we started to catch the other riders who had started out earlier. We reached the rendezvous point, for all the cyclist to get together so we could arrive a the Flamingo together at about 10:45, only 2 hours after leaving Primm.
We waited around for an hour and then the group went the last mile or so, taking up a lane on the Strip. A big crowd and a news crew was waiting for us. An amazing end to an amazing ride.
My mom had shown up to greet us and provided some comic relief. She put her bike in the trailer before I left and rode the last mile with us. Unfortunately she put her tennis shoes in the trailer and flew into Vegas wearing sandals with heels. Of course Tim didn't know where her shoes were so she had to ride in her sandals, jeans, and with the pedal hitting her drooping kickstand every revolution.
Last night at the NAF reception Kyle presented a slide show with pictures from the ride. (I'll post more pictues later). All of the riders were recognized and given a medal of appreciation. Kyle announced that as of yesterday the ride had raised more than $110,000 for FA research! I want to thank everyone who donated to my part of the ride, it was much more than I expected.
A very special thanks to my friend Tim for helping make this ride possible. He pulled my camping trailer, with all of the rider's luggage in it, up and down the path for 6 days. He must have driven 600 miles while I rode 300. Thanks Tim.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Baker to Primm
OK, OK, I'm late with this post. Couple of good reasons. My last post was on Tuesday March 25. On that day we rode, mostly down hill for a total of 56 miles. In Baker there was Internet access at the Wills Fargo Motel that we stayed at. Very nice people running that place by the way.
Well on Thursday we had the 2nd big climb of the ride. Baker is in the bottom of a bowl and we started out towards Vegas by going up hill. Very gradual at first, but it got slowly steeper. This was not as steep, or as high as Woodford-Tehachapi Road, but it was long. It also featured 2 long uphills with a long downhill in the middle. That meant that we started at about 900 ft, climbed past 4,000 ft, descended past 4,000 again to about 3,500 ft, then climbed to 4,738 ft. All of this was over about 35 miles and before lunch. Which we ate later that day compared to other days.
After lunch we had a torturous descent to Primm, NV. This was about the worst shoulder I saw on the trip. Broken 2 x 6 lumber, large patches of gravel and debris, a wide rumble strip, and steep! I was on the brakes nearly the whole way down and I still hit 36 mph. I had to stop several times because my hands were cramping from trying to hold on and to brake. Oh, and don't forget the trucks with their burning brakes just off you're left shoulder and the intermittent gusts of wind trying to knock you over.
Once it flattened out it didn't get much better. The shoulder had huge ridges in it about every 10 feet. They are caused by the asphalt expanding and contracting from the heat of the desert day and cold of the night. Some of these ridges must have been 3 to 4 inches high. Not fun on a road bike at 20 mph.
The last 3 miles were smooth though and we all arrived safely at Whiskey Pete's in Primm.
I was beat and the WiFi wasn't working so good in the parking lot, where I slept in the trailer, so I didn't post that day.
Well on Thursday we had the 2nd big climb of the ride. Baker is in the bottom of a bowl and we started out towards Vegas by going up hill. Very gradual at first, but it got slowly steeper. This was not as steep, or as high as Woodford-Tehachapi Road, but it was long. It also featured 2 long uphills with a long downhill in the middle. That meant that we started at about 900 ft, climbed past 4,000 ft, descended past 4,000 again to about 3,500 ft, then climbed to 4,738 ft. All of this was over about 35 miles and before lunch. Which we ate later that day compared to other days.
After lunch we had a torturous descent to Primm, NV. This was about the worst shoulder I saw on the trip. Broken 2 x 6 lumber, large patches of gravel and debris, a wide rumble strip, and steep! I was on the brakes nearly the whole way down and I still hit 36 mph. I had to stop several times because my hands were cramping from trying to hold on and to brake. Oh, and don't forget the trucks with their burning brakes just off you're left shoulder and the intermittent gusts of wind trying to knock you over.
Once it flattened out it didn't get much better. The shoulder had huge ridges in it about every 10 feet. They are caused by the asphalt expanding and contracting from the heat of the desert day and cold of the night. Some of these ridges must have been 3 to 4 inches high. Not fun on a road bike at 20 mph.
The last 3 miles were smooth though and we all arrived safely at Whiskey Pete's in Primm.
I was beat and the WiFi wasn't working so good in the parking lot, where I slept in the trailer, so I didn't post that day.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Calico to Baker
OK, this one I'm writing the same day. Not a bad ride. I slept the best I have since starting this thing. Had some great oatmeal from the SAG crew and Tim suprised me with a big cup of coffee.
Mostly downhill today again, except for after lunch. Worst part was Yermo Road parallel to I-15 out of Calico. I almost called Tim and asked for my mountain bike. Sean nearly fell because he could barely hang on to his bars. All of this and a big tail wind pushing us a 20 mph and hardly pedaling. We finally had enough and jumped on the freeway, ignoring the No Bicycles Allowed sign. Awe bliss, smooth shoulder, down hill, wind at our backs. 25 MPH was easy. The lunch stop was too soon at the 26 mile mark. 10:30 AM, hardly knew what to do.
It was a good thing though. Last night I had decided to not be part of Los Rapidos today. I needed some recovery, even if it happened while sitting on bike for 56 miles.
So today Sean and I rode together for the most part. After lunch was harder. We had a fair bit of climbing to do and the wind shifted into our faces. We kept a moderate pace though and finished by 1:30. There where some good downhills in the mix, I hit a personal fastest speed on a bicycle of 44 mph.
4,000 feet of climbing to do tomorrow, I feel better about it today than I did yesterday. Here are some pictures from today:
Pictures to be posted later, got called to dinner.
Dinner at the Mad Greek's in Baker, very filling and good shakes, though I wish I had the strawberry, they looked real good.
Here are the pictures:
Breakfast
Mostly downhill today again, except for after lunch. Worst part was Yermo Road parallel to I-15 out of Calico. I almost called Tim and asked for my mountain bike. Sean nearly fell because he could barely hang on to his bars. All of this and a big tail wind pushing us a 20 mph and hardly pedaling. We finally had enough and jumped on the freeway, ignoring the No Bicycles Allowed sign. Awe bliss, smooth shoulder, down hill, wind at our backs. 25 MPH was easy. The lunch stop was too soon at the 26 mile mark. 10:30 AM, hardly knew what to do.
It was a good thing though. Last night I had decided to not be part of Los Rapidos today. I needed some recovery, even if it happened while sitting on bike for 56 miles.
So today Sean and I rode together for the most part. After lunch was harder. We had a fair bit of climbing to do and the wind shifted into our faces. We kept a moderate pace though and finished by 1:30. There where some good downhills in the mix, I hit a personal fastest speed on a bicycle of 44 mph.
4,000 feet of climbing to do tomorrow, I feel better about it today than I did yesterday. Here are some pictures from today:
Pictures to be posted later, got called to dinner.
Dinner at the Mad Greek's in Baker, very filling and good shakes, though I wish I had the strawberry, they looked real good.
Here are the pictures:
These are some of the neccesities
Breakfast
Bunkhouse
Sam Leading the way
Lunch!
On the Road with Sean
Boron to Calico
55 miles today (Monday, March 24, 2008). Lets see. Bakersfield to Tehachapi 38 miles, Tehachapi to Boron, 50 miles. Total so far 143, 'bout half way there. Rode with the "Speedy Boys" again today, but I'm trying to change the name to "Los Rapidos". I'm to old to be a "boy" and Tess, well she's just not a boy. So maybe Los Rapidos will stick, but who knows. I don't think I can keep up with them much longer any how.
I promised a picture of Tim and me so here ya go:
Notice Kyle's mug in between us.
Notice Kyle's mug in between us.Pretty much down hill today except for a couple of stretches. The tough parts were a narrow bridge to get into Bakersfield and then climbing within the town itself. I was just beat. We jumped onto Interstate 40 and the pace line was going 30 mph. It was all I could do to hang on. A sign on the freeway directed us to get off, as in No Bicycles, so we got onto Route 66 parallel to the freeway. Travis got a flat on Route 66:
Then Tess wanted a picture of her riding on Route 66:
Route 66 was a bit rolling and could use some repaving, but nothing compared to what was ahead for the next day. We did have to climb the last mile or two into Calico Ghost Town. I couldn't have gone another 100 yards. I finished with Luke and Tess, but it was all I had. The SAG crew provided hot dogs and beans for dinner and of course beer, for rehydration purposes.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Day 10 (my day 3)
Today is day 10 for Ride Ataxia II, but it's my third day. The planned ride today is mapped out at http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=8551 Mostly downhill today as seen by this image. Well gotta get saddled up.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Tehacahpi to Boron
Very tired now must sleep. 50 miles first 30 down hill, then a suprise bonus climb. Finally 20 miles into the dry desert wind.
Water please...
Some nice pics for the day though.
Tehacahpi Pass
I made it through the first day with the major climb. So far that was the hardest physical thing I've ever down in my life.
The first 9 miles were flat and easy. Then we started to climb and climb and climb. After about 30 minutes we reached the first high spot. Took a breather then headed down. Steep, fast, and not too many turns. It was fun. At the bottom was the turn onto Highway 58 and the start of the second climb. I was riding with Tess, but eventually I couldn't keep up. When I'm working that hard I need to take a 2 minute rest every 10 minutes. (I'd like to take one every 2 minutes, but I'd never reach the top.) Tess likes to keep pushing to get it over with. The other young riders were long gone.
After another 30 minutes or so we reached the lunch spot. Sweet, a chance to sit on a chair and rest.
At this point a deviation from plan. We were told that it might be better to take beautiful scenic Woodford-Tehachapi Road instead of continuing on 58. So, myself, Mike, Luke, Travis, John, Tess, and Sean (see rideataxia.beenup2.com) took off on the alternate route. All the remaining riders, who arrived at the lunch spot after we left stayed with the original plan.
About 5 miles later Sean and I were way back of the leaders and keeping our own pace. We could see Highway 58 wayyyyy below us. We had no idea that this route had more climbing than the original. Turns out it was 5 miles longer and had, I think, 800 feet more elevation. Reaching the top and looking over Tehachapi was a short lived relief. The down hill run had a quartering wind to fight against. Even worse, once we reached the bottom we had to turn directly into the wind for the final 5 miles. Estimated wind speed was about 30 miles an hour. Pure misery.
But, we finished. All the riders finished the ride and made it over Tehachapi Pass.
The first 9 miles were flat and easy. Then we started to climb and climb and climb. After about 30 minutes we reached the first high spot. Took a breather then headed down. Steep, fast, and not too many turns. It was fun. At the bottom was the turn onto Highway 58 and the start of the second climb. I was riding with Tess, but eventually I couldn't keep up. When I'm working that hard I need to take a 2 minute rest every 10 minutes. (I'd like to take one every 2 minutes, but I'd never reach the top.) Tess likes to keep pushing to get it over with. The other young riders were long gone.
After another 30 minutes or so we reached the lunch spot. Sweet, a chance to sit on a chair and rest.
At this point a deviation from plan. We were told that it might be better to take beautiful scenic Woodford-Tehachapi Road instead of continuing on 58. So, myself, Mike, Luke, Travis, John, Tess, and Sean (see rideataxia.beenup2.com) took off on the alternate route. All the remaining riders, who arrived at the lunch spot after we left stayed with the original plan.
About 5 miles later Sean and I were way back of the leaders and keeping our own pace. We could see Highway 58 wayyyyy below us. We had no idea that this route had more climbing than the original. Turns out it was 5 miles longer and had, I think, 800 feet more elevation. Reaching the top and looking over Tehachapi was a short lived relief. The down hill run had a quartering wind to fight against. Even worse, once we reached the bottom we had to turn directly into the wind for the final 5 miles. Estimated wind speed was about 30 miles an hour. Pure misery.
But, we finished. All the riders finished the ride and made it over Tehachapi Pass.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A letter to the donors
First of all, thank you so much. I've been overwhelmed by the generosity. According to the guidelines for the ride I was expected to raise at least $750. I thought that for 300 miles of riding and 8,000 feet of climbing I should do better than that. Heck, I'd pay more than that not to do it! So, I doubled it and set the goal at $1500.Well, thanks to all of you that goal was passed in the first 2 days! So, I doubled it again and let it ride, sure enough $3000 is now in the rear view mirror and we are a bit north of $4000!
Well, now it's time for me to follow up on my part of the deal. As I write this I'm sitting in a hotel in Bakersfield. Tomorrow morning the local support group is providing breakfast at 7:00 and at 8:00 we shuttle over to where the riders ended yesterday.If it wasn't clear, my ride is part of a larger effort. The riders started in Sacramento last Saturday, and have ridden about 300 miles to Bakersfield. The goal for the entire group is to raise $50,000. Last year Kyle Bryant, the ride oganizer, raised $40,000 for FA research. At dinner tonight Kyle announced that we have surpassed the $100,000 mark!
There are some great sites to keep track of the ride in progress. http://rideataxia.beenup2.com/ has a lot of pictures of the ride in progress. Click on the activity link for a better organized view of the pics. There is already a Tim Towers sighting in one of the pictures, kinda blurry though. Seanbaum is one of the "Speedy Boys" and key ride organizers. I met him today and found out that he was diagnosed with FA less than a year ago. Travis and Mike are 2 more of the Speedy Boys and are friends of Sean. Another one of the Speedy Boys is their friend Luke who has flown out from Germany just to participate in the ride.
Kyle's blog has more of a narrative. Check it out at http://rideataxia.blogspot.com/
Finally, be sure to check out Linda and Andy's blog. Linda is 44 and was diagnosed with FA a couple of year's ago. They have come from New York to participate and seem to be having a great time. http://www.lindasride.org/Thanks again.Bart
Well, now it's time for me to follow up on my part of the deal. As I write this I'm sitting in a hotel in Bakersfield. Tomorrow morning the local support group is providing breakfast at 7:00 and at 8:00 we shuttle over to where the riders ended yesterday.If it wasn't clear, my ride is part of a larger effort. The riders started in Sacramento last Saturday, and have ridden about 300 miles to Bakersfield. The goal for the entire group is to raise $50,000. Last year Kyle Bryant, the ride oganizer, raised $40,000 for FA research. At dinner tonight Kyle announced that we have surpassed the $100,000 mark!
There are some great sites to keep track of the ride in progress. http://rideataxia.beenup2.com/ has a lot of pictures of the ride in progress. Click on the activity link for a better organized view of the pics. There is already a Tim Towers sighting in one of the pictures, kinda blurry though. Seanbaum is one of the "Speedy Boys" and key ride organizers. I met him today and found out that he was diagnosed with FA less than a year ago. Travis and Mike are 2 more of the Speedy Boys and are friends of Sean. Another one of the Speedy Boys is their friend Luke who has flown out from Germany just to participate in the ride.
Kyle's blog has more of a narrative. Check it out at http://rideataxia.blogspot.com/
Finally, be sure to check out Linda and Andy's blog. Linda is 44 and was diagnosed with FA a couple of year's ago. They have come from New York to participate and seem to be having a great time. http://www.lindasride.org/Thanks again.Bart
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