Sunday, July 22, 2012
Final Image and Video
Here is a video of the best descent of the trip. I was just behind the fellow with the head cam. And here is the whole group and the staff on the last morning
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Day 14
DONE! Arrived in Reno early this afternoon without incident. It was a clear, cloudless day that became quite hot. It was, in some ways, an easy day: about 97 miles, only two significant climbs (neither of which was terrible), and generally flat enough for groups to form and stay together. Given the likelihood that there would be hot weather, it was advisable to go out fast, stick together, and get as far down the road as far and as fast as possible. And, that is what occurred which was a very good thing because it began to scorch. But, as I said we all made it, safely and smoothly.
It is so interesting to note the dramatically different topography and the starkly different flora than we were amongst just a few days ago. The striking transformation speaks to the speed and the distance that we have traveled. The high desert country in which we have been the last couple of days is so stark and majestic in a way markedly different from our OR and WA days. It was nice to be there but it is nice being here as well.
My bike is packed and ready to be shipped. To mention the bike reminds me how well it performed. Zero flats, the wheels held up well, and the mechanics functioned flawlessly. Two minor issues presented themselves: first, there is a bit of annoyance involving my BB in that the connection to the FSA BB from the TI seemed to lead to a little creaking that was not catastrophic but annoying. The other matter is that this bike is not quite the descender the Colnago is. Its front end is a little loose and it does not track as well as I would like. Since, this was the first time I had ever had this machine in big mountains, it was a little surprising and not a little offputting. Still, it is a comfortable ride and I am glad I brought it.
This was a very good, a very rigorous event. The route was excellent and interesting throughout. As impressive was the quality of the riders. It was such a strong and skilled group and all pleasant and nice to be around. I feel privileged and pleased to have been here.
It is so interesting to note the dramatically different topography and the starkly different flora than we were amongst just a few days ago. The striking transformation speaks to the speed and the distance that we have traveled. The high desert country in which we have been the last couple of days is so stark and majestic in a way markedly different from our OR and WA days. It was nice to be there but it is nice being here as well.
My bike is packed and ready to be shipped. To mention the bike reminds me how well it performed. Zero flats, the wheels held up well, and the mechanics functioned flawlessly. Two minor issues presented themselves: first, there is a bit of annoyance involving my BB in that the connection to the FSA BB from the TI seemed to lead to a little creaking that was not catastrophic but annoying. The other matter is that this bike is not quite the descender the Colnago is. Its front end is a little loose and it does not track as well as I would like. Since, this was the first time I had ever had this machine in big mountains, it was a little surprising and not a little offputting. Still, it is a comfortable ride and I am glad I brought it.
This was a very good, a very rigorous event. The route was excellent and interesting throughout. As impressive was the quality of the riders. It was such a strong and skilled group and all pleasant and nice to be around. I feel privileged and pleased to have been here.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Day 13
Today was a very looooong day and it seemed longer still. We left Shasta City bright and early and began the ride with a seven mile climb to the Mt. Shasta ski station. Then there was a six miles descent which would normally be a good thing but it was 7:30 am and we were riding directly east into the rising sun. So, it was a 6 mile, 40 mph descent but it was cold (49 degrees) and directly into a bright sun so I was both freezing and blinded. Yikes!
Another reason this was a long day is that I am a bit worn down. It was a long slog, that I thought of bailing on a couple of times. Fortunately, the last 10 miles into the town of Susanville, where we are staying, were generally downhill. Ending on a descent seems to magically transform a ride that had seemed totally crappy into one that, if not great, was at least OK. This change of mood is a generally good thing since the town in which we find ourself is, at best, a dumpy little burg. Alas.
Tomorrow it is on to Reno and the end of the ride. There is, of course, a big climb in the middle just to insure that we keep our climbing legs up and working
Another reason this was a long day is that I am a bit worn down. It was a long slog, that I thought of bailing on a couple of times. Fortunately, the last 10 miles into the town of Susanville, where we are staying, were generally downhill. Ending on a descent seems to magically transform a ride that had seemed totally crappy into one that, if not great, was at least OK. This change of mood is a generally good thing since the town in which we find ourself is, at best, a dumpy little burg. Alas.
Tomorrow it is on to Reno and the end of the ride. There is, of course, a big climb in the middle just to insure that we keep our climbing legs up and working
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Day 12
Today we are fully in PacTour mode. That is to say, we are no longer tourists, we have a destination and today that destination was
with today's particular destination being Mt. Shasta
Beside noting the entrance to CA the first pic makes it clear that we were riding on I-5. This was our second interstate foray and these, I confess, give me the heebee jeebies. But, as freeway riding goes this was reasonably good; the shoulder was wide and free of debris. So, OK.
The other way this is becoming a PacTour experience is how I'm feeling. Every morning these days I awaken with the feeling of having been pummeled in the night by an enthusiastic sadist. After dressing, struggling to eat, then getting on the bike on the way out of town I begin to feel better. After an hour or two I feel really good and really strong and fast. By the end of the day, however, I'm exhausted and collapse into bed ready to be worked over by that sadist yet again. That's the way we roll on these events. Not for everybody.
The day began with what is rapidly becoming our opening the day on a big climb, in this case 19 miles out of the Ashland valley. That aside, it was shaping up to be a pretty good day. The roads were clear and relatively fast and the two fastest riders got themselves off course for a fairly substantial time, which everyone else figured wouldn't hurt them (which it didn't). At about mile 50 I was riding with a pretty good group of four across a very substantial Shasta valley floor when the wind blew up. It grew harder and harder almost immediately and also almost immediately I began to tail off the back. I rode the next 9 miles into a ferocious headwind by myself. I am, naturally, at this point, eager to employ the always comical and nearly always disingenuous dropped guy's mantra, 'I could have stayed with them but I CHOSE not to (a phrase that no one EVER believes) but I won't. Finally, I managed to get out of it but certainly not easily. Shortly after doing so, we made it to Shasta City where we are spending this night. It is an interesting little town in which as substantial number of the businesses seem to be devoted to selling medical marijuana or some form of spiritual healing. We are just looking to rest because tomorrow is going to be a big day, 135 miles to Susanville. Ugh!
A word about riders and bikes: there some extraordinary riders on this trip. There are two RAAM finishers, numerous Ironman riders, a variety of long time race team members, and one of the woman was winner of the Hawaii Ironman, which is an extraordinary accomplishment. The rest of us flotsam and jetsam are skilled as well. Impressive really. There is an interesting and slightly surprising assortment of bikes: 2 Treks, 2 Specialized, 2 Cervelo, 2 Pinerello, 2 Davidson, and 1 Dean. The most numerous is the 6 Ti Seven bikes (very expensive, high end Ti frames - nice) but no Cannondale, surprising. Overall, it is a strong, convivial group. My roommate is a year younger than me and is a very good rider. Even more, he is an astonishing outdoorsman. He is a certified ski race instructor in Vail for four months a year, has kayaked the Mississippi River, has driven dog sleds, and every year does a solo backcountry canoe trip for a week. His is a very impressive outdoor resume. Taken overall it is a very good group and I'm pleased to be able to keep up. Tomorrow may be a different story.
So now to bed.
with today's particular destination being Mt. Shasta
Beside noting the entrance to CA the first pic makes it clear that we were riding on I-5. This was our second interstate foray and these, I confess, give me the heebee jeebies. But, as freeway riding goes this was reasonably good; the shoulder was wide and free of debris. So, OK.
The other way this is becoming a PacTour experience is how I'm feeling. Every morning these days I awaken with the feeling of having been pummeled in the night by an enthusiastic sadist. After dressing, struggling to eat, then getting on the bike on the way out of town I begin to feel better. After an hour or two I feel really good and really strong and fast. By the end of the day, however, I'm exhausted and collapse into bed ready to be worked over by that sadist yet again. That's the way we roll on these events. Not for everybody.
The day began with what is rapidly becoming our opening the day on a big climb, in this case 19 miles out of the Ashland valley. That aside, it was shaping up to be a pretty good day. The roads were clear and relatively fast and the two fastest riders got themselves off course for a fairly substantial time, which everyone else figured wouldn't hurt them (which it didn't). At about mile 50 I was riding with a pretty good group of four across a very substantial Shasta valley floor when the wind blew up. It grew harder and harder almost immediately and also almost immediately I began to tail off the back. I rode the next 9 miles into a ferocious headwind by myself. I am, naturally, at this point, eager to employ the always comical and nearly always disingenuous dropped guy's mantra, 'I could have stayed with them but I CHOSE not to (a phrase that no one EVER believes) but I won't. Finally, I managed to get out of it but certainly not easily. Shortly after doing so, we made it to Shasta City where we are spending this night. It is an interesting little town in which as substantial number of the businesses seem to be devoted to selling medical marijuana or some form of spiritual healing. We are just looking to rest because tomorrow is going to be a big day, 135 miles to Susanville. Ugh!
So now to bed.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Day 11
Diamond Lake to Ashland, 115 miles.
Awoke this morning feeling completely beat up. Took off at the crack of dawn anyway. Today was supposed to be relatively easier, that is somewhat less climbing with the day ending on a descent. I suppose this is generally true but I awoke feeling so wreaked I was apprehensive. This apprehension was intensified by the fact that the day opened with a 20 mile climb to Crater Lake
but the ride up was so interesting and attractive I felt a bit better. What is so striking is the widespread effects of the collapse of Mt. Mazama 7700 years ago. Yesterday were the lava fields miles away and today is the effect much closer by. What was described as Pumice Desert
on the placard in the foreground is quite extraordinary. The deep nutrient poor pumice field has largely prevented the growth of vegetation even now, 8000 years later. But the effect is not uniform as the pics below show
See how I got my bike and myself in the pic? I really there as well as here
Following the euphoria of visiting the lake and descending off the mountain the last 50 miles turned into a bit of a slog and my feeling of being beat up returned. Now, frankly, I'm pooped and ready for bed (it is 8:30).
Tomorrow we enter CA and head to Mt. Shasta. It is a relatively short day but with sufficient climbing to make it beastly. I'm expecting the worst.
Awoke this morning feeling completely beat up. Took off at the crack of dawn anyway. Today was supposed to be relatively easier, that is somewhat less climbing with the day ending on a descent. I suppose this is generally true but I awoke feeling so wreaked I was apprehensive. This apprehension was intensified by the fact that the day opened with a 20 mile climb to Crater Lake
Tomorrow we enter CA and head to Mt. Shasta. It is a relatively short day but with sufficient climbing to make it beastly. I'm expecting the worst.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 10
Fairly long day today, 125 miles from Bend to Diamond Lake. Overall, a very nice day. It did, however, start a little rough with a 20 mile climb up to the Mt. Bachelor ski lodge:
After that it was mostly up and down for the rest of the day. One nice thing was lining out behind a tandem for @40 miles. Worked great. One striking part of today was another bed of extraordinary lava fields. These differed from yesterday in that this field about 50 miles south of Bend was much older that the field on Makenzie Pass yesterday. Today's field evidently was a product of the eruption of Mt. Mazama that created Crater Lake @7700 years ago. The Makenzie pass lava by contrast was from only around 1500-1700 years ago. Today we also passed through an enormous plain that burned in 2003. It was a remarkable space and the way that the growth is beginning to reemerge. None of this was what could be called photogenic but it was interesting to pass through.
This evening we are staying at Diamond Lake
in some quite funky cabins. I am confident, however, that they will sleep well.
Tomorrow on the way to Ashland we are stopping at Crater Lake. It seems that on this trip we are hitting all the high spots. Why should tomorrow be different. Tomorrows course is much easier than the last couple days: 110 miles with some climbing in the beginning and then mostly flat and down the rest of the way. Should be good.
The connection here is very poor so no marginally useful data. Tomorrow. You will just have to wait.
After that it was mostly up and down for the rest of the day. One nice thing was lining out behind a tandem for @40 miles. Worked great. One striking part of today was another bed of extraordinary lava fields. These differed from yesterday in that this field about 50 miles south of Bend was much older that the field on Makenzie Pass yesterday. Today's field evidently was a product of the eruption of Mt. Mazama that created Crater Lake @7700 years ago. The Makenzie pass lava by contrast was from only around 1500-1700 years ago. Today we also passed through an enormous plain that burned in 2003. It was a remarkable space and the way that the growth is beginning to reemerge. None of this was what could be called photogenic but it was interesting to pass through.
AfThis evening we are staying at Diamond Lake
in some quite funky cabins. I am confident, however, that they will sleep well.
Tomorrow on the way to Ashland we are stopping at Crater Lake. It seems that on this trip we are hitting all the high spots. Why should tomorrow be different. Tomorrows course is much easier than the last couple days: 110 miles with some climbing in the beginning and then mostly flat and down the rest of the way. Should be good.
The connection here is very poor so no marginally useful data. Tomorrow. You will just have to wait.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Day 9
First, new category: marginally useful information.
a. There is skiing 12 months a year at Timberline. One consequence of this is that ski teams from all over America and elsewhere come here for periods of time to train. At 6:45 fleets of young ski kids trouped up the slopes for slalom training. The Japanese national development team was there on the morning we left. Interesting overall.
b. The town of Detroit where we spent last night has 176 winter residents. The proprietress of our motel is the mayor and the guy who ran the hot dog stand at the marina across the street is on the city council (I don't know the other members).
c. Apart from the heat exhaustion (mercifully now passed) and the conventional diaper rash that is conventional on such endeavors, I have only standarized minor health problems. Somehow or another I acquired a substantial abrasion on the top of my left thigh. With the continual rubbing and profusion of bodily fluids, I am having a hard time eliminating this. My chief hope is to prevent infection breaking out before getting home. Secondarily, on the super hot days my feet swelled a bit which, in this case, resulted substantial blood bruises on a couple of toes, which, I should say, hurt like crazy. Apart from these conventional problems, I'm doing well and getting stronger. I hope it continues.
Day 9
If yesterday was a cruising, pleasant day, today was a beast. 125 miles with oodles of climbing. The first 27 miles were confidence sapping "false flat" and then the serious climbing began in which we climbed for 10 more miles. Then over the next 10 miles we gave back every inch of elevation. Then began a @20 mile climb to Mackenzie Pass. From there were views of the Three Sisters
and Mt. Washington
More remarkable than the mountain vistas was the extraordinary lava fields that cover the entire top of the pass which is only hinted at in the above photo. Quite amazing really. It was interesting an tough. From there the next 40 miles was a descent and a run into Bend. An interesting, worthy day.
An interesting aside: tomorrow is the start of the Cascades Classic cycling race. The BMC development team was riding the same route we were to recon the climb which is a key part of the second stage . The group included the under-23 national champion and a fairly large group with him and support cars. Several of them stopped and took pics where we did. They were SO young. It was amazing to see them.
Tomorrow is another long, 125 miles, tough day. The most noteworthy part of the route is a mile 15 that begins within 5 miles of the start of the ride. YUUUUCK! I expect to survive. If so, I will try to report.
a. There is skiing 12 months a year at Timberline. One consequence of this is that ski teams from all over America and elsewhere come here for periods of time to train. At 6:45 fleets of young ski kids trouped up the slopes for slalom training. The Japanese national development team was there on the morning we left. Interesting overall.
b. The town of Detroit where we spent last night has 176 winter residents. The proprietress of our motel is the mayor and the guy who ran the hot dog stand at the marina across the street is on the city council (I don't know the other members).
c. Apart from the heat exhaustion (mercifully now passed) and the conventional diaper rash that is conventional on such endeavors, I have only standarized minor health problems. Somehow or another I acquired a substantial abrasion on the top of my left thigh. With the continual rubbing and profusion of bodily fluids, I am having a hard time eliminating this. My chief hope is to prevent infection breaking out before getting home. Secondarily, on the super hot days my feet swelled a bit which, in this case, resulted substantial blood bruises on a couple of toes, which, I should say, hurt like crazy. Apart from these conventional problems, I'm doing well and getting stronger. I hope it continues.
Day 9
If yesterday was a cruising, pleasant day, today was a beast. 125 miles with oodles of climbing. The first 27 miles were confidence sapping "false flat" and then the serious climbing began in which we climbed for 10 more miles. Then over the next 10 miles we gave back every inch of elevation. Then began a @20 mile climb to Mackenzie Pass. From there were views of the Three Sisters
and Mt. Washington
More remarkable than the mountain vistas was the extraordinary lava fields that cover the entire top of the pass which is only hinted at in the above photo. Quite amazing really. It was interesting an tough. From there the next 40 miles was a descent and a run into Bend. An interesting, worthy day.
An interesting aside: tomorrow is the start of the Cascades Classic cycling race. The BMC development team was riding the same route we were to recon the climb which is a key part of the second stage . The group included the under-23 national champion and a fairly large group with him and support cars. Several of them stopped and took pics where we did. They were SO young. It was amazing to see them.
Tomorrow is another long, 125 miles, tough day. The most noteworthy part of the route is a mile 15 that begins within 5 miles of the start of the ride. YUUUUCK! I expect to survive. If so, I will try to report.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Day 8
It is a funny little lake that is drained beginning 15 September to prevent snowmelt flooding. But, now, as you can see it is full and attractive.
This morning's ride was rare; for the first 10 miles I had 29.7 MPH average. It was probably just as well that it was rather windy or I might have opened it up even more, risking injury and death. The rest of the ride had a few climbs of some magnitude but the general trajectory was downward. It was a PERFECT cycling day. The route lacked majestic vistas or a cluster of photo ops. But, from a cycling point of view it could not have been improved upon. The temperatures were moderate, the road surfaces good, and the surrounding appealing in every way. I did take one pic
which I admit is not much but it does show us entering the Willamette National Forest, where we stayed for the remainder of the ride.
In all, I am feeling well and strong but we shall see tomorrow. Tomorrow is a big day, 130 miles with two major mountain passes, most particularly Mackenzie Pass which, according to all reports is spectacular. We shall see. I will report.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Review & Day 7
For non-cycling readers of this communication (I flatter myself that there are one or two, certainly not more) who wonder about what we eat on these sorts of trips I offer the following:
In addition to regular meals with such things as oatmeal for breakfast and sa lmon for dinner we have a variety of rest/sag/water stops to refuel along the way. What is consumed at these stops varies but a couple of bite size Snickers, a couple of cookies, and a chunk of beef jerky accompanied by a glass of V8 juice and one of Coke is a good start. Then, on the way out a handful of Jelly Bellies and 3 or 4 Tums all washed down with about a pint of Gatorade and a pint of water and one is ready for anything (likely including a visit to a gastroenterologist). After all, on just the riding portion of the trip I go through between 4000 and 7,000 calories per day, which along with those just keeping me alive, need to be replaced somehow.
Day 7.
Two days ago was Mt. Rainier Day, yesterday was Mt. St. Helen's day and today was Mt. Hood day. The mountain in the distance is where were going
It is an interesting and beautiful place where I could go skiing tomorrow morning at 7 AM if only I knew how. The ride here was supposed to be some absurd length but fortunately road construction and snow blockages reduced the ride to a little less than 100 miles. Much of that distance was climbing beginning with a leg breakaing 2 miles long 10% ascent at MILE 3!!!!! It concluded with a steep six mile climb to the lodge and most of the rest of the ride was climbing of some sort. Being a lousy climber made this less than pleasant but it could have been worse, we could have ridden the original route (NO WAY). But I made it.
Tomorrow we head down the mountain for a relatively short (about 90 miles) to a place the name of which I have now forgotten. Still it should be a relatively relaxing day.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Day 6
Today was a glorious day. Following my recovery day yesterday, I felt vastly better, not perfect perhaps but really all I any reason to expect under the circumstances. If yesterday was a Mt. Rainier day, today was Mt. St. Helens Day. It was 105 miles from Packwood to Cascade Locks, Oregon. The first 20 miles or so was relatively flat until we crossed to Cowlitz River to enter the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, in which we remained for most of the rest of the day. This begins as a spooky, primeval space with dense stands of trees covered with velveteen moss. The road begins to rise gently and within 5 miles a long, unremitting climb takes hold for the next 15 miles. It is not steep (5-7%) but 15 miles is 15 miles. Then a downhill for about 2 miles and then uphill for 4 more. Then......vistas of Mt. St. Helens open before you. It is extremely majestic. I had forgotten that it was 32 years ago now (May, 1980) when it erupted. Coming back from Japan in the spring of 1981 the plane close by the mountain, dark, sinister, and the surrounding landscaped largely denuded. It is now otherwise; green and lush but without the great trees that dominate so much of the rest of the space. It is quite beautiful. From there it was up and down until leaving the Forest, riding along the Columbia river, and, ultimately crossing into Oregon on the petrifyingly scary Bridge of the Gods (a grated metal bridge 200 feet about the river. Now I am sitting on the veranda overlooking the river ready to leave tomorrow for Mt. Hood where will stay in the famous forest hotel in the grand manner, The Timberline Lodge.
I apologize but in my delirium I failed to properly plug in my phone so no pics today. I will try to do better.
I apologize but in my delirium I failed to properly plug in my phone so no pics today. I will try to do better.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Recovery Day
After my bout with dehydration and heat exhaustion, it seemed prudent to try to recover today. So...... no riding today, except in the van. Today was a day in and around Mt. Rainier, it would have been nice to ride it but it was nice seeing the sights in a car as well. It was very clear and a bit cooler today so all vistas were all out. I took no pics, however, as my phone/camera as inaccessible. I'm not too worried because I feel certain that most have seen images of Rainier. Tonight we are in the small town of Packwood, Washington. It is probably not widely known, but elk tend to mingle quite freely with the good citizens of Packwood. Their hulking brown bodies and their blackish scat litter the town. It is often implied that elk hunting is a rather formidable big game enterprise. Looking at those lazy buggers laying about here makes me question that evidently erroneous suggestion
.
Tomorrow we head into Oregon. We will glide by Mt. St. Helens. My cooked innards seem to be on the mend. I'm looking forward to being on the road tomorrow.
.
Tomorrow we head into Oregon. We will glide by Mt. St. Helens. My cooked innards seem to be on the mend. I'm looking forward to being on the road tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Day 4
Today was supposed to be an "easy" day (89 miles, 4600 ft climbing), but it wasn't. Once again it was beastly hot, local people seem to be complaining of record temps. I believe them. We left a little later than usual today. At about mile 5 we began a 13 mile climb to a place called Blewett where we turned off onto what was a veritable one lane donkey path. It was, in a manner of speaking, paved, which is to say it was probably paved in 1937 and has not been touched since. This was a trifle bothersome but much more bothersome was the fact that this mountain goat path climbed steeply (8-10%) for 4 miles. On top of the earlier 13, this seemed cruel and unusual. Still, I have to confess that the descent off of Blewett Pass was fast and fun. From that point on it was a long treeless slog. This exposed, hot ride was made worse by a 4 mile climb up to a ghastly windfarm at about mile 40. The remaining 50 miles or so was unrelentingly hot. Even the extended run along the Yakima River was made even less pleasant by the fact that river was deeply shaded and the road had none. UGH! For all that, I have arrived. I am starting to think that I have a sort of accumulated heat exhaustion. Even though we are heading to Mt. Rainier tomorrow, I am thinking that because of this exhaustion, I may take tomorrow off. It is not a pleasing prospect but it may be necessary. I will review the situation tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Days 2 & 3
WI didn't post yesterday. The most forceful explanation for that omission is that the place had no connection. But, truth be told, I would have been hard pressed to post even if a connection was available. Yesterday was tough.
Day 2
126 miles from Sedro Wooley to Winthrop. The entire course was on the North Cascades Highway (Route 2). Theoretically, it should not have been too hard a day. It was, true, a bit long but that is a normal sort of thing on these rides. Also, the stated elevation gain was not hideous (about 7850 vertical feet). The problem was that the first 55 miles or so are relatively flat, and being early, were relatively cool. Moreover, the last 30 miles or so included about 10 miles of 40mph descending and the remainder mostly flat. What that means is that most of the 7850 feet of gain take place in 40 miles. The gain was over major two mountain passes (Rainy Pass and Washington Pass). Ugh! To make matters worse, it was frightfully hot. It was a miserable 40 miles. Like many others, I had run out of water, climbed for about an hour and half with no fluids to speak of, and, unsurprisingly, became rather dehydrated, making the rest of the ride quite miserable. Still, I have to say, the countryside is majestic and spectacular, which the pic below suggests
It was, as I said, HOT. This was a sufficient problem to encourage me to stick various body parts into a snowmelt stream rushing of a glacier and, on two occasions to sit in a bank of snow alongside the road. If that was not enough, I put handfuls of snow inside my helmet and pant legs. The only saving grace is the fact the view from my snowseats was gorgeous.
Adding insult to injury, the hotel in Winthrop was not, to be kind, nice. Admittedly, the town is not thriving metropolis. Still,the pillows were lumpy and the room was hot (just what was NOT wanted). Nevertheless, we are on to another day.
Day 2
Winthrop to Leavenworth, 118 miles with about 4,000 feet of climbing. The first 35 miles were along the Methow River and the route was relatively shaded. In short, nice. Then we turned right to track the Columbia River for the next 65 miles. It was interesting because orchards ribboned the road on both sides and with apples, pears, and cherries in profusion along with acre upon acre of grape vines. For the entire length, the river was on our left side and high cliffs on the right. What this meant was that there was no shade whatsoever for 65 miles. If it had been 68 degrees that would not have been a problem. But it was not. Instead, it was between 95-100 degrees for much of the distance. UGH! My blood was boiling and my head exploding. It is true that we were by the river with water water everywhere and all the hydroelectric facilities that makes this area famous
But none of this water did me any good. I was ready to croak. So, like 15 others, at about mile 95, I was obliged to ferry in by car. I was sick and haggard. Several hours later, I am rather better. Leavenworth is a much better locale, the hotel is MUCH nicer, and there are a better assortment of restaurants. Leavenworth, though, is a strange, kitchy place. At some point in the misty past, town fathers decided to dress the town up in ersatz German garb. Weird. Nevertheless, it is comfortable for our purposes and is a good rest-up spot to get ready for tomorrow.
Day 2
126 miles from Sedro Wooley to Winthrop. The entire course was on the North Cascades Highway (Route 2). Theoretically, it should not have been too hard a day. It was, true, a bit long but that is a normal sort of thing on these rides. Also, the stated elevation gain was not hideous (about 7850 vertical feet). The problem was that the first 55 miles or so are relatively flat, and being early, were relatively cool. Moreover, the last 30 miles or so included about 10 miles of 40mph descending and the remainder mostly flat. What that means is that most of the 7850 feet of gain take place in 40 miles. The gain was over major two mountain passes (Rainy Pass and Washington Pass). Ugh! To make matters worse, it was frightfully hot. It was a miserable 40 miles. Like many others, I had run out of water, climbed for about an hour and half with no fluids to speak of, and, unsurprisingly, became rather dehydrated, making the rest of the ride quite miserable. Still, I have to say, the countryside is majestic and spectacular, which the pic below suggests
It was, as I said, HOT. This was a sufficient problem to encourage me to stick various body parts into a snowmelt stream rushing of a glacier and, on two occasions to sit in a bank of snow alongside the road. If that was not enough, I put handfuls of snow inside my helmet and pant legs. The only saving grace is the fact the view from my snowseats was gorgeous.
Day 2
Winthrop to Leavenworth, 118 miles with about 4,000 feet of climbing. The first 35 miles were along the Methow River and the route was relatively shaded. In short, nice. Then we turned right to track the Columbia River for the next 65 miles. It was interesting because orchards ribboned the road on both sides and with apples, pears, and cherries in profusion along with acre upon acre of grape vines. For the entire length, the river was on our left side and high cliffs on the right. What this meant was that there was no shade whatsoever for 65 miles. If it had been 68 degrees that would not have been a problem. But it was not. Instead, it was between 95-100 degrees for much of the distance. UGH! My blood was boiling and my head exploding. It is true that we were by the river with water water everywhere and all the hydroelectric facilities that makes this area famous
But none of this water did me any good. I was ready to croak. So, like 15 others, at about mile 95, I was obliged to ferry in by car. I was sick and haggard. Several hours later, I am rather better. Leavenworth is a much better locale, the hotel is MUCH nicer, and there are a better assortment of restaurants. Leavenworth, though, is a strange, kitchy place. At some point in the misty past, town fathers decided to dress the town up in ersatz German garb. Weird. Nevertheless, it is comfortable for our purposes and is a good rest-up spot to get ready for tomorrow.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Day 1
95 miles, perfect weather, gorgeous scenery, nice start. We left around 6:15 today (Sunday, 7/8) in order to catch the ferry at Mulkiteo heading to Whidby Island. We are off
Whidby is so pretty with gorgeous sights everywhere with remarkable vistas like these
Both of these views are just up the road from the Captain Whidby Inn which Alma and I visited several times, many years ago. It was beautiful then and is still. We continued traveling north leaving the island at Deception Pass
This is such a remarkable cut with the high walls and very rapid current. Quite miraculous really. From here mostly it was a move into farm country, berries and vegetables. Lovely in a completely different sort of way.
Tomorrow is going to be a sterner endeavor; we take the North Cascade Highway 125 miles over two major mountain passes from Sedro Wooley to Winthrop. Today was cushy, tomorrow will not be.
Overall, I am impressed with the other riders in this group. All are vastly experienced in these sorts of things and many are, like me, rather geezerish (not quite so much as me, but getting there). I'm pleased to be here and hope that I can continue to make it through. I am cautiously optimistic but the rigors of tomorrows ride will reveal much.
Whidby is so pretty with gorgeous sights everywhere with remarkable vistas like these
Both of these views are just up the road from the Captain Whidby Inn which Alma and I visited several times, many years ago. It was beautiful then and is still. We continued traveling north leaving the island at Deception Pass
This is such a remarkable cut with the high walls and very rapid current. Quite miraculous really. From here mostly it was a move into farm country, berries and vegetables. Lovely in a completely different sort of way.
Tomorrow is going to be a sterner endeavor; we take the North Cascade Highway 125 miles over two major mountain passes from Sedro Wooley to Winthrop. Today was cushy, tomorrow will not be.
Overall, I am impressed with the other riders in this group. All are vastly experienced in these sorts of things and many are, like me, rather geezerish (not quite so much as me, but getting there). I'm pleased to be here and hope that I can continue to make it through. I am cautiously optimistic but the rigors of tomorrows ride will reveal much.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Rdy 2 Go
Have safely arrived in Everett, Wa, set up in a room, assembled the bike, and taken a 2 hour spin around. Fortunately, the machine did not become disassembled as a result of my ineptitude, so me and the bike are ready (sort of). The weather is glorious, the air crystalline, and the views gorgeous. Foolishly I failed to bring a camera on the shake down but will try to do better. The group is large and seems to be very experienced; many/most of the riders seem to have gone across country one or more times, there is much excited buzzing in the air, and there are many beautiful and well used bikes. There is a riders meeting in about an hour where we will be briefed on this and that. Tomorrow we will be off at 6:30 for distant parts. I await developments.
A different, but related topic: bike safety. Was on the W.Cola ride on Thurs. on which there were two crashes, both a result of what could be called rider error. The first was a simple matter of someone running up on the wheel of the person in front just before the crest of a hill, a common but predictable danger point. The second was far more serious and demonstrates the truth of the maxim that in a contest of strength between a bike and a car, the car ALWAYS wins. Someone foolishly ran a light on Platt Springs Road thinking, evidently that could make across before the car hit him. He was wrong! The bike and the car tried to avoid one another but ultimately couldn't with the rider glancing down the left side of the car before flipping over it. Mercifully, despite badly marring the car and totally wrecking the bike, the rider was up and around and seemingly OK. AMAZING! There are a variety of lessons in this story not least of which is DON'T RUN TRAFFIC LIGHTS!!!!!!! Be safe out there my friends.
Off to the rider meeting. More anon.
A different, but related topic: bike safety. Was on the W.Cola ride on Thurs. on which there were two crashes, both a result of what could be called rider error. The first was a simple matter of someone running up on the wheel of the person in front just before the crest of a hill, a common but predictable danger point. The second was far more serious and demonstrates the truth of the maxim that in a contest of strength between a bike and a car, the car ALWAYS wins. Someone foolishly ran a light on Platt Springs Road thinking, evidently that could make across before the car hit him. He was wrong! The bike and the car tried to avoid one another but ultimately couldn't with the rider glancing down the left side of the car before flipping over it. Mercifully, despite badly marring the car and totally wrecking the bike, the rider was up and around and seemingly OK. AMAZING! There are a variety of lessons in this story not least of which is DON'T RUN TRAFFIC LIGHTS!!!!!!! Be safe out there my friends.
Off to the rider meeting. More anon.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
July 4th
Happy and safe 7/4 holiday to all. Given the dryness and fire dangers here and there, fireworks prohibitions are evidently in place in a variety of locales. For those deprived souls, here are yours
Rode some last night and will do some more tomorrow (in the event that it has been forgotten, I am tapering). Reduced riding is OK given the weather (96 predicted today). In two days I will be in Everett to start the ride where today's predicted high is 63 (and where it will be about 58 when we depart on Sunday morning. The oddity of these sorts of trips is how weather-obsessed one becomes.). I am more or less ready to go: among other things, the bike has been shipped (and already in WA) and lots of A&D ointment has been acquired (unlike TDF riders - who have medical support - self-medicating is essential). Not much more to do beyond worrying about my capacity to do this trip (which, I regret to say, I do almost constantly). Nothing for it now; soon off.
Rode some last night and will do some more tomorrow (in the event that it has been forgotten, I am tapering). Reduced riding is OK given the weather (96 predicted today). In two days I will be in Everett to start the ride where today's predicted high is 63 (and where it will be about 58 when we depart on Sunday morning. The oddity of these sorts of trips is how weather-obsessed one becomes.). I am more or less ready to go: among other things, the bike has been shipped (and already in WA) and lots of A&D ointment has been acquired (unlike TDF riders - who have medical support - self-medicating is essential). Not much more to do beyond worrying about my capacity to do this trip (which, I regret to say, I do almost constantly). Nothing for it now; soon off.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Training?!
Despite beastly weather (107+ three days in row), I rode a bit
yesterday
and today
I am never beautiful, but my gaunt, gnarled, soaking image in this pic demonstrates that it is HOT!!!!! Because it is so hot I cannot say that I have been doing the miles necessary to prepare for this trip. But all is well. I am trying to convince myself that there is some sort of miles index that correlates in some way to heat/misery. So, like the mythical 'heat index', I am using a mileage index in which miles ridden in weather over 95 degrees and 70% humidity are increased by some multiplier. Thus, 60 nominal miles today and yesterday are equivalent to 120 miles each day for a 240 total this weekend. I realize that some may quibble about the accuracy and precision of this index but its my index and I'm sticking with it. In short, my training proceeds well despite oppressive conditions. Now with less than a week to the start of the PCT, I am free to taper. Strict constructionists might suggest that 60 miles yesterday and today are themselves tapering but they would be wrong.
Stage 1 of the TDF today. It was great to see Spartacus make the race at the end. It is moves like that, that make him my fav.
yesterday
and today
I am never beautiful, but my gaunt, gnarled, soaking image in this pic demonstrates that it is HOT!!!!! Because it is so hot I cannot say that I have been doing the miles necessary to prepare for this trip. But all is well. I am trying to convince myself that there is some sort of miles index that correlates in some way to heat/misery. So, like the mythical 'heat index', I am using a mileage index in which miles ridden in weather over 95 degrees and 70% humidity are increased by some multiplier. Thus, 60 nominal miles today and yesterday are equivalent to 120 miles each day for a 240 total this weekend. I realize that some may quibble about the accuracy and precision of this index but its my index and I'm sticking with it. In short, my training proceeds well despite oppressive conditions. Now with less than a week to the start of the PCT, I am free to taper. Strict constructionists might suggest that 60 miles yesterday and today are themselves tapering but they would be wrong.
Stage 1 of the TDF today. It was great to see Spartacus make the race at the end. It is moves like that, that make him my fav.
Friday, June 29, 2012
One week from today I leave for the great Pacific Northwest to begin a two week bike ride. I will be part of a Pacific Crest Trail ride organized by PacTour. Some of you may recall that I went across the country with this group in 2001. The ride begins in Everett, Washington on 8 July and finishes in Reno, Nevada on 21 July. It is a vicious itinerary with the toughest day being from Cascade Locks, OR to Mt. Hood in 142 miles with 15,000 vertical feet of climbing. Yikes! I'M WAAAAAY TOO OLD FOR THAT SORT OF THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At the very least it promises to be cool, more or less. throughout. Since, as I write this, it is 107F outside, cool is a very appealing notion. Still noting that average high temps on Mt. Hood in July are in the mid-50s and lows in the mid-30s, I may come to regret my wish for cool. Descending from Mt. Hood at 6:30AM in the mid-30s will certainly be a mixed pleasure; happy to be going down hill, but somewhat bemused at the prospect of freezing to death. Alas, such are the complexities of long-distance bike trips.
Here is the bike I will be riding:
Since these trips are often over somewhat uncertain terrain, indestructible Ti seemed a better option than my rather more fragile Colnago. Besides, with those boxy soft rims and the cushy Ti ride, this might actually be more comfortable. But, let's be realistic; going uphill most of the time will mean that I will not be comfortable no matter what bike I'm riding. The only way I could be comfortable under those circumstances would be to be in a PacTour vehicle, which, given the difficulty of the trip and my general geriatric decrepitude, is certainly not impossible. Yet, I will try to remain optimistic and will continue to hope that, as in 2001, I will ride every mile, every day. I await developments.
Here is the bike I will be riding:
Since these trips are often over somewhat uncertain terrain, indestructible Ti seemed a better option than my rather more fragile Colnago. Besides, with those boxy soft rims and the cushy Ti ride, this might actually be more comfortable. But, let's be realistic; going uphill most of the time will mean that I will not be comfortable no matter what bike I'm riding. The only way I could be comfortable under those circumstances would be to be in a PacTour vehicle, which, given the difficulty of the trip and my general geriatric decrepitude, is certainly not impossible. Yet, I will try to remain optimistic and will continue to hope that, as in 2001, I will ride every mile, every day. I await developments.
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