3rd time to do this one. I'd skipped it the last 2 years due to race schedule conflicts, but, in an effort to get some saddle time in, opted in for this year. Due to the new weekend schedule, I've lost my ability to race on Saturdays, so, this would be the 1st bike rally of the year.
Lindsi's new found love for cycling has been great, as she had already completed 2 bike rallies over the summer. She would join for this one.
This course is a beast, with 4000 feet of climbing on the 75 mile route. Having not had much saddle time this summer, I opted for the 46 mile route.
I planned to no-stop this ride, and, was eager to see what the new bike would do on a tough course.
Lindsi and I arrived a bit late, and, by the time we got parked, got the bikes ready, filled up water bottles, etc, we were behind the pack. We rode together only briefly, and then I went ahead. She was riding the 20 mile course, so, she would finish before me.
The 1st hill on this ride is Skulls Crossing, a 18 steep, short ascent. Apparently, there is a bail out for this climb. As I was approaching the turn off, I missed the turn as a cyclist was blocking my path to the turn. I had to stop and circle back (stop #1).
I headed up skulls crossing, and, as per usual, there were several cyclists walking their bikes, or struggling to pedal up the hill. I found myself moving from side to side on the hill as I looked for room to ride. To my right, a woman tipped, taking out another cyclist in the process. I moved around the carnage and kept pedaling. Finally, I worked my way through the slow traffic and made my way to a flat stretch.
About that time, I realized that my back wheel was rubbing the frame. The bike had felt sluggish thus far, and I decided to stop and take a look (stop #2). I got off the bike and attempted to spin the back wheel. It wouldn't spin long before stopping due to making contact with the frame. I spent a few minutes trying to get it adjusted, and, finally, success. I hopped back on the bike and headed out. The bike felt like it was rolling well.
Just a few miles later, I saw Jason Hill on the side of the road. I stopped to check on him. He'd popped a spoke. I stayed with him until he was ready to roll again. (stop #3).
Jason and I would ride together much of the rest of the day.
At one of the upcoming rest stops, I rolled through it, not realizing that it was a turn-off for the ride. The road markings and signage were poor. I continued on a few miles before I realized my mistake, stopped, and double back. (stop #4).
I took advantage of that rest stop for a quick pee break, reconnected with Jason, and headed out (stop #5).
I tried to keep a steady pace for the remainder of the ride, but made 1 additional stop at the last rest stop. (stop #6).
3 hours and 14 minutes after starting (2:51 ride time). I'd burned 23 minutes at stops, after not planning on stopping at all.
I'd forgotten how bad the chip seal is on this ride. Quite honestly, although challenging, its just not fun. Not sure I'll be back.
1959 feet of climbing over 46 miles at a 16.2 pace.
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