Ride totals- The Komen Ride to Vegas

For those who like numbers:

I rode 513 miles in 6 days
Burned 21,542 calories
Rode in 116 degree temps in Death Valley
Climbed almost 50,000 feet
Descended at 48, 50 and 55mph on 3 separate descents
Did my fastest century, riding 100 miles in just over 4 hrs- avg speed 24.5
Rode gradients of 16 and 18%
Rode at 8000 feet and was still breathing comfortably
Descended 4200 ft out of Yosemite covering 13 miles (passing a pick-up and a motorcycle) at 55mph

Things I learned:

The tarantulas crossed the road to get to the other side
There are coyotes on Mt Hamilton
Wine doesn't help when you can't sleep
A negative attitude breeds negative results
I feel the need for speed
I like to descend more than I like to climb and I LOVE to climb
After 500 miles on a bike, the saddle is less than comfy
You can share a tent with someone you don't know and have fun
You can dehydrate despite drinking 24 ounces every 15 minutes
People you don't know one day can save your butt the next
You don't have to fall just because you crossed wheels at 25mph
Sometimes taking a huge leap will be the best thing you could ever do

Thanks for all of your support!

Days 5 and 6 Komen ride to Vegas

We were up and on the road early to beat some of the afternoon heat in Death Valley. It was another 100 plus mile day and we ended up riding in 116 degree temps. There was one huge climb that took us up over 5000 feet. Luckily, the payback on the other side was another screaming descent. I love to climb but hadn't really gotten my legs here until Day 5. I felt great today and was finally able to settle in. Let me tell ya, 50 miles an hour on a bike...pretty darn cool.

Day 6 We were eating breakfast in the dark to get on the road early. Luckily the heat never got to yesterdays extreme highs. Though we were told 134 isn't uncommon. We completed our last leg to the Interbike Dirt Demo at about 2pm today. The crowds were huge and of course the champagne was flowing.

This was a major undertaking for me. I want to thank Mike Sinyard and all of the wonderful folks at Specialized for making this adventure possible. Also, thanks to everyone on the ride and back home for all of your encouragement. I couldn't have done this without you. A special thanks to Dan, for dragging and pushing me back in the many times I fell off. Kisses to the ChickTrain for all their hard work and determination and to Rachel for keeping us strong mentally when I just wanted to get off my bike. I made many new friends and found a toughness inside that I had no idea was there. What a week. I'm sorry it's over but I can't imagine having to get back in the saddle today!

Total distance that I rode: 513 miles in 6 days

Day 4 Komen ride to Vegas

We were on the road early this morning to try to avoid the terrible headwinds that this ride suffered with last year. Todays ride was 100 miles of almost entirely flat terrain with several screaming descents. We got a tremendous tailwind and the group was able to sustain speeds in the mid-thirties, yes 30s, for almost two hours. I rode Rebecca Rusch's wheel at 48 miles an hour down an awesome straight drop out of the 8000 ft of elevation that we suffered in yesterday. At those speeds, the miles ticked off like seconds on a clock. It was difficult to stay in the group at times but it would have been harder if I had let go. We finished the ride in about 4 hours with a 24.5 average. Even the Big Dogs were saying they had never and will likely never again ride such a fast hundred. I want to thank Dan from Kansas, Bob M from Speci and Aarons Pro racer Carmen DeLuzio for literally giving me the pushes I needed to stay in it. Thanks also to Rebecca for all her help these 4 days and for the 48mph wheel. This was without question the best ride of my life. I'm so glad I chose to take this challenge, at least until I wake up and have to get back in the saddle for 100 more tomorrow. And if I'm dreaming, please don't wake me up.

Day 1 of the Komen ride

I forgot that I neglected to post day one as there was no Internet service, so here goes. We left Specialized HQ and rode through town to get on a bike path. A bunch of miles in, the climbing began. It went on and on and on. We climbed Mt Hamilton and Quimby to the top at the Lick Observatory. My legs were cramping excessively but I beat it back with lots of salt and electrolytes. We saw a coyote running up a hill and several tarantulas on the road as we climbed and climbed. It was a tough 100 mile day and to top it off we tented out at Lake McSwain. Meager accomodations as expected but the showers were hot and masseuses were on hand to ease our pain. And there was lots of pain. Phil Keogan from the Amazing Race road and camped with us. A very nice guy and an excellent rider. That's it for now!

Days 2 and 3 of the Komen ride to Vegas

Day 2 was shorter but with lots of climbing. We racked up 70 miles on our way to Yosemite. The scenery is amazing and I will post lots of pix when I get home. Post-ride, we splashed in a freezing river before settling in to Housekeeping Camp. I'm not a camper but I am really enjoying the experience as everyone here is bike crazy. The camp itself left a lot to be desired but the trees and rock face made it all better.

Day 3- today we rode through Yosemite until the rangers grabbed our sag vans and told us we had to get out. Something about delaying traffic. We got back on bikes just outside the gates at Tioga Pass and railed a 13 mile descent at speeds up to 62mph. I didn't go over 55 so I wouldn't get into trouble at home. The corners weren't tight so excessive speed was easy and safe. We rode into Mammoth to spend the night and we ride to Lone Pine tomorrow. Another 100 mile loop. It should be more flat but likely very windy. I'll keep ya posted.

Total miles for me thus far 236. ;)

Weeknight Ride Time Change...

Our shop rides on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings will now leave promptly at 5:45 PM (Not 6 PM) due to the ever shortening days...

Tomorrow we ride

Today was all about settling in and getting ready. The time change is always a challenge but will work in my favor as I need to be up at 5a tomorrow. I splurged and had a massage today. Hopefully, the legs will be ready. We did a short loop to make sure everyones bikes were tuned and ready to go. It was 89 degrees but felt warmer. We took a tour of the Specialized Headquarters and as always I am amazed by their testing facilities. There are 32 riders. Among them are Phil Keogan from the Amazing Race, Rebecca Rusch- World Champion and journalists from Road magazine, Bicycle Retailer and Testride.com. There are 130 miles and 13,000 ft of climbing on my to-do list for tomorrow, so I'm off to bed. Wish you were here!

The adventure begins

Yesterday was travel day. The first leg of my flight was into DFW. I sat next to a career serviceman from Burlington NJ. I slept most of the flight but toward the end he said only 20 more hours to go. I asked where he was headed and he responded 'Iraq'. SFC Ken Lucas has served our country for 27 years. He said he might retire at 55 and start his own business. I told him about our bike shop. Ken owns a Specialized and said he had just gotten an email about the new Stumpjumper while he was home on R and R. He asked where I was headed and I told him to the Specialized Bicycles World HQ. I explained
that I was doing a charity bike ride from there to Las Vegas. My trip seemed a lot more daunting until I spoke to him. I wished him the best, thanked him for his service and said be safe. He smiled, said thanks that means a lot. He wished me luck and gave me a pearl of wisdom that means more coming from a man headed to the desert- "Hydrate". I realized then that this is only a 6 day bike ride, I will survive.

The shop ride is ON!

Now that it's daylight, things don't look so bad. We're going to head out on the shop road ride this morning at 8am.

Sketchy skies

Under questionable skies again today. As of 6am, I won't be heading to Philly but will decide on the AW ride closer to 7am. Make your own call for the Schuylkill Century but ride safe if you go!

Leaderless mountain ride

The Sunday mountain ride will be leaderless for a few weeks as I prepare for a 600+ mile Susan G. Komen charity road ride from Morgan Hill, California to Las Vegas, Nevada. I appreciate your understanding.

Thanks,
Patty