A Weekend of Milestones

[RolliePollie]

So I'm not sure when you graduate from being a newbie, but I still consider myself one. And this here newbie has had a weekend of milestones! I just have to share because I'm kind of proud of myself :D

Milestone #1: It's been almost exactly 18 months since I got my road bike and started riding. Prior to that, I hadn't been on a bike in probably 15 years.

Milestone #2: Yesterday I made it to 4,500 miles since I started riding.

Milestone #3: Today I made it to 1,800 miles for the season.

Milestone #4: I just got home from the most difficult ride I've ever attempted. 18 months ago, there is no way in *heck* I would have ever thought I could complete this ride. It's not the longest ride I've done, but the most climbing...48.6 miles and something like 5,400' feet of elevation gain...elevation profile below. This elevation profile starts a few miles up the road from where we started, so I actually rode a few more miles and got to do another big climb. The ride up the mountain took 3 hours at an average of 8.2 mph and the ride down took one hour. I felt incredibly good on the ride, my legs held up so well, and I'm so excited that I did it!

That's it...I'm done bragging now :o

[maillotpois]

Good job!!!

Out of curiosity, what was the route?

[RolliePollie]

Good job!!!

Out of curiosity, what was the route?

Sarah - It was Iron Mountain Road/Mormon Immigrant Trail...I guess I could've included that info! I'm sure you've ridden it many times!!! :) I tried it out last season but didn't get too far...I surprised myself by making it all the way to Hwy. 88 today. If you ever have a group going up there to ride, I'd love to join you. I'm afraid to do that road all by myself.

[maillotpois]

I've never ridden that, but we just discovered it this year as a great way to get over to Markleeville and we've talked about how great it would be to ride - nice wide shoulder, not much traffic at all, relatively steady grade, nothing too steep. I was wondering if that was what it was!

We've always been on our way to some crazy riding and haven't yet had a chance to make that road a destination.

[RolliePollie]

I would highly recommend it...both as a way to drive to Markleeville and for a bike ride! The only problem is that there is no water anywhere along the way. You really need to have someone provide SAG support or take a huge CamelBak. I went through 4-1/2 water bottles today and I would've liked more. I've also heard of people stashing ice chests along the way, but that would be kind of time consuming. There used to be a store at Silver Lake but it's closed, so even when you get to Hwy. 88, there's nothing. Surprisingly, there's a potty (yucky pit type) up at the top...maintained by the Forest Service I guess.

Anyway, if you ever decide to come up and ride it, I'd love to join you.

[jobob]

Wow, very well done RP.

and, dare I say ... epic!! :D

[yellow]

I'm sure V won't mind if I post a link to these pictures (http://tandemhearts.com/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=29), taken on that very same ride back on June of 2005. Thom was our official SAG as he was broken at the moment. We didn't make it quite to the top because the road was still snowed in.

It's a great ride. Beautiful place!!

That road used to be the site of my old max speed record (49.8). Until I shattered it here without really even trying (I'm not sayin').

[Brandy]

Nice job! That looks like a great climb. I need to get up that way!!

[kelownagirl]

Congratulations!!!!! Isn't it amazing and wonderful what you can do? So, what's next? ;)

[crazycanuck]

:eek: Oh my..:eek: :cool: :cool:

I find you California ladies amazing ;) That's cool!

We don't have that type of elevation here in Perth..

[SadieKate]

Thom was our official SAG as he was broken at the moment. REmember when he accidentally hit the horn with his broken arm? We thought there was some kind of emergency behind.

Congratulations, RolliePollie. Nice milestone to add to the list.:)

[Trekhawk]

Well done RP!!
That is such a beautiful place to ride.:)

[Bike Goddess]

rolliepollie- When I get up your way, I'll be happy to do that ride with you. We know that route as it is faster to get to Caples and Carson Pass from here. I remember when Sadie Kate and gang did it a few years ago. I was sorry I couldn't go then so nice to know you're up that way.

Who sagged for you? Yes, water would be a problem. Sorry to hear about the store at Silver Lake. I thought that was a neat place.

[jaydee]

Sounds like you had a great ride! Congrats on all your milestones.