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

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

[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!!