Death Ride

[maillotpois]

Back from a quickie trip to Oregon and thinking about Death Ride. So... who ended up doing it?? Cindy? Velogirl?? (I did see Luna Denise out there several times.)

We had a good ride - it was definitely warmer than it's been the last couple of years (though I swear not as hot as 2002, that was awful!!). This ride is SO pretty - just such a dramatic area - and it was great to see so many of our first timers finish all five passes and have a good day. It really pushed people to the limit at times. And it is definitely a challenge to coach folks in a ride that is such a challenge to complete.

I was definitely glad we started our "steady" group of 7 riders/staff early (at 4 am - we intended to start at 4:30, but got ready early). I swear by starting really tough rides early - it gives you a cushion of time for flats, or other mechanical, biological or theological crises. Our "fast" group started at 5 or 5:30 and had more or a struggle - not really because of time but because of the challenges they faced (biological!).

6 of 7 of our "steady" riders finished all 5 passes (the other had sudden biological issue and did 4). All (but me) were first timers. That's pretty darned cool and I am just so happy for them. They all finished before the "fast" group. (DH led the "fast" group of 6 riders. They did well, but a couple of them really struggled with cramping.)

I had a pretty comfortable ride, all things considered. The pace was pretty relaxed and I was really glad I (1) used the sustained energy and (2) brought a couple of Paydays because due to a miscommunication I ended up having to wait an hour at the top of Ebbetts and then blast down and pick up a rider from lunch, skipping lunch, and tow her the rest of the way. So no soup for me! Which was a bummer because I always like the soup. But the "miracle Payday" I had at the top of Ebbett's was great!

I also saw SO many people I know out on the course. That's one of the great things about Death Ride - you see people you know going down the passes as you're going up and vice versa. It's very social! The big blood spatter on the road there and the pretty Orbea bike off to the side were somewhat sobering and I am hoping the person is okay. (Anyone hear anything?)

Since I wasn't able to do the ride last year because of those stupid PEs, it really meant a lot to be able to ride it this year. It was a lot more emotional up at the top of Carson than I expected - partly relief at bringing in a rider who really struggled and partly just pent up emotion from not being able to ride last year and all that.

For our TNT chapter's (Redwood/Wine Country - basically Sonoma, Napa and Marin) first season with a Death Ride team, it was a success overall. I'm relieved it's over, but it's also sad to be done.

On to the next adventure!

Anyone else who did the ride, I'd love to hear how it went.

[Deanna]

I didn't do the ride, but the ride reports from many of our club members who did the ride make it sound like a great year. I met Paul Stimson this evening who shepherded 3 of your riders over the course.

I'm glad you had such a rewarding time!

[maillotpois]

cool! Paul was great ride support. I couldn't have asked for better.

[Deanna]

I love your new signature quote by the way.

[smilingcat]

Was curious about how the ride went. Congratulation to all those who participated in Death Ride. And quite a feat to get all your first timers to finish the ride.

smilingcat

[maillotpois]

Yeah, it was way better for them to do it for the first time than for me to finish. Honestly, I could have stopped at Turtle Rock after 4 just because I was feeling lazy that day . But shepherding the ones I was with through the last pass made it all worth it.