September 6 rides

[Brandy]

51 miles and 9,120 ft of climbing. That was two ascents of Baldy Rd, all the way to the ski lifts.

http://www.socalvelo.com/sub/mount_baldy_road.htm



This was my last big climbing ride before Everest Challenge. My first time up was great, I was actually able to maintain decent power and came in with a great time. At the beginning of the second climb I started chatting with a guy in a Triple Crown jersey and at some point he asks me "do you know George Vargas?"...I said, "yes, he's my boyfriend...lol." I swear I can be pretty much anywhere and run into someone who knows him. He gets around.

I stopped to talk to him (Bruce) and up rolls Jana (fredwina)!! It was nice to finally meet you after all this time on TE together.

They rolled on and I continued on my climb, which was by now, BLAZING HOT! I refilled bottles at the post office/fire station drinking fountain, and soaked myself with water for the climb up to the lifts. Four firemen stood watching me, so I had to explain that I was creating my own micro-climate...ala Floyd Landis...lol. The climb to the lifts went well again, though I came in nine minutes slower. I slowed to try to encourage a guy who was cramping and rode with him for a little bit. He was about to stop again and I told him to hang on until we hit the shade. I realized then that he had two small EMPTY bottles. I gave him one of mine and a few Accel Gels and told him I had to be on my way, but that I knew he could do it. He only had another 300ish ft of climbing to the top. As I was descending, he was on his final stretch (and had found his friend who was now climbing with him) and I cheered him on. Hopefully he was able to make it back okay as he had come across the ridge.

I was hoping to hit 50 mph on the descent, as I had hit 47 on the previous descent. The wind had other ideas though and slowed me down. Darn it!