Cowbells for Maillotpois

[Grog]

You go MP! I'll ring my virtual cowbell for you!

[Geonz]

Virtual Cowbells getting ready to clang here! Great to be back in the insanity

[ASammy1]

MP rocks! I can't wait to read the report!

[mtbdarby]

Have a great ride MP! Can't wait to read how it all goes. Tail winds and cow bells from WI cheering you on

[lauraelmore1033]

all I can say is WOW!

[GLC1968]

Wow, MP...impressive. I hope you have an awesome ride!

And how's this for cowbell? I have to go to the feed store on Saturday and they carry cowbells. I promise to go ring one nice and loud there in the store that day in your honor. Maybe you'll be able to hear it down there as you ride...

[maillotpois]

Thanks guys!

I just talked to my friend who's working the Sunol rest stop (probably hit that at 11 pm). He's making miso soup this year. I love soup!

[maillotpois]

Hi guys -

Well, thanks for the well wishes! It really did help. As soon as I hit the part before the second climb, though, I could tell my heart wasn't really into it. I did this ride 2 years ago and am now painfully aware of how hard it is (as opposed to then when I was moderately ignorant.) I had a really unusual (for me) dialogue going on in my head, wondering why I was doing this ride and having no good answer whatsoever.

There are NO really good excuses for my DNF, but I realized as I rode that I also was unprepared in 2 ways: (1) lack of long rides (my longest ride this year was 90 miles as opposed to a 190 and 250 miler the year I did DMD) and (2) equipment insecurity. When I did the ride before, it was hot, so even though conditions were miserable and there was a huge % of abandons, I was ok at night. Yesterday morning, when I descended Mt Diablo, my teeth were chattering and I was having trouble holding my lines because I was so cold. I started thinking then about how cold it was going to get after dark that night, etc. And I truly did not have my randonneur spirit in me. Sure I could get a trash bag from a SAG stop, and why not just take all night, which is what it would have taken me to finish? My light was good, after all.

But I just didn't WANT to. I spent about 75 miles with the back and forth dialogue about why to go on, etc. I finally decided to SAG in at the stop at the bottom of Mines Rd, before starting the 40 mile climb up Mt Hamilton.

However, when I got to that stop, our SF Bay TNT Head Coach and several teammates were there to ride this part with me and my friend (who had DNF'ed at the first climb w/knee issues). So I went on with them to the lunch stop. That was a HUGE morale booster. Then at lunch, after deciding to stop there, Karen suggested I just ride up Hamilton. As I had been riding to lunch, I had been thinking about how much closer to the top of Hamilton I was getting , etc., and so when she said that I decided to go for that. And watching the flat miles right after lunch literally disappear under my wheels (the markers are painted on the road to be visible for aircraft), it felt pretty good. But then the 7 mile steep slog up the backside of the mountain started. And I got sick, which I really don't enjoy. And I really decided I didn't want to do this right now and could find no good reason to continue. I was also feeling very miserable physically and in the condition I was, I was a bit nervous about being out there so long after dark.

Truly, having done the ride before made it HARDER to think of going on. which was the opposite of what I would have expected. But it was double pronged: (1) I knew how hard and miserable parts upcoming would be and (2) I've done it before! Why kill myself just to SAY I have done it twice.

So out of the 206 miles and 20,000 feet, I ended up with 134 miles, probably 14,500 - 15,000 feet (I haven't looked yet). I'm ok with it. I may try this ride again, and if so I will have a reason to finish it next time. I have never DNF'ed anything in my life and I will build up a level of ambition and determination (and general positive crankiness) about the ride that I lacked yesterday over the next year or so.

(And it was really nice to be in bed by 11 pm instead of 4 am.)

[snapdragen]

Harumph. A measly 134 miles, probably 14,500 - 15,000 feet of climbing....I am disappointed.

NOT!!

Good job MP -- in riding what you could, and knowing when your heart really wasn't in it. Diablo and Hamilton will be there (barring any 12.0 earthquakes....) for you to tackle another day.

[jobob]

There are NO really good excuses for my DNF
[...snip ...]
But I just didn't WANT to.

Well that's a darn good reason! So sorry your head/heart/what-have-you weren't into it, but when it's not, heck, what's the point? Life's too short & all that rot.

You did pretty damn freakin' good, love! That was practically the Death Ride in terms of mileage & climbing, yeesh!

( and you got sick!? Now there's a show stopper if ever there was one!)

There are plenty more great rides to do, the key is to want to do them. I'm glad you knew when to stop

[Grog]

Well done MP. I'm glad I'm reading that you stopped - not that you went offroad due to fatigue/steering issues.

Rest well.

[OakLeaf]

What jobob said.

You did great! And part of doing great is knowing when the returns are diminishing. Way to go MP.

[Veronica]

Hey, I liked that I actually got to talk to you, instead of just handing you a water bottle and some V8. And the extra set of hands was great for tearing down the rest stop.

Maybe next year we do it together.

Veronica

[Trek420]

Diablo and Hamilton will be there (barring any 12.0 earthquakes....) for you to tackle another day.

In which case we've got other problems

Virtual cow bell ringing!!!!! Your DNF is further and harder than most people ever dream of riding. It's supposed to be fun after all. You double century riders have a crazy idea of fun. I can't imagine getting going that early in the morning.

My hat's off to you.

[five one]

I am still mightily impressed with your ride. First, for how far you went, considering the conversation going in your head. And second, for knowing that it wasn't going to happen this time and stopping.

I remember reading your account from two years ago and being amazed at the feat. Wasn't there a goat in there somewhere? Just planning the food, drinks, clothing, lights, etc., seems mind boggling to me.

Yay MP!