Mimi sags a ride

[mimitabby]

Redmond Cycling Club's MAZAMA weekend

When I first heard about this ride, I was certain i'd never want to ride it.
Brutal climbing up and screaming descents. WEATHER. We heard tales of people being piled into cars with such hypothermia they had trouble getting off their bikes. Other years, it was in the 90's, way too hot! Nope, not for me. But since dear Raleighdon was so insistent, I agreed to sag the ride so HE could ride it. THen came the weather forecast. crummy.
it looked like the ride was going to get cancelled. At the last minute the gal in charge suggested an alternate; so except for two tri-guys who opted to cross the mountain passes against the advice of the forest service, the weather service and the ride leader, that's what we did. The two tri-boys did the climb
un supported. When I drove to the top in my sag vehicle, I was surprised to find them up at the top.
They'd made it just fine.

Sagging is not an easy job. I quickly realized i had to worry about EVERYONE, not just my husband. A few hours in, I then figured out that the ones I really had to worry about were the ones in the back, the weaker, slower riders. The ones that take wrong turns and look like they're going to give up.
So I drove endlessly for two days. Didn't lose anyone; we didn't even have a flat tire.
The second day's ride was gorgeous, and as sag, you don't have much time to ride (i went out and rode 5 miles uphill before breakfast and then sped back down) and it's tough to sit in the car while everyone else is having a splendid ride in perfect weather. But if i didn't sag; maybe the ride wouldn't happen. everyone needs to help out sometimes, this weekend was my turn.
Here's a few of the photos:






THe ride was a study in contrasts since there was so much
climbing


Mountains like this surrounded us




Here I am at the top (in someone's Honda Element) with my new hero. She is over 65 and did 3500
miles last year and she just went up this mountain like it was a walk in the park!
(and check out her beautiful bike!)




Here's Raleighdon at the top of the highest pass.
It was about 44 degrees and raining



Some more roadside scenery:



and great vistas!





the last rider comes in.

[roguedog]

what ride was it?

and gorgeous pics.

[mimitabby]

Thanks Roguedog, I edited it.

[Trekhawk]

Wonderful pics Mimi!!

Sounds like you did a great job.

[7rider]

Hey, Mimi.
Great ride report. Really nice pix.
I SAG'ed a ride once. I was a nervous wreck for most of it, racing all over the route (and we DID lose a rider - a woman went off route "somewhere" and I had to go track her down.). Congrats and thanks for doing a really important job.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, great pictures! Amazing riders!!!!

[mimitabby]

Hey, Mimi.
Great ride report. Really nice pix.
I SAG'ed a ride once. I was a nervous wreck for most of it, racing all over the route (and we DID lose a rider - a woman went off route "somewhere" and I had to go track her down.). Congrats and thanks for doing a really important job.

Regina,
i was very nervous. I have the right skills, but not the right temperment!
it was like having 30 kids spread all over the valley and in the hills.

[Python]

What beautiful scenery. Makes me want to emigrate.

[mimitabby]

I think it would be difficult to find a more beautiful place!

[chickwhorips]

very pretty. good job mimi!!!! i can't think of a better sag support

[annie]

Gorgeous pictures! You probably wouldn't have gotten those if you hadn't been the sag driver. Sometimes its good to see a ride from the "other side." We learn from that, too.

Annie

[mimitabby]

lol, Annie
Raleighdon took most of the pictures!