| (Long Distance) Ramblings |
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I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out). "The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget." "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
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Monday, March 06, 2006
Death Valley Double ReportI had a good ride. I started at 6:10 am and finished at 8:29 pm, for a total time of 14:19, a new record for me. The prior record for this course (Southern) was 15:19. I planned on taking very short breaks - just 10 minutes or less. I was successful for the first three breaks. After that, they grew longer as the day wore on. I took longer than 10 minutes at Ashford Mill as I was tired after climbing the backside of Salsberry, at Badwater as I had to get my lights set up, at Furnace Creek because I was slow and finally at Stovepipe Wells because I took the time to eat some soup. I did not join a pace line going to Badwater We had very fresh chip seal (some laid down the day before!) so speeds were down and people were skiddish. The chip seal ended at Badwater and I did join a pace line that took me almost of the way to Ashford Mill. I dropped off the back at the foot of the climb. The climb to Salsberry went well. Only the five members of the Santa Cruz Racing Team and one other rider passed me. But then, I only passed 4 other riders. However, the climb up the back side of Salsberry was pure suffering. This section took me an hour longer than my pre-ride plan. I joined another pace line back to Badwater and then rode the balance of the ride (55 miles) by myself. The low point was the back side of Salsberry - I was doubting my choice of recreational activities. The high point was the final few miles - I had good strength left and felt I had many more miles left in me. (But notice that I stopped at the finish line!) Weather: was good, cool temps and little to no wind. Mechanicals: none, the LeMond was great. Pain: some in my left foot, but I had enough leg strength to spin and not mash which allowed me to avoid more foot pain. After the ride I had trouble getting to sleep due to muscle soreness in my upper arms.
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