Thursday Night Scott's Ride

Miles: 44.87
March Miles: 707.71
Year to Date: 1530.09

I joined the crowd for the Scott's Thursday ride, and there was quite a crowd!

I rode down to the ride taking the Windsor Inland Loop so I have several miles in when I arrived for the ride. The group headed out to the east of Salem and into the hills. Folks must have been feeling frisky, as we extended the usual route. We did climb Macleay hill, but my legs were tired and I did not attempt to keep up with the lead group.

When we turned back toward Salem, I broke off and headed north taking country roads home.

Posted 9:06 PM by John Henry

Wednesday Night Ride

Miles: 25.20
March Miles: 662.84
Year to Date: 1485.22

This was the last Wednesday "Night" Ride. Why? Well, because the sun is setting so late now we do not need to ride in darkness anymore. We brought our lights, but turned then on only so others could see us, not for us to see.

Bob and Jim join Joanne and I and we rode out to the Wheatland Ferry which, according to the Marion County Website:
The Wheatland Ferry will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 13th. The U.S. Coast Guard annually inspects the Wheatland Ferry and this is accomplished during normal operations. Every five years, the U.S. Coast Guard requires that the Ferry be hauled out of the river and the hull visually inspected. Ferry Operations is going to pull the vessel out of the river for inspection and painting. It is anticipated that this process will take several additional days depending upon weather conditions.

The ferry was completley out of the river and looked somewhat like a beached whale.

Posted 8:46 PM by John Henry

Sunday Recovery Ride

Miles: 50.90
March Miles: 637.64
Year to Date: 1460.02

Joanne and I took our Cannondale Tandem out for an easy(?) ride in the east Salem Hills. Yes, even if the route took us in the hills, we took it easy, soft pedaling the climbs. We did gain 1942 feet of elevation gain, but none of it was worked hard for.

The spring weather is a joy to ride in. The air is chilly, but if the sun is shinning, you feel warm. Throughout the ride, it seemed that the sun shine was just ahead of us. I kept pointing this out to Joanne, who kept advising that we were not in the sun shine.

Posted 8:37 PM by John Henry

(Not a) Raining Century

Miles: 100.26
March Miles: 586.74
Year to Date: 1409.12

It was suppose to rain today. The chance of precipitation was 80%. But we had only a few light showers early in the day. It was a very good day to ride.

I rode a century today with Jon Wolf - who training for the Elite Pac Tour, Dennis Wolcott, who is training for Paris-Brest-Paris, and John Spurgeon who is training for RAAM. I had to work hard today.

The route took us to the southwest to Monmouth and then over Fishback Hill to Kings Valley Highway. We then took Airlie Road all of the way to 99W where we turned to the south of Coffin Butte Rd (don't you just love that name?). We turned on Soak Creek Rd and then climbed through McDonald Forest on Sulpher Springs Rd. We then returned to Salem on Corvallis and River Roads.

This was the first time that John Spurgeon has joined us and the conversation was very interesting. Between RAAM, Paris-Brest-Paris and the Elite Pac Tour, there was a lot of questions being asked.

By the way, did I mention that it did not rain on us?

Posted 8:56 PM by John Henry

Wednesday Night Ride

Miles: 21.92
March Total: 486.48
Year to Date: 1308.86

No one showed up for our Wednesday Night Ride, so Joanne and I rode alone on our tandem.

Since I had forgotten my cycling shoes, we rode to the house so I could get my shoes. Leaving the house, we decided to head to the Wheatland Ferry and along the way we came upon Julie and Brenda out on a training ride.

At the ferry, was saw that the Willamette River was very high and moving very fast. The ferry was on the west side, the far side, of the river and was completely out of the water for an annual hull inspection.

Joanne's wrist was still sore from the prior week's fall, so we returned to the house and I jumped on my single to retrieve the Van.

Posted 8:30 PM by John Henry

A Saturday Century in the Sun!

Miles: 95.89
March Miles: 464.56
Year to Date: 1286.94

Mark Janaba and Sal Ortega joined me for a "sufferfest" in the hills above Scott's Mills. We rode out to Marquam. From there, we road Wildcat Road to Leabo Rd and then to Sawtell Rd. We obtained our highest elevation at the intersection of Sawtell and Maple Grove (1,570 feet), which we descended down to the small town of Scott's Mills.

At the Scott's Mill Store, we purchased and ate a small lunch before reversing our route and climbing up Maple Grove to Sawtell Rd. There, we descended Leabo Rd to Wilholt. Instead on continuing on Wildcat, we turned to the south so we could climb Bird Rd. This allowed us to return to Scott's Mills for a quick refreshment before heading back to Keizer.

Posted 8:31 PM by John Henry

First Night Ride without Lights, almost

Wednesday

Miles: 18.32
March Miles: 332.17
Year to Date: 1154.55

Jim, Joanne and I did a nice evening ride to the northeast of Keizer in the farmland of Lake LaBish. "The lake was originally named by early settlers on French Prairie for "la biche", the female deer. Originally a large, marshy area, it was drained by early settlers by the use of a large ditch. In the 1860s a dam was constructed to better control the flow of water. The area now is primarily farm land that is used to grow onions, grass seed and wild flower seed." ⁽¹⁾

It was somewhat chilly, but we started the ride in daylight, and almost made it back before darkness fell.

Speaking of falling, that is what Joanne did when she could not unclip. She put our her left hand and because of this, her left wrist is sore and swollen. But she did not break any bones. She rode the rest of the ride and then rode home.

Thursday

Miles: 36.50
March Miles: 368.67
Year to Date: 1191.05

Another Scott's Thursday Night Ride. We did the east route including Macleay hill, but I did not contest it. I did ride it hard, but not to the maximum of my ability.

I did not use my large and bright Niterider HID light tonight. Instead, I use two Cateye HL-EL410 lights. They were just enough to let others see me, but the street lamps lit the road for me.

We have the Power!

On the 508, our inverter blew. So, we could not charge the battery for my headlight. It was only through the kindness of some volunteers who loaned us an inverter, did I have a headlight for the Sheephole climb. Ever since then, my coach has been searching for a good inverter. Well she scored. Check out this unit.

RAAM Trailer

Cascade Productions have just released the 2006 RAAM DVD Trailer. And I want to do this someday!

⁽¹⁾
From http://www.oregonpioneers.com/marion/labish.htm

Posted 9:37 PM by John Henry

I'm so happy it is Spring!

Why? Someone asked me. Because winter is over!

Sunday's Ride

Miles: 38.07
March Miles: 278.37
Year to Date: 1100.75

I did not intend to ride on Sunday, I really didn't. The weather forecast was for rain, and it was a bit misty in the morning, so I decided to do housework instead. The kitchen really needed some cleaning.

As I cleaned, the weather improved and the temperature increased. It was beginning to be a really nice day. I tried to ignore it, but one just can not let such a nice day go by without getting at least some miles in. So, I stopped cleaning and joined the Salem Bicycle Club for their 1:30 Sunday Afternoon Ride.

Scott's Tuesday Night Ride

Miles: 35.48
March Miles: 313.85
Year to Date: 1136.23

While it was chillier than Sunday, I just had to go ride with the group from Scott's. We did the northern route, including Revina Hill. As we approached, it looked like the break of three would take the sprint. I was in a very good position in the chase group, third behind Al D. would was leading. As we approached the foot of the hill, someone attached but Al jumped on their wheel and I was on his. At the beginning of the short climb, the attached began, and I joined in. Looking up, I could see that the break would be caught and I was in the lead of the chase! But, someone came around me and took the sprint with me in second. None the less, I am quite pleased with my result as it was the first time I obtained a podium finish.

Posted 10:05 PM by John Henry

Snoozeville Populaire

The Oregon Randonneurs hosted another great ride today.

I arrived at 7:15 am and found Nate already there and getting the show on the road.

Nate getting folks ready for the ride.

Shortly after 8:00, over 30 of us were off. The sky was cloudy, the roads were wet, and the forecast was for rain, but our spirits were high as we rode toward the west and our first control.

I was riding with the lead group and looking forward to a quick and easy (drafting in so nice) ride when I flatted in the rear. I was just five miles into the ride. I pulled over and started the repair while 30 riders asked "You have everything?" as they rode on by. Sigh. I found a small wire in the tread and removed it, I slapped in a new tube and used a co² cartridge to inflate the tire. After ten minutes, I was off and the last rider on the course. What to do? Well, the only thing possible. Start spinning and try to catch up.

Since I was now alone, I have to navigate and not follow the wheel in front of me. I put my cue sheet and brevet card in the front left pocket of my rain jacket (remember, the forecast was for rain). As I crossed over the freeway (Hwy 26), a van that was turning onto the freeway behind me alerted me that I had dropped my map! Sure enough, it was lying on the pavement behind me. I almost lost my brevet card. For there kindness, there were rewarded with rudeness from the driver of the pickup behind them.

I started to catch and pass the slower riders, riders who enjoy taking the time and enjoying the scenery.

Some of the scenery to be enjoyed if you take the time.
I used to ride like that, but not today. One by one I passed riders until I reached the first control. I was there just long enough to have my card signed and grab a few fig newtons and I was back on by bike riding hard. I managed to catch a few more riders. I pulled one up to his friends. But, it would seem that I had catch everyone who was riding slower than I was. As such, I rode the last 30 miles alone. And this is when it started to rain.

But the weather was not bad. I must admit that this was the first ride of the year where the temperature was always above 50° F. This, and the multitude of daffodils along side of the road attested to the change in seasons. Yes!

The last control was a bakery in Forest Grove and again I stopped just long enough to have my card signed.

I now had just 15 miles to the finish. But I did not allow my effort to lessen; I concentrated on keeping my speed up. But, this caused me to miss the last turn and I got in a few "extra" miles.

Ride Stats:

DST: 64.34
AVG: 15.9
ATM: 4:02:16
Elevation Gain: 1407 per my HAC4.
March Miles: 240.3
Year to Date: 1062.68

Posted 3:57 PM by John Henry

Weeknight Riding

Tueday

Miles: 39.91
March Miles: 159.69
Year to Date: 982.07

I joined the group from Scott's Cycling on their ride to the east of Salem. We did the usual route which includes Macleay Hill. I did not contest it but stayed with the lead group up to the final sprint for the top of the hill.

At one time, the weather was forecast to be wet. But the night was clear and warm. I did not wear my long tights nor my long fingered gloves. Ah, spring is almost here!

Wednesday

Miles: 16.27
March Miles: 175.96
Year to Date: 998.34

Another very nice night. Cindy and Jim joined Joanne and I was we rode the Windsor Island loop. I notice that I am less than two miles short of 1000 miles for the year. While this seems a lot of miles, I obtained 1000 miles threes weeks earlier in 2006.

Ron's Death Valley Ride Report

Ron e-mailed me his ride report. Here it is:

Within a couple of miles I knew all was not well but I kept hoping things would change. Legs felt like I'd never ridden before, felt dehydrated (I'd really tried to hydrate the previous 2 days) I rode alone, didn't want to get in a pace line and overdo (common problem for me). Made it to Ashford in a respectable time ~2:40 , but as soon as I started the climb the writing was pretty much on the wall ( I refused to read the graffiti though), I believe a Granny with a walker passed me (this is a climb I looked forward to because I'd performed well before). Should have turned at the 100 mile mark but Nooooooooooo! I thought the little downhill might revive me. About 1/2 way up Salisbury I knew going to Shoshone would only mean the broom wagon. Should have turned then but I thought I should finish the climb, after all the ride back to FC wouldn't be that bad.

By the time I was back in the valley I could only get my heart rate up the low 120's. Passed a lot of century riders struggling in the wind, was passed by some of the more elite 200 riders. Ran out of water just before I reached Badwater, felt sorry for those riders I passed because they were bond to run out well before the rest stop.

Reached FC at about 4:50, of course there was no wind there, I noted it really switched off about Gold Canyon. I went back to camp, did a spit bath, packed up and went home. Sunday morning I had very sore legs, butt and even my arms. Now that's what I call fun!

Posted 9:19 PM by John Henry

More on Death Valley

Ron Farris and John Henry Maurice at the start

Joanne Heilinger achieving the Jubliee Summit

Posted 9:21 AM by John Henry

Death Valley - Stats

DST: 119.78
ATM: 8:29:20 - on the bike
TOB: 0:29:05 - time off of the bike
AVG: 14.0
MAX: 40.3
ALT: 7211

Of the 29:05 that was off of the bike, over half (10:54) was due to fixing the flat tire that I had.

Joanne's Ride

Joanne started the Death Valley Century at 6:30 am. After a short stop at Badwater, she continued on to Ashford Mill enjoying the tailwind. Joanne climbed well and reached Jubilee Pass in good form.

The return to Furnace Creek was very hard on her. She said that the wind was so difficult, she had to get off of her bike an walk every five miles or so.

DST: 103.69
ATM: 8:15:00
AVG: 12.5
MAX: 32.5

Posted 3:10 PM by John Henry

Death Valley Report

In 2005, I crewed for Graham Pollock in his defense of Race Across Oregon crown. Graham had won the prior year, and he was back to defend his first place finish. The 540 mile race started in Portland and Graham lead for the first 300 miles. He DNFed at 350 miles. I thought he could have continued and did not understand why he pulled out of the race. Now, I do.

I woke up at 5:00 and was at the starting line in time to watch the first wave of 50 rides leave at 6:00. These were the fast riders and did not want to ride try with them. Ron Farris, who crewed for my during my successful 508 last October, and I left in the second wave at 6:10. Ron had been ill for five weeks and did not have the opportunity to train properly he was going to see how well he was riding and then decide how far to go. I wanted to finish in under 14 hours, beating my best time of 14:28.

After Race Director Chris Kostman's starting speech, we were off. I saw a tandem and move up near it ready to jump in behind it after the small hill to the turn to Badwater. After the turn, a pace line formed behind the tandem, and I was in it. We sped toward Badwater very quickly. The tandem was aggressive, and soon I found that I was working to hard to keep uo so I decided to drop off. I did the next five miles to Badwater by myself.

At the Badwater rest stop, I did not stop. It was just 17 miles into the ride and the next rest stop was at 45 miles into the ride. As I passed the parking lot, I saw the tandem getting ready to leave and they soon caught me. I asked if I could ride with them and jumped on their wheel. They towed me all of the way to Ashford Mill, the next rest stop.

I took a very short break at Ashford Mill, just long enough to fill my water bottles with Sustained Energy, and I was back on the road. However, the tandem had taken an even shorter break and was already out of sight. This was not an issue as we how had 3000 feet of elevation gain to do, the Jubliee and Salsberry Passes.

I met up with Louise, another 508 finisher. I rode with her trading 508 stories as we climbed toward the first pass, Jubliee. However, just short of the pass, I flatted. I stopped to repair the rear tire while Louise continued on. After a not so quick tire repair, I was off and I decided to see if I could catch Louise. I put my heart rate at 160 bpm and kept it there. This was an high effort for me; I was working hard.

I crested Salsberry Pass and started the descent toward Shoshone and found myself in the teeth of a strong wind. Usually, I need to break at the first sharp corner, but the wind held my speed down to nearly a crawl. As I dropped down, the wind buffered me and made the descent very interesting. As I neared Shoshone, I saw Louise, heading back. I was still several minutes behind her.

I took another short stop at Shoshone, and got back on the road. I joined up with two other riders and they set a very good pace back up toward Salsberry Pass. My heart rate was again very high for me. I stayed with them until almost the top of the climb where I found myself dropping off. As with every year, the final quarter mile was very though. I was very glad that the climbing was over.

Again, the descent was windy and it blew my bike around. None the less, I let the speed creep up to nearly 40 mph as I flew down the hill. After dropping 2000 feel of elevation and passing two riders, I came to the short climb up to Jubliee Pass, and I found that I had no energy at all. The well was dry and I shifted into my lowest gear (26x27) and suffered up the short hill being pass by the two riders I had just passed. After cresting Jubliee Pass, the last 1000 feet of elevation gain went quickly. Turning to the north for the short ride to the Ashford Mill rest stop, I found myself fighting the head wind again. I dropped down to 10 mph and limped into the rest stop.

At Ashford Mill, I found Louise. I had finally caught up with her. Taking a short break, I was soon ready to leave, but no one else was. I missed one group and it seemed that the next group was not ready, so I headed out by myself, knowing that a pace line will come along soon.

The wind was very tough, worst than I have ever seen it. I had to fight for every inch of forward progress, even on the small downhills. It was going to be a very long 28 miles back to Badwater. After four miles, I was caught by a pace line and I joined in. But, some of the riders were stronger than others and we soon broke into two groups. I was in the weaker, slower group. Louise was in the stronger group. There were now four of us in the slower group; the two who I joined leaving Shoshone and a friend of there's. I watched the stronger group ride away from us as we fought the wind.

I really began to suffer. My legs were cramping even with all of the Enduolytes I was eating, and I had no power left. I was wasted! I suffered along until I came upon a private sag vehicle picking up a rider and I asked if I could get a ride. I DNFed.

I supposed I could have continued on, suffering all of the way. Evidently, I burned myself out on the climbs. I used too much energy riding hard up Salsberry. As I rode along, I decided that I had nothing to prove. I have finished the Death Valley Double six times before, and I was coming off of a strong 508 finish. Instead of suffering, I got off the bike.

This ride taught me how Graham felt when he got off the bike.

Posted 8:53 PM by John Henry