RAMROD

For many years I have been hearing of a ride in Washington named RAMROD. RAMROD stands for Ride Around Mt. Ranier in One Day. The route is usually 150 miles with tons of climbing. It is also so popular that it is almost impossible to get in.

Well, this year they used a lotter system, and thinking that I did not have a chance, I entered. My thinking was faulty as I won.

And, due to winter storms which closed roads, the route in not around Mt. Ranier, but up and down it.

At 6:05 am, I head out onto the course. Most folks started earlier than I, but I valued that extra hour of sleep. I soon caught up with two riders and decided to use their easy pace up to the first check point. We slowly climbed for 25 miles to the first check point where I took a very short stop. I did see someone wearing a California Triple Crown vest and I asked him which doubles he has done. He named three of the hardest - Terrible Two, Devil Mountain and Mt. Tam. We left together and he soon road away from me.

After several more miles of gentle climbing, we crossed a stream and the real climbing began, I brought up my heart rate to 142 and kept it between 140 and 150 for the rest of the climb. This is rate that I can maintain for miles and thats how long the climb was. I hooked up with someone riding an Litespeed Appalachian with a power tap. We soon got into talking about training as we climbed together.

I must admit that the views from the top of this climb were spectacular! I really need to return when I have some time, but again, I took a very short stop at CP2 before beginning the long descent back the way I came. The road was smooth and not difficult and I reached 40 miles per hour before returning to the main highway.

Here, I descended down to the Chrystal Springs Road where I turned up the hill toward the ski resort. This climb was both steeper and the road was rougher. Most of the riders descending from the CP were taking it easy. I wished I could just turn around and join them, but that would have been route cheating! This climb was much more difficult than the first due to the grade and also due to the increase in temperatures. I was really sweating, but I kept my heart rate between 140 and 150 bpm. At the top of the climb, I pored cold water over my head and felt the refreshing wetness drip down my back.

This descent was very fun. For some reason, the rough road did not bother me and I raced down the hill passing several riders chasing someone in a grey jersey. He beat me down the hill and we turned into the head wind for the twelve mile ride to the next turn. Soon, a young woman in a pink T-Mobile jersey joined us and we formed a pace line with three minute pulls. This allowed us to pass several riders who were fighting the head wind by themselves. All too soon, we came to Forest Road 70 and began the last climb of the day, except for pink T-Mobile who had enough climbing for the day.

I joined Chris (grey jersey) on the first three miles of the climb as the grade was easy and we could easily talk. But then the climbing got serious with the steepest grade of the day - 12%. It was not long but it hurt. Again, I kept my heart rate between 140 and 150 bpm. Then, something terrible happened, the road began a 12% downgrade. Yes, I enjoyed it, but knowing that I would have to climb it on the return did not please me. After the downgrade, I returned to climbing up to the check point.

At the check point, we were promised a treat. But it turned out to be donuts. Since I avoid refined sugar, I did not partake.

The return was as tough as I reared. Twelve percent is a very tough grade to climb after 115 miles. None the less, I felt good climbing and soon I passed over the top and I knew the climbing for the day was over.

Rejoinging the highway, I came upon the "Deli" stop and I ate a turkey sandwich before returning to start/finish line. I arrived just before 5:00 pm.

I am very pleased with my performance as I felt I had many more miles left in my legs.

Recovery Ride

After driving to Cougar, Washington for the Pedal the Pinchot, I decided to go on an easy recovery ride. But, not knowing the roads allowed me to do an 1,000 foot climb before descending the other side. There, near the bottom, I came upon Al, Julie and Kathleen who are also riding the Pedal the Pinchot tomorrow. My easy recovery ride soon began to be very hard as they powered up the hill. I held on until my heart rate reached 152 bpm and I dropped off the back. They noticed and slowed so I could rejoin them.

Posted 6:21 PM by John Henry