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."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Scotts Mills Hills Ride Report
In addition to hills, I tested my will power.
I did not want to ride that last climb, but I forced myself on the bike and did it. If I am every going to get into shape for the Furnace Creek 508, I can't short cut; I must start now and work hard.
I arrived at Scotts Mills late as I did not sleep well last night (fear?).
Leaving Scotts Mills, I saw another rider who had just descended Maple Grove. I worked hard to catch up with him and when I did he told me he was riding the old Portland Wheelman Pioneer Century. Soon, we reached Marquam and parted, me to the east and hills, him to the west and flats.
Wildcat Road is as I remembered, many small climbs with none of them terrible. But then cam Leabo Rd. At the beginning, the incline was very steep, well into the double digits, perhaps as much as 16%. Then it calms down and I worked my way up to Sawtell and finally Kokel Corner.
I took it easy descending Maple Grove as I do not remember it well enough to be aggressive. None the less, I was soon back at Scotts Mills.
My orginal route planning had me retracing my route back up to Kokel Corner, but instead, I climbed Crooked Finger Rd. I must thank Jonathan Wolf for showing me this road. For nine miles you climb without relief. A very worthy climb.
I did have one scarce. Near the top, I came upon a pack of three roaming dogs.
But they did not seem too interested in me and let me pass without challenge.
After the descent back to Scotts Mills, I was tired and was not enthusiastic about climbing Maple Grove. But, knowing that quiting early would not assist me in preparing for the 508, I got back on the bike and started up the hill. My legs hurt and it was steep, but I pressed on. After seven miles I obtained my goal.
Now, I forced myself to head toward Bird Rd. I wish I hadn't. The road is just pure evil. I was in my lowest gear (26x25) and was still hurting. What was really bad is it was much longer than I remembered. Finally, after several false summits, it came to an end.
I ended the day with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain in just over 60 miles. Yes, I guess I did bite off more then I chew, but I chewed and chewed and finally shallowed.
One good thing was that I did not feel any pain in my right foot - no Morton's Neuroma pain. I guess the power cranks are helping!
