I drove to Markleeville on a Wednesday to get a campsite and get acclimated to the high altitude. I set up camp at Turtle Rock park which was also the starting point for the ride. There were already several riders camped out, one guy was Benny who drove all the way from Seattle along with some of his friends from the bay area. One lady drove with her son and granddaughter from Idaho. On Thursday, I went on a ride with a couple guys from Berkeley. One of them, David, had done it twice before. We rode up Kingsbury grade to the top and back, about 57 mi. and 3000' climbing. I was feeling the effects of the altitude, then it got pretty hot on the way back. Even though I got pretty tired, I think doing this ride helped get me ready for Saturday.
Friday was rest day (went fishing but no bites). By this time, the campground was pretty full and the parking lot up the hill was full of people who parked their cars with some who pitched tents and others who just slept in their vehicles. I saw a Siclista friend, Jerry, registering. There were several booths set up and a band was playing. I got my bike and gear ready for the next day and went to bed early. At around 1 am, some dog started barking and kept me up. I never was able to go back to sleep.
I got up at around 3 am Saturday and decided to get started. I planned to leave a little before sunrise but decided to get going since I was up anyway, was on the road around 4 am. I had arm warmers and a windbreaker, but it wasn't enough to keep me warm. It was about 50ยบ and I was shaking from the cold going through Markleeville but I warmed up shortly after beginning the 10 mile climb up Monitor pass. Despite the cold, it was really neat to see all the stars out in the dark night. I briefly chatted with a guy who came all the way from near Toronto. Saw several riders were ahead of me as I watched their red tail lights slowly move up the mountain. Halfway up the climb, it started getting light enough to see the road and the scenery. The landscape changed from pine trees to short brush and wild flowers. The top of Monitor was a sight to see, it was a wide open plateau and you could see the peaks of other snow capped mountains all around. First pass sticker.
The descent down Monitor was really pretty too. Not too many switchbacks so I was able to keep up my speed. Halfway down, I saw people coming back up already. The sun was up but it was windy and cold, especially at the bottom. I just stopped long enough to use the facilities and fill my bottles. I saw Tina from FFBC at the rest stop, she had been training for her first Death Ride as well. Second pass sticker. Climbing back up Monitor was another 10 mi. and I was able to appreciate the view much better going up. Halfway up the climb, there was rather unique water stop. Wasn't really a stop because you kept riding. These boys would get your bottle, sprint ahead of you and fill it up then hand it back to you several yards away. Going down the other side of Monitor was interesting, it was mostly dark on the first climb so I got to see what I missed earlier.
Pirates greeted us at the rest stop before climbing Ebbetts Pass. This was a tougher climb – steep, narrow and windy for another 10 mi. By this time, I got some Semper Fi's and Ooo-rah's for the Marine jersey I was wearing. I chatted with Lance, a retired Master Sergeant, for a bit. More trees and creeks on this climb, steep cliffs too. 3rd pass sticker at the top. The descent was only 5 mi. but steep. I knew I would be climbing back up it. 4th pass sticker at the bottom. Cytomax has been working pretty well, legs felt good, but my feet were getting sore. I took my shoes off and iced them down. Kept my bottles full and snacked a bit before the 5 mi. climb back. It was starting to get warm by now, about noon before going back down Ebbetts. Had to go much slower down this mountain with all the switchbacks and narrow road. Lots of riders still climbing too.
Lunch stop at the bottom of Ebbets, had a turkey wrap and other goodies. Riding back towards Markleeville, I noticed my right cleat was loose. Wind picked up too, mostly got a tailwind back to town. I stopped at Turtle Rock to unload my windbreaker and fix my cleat. Also took the chance to wash my head down and soak my feet for a bit. It was around 2 pm and getting warmer by this time, filled my bottle with ice before the ride up Carson Pass.
I passed up the rest stop at Woodfords and started the climb up Carson Pass. Had to watch out for cars now. They closed Monitor and Ebbetts to traffic but not Hwy 88. This was the toughest climb for me so far. Though not as steep as the previous passes, this was 17 mi. long, temperature in the mid 80s, and a headwind that seemed to mock you as you trudged along. The rest stop at Picketts junction provided little relief. They were out of Cytomax, the water was warm, and they had no more ice for my sore feet. Legs still felt good and was confident about making it to the top. A couple miles of flat road was a welcome site before the last grade up to the top. For about the last 5 miles, you could see the long line of riders climbing up the road and a really beautiful view to the left. Looks like there was a crash just before the summit, saw a bike with the front wheel all bent. I later heard that the rider fell and broke his leg, hope he recovers. Several riders had stopped to rest and some were walking up by now, but I felt I had some left and started getting off the saddle more. I just wanted to get to the top and get my 5th sticker.
Ice cream at the top of Carson Pass, but the water was even warmer now. Took my time to rest my sore feet and a few snacks before the final descent. Going down Carson was a blast, topped off at about 49 mph. I was passing everyone up except for a tandem that flew by me. I tried to draft behind them but missed the chance. I felt really good the last few miles and cranked it up that last hill into Turtle Rock. It was about 6:30 pm, I thought I would be finished earlier but I made it, 5 passes.
This was a really awesome experience. So many riders from different places, riders of different levels, young, old. I saw a young boy of about 14, a couple recumbent riders, about 3 tandems, 2 elliptigos. There were over 3000 riders, people camped out on Hwy 89 and the neighboring campsites for this ride. I can truly say that I would like to do this again. Too bad I didn't have a camera, next time I'll bring one.
Thanks to all the people who gave me tips on training, where to camp, what to do on the ride, and all who gave me support and encouragement.
No comments:
Post a Comment