Southern California - Butterfield Ride Reports and Pix

Congrats to M.E. and Brandy...... you girls are DA BOMB. Great ride report. And for everyone else that did this ride it's an amazing accomplishment. Whether you've done one or 50 doubles it's pretty darn spectacular.

WOW!!! Great job everyone..
Brandy...damn girl you do rock!
Cycling less then a year and you knock a double out in 14 hours!
That is impressive...
Riding 200 miles in quite impressive in itself.
Awesome job to everyone who did this ride!

just make sure that you ride to the right of the vomitor, because the experienced vomitee's are turning to the left (thanks for that tip Jason!) to exorcise those demonic fluids.

Bzzzzz, wrong, at least for me. :D :eek: I suppose my reflex is to get the, ah, results as far off the road as possible. Never thought too much about it.

They just can't get the weather right for this ride. I did it a couple of years ago in the rain and flooding, The Butterflood addition. Congratulations to all the did it!!!!

Bzzzzz, wrong, at least for me. :D :eek: I suppose my reflex is to get the, ah, results as far off the road as possible. Never thought too much about it.

The Gospel according to Jschen:

If thou must spew, thou shalt ralph to thy left, so as not to hurl unto thy drivetrain.

Amen brother.

Here it is...copied and pasted from my blog. :)

Well, it's been nearly ten days since I completed my first double century ride and high time that I finally sit down and write my ride report. I don't know what has been keeping me from doing it, not in the writing mood I suppose, but I know that if I don't get all of this down, I'll start forgetting details and since it is my first 200 mile ride, I guess I should have some sort of record of it. <~~~enthusiasm about writing this is just oozing...can you tell? ;)

The morning started at 4:00 a.m. with me trying to figure out what to do first. Get dressed? Eat? What am I going to wear? Eeeeeeeeeeek! I settled on eating so I would have time to digest before the ride started. Two packets of instant (yuck) oatmeal would have to do at that time of morning, plus a fresh mango that hit the spot. On to clothing. Short sleeve? Long sleeve? Arm warmers and leg warmers? I decided to go with my Velo Sport kit, which is long sleeve, and some leg warmers. A quick weather check outside and I realized that it was already warm enough to make the decision to leave the leg warmers behind. Some last minute prep and I was out the door and at the 5:30 a.m. early start in front of the hotel. There was a large group gathered and after some pictures with M.E. and saying goodbye to George who was there to see us off, and was starting at 6:15 a.m., we were on our way.

I enjoyed a nice warm up pace riding along with M.E. and another rider, Doug. It was nice to chat with them and pace myself through the first twenty miles, knowing that I had a long day ahead of me. Once we hit Santiago Canyon I got a burst of energy and took off, feeling comfortable and at ease being in a familiar area. The wind had been with us from the start of the ride, but really picked up through the canyon. I remember hitting a spot where the air was finally calm and still and immediately, I heard the sighs of relief from the four other riders I had been following. We turned onto Live Oak Canyon Road and began our journey toward the first aid station, located at Trabuco Oaks General Store, 37.4 miles into the ride.

I had to wait a few minutes to use the restroom and then moved on to pondering the food offerings...plentiful, but nothing sounded appetizing at that point, so I took one of everything and stuffed my jersey pockets, figuring that I would need to eat at some point. I also took a risk here by filling my bottles with Hammer Nutrition's Sustained Energy, something that I have never tried before. Thankfully, I was able to use this fuel all day with no issues, though in retrospect and after tales from a friend, it definitely wasn't smart to use a new and unknown product on a long ride. As I was getting ready to leave, M.E. pulled into the aid station and I asked her if she was going to be in and out quickly, and if so, I'd wait for her and we could leave together. After her very quick stop, we made our way to our bikes and in pulls George. How the man caught us when he left 45 minutes later, and on a fixed gear, no less...I don't know. When we left that morning he said that he was hoping to pass me by the second aid station, so I was very surprised to see him this early in the ride. He handed off a route sheet since I had forgotten mine, and I took off just after M.E. left.

Leaving the first aid station, there was an immediate steep climb out of the canyon and then we were on Plano Trabuco. I had told M.E. that I needed to stop and turn off my tail light and I noticed at that point that there were some encouraging messages written on my route sheet, that brought a smile to my face. :) One turn later George catches us again, not a huge surprise this time, since he is in and out of rest stops before I can get off of my bike. ;) He rode with us for a block or so and started speeding up, so I made the split second decision to take off with him. I figured that I'd hang on for as long as I could and that he would drop me when he needed to. The next section was "generally downhill" and took us toward the coast and the next aid station, located at San Onofre State Beach. We stopped about a mile ahead to use the restroom, hoping that we could avoid the lines at the rest stop. We made this a very quick stop, in and out after refilling our bottles with Sustained Energy and water.

Just after leaving the aid station, George noticed that I was very flushed and looking overheated. He mentioned that we should find a place to splash my face with some water when we could. The next section took us onto the 5 freeway, and this was my first time riding it. When going from Orange County to San Diego, I normally go through Camp Pendelton, as I've always been slightly intimidated by the idea of riding on the freeway. I have to say that it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated, but I was definitely glad that I wasn't alone! After exiting the freeway in Oceanside, we were on the bike path and I was hitting what would be the first of several lulls that I would experience through the day. Thankfully I had the reassurance from George that I would snap out of it and feel better soon and that I just had to ride it out. I managed to eat half of a peanut butter sandwich that I had picked up at the first aid station and stuffed in my pocket, but I was still feeling pretty bad. The heat was getting to me and 85+ miles into the ride, I was just hoping and hoping that it wouldn't heat up anymore than it already had. The bike path ended and we were able to make our way to Popeye's where I drenched my head under the faucet in an attempt to cool down. Ten minutes later with ice on my cheeks and in my helmet, we were on our way again. We rode alone for a long stretch until about three miles out from the lunch stop, when some riders caught up to us. Two passed us and the rest formed a paceline until the right turn and the climb to the lunch stop, where George and I took off. I think that the thought of sitting down, eating and shade got me up that hill with a little more speed than normal!

Pulling in to the third aid station I was happy to see a familiar face...my friend Lee from Bike Forums, who was volunteering for the ride! Again, I wasn't particularly hungry...but knew that I should have something to eat. I enjoyed the sandwich and a couple of V8's before heading to the bathroom to once again drench myself in an attempt to cool down. I sat in the shade for a few minutes and we were off again, where we immediately turned onto Circle R and started climbing. With full bellies. Hmmmmmmm...I thought to myself...how is this going to play out????? George advised me to just take it easy and ride at a digestive (SLOW) pace because really...we had no other choice! After a nice downhill we turned onto Reche where we were greeted by Bobbi and Kermit, two of the volunteers. Kermit noticed my empty bottle and offered to fill it with some water and I was THRILLED when he came back and it was full of ice water. What a guy, he certainly made me happy! After making our way through Live Oak Park we took on the very steep Gum Tree Lane, to which I am attributing all of the soreness in my glutes! I was starting to fall into another lull at this point and we decided to stop at Rainbow Valley Market for more fluids and more head drenching to cool me down. Back on the bike we made our way to the fourth aid station at mile 139.6 where we picked up our lights. I unzipped the light bag and there was another encouraging note for me. Obviously I wasn't planning on riding with George at all, let alone this far...still...the note was a huge pick me up!

We left the aid station and didn't make it far before I hit yet another lull. Now it's one thing when someone gives you a little push on a hill to help you, but at this point George was physically pushing me...on a flat road! Pride gone, I accepted the help and had a chance to recover and find my way out again. I rode the whole day expecting (and telling) George to leave me at some point, but I realized somewhere around this time that he wasn't going anywhere and I can't express how thankful I was. Part of my nervousness about doing this double century was knowing that I was going to have to do this alone and here I was, lucky enough to have an experienced ultra rider at my side...okay...in front of me ;) for the better part of the day. We made our way onto Temescal Canyon and I recall saying that it felt just like a summer night. The weather was unseasonably warm and it was just gorgeous out as the sun set and darkness fell.

The last aid station at mile 172.3 was at Tom's Farm. I grabbed another V8 at this point and then decided that I should hit the restroom before we headed out. Unfortunately it was in a crowded restaurant and the women's line just wasn't moving. I finally opted for the men's room, but still wasted a good ten minutes here. Next time I shall be one with nature. ;) Leaving this aid station, it was so nice to know that we were getting close to being done. George was pushing me and asking me to pick up the pace, but I was so exhausted. I remember him telling me about falling asleep on the bike during one of his brevets and thinking to myself...how does someone fall asleep on the bike?!?!?! Well...now I know! I was very close to doing just that. I was entering a stage of serious grumpiness and had nothing nice to say to poor George anymore, so I put my headphones on and turned my iPod up all the way, which also served as a nice wake-up. We made our way through Corona and finally a turn onto Green River Road...ahhhhhhhhhhh...familiar territory again! I regained my energy, knowing that we were very close, particularly when we hit the bike path and then La Palma. Before I knew it, we were there...I was done!

My official time for the ride was 14 hours and 25 minutes. Honestly, in the months leading up to this double century, I was worried about actually finishing under the time limit, so I was very happy with this time. A big thanks to George, who didn't have to stick with me all day. I definitely slowed him down, but I was so glad to have him there coaching me through my first double!

B - I'm really glad I didn't have to read another puke story. Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment.

Thanks Paul. I'll try not to puke on any of my doubles...that should ensure pleasant reports for you. ;)

Not me...I plan to puke on all my double centuries and maybe a few other explosive events as well. :p However, Brandy, I'm glad you didn't and I enjoyed your report immensely. :)

I fill my ride reports with explosive details, too...Brandy, your projectile-free report gives those of us, who can't seem to ride out of our driveway without befouling the begonias, some inkling of hope for a gooey-free ride experience.

I fill my ride reports with explosive details, too...Brandy, your projectile-free report gives those of us, who can't seem to ride out of our driveway without befouling the begonias, some inkling of hope for a gooey-free ride experience.

That needs to be your new signature. :p

Miss Manners advises that hurling and writing in excruciating detail about hurling are distinct and separate things. One need not follow the other.

That needs to be your new signature. :p

I'm going naked for the time being.

Miss Manners advises that hurling and writing in excruciating detail about hurling are distinct and separate things. One need not follow the other.

Ah, yes...but it is the privilege and prerogative afforded the hurler.

I'm going naked for the time being.

I can see that! :eek:

Well, I never hurled on Butterfield, I just felt like it - which is worse IMO. But by mere fact that we are discussing ride reports with hurling in them shows the level of insanity we've all reached! Who the hell rides until they vomit? Me! Me! Me! :p :D

I'm going naked for the time being.
Oooh...I should steal that for my signature, Mo'. Of course, I'll then have to find a matching avatar to coordinate and...well...that would be outside the community guidelines I fear. :p

I can see that! :eek:

You put a camera in my office? Now I'll do a floppy little dance for you.



Nice, huh?!

Well, I never hurled on Butterfield, I just felt like it - which is worse IMO. But by mere fact that we are discussing ride reports with hurling in them shows the level of insanity we've all reached! Who the hell rides until they vomit? Me! Me! Me! :p :D


I ride until I lruh.

You put a camera in my office? Now I'll do a floppy little dance for you.



Nice, huh?!

I didn't think you'd mind.

Here it is...copied and pasted from my blog. :)


My official time for the ride was 14 hours and 25 minutes. Honestly, in the months leading up to this double century, I was worried about actually finishing under the time limit, so I was very happy with this time. A big thanks to George, who didn't have to stick with me all day. I definitely slowed him down, but I was so glad to have him there coaching me through my first double!


Brandy you are a F!@#$ing stud. and I am so proud of you!!!!

Brandy you are a F!@#$ing stud. and I am so proud of you!!!!

A F!@#$ing stud?? :p :p :p Thanks George. :)

A late report from Keith. Butterfield Mini and Death Valley Double Ride Reports:

The Pleasure and the Pain.

The Pleasure:Butterfield
Some of you may have heard about the Butterfield Double on 2/17/07. I did not previously write about the ride, since I tend to like to write about the trials and tribulations of the ride. Butterfield went about as well as any 200 mile ride could ever go for an endurance cyclist. I was strong from the start and generally pushed the pace up all the early hills and into the wind. There were only four of us at the front, as the wind quickly eliminated all but the strongest riders from the paceline. I took the lead up most of the early hills and even pulled away slightly on the 9% grade that I was so ignominiously dropped on last year. As we reached the coast and worked well together in a paceline, I quickly noticed that my pulls were generally at 20-24 mph while the others ( Marc Patton-last year winner, Wade Baker-3rd place at Death Valley, and Matt Turgeon-from Nevada) pulled at around 18-20 mph. It was clear I was the strongest on this day and I waited until we reached the lunch stop at mile 103, after which the real climbing starts. We averaged 20.6 mph for the first 100 miles with 3600 feet of climbing. After lunch is 3-mile climb of around 850 feet and I took off immediately and no one followed. I pushed along for about 5 miles and remembered that Deb Bowling from Planet Ultra said the rest of the course wasn't marked yet and I was the only one with a route sheet on my bike. I stopped and waited for the guys to see if they had route slips. It took around 3 minutes before they arrived and indeed they had route slips with them. I was concerned about possible headwinds on the way back through Temecula and Lake Elsinore, so I decided to stay with them for a while longer. Through the mountains there are a series of rollers, short steep climbs, and short not so steep climbs. After each climb I had to wait or slow down so as to not lose the others, until they told me to just continue alone. I told them if the wind came up, I would wait so we could share the wind. It never arrived, in fact most of the last 50+ miles were with a tail wind. At mile 113, I was on my own and I didn't have to slow up anymore. Riding 87 miles solo can be a daunting task, but it was a breeze on this day. I flew past the 163 mile mark where I DNF'd last year at an average speed of 19.7 mph. At the time I quit last year, my average speed was 18.1 mph. The biggest difference this year was a tailwind instead of a headwind through Lake Elsinore, as a consequence I rode around 16-17 mph through this section in 06 and 22-24 mph in 07. As I neared the last rest stop at Tom's Farm in Corona I realized I still had a shot at the course record for Butterfield. To the best of my knowledge the best recorded time for this particular course was 10:44 in 2006 by Marc Patton. I calculated that if I could maintain an average above 22 mph for the final 25+ miles, I could probably just break the record and go under 10 hours ride time for the ride. Just watch out for the lights. For those unfamiliar, Butterfield is a rather urban route with many street lights, including at least 6 new ones since last year and at least 50 plus on the course. Each stop costs both total time, bike time, and most importantly energy while having to break from 20+ mph to zero and then back up to 20+ mph. I had missed at least 20 lights already and knew there still many to come, that was the wild card. I raced along and maintained a 22+ speed, often much higher and was in a groove unlike any before. I continuously recalculated every couple of miles to see if I was still on pace and even ran a light or two when it was safe. Upon reaching Las Palmas, the final 5.3 mile stretch to the finish, I was about 2-3 minutes ahead of pace, but there are at least 10 lights down Las Palmas. I missed a few, made a few, perhaps ran a couple, and pulled into the Best Western at 4:58pm for a total time of 10:43 minutes, one minute below the record. My polar watch read 10hr 43min 14sec and I started it about 25 seconds late. By my calculations, my total time was 10hr 43min 39sec, a whopping 21 seconds faster than I was hoping for. I checked my ride time and it read 9:59, the first time I have done a sub 10 hour double. Final tally, 10:43 total, 9:59 bike, 20.1mph avg, 8500 feet of climbing. Second half average- 19.7 mph, 5:08 bike time, 4900 feet of climbing. Matt Turgeon rolled in with 11:14, Wade Baker at 11:51, and Marc Patton was DNF. Oh the pleasure, probably my best ride ever and hardest due to the enormous effort I put in to beat the record. I had high hopes for Death Valley in two weeks.

The Pain:Death Valley
This report is on the installment plan, so all you get for now is that I didn't finish and it was painful. Hint: I didn't crash and I'm not hurt.

Keith

Massive!

Way to go??? Now I'm totally in suspense for what the heck happened in Death Valley!?

But amazing job on Butterfield, for sure!

:beer: cheers! :beer:

Now I'm totally in suspense for what the heck happened in Death Valley!?




I think Keith hit the climbs hard before he knew how the headwinds were on the way back. From what I heard he DNF'd.

I think Keith hit the climbs hard before he knew how the headwinds were on the way back. From what I heard he DNF'd.


You may have just spoiled the fun of hearing the story from Keith himself!