iab
06-16-07, 03:52 PM
Post them here. I'm a bit tired right now and will post mine soon. I am very interested to here about people's rides.
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jbmadtown
06-16-07, 05:13 PM
A great ride for me today on the 100K route! As other BFers predicted I found myself starting out a lot faster than when I did the route solo in training runs- but my legs felt good so I went with the flow. The first climb up Mounds Park Rd was over in a flash and before I knew it we were climbing into the first rest stop. There I looked at my computer and I noticed I was riding much faster than any of my training rides. I thought to myself: "this could be a great ride, or I'm totally going to tank in stage 3."
Stage 2 started out very slowly. My legs felt like lead for the first few miles and I thought I may be headed for a ride in the Sag Wagon. Thankfully I found my legs again as I started the climb up Barlow Rd. Then it was pretty easy going to the second rest stop. I was mindful to drink a lot of water here, but I ate less hoping that I could avoid the lethargy I felt after the first stop.
I had forgotten how tough Pinnacle Road really is- but I remembered that the climb up Lakeview had been cut out so I pushed myself to the top knowing that there were really only 3 big climbs left (climb to Barneveld, Mounds Park Rd, and the final grind to the finish). Again, I started feeling really tired on the flat before Barneveld, but my legs recovered a bit during the next climb and I knew I was really close to the finish at that point. I just got into my drops and tried to focus on spinning and staying loose.
The last few miles were tough but I just kept my cadence up as much as I could- alternating climbing in and out of the saddle quite frequently. I found myself setting my sites on riders in front of me and got motivation from slowly reeling them in (there were also many who passed me and just kept getting further away!). The last climb hurt but the top came sooner than I expected and I gave the photographer a faint smile as I rolled over the finish in 4hrs 48 minutes by the clock. I checked my computer and saw my riding time was 4:15 with an average of 15.1mph- much faster than any of my training rides, and well above my goal of 14! Despite the shortened route I felt good about what I did today. The best part is being in good riding shape so early on in the season- opening up a lot of opportunities for more challenges later on this summer/fall.
Thanks and Props go out to: the volunteers and organizers, the guy who allowed use of his yard for the rest stop on County K, anyone who did the 200K, the guy I saw doing the ride on a fixed-gear, all of you older riders with legs of iron (you give me something to aim for when I'm 60!) and all the triathletes who went for a jog immediately after finishing- you guys are hardcore!
Stage 2 started out very slowly. My legs felt like lead for the first few miles and I thought I may be headed for a ride in the Sag Wagon. Thankfully I found my legs again as I started the climb up Barlow Rd. Then it was pretty easy going to the second rest stop. I was mindful to drink a lot of water here, but I ate less hoping that I could avoid the lethargy I felt after the first stop.
I had forgotten how tough Pinnacle Road really is- but I remembered that the climb up Lakeview had been cut out so I pushed myself to the top knowing that there were really only 3 big climbs left (climb to Barneveld, Mounds Park Rd, and the final grind to the finish). Again, I started feeling really tired on the flat before Barneveld, but my legs recovered a bit during the next climb and I knew I was really close to the finish at that point. I just got into my drops and tried to focus on spinning and staying loose.
The last few miles were tough but I just kept my cadence up as much as I could- alternating climbing in and out of the saddle quite frequently. I found myself setting my sites on riders in front of me and got motivation from slowly reeling them in (there were also many who passed me and just kept getting further away!). The last climb hurt but the top came sooner than I expected and I gave the photographer a faint smile as I rolled over the finish in 4hrs 48 minutes by the clock. I checked my computer and saw my riding time was 4:15 with an average of 15.1mph- much faster than any of my training rides, and well above my goal of 14! Despite the shortened route I felt good about what I did today. The best part is being in good riding shape so early on in the season- opening up a lot of opportunities for more challenges later on this summer/fall.
Thanks and Props go out to: the volunteers and organizers, the guy who allowed use of his yard for the rest stop on County K, anyone who did the 200K, the guy I saw doing the ride on a fixed-gear, all of you older riders with legs of iron (you give me something to aim for when I'm 60!) and all the triathletes who went for a jog immediately after finishing- you guys are hardcore!
Psimet2001
06-16-07, 08:18 PM
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3343/ahamfinishzw3.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7963/cylowefinishbv6.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/254/dsc02809wf3.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7963/cylowefinishbv6.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/254/dsc02809wf3.jpg
jbmadtown
06-16-07, 08:23 PM
Three pictures- worth three thousand words!
CyLowe97
06-16-07, 09:10 PM
Short and to the point for now:
aham23 is da man! The whole 200k route including the addtional 7 miles to do Lakeview road climb.
RacerX99 -- Sorry I didn't chat it up more with you. I was zoning at that final rest stop just wanting to get the rest of the suffering over.
Good to see Jose Perez out at the ride. It's quite an accomplishment.
Psimet, thanks for waiting on those of us with less brains than you.
53.6 mph -- New personal best for speed heading down Sutcliffe on the fourth stage.
107 miles -- Skipped last 14 miles of stage four and skipped the detour to climb Lakeview, but that is my new personal high for miles in a day (even if about .25 miles of that was walked after cracking on Mounds Park at the end). :)
More as the stories unfold.
aham23 is da man! The whole 200k route including the addtional 7 miles to do Lakeview road climb.
RacerX99 -- Sorry I didn't chat it up more with you. I was zoning at that final rest stop just wanting to get the rest of the suffering over.
Good to see Jose Perez out at the ride. It's quite an accomplishment.
Psimet, thanks for waiting on those of us with less brains than you.
53.6 mph -- New personal best for speed heading down Sutcliffe on the fourth stage.
107 miles -- Skipped last 14 miles of stage four and skipped the detour to climb Lakeview, but that is my new personal high for miles in a day (even if about .25 miles of that was walked after cracking on Mounds Park at the end). :)
More as the stories unfold.
CyLowe97
06-16-07, 09:14 PM
I just noticed in the background of the pic of aham23 above. The Finish line sign says START on it. WTF?? The ride started hundreds of feet below in the town!
whitesox
06-17-07, 06:48 AM
great job everyone!!
This was my 3rd race/tour ride ever, so as you could guess I was quite intimidated going in. Prior to this year, I spent most of my time running. At the end of last summer, I just decided I wanted to bike more, and bought myself a 3ring Giant OCR composite... the perfect bike for this kind of ride, so I had to sign up and try out this Giant big dog of mine on this so called Horrible Hilly Hundred ride (100K).
I heard during the Ramble Ride last weekend comments such as "your nuts", "even I don't do that ride and I ride 300 miles a week", etc, etc. Then as I was getting my bike together at the start of the HHH, I heard a gentleman say "yeah most of them don't know what they're getting themselves into":eek: I turned to my boyfriend and before I could get out another word of insecurity, and questioning if I was doing the right thing, LOL!!... he would say "hush... sweets, with your strong legs, you can do this", LOL!! He was right... I did it:D My unofficial time was 5:50, but I have yet to see the official time.
I did my first century ever last weekend at the Ramble Ride, so that did serve as a good confidence booster going into the HHH :) However, the first and last climb was to die for!!... and people lied when they said you had to do that first climb twice, you not only had to do it twice, but twice and then some!! I was not expecting that extra climb into the park near the finish, it just about killed me... and brought tears to my eyes when finishing. I had never ever cried after a race, but this one did it... choking back tears as I stood beyond the finish line thinking "wtf kind of ride did I just do", LOL!!
Anyway, I don't have my finisher pics yet, the bf will be sending those later today... I do have one pic of me and some folks from beginnertriathlete.com that I met up with at the finish. I am 2nd to the left, with the monster legs, LOL!!
I will maybe sign up for next year, but like it was with my running, there are so many races out there, I like to try to do them all... but this one might be a ride that I will come back too, we'll have to see.
... and a congrats to all of you, and especially those who did the 200K, that takes some serious guts :), and obviously, some waaaay serious strength :)
and a special thanks to the volunteers, organizers, and the police patrol on the streets. I thought it was extremely organized and I plan to write to HHH and tell them what a great job they did!!
good job everyone!!
Kat
This was my 3rd race/tour ride ever, so as you could guess I was quite intimidated going in. Prior to this year, I spent most of my time running. At the end of last summer, I just decided I wanted to bike more, and bought myself a 3ring Giant OCR composite... the perfect bike for this kind of ride, so I had to sign up and try out this Giant big dog of mine on this so called Horrible Hilly Hundred ride (100K).
I heard during the Ramble Ride last weekend comments such as "your nuts", "even I don't do that ride and I ride 300 miles a week", etc, etc. Then as I was getting my bike together at the start of the HHH, I heard a gentleman say "yeah most of them don't know what they're getting themselves into":eek: I turned to my boyfriend and before I could get out another word of insecurity, and questioning if I was doing the right thing, LOL!!... he would say "hush... sweets, with your strong legs, you can do this", LOL!! He was right... I did it:D My unofficial time was 5:50, but I have yet to see the official time.
I did my first century ever last weekend at the Ramble Ride, so that did serve as a good confidence booster going into the HHH :) However, the first and last climb was to die for!!... and people lied when they said you had to do that first climb twice, you not only had to do it twice, but twice and then some!! I was not expecting that extra climb into the park near the finish, it just about killed me... and brought tears to my eyes when finishing. I had never ever cried after a race, but this one did it... choking back tears as I stood beyond the finish line thinking "wtf kind of ride did I just do", LOL!!
Anyway, I don't have my finisher pics yet, the bf will be sending those later today... I do have one pic of me and some folks from beginnertriathlete.com that I met up with at the finish. I am 2nd to the left, with the monster legs, LOL!!
I will maybe sign up for next year, but like it was with my running, there are so many races out there, I like to try to do them all... but this one might be a ride that I will come back too, we'll have to see.
... and a congrats to all of you, and especially those who did the 200K, that takes some serious guts :), and obviously, some waaaay serious strength :)
and a special thanks to the volunteers, organizers, and the police patrol on the streets. I thought it was extremely organized and I plan to write to HHH and tell them what a great job they did!!
good job everyone!!
Kat
CyLowe97
06-17-07, 07:29 AM
why do cylowe and aham looks so wasted, and for that matter why do you look comparatively fresh?
because he's smarter than us?
because he's smarter than us?
Jose Perez
06-17-07, 08:18 AM
I'll repost what I typed up in the other thread:
Well,
After months of building this event up in my head it turned out to be every bit as hard as I suspected and then some. I know to some this was just a weekend ride, but to me it was the culmination of a year spent dropping 55 lbs and getting my fat ass back in shape. I finished and more importantly to me, I didn't quit. I was all set to stop about a mile into the final climb up Mounds Road and walk up, but after about 100 yards of pushing the bike something snapped in my pea sized brain and I remounted my bike and pushed on. It took every bit I had but I didn't stop again until I passed under the finish line. Final time was 4:51 and taking away the time spent at the rest stops my actual ride time came in at 4 1/2 hours. I was emotional at the end of it and actually started to cry. It was a brutal way to spend 4 1/2 hours of a beautiful Saturday morning but in its own perverted way it felt real good too.
Good to see the BFNIC guys out there. Sorry I didn't stick around to chat a bit. Maybe at the next ride that doesn't have as many damn hills.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/jmp485/3HFinish007.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/jmp485/3HFinish010.jpg
Well,
After months of building this event up in my head it turned out to be every bit as hard as I suspected and then some. I know to some this was just a weekend ride, but to me it was the culmination of a year spent dropping 55 lbs and getting my fat ass back in shape. I finished and more importantly to me, I didn't quit. I was all set to stop about a mile into the final climb up Mounds Road and walk up, but after about 100 yards of pushing the bike something snapped in my pea sized brain and I remounted my bike and pushed on. It took every bit I had but I didn't stop again until I passed under the finish line. Final time was 4:51 and taking away the time spent at the rest stops my actual ride time came in at 4 1/2 hours. I was emotional at the end of it and actually started to cry. It was a brutal way to spend 4 1/2 hours of a beautiful Saturday morning but in its own perverted way it felt real good too.
Good to see the BFNIC guys out there. Sorry I didn't stick around to chat a bit. Maybe at the next ride that doesn't have as many damn hills.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/jmp485/3HFinish007.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/jmp485/3HFinish010.jpg
Hipcycler
06-17-07, 08:22 AM
Wow.
Nice job men.
CyLowe....Jesus I'm tired just LOOKING at that picture.
Hats off.
You're a mileage maniac I tell ya.
....and I'm with botto here....what's up with Psimet being all...mugging to the camera happy???? Was he riding in the sag wagon?
Nice job men.
CyLowe....Jesus I'm tired just LOOKING at that picture.
Hats off.
You're a mileage maniac I tell ya.
....and I'm with botto here....what's up with Psimet being all...mugging to the camera happy???? Was he riding in the sag wagon?
cminter
06-17-07, 08:23 AM
So my ride went well, not as fast I would like to be but I rode every hill without walking. I cut off the Lakeview climb, and the added 6 miles for a 120 mile ride at an average of 13.5 mph. Total time of about 11.5 hours and on bike for 8:50.
My opinion of the food stops where was the food at # 2,3? I was not at the back of the pack so I don't know what anyone back there was going to eat. Even stop #1 I looked around and thought who wants Chex mix and a few other thing they were serving. Now stop #4 that was nice they had plenty to eat, and more selections. When I finally finished and went to get dinner I was shocked when told it was one sandwich limit. I guess after riding the Bombay Bicycle Club century I'm spoiled but for $70 for the HHH I don't think the food provided was good or enough of it. One last complaint does anyone wear sleeveless t-shirts?
All complaining aside I had a good ride. Early on I stopped to help a rider with a stuck chain, this turned out to be a good thing. She was having a lot of problems, turned out the new chain her shop installed was too long. This was causing the jockey pulley to rub the large cog to the point of skipping off, I adjusted the B screw which helped but not perfect. At rest stop #2 the guys from REI worked on it and ended up giving her a new shorten chain. Section 3 was easy, I was feeling good.
Section 4 was where the lack of food got me. After leaving rest stop 3 the climb up Sutcliffe rd had my left hamstring starting to cramp. I had my own packs of shot blocks so I downed an entire pack and added more elete solution to my bottles. The cramps were on and off the rest of the ride, and without my new ride partner I may have bailed.
The last rest stop was by far the best we recovered for a long time. The rest of our now modified route was not too bad. I was very happy that I survived the final climb into the park, even if I had to stay away from the edge since I could hardly keep going straight at that point.
Sorry I didn't meet anyone else from here, congratulations to all.
My opinion of the food stops where was the food at # 2,3? I was not at the back of the pack so I don't know what anyone back there was going to eat. Even stop #1 I looked around and thought who wants Chex mix and a few other thing they were serving. Now stop #4 that was nice they had plenty to eat, and more selections. When I finally finished and went to get dinner I was shocked when told it was one sandwich limit. I guess after riding the Bombay Bicycle Club century I'm spoiled but for $70 for the HHH I don't think the food provided was good or enough of it. One last complaint does anyone wear sleeveless t-shirts?
All complaining aside I had a good ride. Early on I stopped to help a rider with a stuck chain, this turned out to be a good thing. She was having a lot of problems, turned out the new chain her shop installed was too long. This was causing the jockey pulley to rub the large cog to the point of skipping off, I adjusted the B screw which helped but not perfect. At rest stop #2 the guys from REI worked on it and ended up giving her a new shorten chain. Section 3 was easy, I was feeling good.
Section 4 was where the lack of food got me. After leaving rest stop 3 the climb up Sutcliffe rd had my left hamstring starting to cramp. I had my own packs of shot blocks so I downed an entire pack and added more elete solution to my bottles. The cramps were on and off the rest of the ride, and without my new ride partner I may have bailed.
The last rest stop was by far the best we recovered for a long time. The rest of our now modified route was not too bad. I was very happy that I survived the final climb into the park, even if I had to stay away from the edge since I could hardly keep going straight at that point.
Sorry I didn't meet anyone else from here, congratulations to all.
CastIron
06-17-07, 08:52 AM
In a word: OUCH!
I didn't walk a single friggin inch of those hills but don't blame those who did. My wife actually cried watching me slog over the finish line.
Heat was a limiting factor. My trusty SweatVac was overwhelmed my mile 10. Last time I poured that much out was working in an unventilated attic in the summer.
Anyone have links to the photogs working the course? I mugged up pretty good until the end. I'll post the evolution of CastIron melting.
Hats off to the folks putting this thing on! While organization leading up to the event was of significant concern, they delivered in an admirable manner during the event.
More on Monday. Now I have to pay my dues with landscape and yard work. Yippy.
I didn't walk a single friggin inch of those hills but don't blame those who did. My wife actually cried watching me slog over the finish line.
Heat was a limiting factor. My trusty SweatVac was overwhelmed my mile 10. Last time I poured that much out was working in an unventilated attic in the summer.
Anyone have links to the photogs working the course? I mugged up pretty good until the end. I'll post the evolution of CastIron melting.
Hats off to the folks putting this thing on! While organization leading up to the event was of significant concern, they delivered in an admirable manner during the event.
More on Monday. Now I have to pay my dues with landscape and yard work. Yippy.
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 09:07 AM
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/254/dsc02809wf3.jpg
That's me trying to remember how many beers I had drank while waiting for CyLowe and Aham to get in.
CyLowe talked me into this ride. I read the site and knew there was climbing, but really didn't give it a second thought. I didn't train for this, and much to no one's surprise I am NOT a climber. Give me the flat sections with a 20-30mph wind over those climbs any day.
(Long Version continued in multiple posts I am sure)....
I commuted into work on Friday to spin out my legs (25 miles in) because I hadn't really ridden much in the last two weeks. Aham picked me up from the plant at noon and we stopped back home to pick up my stuff before hitting CyLowe's house.
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/408/dsc02735ba7.jpg
The drive up was fun. Almost like a college road trip...except for the fact that we were sober, at least temporarily. On some BF member's advice we headed to New Glarus for some grub...
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4977/dsc02739lx2.jpg
This is a town that believes that it is really located somewhere in Switzerland....:rolleyes:
We stopped into some bar where the bartender promptly yelled at Aham and told him he had to order at the bar (because she wasn't about to walk the 3 feet from the bar to one of the 3 tables there was. I hit the rest room (I'm sure the other will say I had to go every 3 seconds - I was hydrating ;)), but I was told the conversation went something like,
Bartender(BT):"What do you want?"
Aham:"What do you have?"
BT:"Cold sandwiches."
Aham:"Oh, and Brats, and.."
BT:"Cold sandwiches."
Aham:"OK, I think I'll have a cold sandwich."
We all followed suit (picture taken after short discussion about botto):
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/1453/dsc02741nv4.jpg
Continued.....
That's me trying to remember how many beers I had drank while waiting for CyLowe and Aham to get in.
CyLowe talked me into this ride. I read the site and knew there was climbing, but really didn't give it a second thought. I didn't train for this, and much to no one's surprise I am NOT a climber. Give me the flat sections with a 20-30mph wind over those climbs any day.
(Long Version continued in multiple posts I am sure)....
I commuted into work on Friday to spin out my legs (25 miles in) because I hadn't really ridden much in the last two weeks. Aham picked me up from the plant at noon and we stopped back home to pick up my stuff before hitting CyLowe's house.
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/408/dsc02735ba7.jpg
The drive up was fun. Almost like a college road trip...except for the fact that we were sober, at least temporarily. On some BF member's advice we headed to New Glarus for some grub...
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4977/dsc02739lx2.jpg
This is a town that believes that it is really located somewhere in Switzerland....:rolleyes:
We stopped into some bar where the bartender promptly yelled at Aham and told him he had to order at the bar (because she wasn't about to walk the 3 feet from the bar to one of the 3 tables there was. I hit the rest room (I'm sure the other will say I had to go every 3 seconds - I was hydrating ;)), but I was told the conversation went something like,
Bartender(BT):"What do you want?"
Aham:"What do you have?"
BT:"Cold sandwiches."
Aham:"Oh, and Brats, and.."
BT:"Cold sandwiches."
Aham:"OK, I think I'll have a cold sandwich."
We all followed suit (picture taken after short discussion about botto):
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/1453/dsc02741nv4.jpg
Continued.....
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 09:22 AM
After dinner we headed over to the High School to pick up our packets. We got there pretty much right after they opened.
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/7703/dsc02743qc0.jpg
We ran into our old friend "the Whippet". I actually got photo evidence this time....when my flash went off...slightly embarassing. BTW - this girl is insanely fast and strong.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5276/dsc02744nm9.jpg
Once we got done and were setup to spend the night in the gym e realized it was way to early to pack it in for the night, and there wasn't an strong sentiment to go on a short ride. Only thing left to do was drink...err...find a place to sit down and have a conversation.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3430/dsc02745rr6.jpg
We went "into town" and started looking for a place to set up shop. After a brief discussion about Dick's Meats ...
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6606/dsc02746uz7.jpg
...we settled on what seemed to be a nice establishment.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9747/dsc02756rj9.jpg
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/7703/dsc02743qc0.jpg
We ran into our old friend "the Whippet". I actually got photo evidence this time....when my flash went off...slightly embarassing. BTW - this girl is insanely fast and strong.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5276/dsc02744nm9.jpg
Once we got done and were setup to spend the night in the gym e realized it was way to early to pack it in for the night, and there wasn't an strong sentiment to go on a short ride. Only thing left to do was drink...err...find a place to sit down and have a conversation.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3430/dsc02745rr6.jpg
We went "into town" and started looking for a place to set up shop. After a brief discussion about Dick's Meats ...
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6606/dsc02746uz7.jpg
...we settled on what seemed to be a nice establishment.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9747/dsc02756rj9.jpg
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 09:35 AM
Well...we had one or two of their local beverages. CyLowe decided it might be bad for if anyone actually saw him hanging around with two baboons:
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/6743/dsc02747lm1.jpg
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9951/dsc02750nc1.jpg
botto - no comments about the fruit in my beer. It came that way.
After a while we decided that we would be better off if we didn't sit around there the whole night. Restraint was going to be difficult to keep fore very long. So we decided there was still enough sunlight to take a look around the course for the ride.
What ensued was a sesssion that included a lot of ear popping, brake burning, downshifting, and laughing - strike that - cackling from CyLowe. This was quickly followed by my need for some antacid. I needed something to settle my stomach. I knew enough to know that I was way outmatched on this one.
I tried to look happy, but I was kind of PO'd at myself for not ever looking into the ride, or ever taking it seriously enough to train for it. I had signed up for the 100K and knew that wouldn't be a problem, but I had gotten the wild hair up my bum in the last 2 weeks to try the 200K. I wanted to make sure that I had a hard enough ride to justify driving all the way up there and spending all that money....
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/6743/dsc02747lm1.jpg
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9951/dsc02750nc1.jpg
botto - no comments about the fruit in my beer. It came that way.
After a while we decided that we would be better off if we didn't sit around there the whole night. Restraint was going to be difficult to keep fore very long. So we decided there was still enough sunlight to take a look around the course for the ride.
What ensued was a sesssion that included a lot of ear popping, brake burning, downshifting, and laughing - strike that - cackling from CyLowe. This was quickly followed by my need for some antacid. I needed something to settle my stomach. I knew enough to know that I was way outmatched on this one.
I tried to look happy, but I was kind of PO'd at myself for not ever looking into the ride, or ever taking it seriously enough to train for it. I had signed up for the 100K and knew that wouldn't be a problem, but I had gotten the wild hair up my bum in the last 2 weeks to try the 200K. I wanted to make sure that I had a hard enough ride to justify driving all the way up there and spending all that money....
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
whitesox
06-17-07, 09:55 AM
I'll repost what I typed up in the other thread:
Well,
After months of building this event up in my head it turned out to be every bit as hard as I suspected and then some. I know to some this was just a weekend ride, but to me it was the culmination of a year spent dropping 55 lbs and getting my fat ass back in shape. I finished and more importantly to me, I didn't quit. I was all set to stop about a mile into the final climb up Mounds Road and walk up, but after about 100 yards of pushing the bike something snapped in my pea sized brain and I remounted my bike and pushed on. It took every bit I had but I didn't stop again until I passed under the finish line. Final time was 4:51 and taking away the time spent at the rest stops my actual ride time came in at 4 1/2 hours. I was emotional at the end of it and actually started to cry. It was a brutal way to spend 4 1/2 hours of a beautiful Saturday morning but in its own perverted way it felt real good too.
Good to see the BFNIC guys out there. Sorry I didn't stick around to chat a bit. Maybe at the next ride that doesn't have as many damn hills.
hey jose... what did your total mileage come out to? I was at 62 or so when I finished, but my friend emailed me and said she was at 55 miles at the end. Just curious what you showed? Also, did you go through the gravel area where you walked your bike, or did you take a detour? I'm thinking and hoping she took a detour otherwise my cyclocomputer needs adjusting :(
Well,
After months of building this event up in my head it turned out to be every bit as hard as I suspected and then some. I know to some this was just a weekend ride, but to me it was the culmination of a year spent dropping 55 lbs and getting my fat ass back in shape. I finished and more importantly to me, I didn't quit. I was all set to stop about a mile into the final climb up Mounds Road and walk up, but after about 100 yards of pushing the bike something snapped in my pea sized brain and I remounted my bike and pushed on. It took every bit I had but I didn't stop again until I passed under the finish line. Final time was 4:51 and taking away the time spent at the rest stops my actual ride time came in at 4 1/2 hours. I was emotional at the end of it and actually started to cry. It was a brutal way to spend 4 1/2 hours of a beautiful Saturday morning but in its own perverted way it felt real good too.
Good to see the BFNIC guys out there. Sorry I didn't stick around to chat a bit. Maybe at the next ride that doesn't have as many damn hills.
hey jose... what did your total mileage come out to? I was at 62 or so when I finished, but my friend emailed me and said she was at 55 miles at the end. Just curious what you showed? Also, did you go through the gravel area where you walked your bike, or did you take a detour? I'm thinking and hoping she took a detour otherwise my cyclocomputer needs adjusting :(
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 10:01 AM
From there it was back to the gym for some shuteye...or as much shuteye as you can get sleeping on the floor of a un-airconditioned high school gym. :rolleyes:
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1133/dsc02759mt8.jpg
The next morning we geared up and got up to the start. While I am not a specimen of physical fitness I usually find that I am in at least the top half of the riders on any given ride. I quickly found out that I was probably in the bottom 10% on this ride. There were more triathletes there then there is at a triathalon. The gear that came out was sick. Absolutely sick. I really didn't get much of a chance to enjoy looking at it though.
I was still kicking around the idea of what route to take. We headed out within the first official pack knowing we wouldn't be there for long. We all knew we had the 3/4 climb back up the mound first thing. Someone who was riding with a super computer will post the stats, but this was approximately a 2-2.5 mile climb with grades I haven't seen outside of a 3-4 hour flight by airplane.
I was taking it easy knowing that I had a whole day in front of me. Aham, CyLowe and I were all together at the bottom of the climb. Slowly Aham and I moved ahead of CyLowe. I heard him say something like, "I'm going to take it easy." That startled me a little because that's what I thought I was doing and I know CyLowe is a better climber than me. Aham and I were doing pretty good up the first mile or so. Even talked a little - I think. Then the grade pitched up even steeper again.
Aham slowly pulled away and I started moving backwards through the group. Another 1/2 mile or so and CyLowe came past me fast enough to barely realize it was him. I felt like two 300lb Russians had slapped me in the face with big fish.
I got to the top and figured I could probably move back up to the guys on the descent. I tend to fly on descents (yes because I am heavier than these guys). Thing is the street were so friggin packed with nancy triathletes that rode their brakes down the whole thing I never got to even open coast.
From there a series of killer climbs ensued. I was about 10 miles in and wondering why the F I had come up here to do this. It was at this time I realized that I really had little interest in riding 120 miles of this basically alone. :(
I was depressed because I was thinkning that I was doing well this year, and I despise stepping down from a challenge, but I made up my mind that I was better off only doing the 100K. After that I realized that I needed the keys for the car if I was going to be waiting for 5-7 hours more after I got in.
Luckily I met back up with CyLowe and Aham at the first stop. I came up to Aham and the first words out of my mouth were, "where's your keys!?" Reflecting on it I know I probably came across a little snippy. I was drenched in sweat, still catching my breath, and PO'd at myself. I apologize (aham) if I was an a-hole.
From that stop on it was a pretty easy (relatively) ride. I never really bonked or got in trouble with food or water. The scenery was beautiful and because I wasn't pushing myself I just enjoyed the ride. I figured I had enough time to blow so I might as well take my time. I quickly realized that I climb at the same speed as most of the competetive women who were on that route. It kept my mind occupied, and yes I climb like a girl...thank god.
I still made it in in around 5:30 hours total. Ride time was 4:30.
Then came the waiting....
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1133/dsc02759mt8.jpg
The next morning we geared up and got up to the start. While I am not a specimen of physical fitness I usually find that I am in at least the top half of the riders on any given ride. I quickly found out that I was probably in the bottom 10% on this ride. There were more triathletes there then there is at a triathalon. The gear that came out was sick. Absolutely sick. I really didn't get much of a chance to enjoy looking at it though.
I was still kicking around the idea of what route to take. We headed out within the first official pack knowing we wouldn't be there for long. We all knew we had the 3/4 climb back up the mound first thing. Someone who was riding with a super computer will post the stats, but this was approximately a 2-2.5 mile climb with grades I haven't seen outside of a 3-4 hour flight by airplane.
I was taking it easy knowing that I had a whole day in front of me. Aham, CyLowe and I were all together at the bottom of the climb. Slowly Aham and I moved ahead of CyLowe. I heard him say something like, "I'm going to take it easy." That startled me a little because that's what I thought I was doing and I know CyLowe is a better climber than me. Aham and I were doing pretty good up the first mile or so. Even talked a little - I think. Then the grade pitched up even steeper again.
Aham slowly pulled away and I started moving backwards through the group. Another 1/2 mile or so and CyLowe came past me fast enough to barely realize it was him. I felt like two 300lb Russians had slapped me in the face with big fish.
I got to the top and figured I could probably move back up to the guys on the descent. I tend to fly on descents (yes because I am heavier than these guys). Thing is the street were so friggin packed with nancy triathletes that rode their brakes down the whole thing I never got to even open coast.
From there a series of killer climbs ensued. I was about 10 miles in and wondering why the F I had come up here to do this. It was at this time I realized that I really had little interest in riding 120 miles of this basically alone. :(
I was depressed because I was thinkning that I was doing well this year, and I despise stepping down from a challenge, but I made up my mind that I was better off only doing the 100K. After that I realized that I needed the keys for the car if I was going to be waiting for 5-7 hours more after I got in.
Luckily I met back up with CyLowe and Aham at the first stop. I came up to Aham and the first words out of my mouth were, "where's your keys!?" Reflecting on it I know I probably came across a little snippy. I was drenched in sweat, still catching my breath, and PO'd at myself. I apologize (aham) if I was an a-hole.
From that stop on it was a pretty easy (relatively) ride. I never really bonked or got in trouble with food or water. The scenery was beautiful and because I wasn't pushing myself I just enjoyed the ride. I figured I had enough time to blow so I might as well take my time. I quickly realized that I climb at the same speed as most of the competetive women who were on that route. It kept my mind occupied, and yes I climb like a girl...thank god.
I still made it in in around 5:30 hours total. Ride time was 4:30.
Then came the waiting....
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 10:03 AM
hey jose... what did your total mileage come out to? I was at 62 or so when I finished, but my friend emailed me and said she was at 55 miles at the end. Just curious what you showed? Also, did you go through the gravel area where you walked your bike, or did you take a detour? I'm thinking and hoping she took a detour otherwise my cyclocomputer needs adjusting :(
I listened to your friend make the decision to cut over on HH because she wanted to avoid the gravel area that we got the e-mail about. They had already re-routed the course around the section the e-mailed about. There was only that one small patch of gravel. No bike walking for me.
I ended up with 63.3.
I listened to your friend make the decision to cut over on HH because she wanted to avoid the gravel area that we got the e-mail about. They had already re-routed the course around the section the e-mailed about. There was only that one small patch of gravel. No bike walking for me.
I ended up with 63.3.
whitesox
06-17-07, 10:11 AM
I listened to your friend make the decision to cut over on HH because she wanted to avoid the gravel area that we got the e-mail about. They had already re-routed the course around the section the e-mailed about. There was only that one small patch of gravel. No bike walking for me.
I ended up with 63.3.
you did?, you talked to my friend!! ;)
I agree the gravel was so insignifcant... I didn't understand what the big deal was, it was what 40 yards?, but I walked my bike... I wasn't going to risk a flat seeing I don't know how to change one!! :eek:
Thanks for the mileage report... my new 8si seems to be working correctly :D
and congrats to you for a fine race ride. Too bad I didn't see you there waiting, you could have come over and wasted time as we had a few beers ourselves:beer:
I ended up with 63.3.
you did?, you talked to my friend!! ;)
I agree the gravel was so insignifcant... I didn't understand what the big deal was, it was what 40 yards?, but I walked my bike... I wasn't going to risk a flat seeing I don't know how to change one!! :eek:
Thanks for the mileage report... my new 8si seems to be working correctly :D
and congrats to you for a fine race ride. Too bad I didn't see you there waiting, you could have come over and wasted time as we had a few beers ourselves:beer:
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 10:11 AM
Luckily for me there was beer at the finish and I knew I wasn't driving. I pulled out my iPod and started catching up on my podcasts. At some point I snapped this. I believe I was trying to keep count so I could refer to it later to calculate if I was still sober....:rolleyes:
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3258/dsc02771jf9.jpg
I sat...and waited......and waited.......and waited..............
You know it's a bad sign when you start taking pictures of yourself...
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/1351/dsc02773zw5.jpg
We were pretty sure in the morning that this was coach Jerry of Hip's personal entourage....
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4390/dsc02797ya8.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3258/dsc02771jf9.jpg
I sat...and waited......and waited.......and waited..............
You know it's a bad sign when you start taking pictures of yourself...
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/1351/dsc02773zw5.jpg
We were pretty sure in the morning that this was coach Jerry of Hip's personal entourage....
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4390/dsc02797ya8.jpg
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 10:20 AM
After a while I finally caught sight of CyLowe coming up the hill...
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4188/dsc02802ae9.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/2883/dsc02803pc3.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4633/dsc02805kp8.jpg
Turns out he cut some loops out and ended just over an imperial century. He honestly looked as though hea was going to puke at the end.
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/4131/dsc02807or2.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7963/cylowefinishbv6.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4188/dsc02802ae9.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/2883/dsc02803pc3.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4633/dsc02805kp8.jpg
Turns out he cut some loops out and ended just over an imperial century. He honestly looked as though hea was going to puke at the end.
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/4131/dsc02807or2.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7963/cylowefinishbv6.jpg
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 10:34 AM
Right as I was taking the shots of CyLowe I got a call from Aham. He was at mile 110. I figured he had about 10-15 miles left. Turns out he had about 20 left. Including the 2.5 mile climb at the end. So CyLowe and I waited.....and waited......and waited.....
My beer count made it up there....
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/254/dsc02809wf3.jpg
Finally we caught a glimpse of Aham coming up the last bit....
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1959/dsc02821ka7.jpg
CyLowe ran out to hand aham a beer to help him across the line, but aham refused...
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/7453/dsc02823td5.jpg
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/4210/dsc02824wv5.jpg
Time says 10:38.
He too felt great after the ride:
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3343/ahamfinishzw3.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9438/dsc02831hw3.jpg
The ride home was up to CyLowe...
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6319/dsc02833rg1.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/208/dsc02834sz8.jpg
I think it would be safe to say that we'll be back. I will definitely do the 200K, but I need to actively train for it. At least it gives me something to look forward to. Now....could I do the 200K for the Dairyland Dare.....
My beer count made it up there....
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/254/dsc02809wf3.jpg
Finally we caught a glimpse of Aham coming up the last bit....
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1959/dsc02821ka7.jpg
CyLowe ran out to hand aham a beer to help him across the line, but aham refused...
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/7453/dsc02823td5.jpg
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/4210/dsc02824wv5.jpg
Time says 10:38.
He too felt great after the ride:
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3343/ahamfinishzw3.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9438/dsc02831hw3.jpg
The ride home was up to CyLowe...
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6319/dsc02833rg1.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/208/dsc02834sz8.jpg
I think it would be safe to say that we'll be back. I will definitely do the 200K, but I need to actively train for it. At least it gives me something to look forward to. Now....could I do the 200K for the Dairyland Dare.....
botto
06-17-07, 10:40 AM
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/208/dsc02834sz8.jpg
I think it would be safe to say that we'll be back. I will definitely do the 200K, but I need to actively train for it. At least it gives me something to look forward to. Now....could I do the 200K for the Dairyland Dare.....
aham23 is working the LA crossed eyed look.
i'm sure he slept VERY well that night. ;)
I think it would be safe to say that we'll be back. I will definitely do the 200K, but I need to actively train for it. At least it gives me something to look forward to. Now....could I do the 200K for the Dairyland Dare.....
aham23 is working the LA crossed eyed look.
i'm sure he slept VERY well that night. ;)
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 10:43 AM
where do i start? ;)
are you saying i'm 'krispy'?
Not at all...;) Just the botto night before the ride meal shot.
you were hydrating in the rest room? :eek:
It was a small town. The locals told me everyone does that. How was I supposed to know any better....
was it a white beer at least?
Yes, indeed....
a man after my own heart. :beer:
Yes, indeed!
a question - did cylowe just donate a gallon of blood before this pic, or does he avoid sunlight at all costs?
He did mention banking some blood for this ride and seemed kind of PO'd when his contact didn't meet us at the bar, but I think it's a combination of my camera and his genetics.
are you saying i'm 'krispy'?
Not at all...;) Just the botto night before the ride meal shot.
you were hydrating in the rest room? :eek:
It was a small town. The locals told me everyone does that. How was I supposed to know any better....
was it a white beer at least?
Yes, indeed....
a man after my own heart. :beer:
Yes, indeed!
a question - did cylowe just donate a gallon of blood before this pic, or does he avoid sunlight at all costs?
He did mention banking some blood for this ride and seemed kind of PO'd when his contact didn't meet us at the bar, but I think it's a combination of my camera and his genetics.
CyLowe97
06-17-07, 11:23 AM
a question - did cylowe just donate a gallon of blood before this pic, or does he avoid sunlight at all costs?
A combination of genetics and lots of high-numbered SPF applied before going out into the sun for hours on end. Sunburn on a ride is worse than bonking to me.
A combination of genetics and lots of high-numbered SPF applied before going out into the sun for hours on end. Sunburn on a ride is worse than bonking to me.
Brigadier
06-17-07, 11:25 AM
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9747/dsc02756rj9.jpg
You went to the seediest establishment in town :eek: (Actually I kid. Mount Horeb is not exactly a bustling metropolis. If you had wanted more choices you should have made the trip to Madison)
You went to the seediest establishment in town :eek: (Actually I kid. Mount Horeb is not exactly a bustling metropolis. If you had wanted more choices you should have made the trip to Madison)
CyLowe97
06-17-07, 11:30 AM
You went to the seediest establishment in town :eek: (Actually I kid. Mount Horeb is not exactly a bustling metropolis. If you had wanted more choices you should have made the trip to Madison)
It's all about stumbling distance back to where ever the pillow for the night is.
Next time it'll be Madison, I'm sure, as we'll get a proper hotel room the night before. I can't believe they listened to a cheapskate like me tell them that a free sleep on a gymnasium floor would be just the ticket.
It's all about stumbling distance back to where ever the pillow for the night is.
Next time it'll be Madison, I'm sure, as we'll get a proper hotel room the night before. I can't believe they listened to a cheapskate like me tell them that a free sleep on a gymnasium floor would be just the ticket.
whitesox
06-17-07, 12:28 PM
It's all about stumbling distance back to where ever the pillow for the night is.
Next time it'll be Madison, I'm sure, as we'll get a proper hotel room the night before. I can't believe they listened to a cheapskate like me tell them that a free sleep on a gymnasium floor would be just the ticket.
next year, stay at the Fairfeild Inn in Middleton... very close to the race and nice hotel, with a nice continental breakfast... oh and I did I mention they have air ;) I'm sure between you all, you could all easily split the $89.00 accommodation fee:D
Next time it'll be Madison, I'm sure, as we'll get a proper hotel room the night before. I can't believe they listened to a cheapskate like me tell them that a free sleep on a gymnasium floor would be just the ticket.
next year, stay at the Fairfeild Inn in Middleton... very close to the race and nice hotel, with a nice continental breakfast... oh and I did I mention they have air ;) I'm sure between you all, you could all easily split the $89.00 accommodation fee:D
iab
06-17-07, 12:36 PM
"Serpentine Shel, serpentine!" (A free beer to the first who names who said the quote and which movie it came from).
I drove up the back way to show my brother-in-law (he rode too) some of the route, it freaked him out a bit. As it turns out we parked next to Mark Johnson. For those who don't know, Mark Johnson is the greatest hockey player from Madison, WI. He had the most points in the 1980 olymipics and scored 2 against the godless commie ruskies in the USA's 4-3 victory leading them to the gold medal. He was doing the 100 for the first time. His car was gone when I got back so I am starting the rumor he couldn't finish the course;) .
I can't add to much that has been said. I did the 100 and it was horribly hilly. I had a new 12-27 cassette and chain. The drivetrain was nice and quiet. I came in at 65 miles, but I started it in the parking lot and as the quote above says, I did some extra milage zig-zagging up a lot of hills. I did walk a portion of Barlow (that hill psyches me out) and after the parking booth (?) up into the parking lot. That last grade really kicked my ass. I am happy to say I made it to the top of Pinnacle and I never threw-up the entire ride.
The best story I heard was from the mechanic at the Hwy K rest stop. He was telling me about the guy who was doing the 100 on a fixie:eek: . The fixie rider didn't claim to be doing much because he was only doing the 100... *******;)
I drove up the back way to show my brother-in-law (he rode too) some of the route, it freaked him out a bit. As it turns out we parked next to Mark Johnson. For those who don't know, Mark Johnson is the greatest hockey player from Madison, WI. He had the most points in the 1980 olymipics and scored 2 against the godless commie ruskies in the USA's 4-3 victory leading them to the gold medal. He was doing the 100 for the first time. His car was gone when I got back so I am starting the rumor he couldn't finish the course;) .
I can't add to much that has been said. I did the 100 and it was horribly hilly. I had a new 12-27 cassette and chain. The drivetrain was nice and quiet. I came in at 65 miles, but I started it in the parking lot and as the quote above says, I did some extra milage zig-zagging up a lot of hills. I did walk a portion of Barlow (that hill psyches me out) and after the parking booth (?) up into the parking lot. That last grade really kicked my ass. I am happy to say I made it to the top of Pinnacle and I never threw-up the entire ride.
The best story I heard was from the mechanic at the Hwy K rest stop. He was telling me about the guy who was doing the 100 on a fixie:eek: . The fixie rider didn't claim to be doing much because he was only doing the 100... *******;)
aham23
06-17-07, 12:51 PM
i live in a midwest town called plainfield.
i ride the country roads that split these plain fields.
that i know of, i have never climbed more then 4000 feet in one day.
these are my stats:
131.36 miles, 8:45:28 Ride Time, 12,298 feet climbed & didnt stop or walk any hill.
i am aham23.
The Edge (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3042763)
that is all. later.
i ride the country roads that split these plain fields.
that i know of, i have never climbed more then 4000 feet in one day.
these are my stats:
131.36 miles, 8:45:28 Ride Time, 12,298 feet climbed & didnt stop or walk any hill.
i am aham23.
The Edge (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3042763)
that is all. later.
Jose Perez
06-17-07, 01:50 PM
The best story I heard was from the mechanic at the Hwy K rest stop. He was telling me about the guy who was doing the 100 on a fixie:eek: . The fixie rider didn't claim to be doing much because he was only doing the 100... *******;)
I saw that bike at rest stop #2 for the 100K route but never noticed the rider. Un Frikkin Believable.
I want to send a nice Thanks to the fine folks at Polar for making a computer that eats batteries and shuts down at random. And another special shout out to the fine folks at Energizer whose batteries don't last for more than a month at a shot, or in this case, more than a week. I don't ask too much from my cycling computer other than it stay on and record data. I guess that is still asking too much.
Enough whining from me...I thought the supplies at the rest stops were fine as long as you got there early enough. Its hard to guess how much folks will scarf down but it did seem as though they did a good job of providing an adequate selection and supply. Chex mix on the other hand did sound like a bad idea all the way around. Nothing like dry gritty bits of cereal to suck all the remaining water out of your body. I prefer fruits, gels, and sports drinks myself so thats all I wanted and thats all I took. I carry all my own nutrition with me, but choose from whats they have on hand and keep my stuff as reserve.
Lots of really nice bike and really nice folks out on the roads. This one woman was trying to keep me motivated as I was starting to run out of steam somewhere around mile 55. Thanks to her whomever she is. Another random guy kept me company for about 30 miles or so throughout the ride so thanks to him as well. I never got either of their names but their help was very much appreciated. I know that there were quite a few riders to whom this ride was a relative walk in the park but it was even cooler to see all the folks who were struggling as much as I was and sharing in the experience with one another.
Total mileage, calculated by adding up the four different "reboots" my computer went through, was at 64.9 miles, but I do know that this things reads high, especially on longer distances, so I think I actually came in pretty close to what the others have posted.
I saw that bike at rest stop #2 for the 100K route but never noticed the rider. Un Frikkin Believable.
I want to send a nice Thanks to the fine folks at Polar for making a computer that eats batteries and shuts down at random. And another special shout out to the fine folks at Energizer whose batteries don't last for more than a month at a shot, or in this case, more than a week. I don't ask too much from my cycling computer other than it stay on and record data. I guess that is still asking too much.
Enough whining from me...I thought the supplies at the rest stops were fine as long as you got there early enough. Its hard to guess how much folks will scarf down but it did seem as though they did a good job of providing an adequate selection and supply. Chex mix on the other hand did sound like a bad idea all the way around. Nothing like dry gritty bits of cereal to suck all the remaining water out of your body. I prefer fruits, gels, and sports drinks myself so thats all I wanted and thats all I took. I carry all my own nutrition with me, but choose from whats they have on hand and keep my stuff as reserve.
Lots of really nice bike and really nice folks out on the roads. This one woman was trying to keep me motivated as I was starting to run out of steam somewhere around mile 55. Thanks to her whomever she is. Another random guy kept me company for about 30 miles or so throughout the ride so thanks to him as well. I never got either of their names but their help was very much appreciated. I know that there were quite a few riders to whom this ride was a relative walk in the park but it was even cooler to see all the folks who were struggling as much as I was and sharing in the experience with one another.
Total mileage, calculated by adding up the four different "reboots" my computer went through, was at 64.9 miles, but I do know that this things reads high, especially on longer distances, so I think I actually came in pretty close to what the others have posted.
nvr
06-17-07, 02:13 PM
Great job, everyone! Sounds like a fun, but painful ride.
Kimbercop
06-17-07, 05:16 PM
[QUOTE=iab]"Serpentine Shel, serpentine!" (A free beer to the first who names who said the quote and which movie it came from).
The In Laws.. Peter Falk, (Vince Ricardo)
The In Laws.. Peter Falk, (Vince Ricardo)
s.peterson
06-17-07, 08:16 PM
Here are my stats. I did the same route as CyLowe97, I cut off the last loop on stage 4 and diverted to the 100k route at that point (no lakeview road)
107 miles
8 1/2 hours total time
7 hours 10 min. on bike time
14.9 mph
54 mph max (sutcliff road) this crushed my previous top speed of 43mph
8910 feet of climing
1 hour one minuite in heart rate zone 5 (traveled 7 miles in that hour)
2 hours and 10 min. in heart rate zone 4 (27 miles)
I could feel my calves starting to cramp up about an hour into the ride, despite hydrating the previous day, drinking a quart of gateraide on the way to the start, and drinking heed all day. By the time I diverted to the 100 k route in the middle of stage 4, I had serious cramping. Needless to say, the 20 or so miles from that point to the finish line were painful. I could sit and pedal for 15-30 seconds, then I would have to stand and stretch my calves, then repeate. I did o.k. until the mounds rd. climb. I ended up walking about 1/4 mile of it when my legs completly quit working. Then I stopped twice on the final climb into the park. My oldest girl (11 yo) ended up pushing me the last 100 feet across the finish line.
All in all a good ride, I will try to get in again next year and hopefully complete the entire 200k. By the way this was also my longest ride ever. I had done an 80 mile training ride on the course a couple of weeks ago as my longest ride.
107 miles
8 1/2 hours total time
7 hours 10 min. on bike time
14.9 mph
54 mph max (sutcliff road) this crushed my previous top speed of 43mph
8910 feet of climing
1 hour one minuite in heart rate zone 5 (traveled 7 miles in that hour)
2 hours and 10 min. in heart rate zone 4 (27 miles)
I could feel my calves starting to cramp up about an hour into the ride, despite hydrating the previous day, drinking a quart of gateraide on the way to the start, and drinking heed all day. By the time I diverted to the 100 k route in the middle of stage 4, I had serious cramping. Needless to say, the 20 or so miles from that point to the finish line were painful. I could sit and pedal for 15-30 seconds, then I would have to stand and stretch my calves, then repeate. I did o.k. until the mounds rd. climb. I ended up walking about 1/4 mile of it when my legs completly quit working. Then I stopped twice on the final climb into the park. My oldest girl (11 yo) ended up pushing me the last 100 feet across the finish line.
All in all a good ride, I will try to get in again next year and hopefully complete the entire 200k. By the way this was also my longest ride ever. I had done an 80 mile training ride on the course a couple of weeks ago as my longest ride.
whitesox
06-17-07, 08:33 PM
here are some bike shots of meself :) great ride!!, defnitely a blast!!!
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/hhh1.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH9.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH3.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH5.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH6.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH2.jpg
oh, and I guess I should include a pic of my birthday suit my boyfriend got me, LOL!!
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/hhh1.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH9.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH3.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH5.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH6.jpg
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH2.jpg
oh, and I guess I should include a pic of my birthday suit my boyfriend got me, LOL!!
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 08:38 PM
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/pigfinn/HHH9.jpg
I love this shot. Watching all of those triathletes take off running back down that hill after they completed the ride just made me want to smack a few of them.
I was probably within 20 feet of you in half of those shots. Small world.
I love this shot. Watching all of those triathletes take off running back down that hill after they completed the ride just made me want to smack a few of them.
I was probably within 20 feet of you in half of those shots. Small world.
whitesox
06-17-07, 08:54 PM
I love this shot. Watching all of those triathletes take off running back down that hill after they completed the ride just made me want to smack a few of them.
I was probably within 20 feet of you in half of those shots. Small world.
how or why anyone would want to run after that race is beyond me. I don't think however, you'll find that kind of ride on a triathlon, but you never know...
I was probably within 20 feet of you in half of those shots. Small world.
how or why anyone would want to run after that race is beyond me. I don't think however, you'll find that kind of ride on a triathlon, but you never know...
Psimet2001
06-17-07, 09:11 PM
how or why anyone would want to run after that race is beyond me. I don't think however, you'll find that kind of ride on a triathlon, but you never know...
Actually from what I gather that course is basically the same as the Wisconsin Ironman. That's why there were so many of them out there. Three words: No Thank You
Actually from what I gather that course is basically the same as the Wisconsin Ironman. That's why there were so many of them out there. Three words: No Thank You
whitesox
06-17-07, 09:13 PM
Three words: No Thank You
LMAO!!, I'm with you on that one!!:roflmao:
LMAO!!, I'm with you on that one!!:roflmao:
nalax49
06-17-07, 10:12 PM
That was a fun course! Good weather, good riders and great volunteers and staff.
Mounds Park Road seemed to get steeper and longer the second time around, though.
No complaints about the food. I was carrying enough gels, bars, sportlegs and electrolyte powder to do the ride on my own as long as the stops had water. The beer and goulash at the end was welcomed.
I started too fast for me and arrived at the first stop at 16+ mph average. I finished the 200 at 12mph average and was exhausted. No cramps or pain, just 99% tired. I didn't walk any hills but I did stop at Barlow and several times on the final climb.
I heard that the first rider arrived at the Black Earth stop at around 10am about 20 minutes before the next riders. That is flying!
Mounds Park Road seemed to get steeper and longer the second time around, though.
No complaints about the food. I was carrying enough gels, bars, sportlegs and electrolyte powder to do the ride on my own as long as the stops had water. The beer and goulash at the end was welcomed.
I started too fast for me and arrived at the first stop at 16+ mph average. I finished the 200 at 12mph average and was exhausted. No cramps or pain, just 99% tired. I didn't walk any hills but I did stop at Barlow and several times on the final climb.
I heard that the first rider arrived at the Black Earth stop at around 10am about 20 minutes before the next riders. That is flying!
RacerX99
06-18-07, 06:04 AM
Ok, here is my saga.
Sprained my ankle on Friday, loading up my truck:mad:
Got up at 2:50, wrapped ankle, drove 2.5 hours.
Started at 6:30, no point in waiting for an untimed ride.
No, Heed or Gatoraid and only oranges at rest stop 2
Stage three: Bad news, legs majorly cramping, Good news, can no longer feel my ankle over my quads screaming.
Black Earth, lot of refueling, lots of time stretching.
Stage 4: 55 MPH on Sutcliffe, but run into ditch by SAG wagon, who was not watching road. I got back on the pavement without crashing, but broke stem on intertube. Still holding pressure, wierd?;)
Skipped last 14 miles of stage, refueled at 100mile rest stop. Met Cylowe, cudos for heading on.
Stage 5: Tried pinnacle, legs cramped, turned around, went for Mounds Park road, finished the climb with major leg cramps.
Ended up with 100 miles, 8 hours total, 7 on the bike.
Wish I could have finished the 200K, might have to sign up for the Dairy Land now. :D
I was pretty bummed about the second rest stop, I usually carry extra fuel, but did not. I will not let that happen again. When I took of my ankle wrap, it looked like I had a tennis ball stuck on the side of my foot. I will be paying for that for another week, I am sure.
And we do these things for fun, right?
Sprained my ankle on Friday, loading up my truck:mad:
Got up at 2:50, wrapped ankle, drove 2.5 hours.
Started at 6:30, no point in waiting for an untimed ride.
No, Heed or Gatoraid and only oranges at rest stop 2
Stage three: Bad news, legs majorly cramping, Good news, can no longer feel my ankle over my quads screaming.
Black Earth, lot of refueling, lots of time stretching.
Stage 4: 55 MPH on Sutcliffe, but run into ditch by SAG wagon, who was not watching road. I got back on the pavement without crashing, but broke stem on intertube. Still holding pressure, wierd?;)
Skipped last 14 miles of stage, refueled at 100mile rest stop. Met Cylowe, cudos for heading on.
Stage 5: Tried pinnacle, legs cramped, turned around, went for Mounds Park road, finished the climb with major leg cramps.
Ended up with 100 miles, 8 hours total, 7 on the bike.
Wish I could have finished the 200K, might have to sign up for the Dairy Land now. :D
I was pretty bummed about the second rest stop, I usually carry extra fuel, but did not. I will not let that happen again. When I took of my ankle wrap, it looked like I had a tennis ball stuck on the side of my foot. I will be paying for that for another week, I am sure.
And we do these things for fun, right?
iab
06-18-07, 06:20 AM
The In Laws.. Peter Falk, (Vince Ricardo)
Ding ding ding, we have a winner. Beers for you my friend on the next ride.
Ding ding ding, we have a winner. Beers for you my friend on the next ride.
iab
06-18-07, 06:21 AM
I saw that bike at rest stop #2 for the 100K route but never noticed the rider. Un Frikkin Believable.
Did you happen to notice the gearing?
Did you happen to notice the gearing?
CyLowe97
06-18-07, 06:58 AM
The mind goes through a lot during this crazy ride and I’m fairly certain the ride is designed to mess with the mind.
I pointed it out to aham23 on the second stage after we climbed Mineral Point onto Garfoot. Blue Mound just looms there in the distance with that antenna jauntily jutting into the sky. You ride toward it, but then the route veers away. You encounter the second rest stop, only to find it’s been ravaged by locusts and there are sparse provisions for stage three. You’re farther away when you crest the comparatively easy rollers on the northeast corner of the route map, but again on the horizon is Blue Mound.
The mind starts to think back to the early part of the ride and that the climb up Mound Park Road was fairly arduous and that was only at mile 6 or 7. How in the world will the legs be able to respond at mile 120-something?
The psych out has begun and the ride isn’t even halfway over.
I kind of had the mentality of Ahab as he sailed far and wide to chase down Moby Dick, but with Blue Mound substituting for the whale. I mentioned this to the fellow from Hudson who I’m pretty sure slowed down his pace to talk me up the last little steep into Barneveld and then almost all the way up Mounds Park Road. I said that even though Blue Mound was that day’s great white whale, I wasn’t ready to sacrifice everything to conquer it. I’ve got my hubris and obsession, but the bike has taught me a lot about what those two things can cost a rider in the end. I keep a picture of my girls taped on my handlebar to remind me there is something more than chasing goofy goals and to not be too much an idiot trying to prove something on the road.
We rode a fairly quick pace from Barneveld over to HH and Ridgeview and my mind was feeling pretty good as we turned left onto Mounds Park Rd. About halfway up the steep, I was just trying to divert my mind and keep my pedals turning. We passed a guy who was walking and I said “Just keep moving forward…. Just keep moving forward…” probably as much for my benefit as his.
So about .2 miles before the grade on Mounds Park Road slackens, I cracked. Put my left foot down, then my right and slumped over the bars. The guy from Hudson was behind me trying to talk me up the hill and told me to keep riding, but there was just no way. My heart was about to explode in my chest and I just wave him by with a breathless “no way….” Even if I had wanted to, clipping in on that kind of grade would have made it difficult if I wasn’t tired. So I clip-clopped up until the road slackened and I got back on. In that time, the guy who had been walking was back on his bike and passed me as I walked, which gave me some hope. I was going to finish the ride up Mounds Road on my bike.
I made it to the ranger station and then past the first guy who was clapping. Then a woman with a cowbell. There was chalk writing on the road encouraging somebody named Lu and I mentally try to divert my attention from my pounding heartbeat thinking that we gotta bring chalk next year and make some marks throughout the course. And then I see bigger groups cheering as the grade kicks up. I’m trying to spin that 34/27 as best I can, but it’s almost too slow to stay upright and my brain can’t comprehend swimming left to right to make it less steep. And I’m glued to the seat, as standing just wasn’t going to happen. The folks on the side of the road holler out “This is the last corner!! C’mon!!” I think that did it. Somehow, that piece of encouragement blew me up and I unclipped and slumped over the bars for a second time in the day.
And so I walked the last corner of the ride. As I got to the cones, I hopped on and rode that last 200 feet or so just to save some sort of face. I made a rude gesture at Psimet just to aim my frustration somewhere. And then I crossed the finish line.
My new avatar is from literally about 15 feet past the finish. I just pulled over and sat down. I was so disgusted with my walking that I thought I would cry. I was so happy the ride was over that I thought I would cry. And I knew that I didn’t kill myself going after some false goal of beating a hill that didn’t care if I walked or rode.
The hill just is. It will be there waiting and there will be more opportunities to make it all the way on two wheels.
I pointed it out to aham23 on the second stage after we climbed Mineral Point onto Garfoot. Blue Mound just looms there in the distance with that antenna jauntily jutting into the sky. You ride toward it, but then the route veers away. You encounter the second rest stop, only to find it’s been ravaged by locusts and there are sparse provisions for stage three. You’re farther away when you crest the comparatively easy rollers on the northeast corner of the route map, but again on the horizon is Blue Mound.
The mind starts to think back to the early part of the ride and that the climb up Mound Park Road was fairly arduous and that was only at mile 6 or 7. How in the world will the legs be able to respond at mile 120-something?
The psych out has begun and the ride isn’t even halfway over.
I kind of had the mentality of Ahab as he sailed far and wide to chase down Moby Dick, but with Blue Mound substituting for the whale. I mentioned this to the fellow from Hudson who I’m pretty sure slowed down his pace to talk me up the last little steep into Barneveld and then almost all the way up Mounds Park Road. I said that even though Blue Mound was that day’s great white whale, I wasn’t ready to sacrifice everything to conquer it. I’ve got my hubris and obsession, but the bike has taught me a lot about what those two things can cost a rider in the end. I keep a picture of my girls taped on my handlebar to remind me there is something more than chasing goofy goals and to not be too much an idiot trying to prove something on the road.
We rode a fairly quick pace from Barneveld over to HH and Ridgeview and my mind was feeling pretty good as we turned left onto Mounds Park Rd. About halfway up the steep, I was just trying to divert my mind and keep my pedals turning. We passed a guy who was walking and I said “Just keep moving forward…. Just keep moving forward…” probably as much for my benefit as his.
So about .2 miles before the grade on Mounds Park Road slackens, I cracked. Put my left foot down, then my right and slumped over the bars. The guy from Hudson was behind me trying to talk me up the hill and told me to keep riding, but there was just no way. My heart was about to explode in my chest and I just wave him by with a breathless “no way….” Even if I had wanted to, clipping in on that kind of grade would have made it difficult if I wasn’t tired. So I clip-clopped up until the road slackened and I got back on. In that time, the guy who had been walking was back on his bike and passed me as I walked, which gave me some hope. I was going to finish the ride up Mounds Road on my bike.
I made it to the ranger station and then past the first guy who was clapping. Then a woman with a cowbell. There was chalk writing on the road encouraging somebody named Lu and I mentally try to divert my attention from my pounding heartbeat thinking that we gotta bring chalk next year and make some marks throughout the course. And then I see bigger groups cheering as the grade kicks up. I’m trying to spin that 34/27 as best I can, but it’s almost too slow to stay upright and my brain can’t comprehend swimming left to right to make it less steep. And I’m glued to the seat, as standing just wasn’t going to happen. The folks on the side of the road holler out “This is the last corner!! C’mon!!” I think that did it. Somehow, that piece of encouragement blew me up and I unclipped and slumped over the bars for a second time in the day.
And so I walked the last corner of the ride. As I got to the cones, I hopped on and rode that last 200 feet or so just to save some sort of face. I made a rude gesture at Psimet just to aim my frustration somewhere. And then I crossed the finish line.
My new avatar is from literally about 15 feet past the finish. I just pulled over and sat down. I was so disgusted with my walking that I thought I would cry. I was so happy the ride was over that I thought I would cry. And I knew that I didn’t kill myself going after some false goal of beating a hill that didn’t care if I walked or rode.
The hill just is. It will be there waiting and there will be more opportunities to make it all the way on two wheels.
CyLowe97
06-18-07, 07:00 AM
Did you happen to notice the gearing?
Psimet and I saw him at the start line. His gearing was pretty low. Not 34/27 low, but the front ring wasn't 53 or 50, either.
Psimet and I saw him at the start line. His gearing was pretty low. Not 34/27 low, but the front ring wasn't 53 or 50, either.
Psimet2001
06-18-07, 07:28 AM
Psimet and I saw him at the start line. His gearing was pretty low. Not 34/27 low, but the front ring wasn't 53 or 50, either.
+1 - The chainring was smaller than a 42, but seemed bigger than a 36 or 39. The rear cog was crazy sick tiny. Seemed smaller than a 15 (smaller than my fixed gear cog).
+1 - The chainring was smaller than a 42, but seemed bigger than a 36 or 39. The rear cog was crazy sick tiny. Seemed smaller than a 15 (smaller than my fixed gear cog).
cminter
06-18-07, 07:32 AM
You encounter the second rest stop, only to find it’s been ravaged by locusts and there are sparse provisions for stage three. You’re farther away when you crest the comparatively easy rollers on the northeast corner of the route map, but again on the horizon is Blue Mound.
Thanks for this comment I was starting to think I as the only one stuck eating white bread and an orange. They came with a couple of small containers of peanut butter before I left so maybe there was more food on the way?
After reading your report all I can say is great job, if I didn't have all the hills to train on I could never do this ride. I can't believe I'm already considering doing it again.
Thanks for this comment I was starting to think I as the only one stuck eating white bread and an orange. They came with a couple of small containers of peanut butter before I left so maybe there was more food on the way?
After reading your report all I can say is great job, if I didn't have all the hills to train on I could never do this ride. I can't believe I'm already considering doing it again.
aham23
06-18-07, 07:34 AM
.... And I knew that I didn’t kill myself going after some false goal of beating a hill that didn’t care if I walked or rode.
The hill just is. It will be there waiting and there will be more opportunities to make it all the way on two wheels.
good thing i didn't Kill Myself, (i had at least 20 more miles in the tank) otherwise i might think this comment was aimed at me. later.
The hill just is. It will be there waiting and there will be more opportunities to make it all the way on two wheels.
good thing i didn't Kill Myself, (i had at least 20 more miles in the tank) otherwise i might think this comment was aimed at me. later.
CyLowe97
06-18-07, 07:38 AM
Thanks for this comment I was starting to think I as the only one stuck eating white bread and an orange. They came with a couple of small containers of peanut butter before I left so maybe there was more food on the way?
I think they forget that this stop is shared by both the 100k and 200k, and then again by the 200k. Folks see the gels, bananas, bagels, etc., and just grab handsful in the scrum of riders that all get there around the same time.
By the time we got there the second time around, they had some bread, orange slices and a nearly empty bowl of chex mix (ahh... salt!!).
The saving grace was that the final rest stop had ham and turkey and mustard to make sandwiches. Gawddamn, that ham/turkey/mustard sandwich tasted so good!
I also like that this ride has the intermediate water stops. This ride would be a complete disaster without them.
I think they forget that this stop is shared by both the 100k and 200k, and then again by the 200k. Folks see the gels, bananas, bagels, etc., and just grab handsful in the scrum of riders that all get there around the same time.
By the time we got there the second time around, they had some bread, orange slices and a nearly empty bowl of chex mix (ahh... salt!!).
The saving grace was that the final rest stop had ham and turkey and mustard to make sandwiches. Gawddamn, that ham/turkey/mustard sandwich tasted so good!
I also like that this ride has the intermediate water stops. This ride would be a complete disaster without them.
RacerX99
06-18-07, 07:45 AM
I also like that this ride has the intermediate water stops. This ride would be a complete disaster without them.
Yes, without the first water stop on stage three I would have really been toasted. At least there was some gatoraid to keep me going until Black Earth.
Yes, without the first water stop on stage three I would have really been toasted. At least there was some gatoraid to keep me going until Black Earth.
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