Well?

what is the mt. diablo challenge?

http://www.savemountdiablo.org/Bike%20Challenge/MountDiabloChallengeHome.htm

I'm doing it (wave 2)... not sure if I am ready though. Actually I am more worried about bicycle congestion than I am my climbing abilities

We were born ready! haha. I won't be making it to that though. 10/7 is the season opener for the Pilarcitos Cyclocross series. http://www.pilarcitos.com/2007Cross.htm

I'll be back on the track with my Ducati next weekend.

I am volunteering and my job is to haul your baggage to the Summit and then collect your transponders when you finish. That'll be my red pickup parked in front of the line and my take off time is 15 minutes before Wave 1. (look for the Rescued Dog magnet on the tailgate then come introduce yourself). Riders put their junk in bags, volunteers put the bags in boxes and then in my truck (probably a couple other vehicles as well).

That's great! I'll look for you. I'll be the guy on the silver Trek who's blown himself up.

Diablo Scott: I'm shooting for the hour but it's going to be close. Do you think I can get away with one water bottle?

Yeah sounds fun and all but I'm also heading to the Pilarcitos CX opener (I'll be riding Cs).

There's another chance to prove your might at climbing Diablo in week 4 of the Low-Key Hillclimb Series (http://lowkeyhillclimbs.com/2007/week4/). Saturday, October 20.

I'll be doing the Low-Key @ Kings instead, I think.

Diablo Scott: I'm shooting for the hour but it's going to be close. Do you think I can get away with one water bottle?

Yup.

Diablo Scott: I'm shooting for the hour but it's going to be close. Do you think I can get away with one water bottle?

I am trying to figure out what I can get away without as well. What about tube/pump/multi-tool? I guess once we flat or have a mechanical the race is over but will there be any assistance if we are stuck somewhere on the way up?

If yes, I will be losing the saddle bag and pump.

Thanks Diablo Scott - I will say hello at the top!

I am trying to figure out what I can get away without as well. What about tube/pump/multi-tool? I guess once we flat or have a mechanical the race is over but will there be any assistance if we are stuck somewhere on the way up?

If yes, I will be losing the saddle bag and pump.

Thanks Diablo Scott - I will say hello at the top!


I wouldn't count on much assistance. I know the Dublin Cyclery guy is going to be at the Summit but I think it's mostly for advertising. I don't know of any official SAG vehicles but I'm sure there are none driving during the race... maybe one or two stations along the way. My suggestion is lose the saddle pack and stuff a tube, levers, and a CO2 in your back pocket if you want to be prepared; I'd estimate a 3% chance of flatting on the way up... I've got statistics for everything.

At the Summit they're making us park at the farthest away point of the Lower Parking Lot so you won't recognize me by my truck - I'll wear my Mt Diablo State Park ball cap.

I'm in Wave #2 as well. Hoping to improve on my 1hr09min from last year.

Just a hint, if you're dropping off a bag, put it in the front box. Last year it took my bag an hour to make up to the top after I did. And it got cold too.

Scott, I'll come by and introduce myself.

BR

I am trying to figure out what I can get away without as well. What about tube/pump/multi-tool? I guess once we flat or have a mechanical the race is over but will there be any assistance if we are stuck somewhere on the way up?

If yes, I will be losing the saddle bag and pump.

Thanks Diablo Scott - I will say hello at the top!

When I was preparing for the Death Ride and riding up and down Mount Diablo, I once saw a guy running his bike downhill (barefoot) because he had a flat. I guess he had no patch/tube/pump/etc. I didn't bother to offer up one of mine because I figured he'd enjoy the run. :)

As for what to take with you. Well I am not taking any water bottles up with me. I don't know how smart it is but I figure there is water at the top so I don't need it. :) I told my wife that I was going to drill holes in my frame and saddle after she mocked me for my decision not to take any water with me. Of course she fell for it. See you at the top, I think I am in the first wave but I am not too sure I'll be able to make it under an hour.

I'm in wave #3.

First time doing the challenge. The goal is somewhere between 65-70 minutes.

I'm in wave 4. I think I could hang in 2 or 3, but I've only been up diablo once so I might as well start in the back. My training has taken a hit lately so maybe wave 4 is the best spot for me.

Most of you sound like you're trying to shed weight on your bikes for this ride, I wasn't planning on dumping anything off mine, but I'm sure you guys know something I don't know.

Care to tell me about the event in years past? How long are we up on the summit for? What to bring? all that kind of stuff..

Sunday, I had my best ever time of 41:35 up Highway 9, which according to Kreuzotter, is 305 watts, which should translate into 58 min 55 seconds, and a coveted one hour tee-shirt. However, last year pre-Diablo Higway 9 time of 43:25 ended up a miserable 1 hr 10 minutes. My speed of on the 6.8 mile 6.6% grade Highway 9 climb was identical to the 10.9 mile 5.56% Diablo climb. I don't recall being tired or anything, so I can't explain why I couldn't go faster, unless it was all those dang slow riders in the third wave who wouldn't get to the right, and were hindering my progress.

I'm 10 lbs lighter this year, which according to Kreuzotter, is worth two minutes.

http://www.kreuzotter.de/english/espeed.htm

I am in wave 2 and am real close to the 1 hour mark. Weather looks like it will be in the 70's. Maybe bring a bag for gear and food... Still debating. My girlfriend is in wave 3.

I will be wearing the Sport & Spine kit, green and white.

See you guys at the top :D

I am trying to figure out what I can get away without as well. What about tube/pump/multi-tool?

I am just going to take one of these:

http://www.all3sports.com/imageserver/images_big/VTTPS.jpg

...and hope for the best. It is around 65 grams, which is much lighter than tubes, CO2, etc., and if it is successful in fixing a flat might be so fast that I can meaningfully continue the race. If I have to change a tire, the race will essentially be over.

I also switched out my Krylion's, to Michelin Pro Race lights, which are lighter than ProRace2's. However, they come only in blue, which looks absolutely hideous on my Team Red BMC.

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/Images400x267/MIPL2-1.jpg

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=MIPL2

Care to tell me about the event in years past? How long are we up on the summit for? What to bring? all that kind of stuff..

They're telling us volunteers we won't be able to drive back down until noon. They don't let any riders go down until about 95% of the bikes are up. So you hang around the parking lot for quite a while and weather looks good this year but that's a long time so you'll be glad you have some warmies in the checked baggage. There are a few things going on at the top - presentations, schwag, and snacks. Jamba and Hammergel will be served, not sure what else but it's less than a lunch.

I usually bring more than I need on a ride and it looks like I will at least be prepared for a flat... even though the gatorskins have proven to be pretty bomb proof.

I am in wave 2, and will be very close to the hour mark. I'm not sure if I will be wearing my NorCal BF jersey or my hideously colorful Caltrans jersey. Good luck to everyone and see you at the top!

Sunday, I had my best ever time of 41:35 up Highway 9, which according to Kreuzotter, is 305 watts, which should translate into 58 min 55 seconds, and a coveted one hour tee-shirt. However, last year pre-Diablo Higway 9 time of 43:25 ended up a miserable 1 hr 10 minutes. My speed of on the 6.8 mile 6.6% grade Highway 9 climb was identical to the 10.9 mile 5.56% Diablo climb. I don't recall being tired or anything, so I can't explain why I couldn't go faster, unless it was all those dang slow riders in the third wave who wouldn't get to the right, and were hindering my progress.

I'm 10 lbs lighter this year, which according to Kreuzotter, is worth two minutes.

http://www.kreuzotter.de/english/espeed.htm

Ritterview: If you don't mind me asking, how much do you weigh? I was playing with the kreuzotter power calculator myself and I think we're in the same ballpark. I'm in wave 2, by the way.

Sunday, I had my best ever time of 41:35 up Highway 9, which according to Kreuzotter, is 305 watts, which should translate into 58 min 55 seconds, and a coveted one hour tee-shirt. However, last year pre-Diablo Higway 9 time of 43:25 ended up a miserable 1 hr 10 minutes. My speed of on the 6.8 mile 6.6% grade Highway 9 climb was identical to the 10.9 mile 5.56% Diablo climb. I don't recall being tired or anything, so I can't explain why I couldn't go faster, unless it was all those dang slow riders in the third wave who wouldn't get to the right, and were hindering my progress.

I'm 10 lbs lighter this year, which according to Kreuzotter, is worth two minutes.

http://www.kreuzotter.de/english/espeed.htm


There were headwinds last year. Also, the south gate road isn't a steady grade like 9. There's some steeper parts, and some flat parts. That makes one's time slower. And of course if you have not trained for the longer climbs you may fade a bit.

With four waves it ought to be a little less of a zoo than last year.

http://lh4.google.com/DiabloScottsBikeBlog/RwPQTZtnN0I/AAAAAAAABgA/402nWx6gLzE/s800/Diablo%20Challenge%20Profile.JPG

In that bit between miles 4 and 5 (after the pay kiosk) you can get going close to 30mph... try to be in a big group and hammer through that section.

Ritterview: If you don't mind me asking, how much do you weigh? I was playing with the kreuzotter power calculator myself and I think we're in the same ballpark. I'm in wave 2, by the way.

I weigh 173.5. Last year I was at 183.5. I am also in Wave 2, and will be wearing an LGBRC jersey.

Congrats on the weightloss. You'll climb like a goat, I'm sure. I have a silver Trek 5200 and I'll probably wear my NorCal BF jersey.

Update: Whole Foods is catering the post ride snack... not sure what they'll have though.

Update: Whole Foods is catering the post ride snack... not sure what they'll have though.


Organic free-range whole wheat tofu dogs.

Organic free-range whole wheat tofu dogs.

Whole wheat? Nooooo.... not unless it is gluten-free.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/glutenfreebakehouse/images/gf_bakehouselogo250w.jpg

bah not macro enough .... sprouted wheat berries

Gluten-free whole wheat - now THERE'S a concept!

Gluten-free whole wheat - now THERE'S a concept!

Looks like Whole Foods Gluten Free products substitute rice for wheat flour. Gluten is the protein that makes dough sticky, and provides structure to bread. The gluten-free products have very little protein, and must be quite crumbly. As I power up that last 17% grade section, I'll be thinking of nothing else but how nearer I am getting to a zucchini-laced Whole Foods Gluten Free Morning Glory Muffin.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/glutenfreebakehouse/products.html

At that point anything with carbs will motivate you! ;)

Organic free-range whole wheat tofu dogs.

w00t! A bargain at only $129.99 (each) :D

What's a good day before option? I'm thinking of doing my regular Saturday group ride (the River Ride) and just sitting in a taking it easy. My other options are doing a training ride with a team I'd like to join or just an easy ride by myself. I think the former might be too hard and I'll wipe myself out. And the latter would be too easy and not even worth the time.

I would recommend a 30-45 minute spin ride with 2 hard efforts (zone 4-5) for about 1 minute each. Very flat, very low effort -zone 2-3 only.

Stretch. Plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids.

While resting visualize the mountain and climbing. Deep breathing, full circles on your pedaling...

Day of- 30-45 minute warm up ride before the start.

See you at the top :D

Anybody bringing a trainer or is there road to ride for a warmup prior to the start?

Anybody bringing a trainer or is there road to ride for a warmup prior to the start?

OK, first of all... Floyd is a confirmed registrant! No guarantee he'll show of course, but there's a bib number with his name on it.

Second... here's some info on starting area rules from the organizer.

Please pass this message on to all the cyclists you know that are doing the Challenge.

There will be absolutely no parking at Athenian School this year. They have conveniently decided to rototill their field this year; the field where we normally do registration. So Registration will have to be in the parking lot.

There'll be a CHP redirecting all traffic at the Triangle where Diablo Road and Mount Scenic road intersect (the Triangle is where you would turn off Diablo Road onto Mount Scenic Rd going to the school.

AND YOU CANNOT PARK AT ATHENIAN THE NIGHT BEFORE! SORRY!

What does this mean for those cyclists that bring their trainer to warm up at the Start? It means you have to arrive between 6am and 7am and drop off your Trainer at the Triangle then go back to park, cycle to the Triangle, get your Trainer and walk to the Start.
There'll be a big canvas tarp at the Parking Lot where you can leave your Trainer prior to the Start and then pick it up after you've come back down.

Also please note that currently PG&E has put a big steel plate 3/4 of the way across Mount Scenic road right before the first hair pin left turn as you start the climb toward the entrance to the park.

Be Careful!

They've been contacted so hopefully it will be smooth for the Challenge

Thanks, Scott!

Thanks, Scott!

Anybody know how to move this threat to the Road Bike forum? There are likely Road Bike Forum participants who will be interested in the thread that never get to the NorCal forum.

I've asked about it here, on the user assistance forum.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=5402539#post5402539

Here is a question for you guys.. maybe Scott will know.

Is the road closed to ALL traffic.. i.e other cyclist just looking to ride up for fun (not part of the event)
Foot traffic, and so on? Or is it only closed for vehicles?

Here is a question for you guys.. maybe Scott will know.

Is the road closed to ALL traffic.. i.e other cyclist just looking to ride up for fun (not part of the event)
Foot traffic, and so on? Or is it only closed for vehicles?

It is officially closed to everybody but riders, assistants, and park staff. They used to let folks ride up North Gate and watch the racers come past the Junction but they don't allow that anymore. One year some friends and I rode MTBs up the trail and watched from BBQ Terrace but when the security cars came by they yelled at us and said we were trespassing so they do take it pretty seriously but don't have enough staff to really enforce it (we hid and then came back).

I think it opens up again at noon.

Well, I met HammerinFrank, RitterView, TyS, Smooooth, and Sassy.

DogPoopNuts was there but snubbed me.

Any pictures?

We met Diablo Scott. Was truly an epic day. I was close - 1:01:34. Next year under an hour ::D:
Saw 2 bikeforum riders/jerseys on the way up- rydaddy and caloso. We were riding in the same group.

Nice to meet everyone.

There was a guy taking pictures right at the finish, but I'm hoping the one of me is out of focus, I didn't save enough for the last massive incline and literally threw up as I was climbing, but being the courteous guy that I am, just kept in on-board if you catch my drift, so I came across the line, REALLY REALLY GREEEN!!

Cool event, saw some really unique bikes, some unique riders, some really REALLY fast little kids. Free jamba juice and muscle milk is always cool. I'll be there next year for sure, small goals though, maybe next year I wont have to work so hard that I gag and yak.

Nevermind, the pictures already posted, along with the official times

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/salsbery/images/MDC2007.JPG

Ugh, what a day.. Officially 1:21:21.. But hey, I have plenty of room for improvement