Southern California - The Mulholland Challenge Thread

The only thing about the Hammer sustained energy drink is the dubious claim about being "unflavored." If it's unflavored, then so is wallpaper paste.

That said, I was able to get down several bottles, which probably helped me not to cramp.

There's no added flavor, but yes, Sustained Energy most definitely has a flavor. To me, in hot conditions, it tastes pretty terrible. But I still use it since it's more palatable to me than energy bars and since I'm better about drinking than I am about eating. So shoving that many calories into my water bottle is great. I find my ideal mix to be 2.5 scoops per 24 oz bottle, in every bottle. It gets me lots of calories dosed in a consistent manner (ie every time I take a sip) and enough electrolytes to get me through most rides (but I don't sweat as much as many other people) while having a reasonable osmotic pressure. As the ride progresses, I usually start transitioning to water at some point because of better taste if I'm having a good day.

The only thing about the Hammer sustained energy drink is the dubious claim about being "unflavored." If it's unflavored, then so is wallpaper paste.

That said, I was able to get down several bottles, which probably helped me not to cramp.

I use SE on the longer rides. Also mix 2-1/4 scoops per bottle. I flavor it with raspberry gel, which helps a bunch. After a couple of bottles, however, I do get kinda sick of it.

sheldon

I use SE on all my doubles, and I drink it through a Camelback, flavored with whatever flavor of Hammer Gel the checkpoint has on hand. Favorite is Expresso, followed by Chocolate, then Raspberry, but will settle for "Whatever."

Not sure what flavor "Whatever" is, but it's better than un-flavored SE! Maybe Vanilla or Banana . . .

Rick / OCRR

I have been using Hammer Perpetuem (Orange/Vanilla Flavor) vs SE.... Has anyone used both that has an opinion on the taste both cold and warm between the two ?

Since Perpetuem is flavored, it tastes better than SE, but in my opinion, neither one tastes good warm. Well, maybe on a very cold day . . . but overall, cold Hammer products are better.

Rick / OCRR

I use SE on all my doubles, and I drink it through a Camelback, flavored with whatever flavor of Hammer Gel the checkpoint has on hand. Favorite is Expresso, followed by Chocolate, then Raspberry, but will settle for "Whatever."

Not sure what flavor "Whatever" is, but it's better than un-flavored SE! Maybe Vanilla or Banana . . .

Rick / OCRR

When you mix all the gel flavors together, does it taste like "brown"? :)


I use SE and add a scoop of flavored HEED to cut that "warm spit" taste down a bit. I also mix it a little stronger, maybe two-three scoops of SE with one scoop of HEED in a 20oz bottle. Too much?

Me for a ride like MC I mix 5 scoops perpetuem per 24oz bottle, taste? I can't tell but yea Rick definitely tastes better chilled.

To digress, I was a bit surprised at all the controversy, the ride generated. My enduro that day didn't end with the ride which was killer, max heat with no acclimatising pre-rides, but isn't that what challenge is all about? Anyway, I found none of the problems talked about, had demanding but great day on the saddle and felt good about the day and the achievement because I never got off but to SAG, found myself reflecting on it several times during the week.

08 MC was my first and I'll do it again. Would have liked to do under 10, just missed it with 10'02" as 50+er. My worst enemy from Stump forward was the effect the heat had on my feet. Anyone else have this experience? The balls of my feet were on fire, seriously, through Cold Cyn. and out onto Mulholland, 4x I latched onto groups and had to sit up because I was in such serious pain.

By the way, to the two riders if you are BF participants, who crossed Mulholland on Las Virgenes, as I was approaching Las Virgenes, i.e., did not do Cold Cyn. You probably got credit but I saw you. I wondered as we approached each other if they were doing MC and as they passed just before I made the turn, there were the numbers plain to see on their jersey backs.

Why so late checking in you might wonder? The ride was just part 1 of my 4/12 enduro. Next was onto the 101 for the worst ride out of my 4 trips up, traffic all the way as I headed to LAX to meet my wife for a 9:15 non-stop flight to London.

Briefly, a cool week, first time to London and Rome, but good to be back and take a ride this morning. London, now there is a crazy riding situation, looking at the conditions, the number of urban riders, I couldn't help joking with my wife who is always worried when I go out that I'm in serious jeopardy. Seriously not only tough traffic, many people on bikes, but also oblivious to the weather, many in shorts and tees in sub 50 degree temps that make me layer up. The runners too.

Well for a comment on taste:rolleyes: maybe I should go but first, a hearty and sincere congrats to all who made it through that memorable and :beer::beer:
MAX Challenging day!

By the way, to the two riders if you are BF participants, who crossed Mulholland on Las Virgenes, as I was approaching Las Virgenes, i.e., did not do Cold Cyn. You probably got credit but I saw you.

Yes they probably got credit but...

"Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching."--Jim Stovall

Congrats on finishing such a grueling century.

My big mistake: I should have signed up for the century! I rode the double, but only made it to the Decker Fire Station checkpoint (mile 161). Next year I'll sign up for the century.

Rick / OCRR

My big mistake: I should have signed up for the century! I rode the double, but only made it to the Decker Fire Station checkpoint (mile 161). Next year I'll sign up for the century.

Rick / OCRR

"Only," he says....

My big mistake: I should have signed up for the century! I rode the double, but only made it to the Decker Fire Station checkpoint (mile 161). Next year I'll sign up for the century.

Rick / OCRR

NO! Get back on that horse and ride.... do the Double. If the conditions are hot again then you'll know what to do. If the conditions are cool then you'll be prepared for that as well. I suffered a lot in 2006 (http://www.epictrain.com/2006_Mulholland_Double_Century.html)(ride report). But I came back in 2007(ride report) (http://www.epictrain.com/2007_Mulholland_Double_Century_Race_Ride.html)and had a much better event.

I'm sure since you've been riding a long time this isn't new advice.

NO! Get back on that horse and ride.... do the Double. If the conditions are hot again then you'll know what to do. If the conditions are cool then you'll be prepared for that as well. I suffered a lot in 2006 (http://www.epictrain.com/2006_Mulholland_Double_Century.html). But I came back in 2007 (http://www.epictrain.com/2007_Mulholland_Double_Century_Race_Ride.html)and had a much better event.

I'm sure since you've been riding a long time this isn't new advice.

+1

NO! Get back on that horse and ride.... do the Double. If the conditions are hot again then you'll know what to do. If the conditions are cool then you'll be prepared for that as well. I suffered a lot in 2006 (http://www.epictrain.com/2006_Mulholland_Double_Century.html). But I came back in 2007 (http://www.epictrain.com/2007_Mulholland_Double_Century_Race_Ride.html)and had a much better event.

I'm sure since you've been riding a long time this isn't new advice.

Thanks George and Jon,

I'll have to see how I feel about the double attempt early in '09. The one thing I could have done differently that probably would have made a difference, is drink more in the morning. I'm thinking I hit PCH already somewhat dehydrated and with the heat and wind, it just got lots worse from there.

Since it was cold in the morning, I wasn't thinking about hydration like I should have been. Plus, since I started early, the first checkpoint wasn't open when I went by. I did fill up my Camelback and bottle at the Mini-Checkpoint near PCH, but (I see now, with hindsight) it was probably too late by then.

So yes, maybe, but I'll see what my perspective is in Dec. '08 and Jan. '09 before I decide!

Rick / OCRR

Thanks George and Jon,


Rick / OCRR


I provided you with links to my ride reports for both 2006 and 2007. In my previous posts-- tell me if you can see yourself as I did when you read how I felt---in particular the mile 155 paragraph.

Hey Rick,

You are a strong rider and you looked solid on the climbs. The conditions just got the best of you, as it did me. Now you're that much more experienced, and I doubt you'll let that happen to you again. I vote... Double. :D

-David.

My worst enemy from Stump forward was the effect the heat had on my feet. Anyone else have this experience?

Yes, climbing Decker I thought I got a blister on the ball of my right foot. Took my mind off the pain in my back and knee. Had my wife take a look at at when I got home and there was no blister. It may have been from tightening the top strap on my shoe before the climb.

Hey Rick,

You are a strong rider and you looked solid on the climbs. The conditions just got the best of you, as it did me. Now you're that much more experienced, and I doubt you'll let that happen to you again. I vote... Double. :D

-David.

Hey WU how'd I miss you, did you ride it with your fixed:rolleyes::D?

I provided you with links to my ride reports for both 2006 and 2007. In my previous posts-- tell me if you can see yourself as I did when you read how I felt---in particular the mile 155 paragraph.

Yes George,

I see what you mean. I had the same problems, but since I'm not as fast as you are (and with the time limits) I didn't do as well as you did, even on your "bonk" year. I agree re:Sustained Energy. I request 3 per 70 oz. Camelback, plus a hit of Hammer Gel and that works for me.

Maybe I should have skipped the Subway sandwich too. I know I went "all liquid diet" for the Death Ride and that worked well. I totally understand "digestive pace," which doesn't happen on a liquid diet.

I'll have to put a sticker on my handlebar that reads: "Drink lots, even if you're cold!"

Rick / OCRR

Yes George,

I see what you mean. I had the same problems, but since I'm not as fast as you are (and with the time limits) I didn't do as well as you did, even on your "bonk" year. I agree re:Sustained Energy. I request 3 per 70 oz. Camelback, plus a hit of Hammer Gel and that works for me.

Maybe I should have skipped the Subway sandwich too. I know I went "all liquid diet" for the Death Ride and that worked well. I totally understand "digestive pace," which doesn't happen on a liquid diet.

I'll have to put a sticker on my handlebar that reads: "Drink lots, even if you're cold!"

Rick / OCRR

Rick,

I have huge issues with underfueling/hydrating on cold mornings, so I completely understand how one can do that and fall totally behind on their nutrition. It's a struggle and something I have to remind myself of constantly. Well that and George gets on my case for it all the time. ;) As far as SE...George and I both do 3 scoops per 24 oz. bottle.

Brandy

Rick,

I have huge issues with underfueling/hydrating on cold mornings, so I completely understand how one can do that and fall totally behind on their nutrition. It's a struggle and something I have to remind myself of constantly. Well that and George gets on my case for it all the time. ;) As far as SE...George and I both do 3 scoops per 24 oz. bottle.

Brandy


Rick you would be way underfueled with only 3 scoops per 70 oz. On the upside, you would be well hydrated if you finished your camelback in between each aid station :D. Now were you also carrying 2 bottles on your bike?

Rick you would be way underfueled with only 3 scoops per 70 oz. On the upside, you would be well hydrated if you finished your camelback in between each aid station :D. Now were you also carrying 2 bottles on your bike?

No George,

Unfortunately I only had one (28 oz.) bottle. I should have had two. Then maybe, just maybe, I could have caught up with my hydration, or at least more so.

I'd gotten used to saving one bottle cage for my Nite-Rider battery, but now that I have the Princeton Tech light, I don't have to do that. I will carry two bottles in the future! Re: SE concentration, yes, you are using a higher concentration that I am, so I will experiment on training rides and researach via the Hammer Nutrition site.

Rick / OCRR