Northern California - Hicks Camelback Ride - 8/8/2009

BTW, we had a great turnout for this ride ... a lot more than I expected. I was thinking maybe 4 or 5, but we had 13!

:D

http://bogdanmarian.com/images/yellow_gate.jpg

We had a great turnout for this ride ... a lot more than I was expecting. The usuals came out, but I was pleasantly surprised to see some new faces, or faces that I have never seen before. Great! :thumb:

NY Chris and Ruth, with matching helmets! Get down!
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn41gOu9OxI/AAAAAAAACes/bY6_cmUPrQE/s640/IMG_0885.JPG

Being the leader of this ride, I felt it my obligation to lead the ride, then everyone would eventually pass me. However, there was a zippy, upbeat pace to this. What am I doing? I know I can't keep up at this pace!

Everyone was game for doing Bohlmon/On Orbit, which is great! :thumb:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn41jQj-xgI/AAAAAAAACe4/jTJp7Sw9BTI/s640/IMG_0888.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn41m2jwzYI/AAAAAAAACfE/hBsQGd6OwUQ/s640/IMG_0891.JPG

The sun was beating down pretty hard, and the On Orbit section was especially tough. The combination of the steep grades and the sun had an effect on all of us. It gave me an excuse to take this shot of Marco and Ruth climbing the first section of On Orbit.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn41orfltYI/AAAAAAAACfM/tVTGRo946rE/s640/IMG_0893.JPG

After about 3 or 4 stops before reaching the top, I finally made it. Seeing Ramon take some stops made me feel a little better about myself, as I wasn't the only one who had to take a breather. If Ramon has to stop, then it's gotta be tough.

On the descent, as I turned one corner, I saw the tandem off to the side of the road ... my first reaction was ... crash! Nope ... it was a blow out ... and what a blow out it was

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn41u2pVfVI/AAAAAAAACfw/RJI0YEVQxKM/s640/IMG_0903.JPG

The innertube wrapped itself around, and it was completely thrashed. Here's what's left of it ... it completely broke apart.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn41wF2RJgI/AAAAAAAACf0/Bv6YDiFUDFw/s640/IMG_0904.JPG

I'm so happy that there were no injuries sustained. Marco and Ruth ended up having to replace the tire, as the tube would seep through the sidewalls. So here we are, another BOB/Hicks ride, and off we go to Summit Bicycles again. After getting replacement tires, we are off and on our way to Hicks.

Some had to bail due to time constraints, so that left about 8 of us left to climb Hicks. I went ahead to try to catch up with the front pack, while Chris stayed with Marco and Ruth, just in case something happened on the tandem ... well, as a matter of fact, it turns out they got another flat, somewhere on the steep section of Hicks. It was just not their day today.

Meanwhile, I was able to catch up with Reid, and as we were climbing one steep section, I hear a sudden screach of pain and suffrage ... he got a cramp. Holy crap ... and on the steep section of the climb. I helped Reid out with some e-pills, and waited for him to stretch it out. After a few minutes, we continued on. Now, at this point, being that the sun is beating down on us, and a tough climb ahead of us, I should have taken some e-pills myself ... but I didn't. Bad move on my part. About 1/4 miles from the top, I hit the wall pretty bad. I had no energy to turn my crank. I was continually drinking water, Heed, and Hammergel, but I still couldn't turn the damn crank. So, yes, I did do it ... got off the bike, and walked it several hundred feet, at least until I felt I could get to a flatter section, and actually pedal.

When I finally got to Umunhum, I was in no mood to climb Umunhum. However, a few people went ... 3 I think. Ramon, Reid, and I had enough climbing, and we just continued on the regular route. No albino hunt for us today.

On the return from Almaden to Hicks, my legs had no life. The worst part was we had to climb back up Kennedy and Shannon again. This was a painful struggle, but not like it was on Hicks. I can't remember it being this tough the last time we did it, but maybe it's because it was in April before.

We finally rolled our way back to town, and each of us took the shortest route back home. No Toll Gate Road, no more climbing ... just a flat stretch back. This ride really took a lot out of us.

Totals: 60.85 miles
Total Time: 7:00:46 (not riding time)
Elevation Gained: 5530 feet

... have I mentioned that I am tired? If not, I am tired!

Sounds like quite the adventure.

So a major blowout, on the front, on the brand new tandem, on a super steep descent, and Marco/Ruth kept it upright? That's impressive.

Other miscellaneous pics from the day ...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn42HIxiJcI/AAAAAAAACgg/TlLKrgrGrmg/s640/IMG_0914.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn42Kpjs_-I/AAAAAAAACgw/LKQu0YUXRsY/s640/IMG_0918.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn42Md-_2EI/AAAAAAAACg8/DcqANJb0zas/s640/IMG_0921.JPG

Somewhere on Hicks
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn42M-xgR4I/AAAAAAAAChE/uJmXxc2sOzk/s640/IMG_0924.JPG

I have no idea what the deal is with the shoes ... how'd they get up there?
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/Sn42NGOAjkI/AAAAAAAAChI/rtNKoS6sYRA/s640/IMG_0925.JPG

Jeesh! that just sounded brutal, but congrats! Great that you had a good turn out.

Glad I had to take a shower today...

:p

Epic!


Sure glad I missed this...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5XFbDXwTI/AAAAAAAACGM/czWKDVAn1mw/s800/Picture%2017.png

This is my graph from BoO. I'll post more pics tomorrow, but I found this interesting. My HR tracks the gradient, I guess showing what it's like to be in survival mode. I felt like I was dying at the end, really wanting to stop. By this graph, that was at the point where the gradient ticked up and my HR had no way to respond. Pretty cool.

I was glad to have finished BoO without stopping or resting (other than 1 circle at the turn to oO). The rest of the day didn't go so well. I'll post more pics tomorrow.

Wow. Sounds brutal. Glad Marco and Ruth weren't hurt by the blowout. :thumb:

nice pics Ron! Where do you put them these days? Thought you were on Picasa or something?

nice pics Ron! Where do you put them these days? Thought you were on Picasa or something?

It's all over the place ... first on photobucket, then picasa, then smugmug ... and sometimes, I put them on Facebook. Keeps everyone guessing :innocent:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5DMvHH26I/AAAAAAAACF8/bQGb5IkgKHw/s800/P1010640.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5DJgxTuFI/AAAAAAAACF4/y6_49JLIkUk/s800/P1010634.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5DGcXepUI/AAAAAAAACFw/YyfhMJVWFaw/s800/P1010632.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5DCF6SoPI/AAAAAAAACFs/i9Iljly5820/s800/P1010630.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5C-3B_2MI/AAAAAAAACFk/JrTgK_EXmJ8/s800/P1010628.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5C4LJAxVI/AAAAAAAACFY/YPaIQl-ByLE/s800/P1010624.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5C2th3J1I/AAAAAAAACFU/rCt9PhF1Rlc/s800/P1010623.JPG

In no particular order, and without comment.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6DQj7sK5vY8/Sn5DCF6SoPI/AAAAAAAACFs/i9Iljly5820/s800/P1010630.jpg



That's a great shot. I love the perspective where it feels like he is climbing up the edge of the earth. Good thing you didn't get a shot of me, with my "turning Japanese" climbing pose :roflmao2:

Turning Japanese?:eek:

bam, chrisoco, and I were the three who went to the yellow gate near the top of Umunhum. We climbed with another fellow named John but I quickly dropped behind the other guys as my heartrate would go out of control trying to keep up.

It was hot and I wished I had more water (wow, who would have guessed). At the top I drank the last couple ounces from my water bottles and we headed down. The descent was at least as bad as I remembered and I couldn't avoid a couple nasty potholes. The sounds my bike made going over them were awful :( Judging from the sounds alone my fork should be in two pieces and my wheels taco'd. But somehow everyone made it down safely.

We opted to make a left turn on Hicks and return the short way to Los Gatos for lunch at the falafel place next door to Summit Bicycles. Descending the steep part of Hicks was an interesting combination of fun and feeling out of control. At least it was smooth. Then once the gradient leveled out I got a pinch flat in my front tire :notamused:

After swapping the tube we got back on the road, went up and over Shannon, and ended up eating at an upscale burrito joint since the falafel place was closed. I chugged ice water poked at my giant chipotle-smothered burrito waiting for my appetite to show up. I took a few bites but felt in danger of having it come back up.

After about half an hour of sitting there and slowly taking small bites I somehow finished the entire burrito and then rode home.

Although only half the distance, I suffered more on this ride than the death ride. But it was good to see everyone who I hadn't ridden with in a while :thumb:

Yeah, it was good to see everyone yesterday. Too bad I couldn't finish Hicks, its been over a decade, maybe two since the last time I was out that way. I set a time limit of 1:50 turn around on Hicks to make it back to my car by 2:45.

Gonna have to try this ride again, I kind of like Bohlman/On Orbit. First time up so I didn't really know what was around the next corner. I do remember getting near the final on On Orbit and asking Ben if we're close to the top, he says "about 200 ft", thinking 200 hundred is just around the corner! Nope, it was 200 ft more altitude to climb.

Looking back, we probably should have eaten lunch in Los Gatos. Could this be why we had such a tough time on this ride? It seems everyone had a tough time on this, and hearing Ben say he suffered more on this ride than the Death Ride, I'm beginning to wonder what is it about Hicks that kicks us in the ass all the time. Was there more suffering in this than Mt. Tam Double?

Was there more suffering in this than Mt. Tam Double?

No.

I was tired, but it was from riding all week and not being motivated. To me, it sounds like Ben bonked/got dehydrated. It was hotter out than I expected. Getting home I finished with no water in bottles, and a dry camelback. Another 2-3 miles and I'd have been hurting too.

Looking back, we probably should have eaten lunch in Los Gatos. Could this be why we had such a tough time on this ride? It seems everyone had a tough time on this, and hearing Ben say he suffered more on this ride than the Death Ride, I'm beginning to wonder what is it about Hicks that kicks us in the ass all the time. Was there more suffering in this than Mt. Tam Double?

There were a few reasons I suffered more on this ride than the death ride.

1. The only eating I did all day (until 4:30pm) was a starbucks scone, two gel packets, and a clif bar
2. Low water - this only really applies to the last hour of the ride though.
3. Lots of time stopped which made it hard to get into a good rhythm. It also put us on Hicks during the hottest part of the day.
4. I was consciously pushing harder in the beginning because it was "only" a 60 mile ride :rolleyes:
5. I did the steep part of Hicks 1.5 times ;)

Not sure what the problem was Saturday.

I haven't ridden a ton this year, but I'm in fine shape to handle a couple hills :) I was well-hydrated the night before, slept great, ate a big breakfast, even had a protein shake, a decent amount of coffee, and drank a lot of water in the AM. So my hydration/food/energy levels were at their peak. I took tons of water (camelback + 2 bottles of accelerade) and drank at least one accelerade bottle before hicks.

I think it was just flat-out hot, no two ways about it. I have probably never been so well-hydrated before a ride, and drank PLENTY -- easily 160oz before Hicks. Also had both my Clif bar and Power Bar between Bohlman and Hicks.

I HAVE ridden in 100+ temps, but not doing hills.

Marco and I got a record 4 flats in a single ride this time.

There are still issues with the rear disk brake on the tandem, Marco isn't getting enough power in the back. This led to the exploding front tire tube on our descent of Bohlman. I always freak out when something like this happens, but as a testament to Marco's captain skills he stayed calm, kept the handlebars straight and led us to a safe stop and no crashing. Good thing I'm not in the front! Unfortunately, we rode on the front rim for several feet before we could stop and led to some rough edges on the rim. Marco changed the tube and we made our way down. Then we saw that the tire was punctured all the way through in some places from riding on the rim.

We got a Pro 3 tire from Summit Bicycles in Los Gatos (no Continentals there) in hopes of finishing the ride. We got as far as Hicks when we got another flat caused by the roughed up rim. 2 tubes later (thank you, Donald!) we decided to call it a day and I had lost my enthusiasm for continuing on with a rough rim and the possibility of more flats and no more tubes. Ygduf Chris and Donald were with us and we all returned to Los Gatos. Chris rode back with us, and of course we got another flat on Lawrence Expressway/280. Chris' girlfriend came to our rescue and we got a ride back home from them.

No verdict on the front rim yet, Marco is going to take it to Slough's to get it checked out.

We got 60 miles for the day (rode from home), 5000 ft. It was great to see everyone again! No crashes makes it a good day in my book.

You guys are animals. I've attempted Hicks one time during my lunch loop and it destroyed me. I had to take 3 or 4 breaks on my way up. It's steep and very hot in the summer.

When I got to Uhmunum, I was going to go to the top of that, but it was so hot and I was so pooped, I said "F-this" and I went down. It looks like you guys went up from New Almaden and not from the Camden entrance?

It looks like you guys went up from New Almaden and not from the Camden entrance?

We climbed Hicks from the north side which I guess would be the Camden entrance.