Highest 50+ Jersey Photo
07-31-08, 02:04 PM
#1
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Highest 50+ Jersey Photo
I'm in Colorado for a week of riding with folks from another forum (Bikejournal.com). Wednesday we climbed Mt. Evans, just west of Denver. At 14,131 feet, it's the highest paved road in North America.
I've worked on climbing all season, and had a reasonable plan for the climb. It worked beautifully.
I arrived in Denver on Monday to try to acclimate to the altitude. (My home altitude is 500 feet or so.) We SAGged to the entrance at 10,000 feet. From there it was 14.5 miles to the parking lot at the top.
I rode in the granny ring and big cog most of the way. Although my max heart rate is in the upper 170s, I set a limit of 160 BPM and rode along at that pace. It worked out to between 70 and 75 RPM cadence most of the time. I planned two hours ride time and an hour of rest sprinkled in. I'd hoped to ride two miles, rest, then ride two more. As it worked out, I rode one mile, rested for just a little bit, then rode another.
As expected, wind (mine, and no, not that kind) was the limiting factor. Even so, I was pleasantly surprised I wasn't really Hoovering it, although I was breathing harder than usual. It wasn't uncomfortable. My heart rate recovery time was also far better than I expected too. Each rest stop was only a couple of minutes, and my rate wwould be down to the 80s or 90s.
All in all it was an enjoyable ride. A lot of work, but enjoyable nonetheless. At the top, the view was magnificent, well worth the climb. And I found myself crying tears of joy twice on the descent. I was just overwhelmed with that "I did it!" feeling.
I've worked on climbing all season, and had a reasonable plan for the climb. It worked beautifully.
I arrived in Denver on Monday to try to acclimate to the altitude. (My home altitude is 500 feet or so.) We SAGged to the entrance at 10,000 feet. From there it was 14.5 miles to the parking lot at the top.
I rode in the granny ring and big cog most of the way. Although my max heart rate is in the upper 170s, I set a limit of 160 BPM and rode along at that pace. It worked out to between 70 and 75 RPM cadence most of the time. I planned two hours ride time and an hour of rest sprinkled in. I'd hoped to ride two miles, rest, then ride two more. As it worked out, I rode one mile, rested for just a little bit, then rode another.
As expected, wind (mine, and no, not that kind) was the limiting factor. Even so, I was pleasantly surprised I wasn't really Hoovering it, although I was breathing harder than usual. It wasn't uncomfortable. My heart rate recovery time was also far better than I expected too. Each rest stop was only a couple of minutes, and my rate wwould be down to the 80s or 90s.
All in all it was an enjoyable ride. A lot of work, but enjoyable nonetheless. At the top, the view was magnificent, well worth the climb. And I found myself crying tears of joy twice on the descent. I was just overwhelmed with that "I did it!" feeling.
07-31-08, 02:09 PM
#2
just keep riding
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Good job carrying the flag for the rest of us. 
07-31-08, 02:32 PM
#3
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Ta Da! A man with a plan. Way to go. Chalk one up for the old guys.
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07-31-08, 07:42 PM
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I'm impressed that you dealt with the altitude so quickly. Going from 500' to 10,000' & then riding up to 14,000+ within 3 days is not something that everyone can do.
When I was out there a couple of years ago, I was hiking at 12,000' and was fine. But a couple of days later, I was up on Pikes Peak at 14,000' and had some problems. I was really surprised at the difference between 12,000 and 14,000.
When I was out there a couple of years ago, I was hiking at 12,000' and was fine. But a couple of days later, I was up on Pikes Peak at 14,000' and had some problems. I was really surprised at the difference between 12,000 and 14,000.
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07-31-08, 09:16 PM
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The descent was less than 30 all the way, and less than 25 for most of it. Two reasons: 1) No shoulder or guard rail, coupled with gusty crosswinds. I hugged the double-yellow most of the way. 2) Bad pavement. I was afraid the bike would start shedding parts.
Not for me, but there is an MTB tour of the Himalayas...
07-31-08, 10:05 PM
#8
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Wow, looks like a beautiful ride...congrats for making it to the top!
07-31-08, 10:49 PM
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Wow, I'm impressed! You did a great job planning your ride, setting your limits and staying within them.
We should have a contest of favorite photo with a 50+ jersey -- yours should win.
We should have a contest of favorite photo with a 50+ jersey -- yours should win.
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08-01-08, 07:38 AM
#12
Don't mince words
Very nice picture. And good job on the ride -- impressive!
08-01-08, 08:19 AM
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Awesome. Thanks. Maybe someday. Thanks again.
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08-01-08, 09:06 AM
#14
Road Runner
Wow! The one time I rode up that mountain was on a motorcycle that was "running out of wind" by the time it wheezed to the top. I can't imagine doing that on my own leg & lung power. My hat (helmet?) is off to you.
08-01-08, 10:06 AM
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Awesome achievement TSL. Congratulations. I'd say you should definately hold the record for the highest 50+ jersey photo.
08-01-08, 01:33 PM
#17
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That's not what it meant, but that's what it means now! Thanks Lenny!
08-01-08, 01:55 PM
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Way to go! TSL!
It's tough to walk, hike or climb at that altitude let alone ride the bike. I always found it much easier in a helicopter and we still couldn't land!
It's tough to walk, hike or climb at that altitude let alone ride the bike. I always found it much easier in a helicopter and we still couldn't land!
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08-01-08, 02:03 PM
#19
aka Phil Jungels
Congrats - but, ain't that ride back down just awesome? No pedalling whatsoever!
08-01-08, 04:07 PM
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And the thing is he is just a little guy, I don't know where at that power comes from.
I'm looking forward to tomorrows ride when I get to ride some with TSL!!!
We rode today but I stayed in the rear of the pack to make sure no one got lost or left behind so I didn't see much of TSL.
I'm looking forward to tomorrows ride when I get to ride some with TSL!!!
We rode today but I stayed in the rear of the pack to make sure no one got lost or left behind so I didn't see much of TSL.
08-01-08, 04:14 PM
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A lifetime memory and one hell of an achievement...your training plan must have been spot on. A question....that looks like a WoundUp fork on your Trek (at least it looks so on my aging CRT monitor). I've been thinking of building up a bike with a 1 inch threaded headset....and WoundUp are one of the few usable forks I can find.
Your impressions of the fork?
Your impressions of the fork?
08-01-08, 04:18 PM
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Well Done. 
Now pick up the bike and walk the 164 feet up to the true Summit. I did that with my Miyata 1000.
Now pick up the bike and walk the 164 feet up to the true Summit. I did that with my Miyata 1000.
08-01-08, 07:56 PM
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Good job! I've dreamed about that road. The race up there just happened on the 19th. The racers don't ride back down, they get in a car. Ageless Jeannie Longo won the women's 1-2 and Deadly Nedly came in 5th for the men.
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08-01-08, 08:15 PM
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Great picture, tsl. Congratulations on climbing that mountain
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