CO Last Chance - done
09-18-12, 01:25 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
CO Last Chance - done
If you're not into brevets, you may have never heard of the CO Last Chance which is a 1200-km ride in which you're given 90 hours to complete.
I am struck by the average age of long-distance riders. I don't have any firm data on the LC but I'm guessing that I am slightly below the average age. I'm not quite in my mid-50's.
The Last Chance was particularly tough this year. The first day, at 251 miles, was accompanied by rain, cold weather and winds. I believe that 28 riders started, 14 DNF'd (most on day 1) and there was 1 DNS. DNF: did not finish, DNS: did not start, DNQ: did not qualify
In the rando word, DNQ < DNS < DNF.
My time was respectful at 85:29 hours. Heck, I suppose that even finishing is "respectful".
If you're interested, my report is here.
I am struck by the average age of long-distance riders. I don't have any firm data on the LC but I'm guessing that I am slightly below the average age. I'm not quite in my mid-50's.
The Last Chance was particularly tough this year. The first day, at 251 miles, was accompanied by rain, cold weather and winds. I believe that 28 riders started, 14 DNF'd (most on day 1) and there was 1 DNS. DNF: did not finish, DNS: did not start, DNQ: did not qualify
In the rando word, DNQ < DNS < DNF.
My time was respectful at 85:29 hours. Heck, I suppose that even finishing is "respectful".
If you're interested, my report is here.
09-18-12, 03:08 PM
#2
Senior Member
Well done K7!
The Last Chance is not the easiest randonnee in the world, even though it is sold on having only around 18,000ft of climbing compared with PBP with around 33,000 and the old BMB with a claimed 36,000 (or something like that...).
Those roller hills can get to you after a while, that's for sure.
The Last Chance is not the easiest randonnee in the world, even though it is sold on having only around 18,000ft of climbing compared with PBP with around 33,000 and the old BMB with a claimed 36,000 (or something like that...).
Those roller hills can get to you after a while, that's for sure.
09-18-12, 08:30 PM
#3
Senior Member
Rides like these require really slow twitch muscle fibers, so the older you are, the better suited. Some dead guy will probably win some day...
But seriously...A guy in our club has ridden PBP, more than once. I tried to ride with him, and I'd rather have bamboo driven under my nails. He was soooo slow. And a big guy too. But he has the mental and physical ability to do something that not only do I have no interest in doing, but realistically, probably couldn't complete.
While waiting for the start of a ride one time, I ran into a rondo ride out of Princeton, NJ. Just to kill time, I was riding up and down a hill out of Hopewell, north or Princeton. I was just passing these people like they were standing still. But - they were embarking on a ride that I probably couldn't - or wouldn't - complete.
I would never intentionally embark on a ride that would, by its length, cause me to ride beyond the limits of my mental endurance, ride during the night, cut into my normal sleep, or expose me to hazardous road conditions.
But seriously...A guy in our club has ridden PBP, more than once. I tried to ride with him, and I'd rather have bamboo driven under my nails. He was soooo slow. And a big guy too. But he has the mental and physical ability to do something that not only do I have no interest in doing, but realistically, probably couldn't complete.
While waiting for the start of a ride one time, I ran into a rondo ride out of Princeton, NJ. Just to kill time, I was riding up and down a hill out of Hopewell, north or Princeton. I was just passing these people like they were standing still. But - they were embarking on a ride that I probably couldn't - or wouldn't - complete.
I would never intentionally embark on a ride that would, by its length, cause me to ride beyond the limits of my mental endurance, ride during the night, cut into my normal sleep, or expose me to hazardous road conditions.
09-18-12, 10:58 PM
#4
Cycle Year Round
Glad you defined DNS.
I was thinking "did not survive", as in heart attack.
I was thinking "did not survive", as in heart attack.
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09-18-12, 11:47 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Rides like these require really slow twitch muscle fibers, so the older you are, the better suited. Some dead guy will probably win some day...
But seriously...A guy in our club has ridden PBP, more than once. I tried to ride with him, and I'd rather have bamboo driven under my nails. He was soooo slow. And a big guy too. But he has the mental and physical ability to do something that not only do I have no interest in doing, but realistically, probably couldn't complete.
While waiting for the start of a ride one time, I ran into a rondo ride out of Princeton, NJ. Just to kill time, I was riding up and down a hill out of Hopewell, north or Princeton. I was just passing these people like they were standing still. But - they were embarking on a ride that I probably couldn't - or wouldn't - complete.
I would never intentionally embark on a ride that would, by its length, cause me to ride beyond the limits of my mental endurance, ride during the night, cut into my normal sleep, or expose me to hazardous road conditions.
But seriously...A guy in our club has ridden PBP, more than once. I tried to ride with him, and I'd rather have bamboo driven under my nails. He was soooo slow. And a big guy too. But he has the mental and physical ability to do something that not only do I have no interest in doing, but realistically, probably couldn't complete.
While waiting for the start of a ride one time, I ran into a rondo ride out of Princeton, NJ. Just to kill time, I was riding up and down a hill out of Hopewell, north or Princeton. I was just passing these people like they were standing still. But - they were embarking on a ride that I probably couldn't - or wouldn't - complete.
I would never intentionally embark on a ride that would, by its length, cause me to ride beyond the limits of my mental endurance, ride during the night, cut into my normal sleep, or expose me to hazardous road conditions.
About midway through the next section, he caught me while I was rolling at 15. I didn't see him coming but felt well enough to try and get on his wheel. I kicked it to 25 mph and couldn't close the gap. We were nearing the half way point and it was a dumb move for me anyways.
Acording to the tracking, he covered that 219 miles in about 15 hours which is around 14.6 mph total. No one covers that distance without stopping so his moving average was again much higher.
Not everyone suffers as much as me - and I intend to learn and get better at this aspect of cycling. I love the physical and mental challenge!
09-18-12, 11:50 PM
#6
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09-19-12, 12:59 AM
#7
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I have vicarious knowledge about what it takes to do endurance events. My son is a professional triathlete who has completed 3 Ironmans and currently races 1/2 Ironman distance. My hat is off to you. Be proud of what you have achieved.
As an aside, I'm into long walks and find it funny that when I'm sitting by the trail contemplating my feet with my boots off, others will come by and say, "Blisters? Here, try one of my pills. It will help the pain."
As an aside, I'm into long walks and find it funny that when I'm sitting by the trail contemplating my feet with my boots off, others will come by and say, "Blisters? Here, try one of my pills. It will help the pain."
09-19-12, 08:24 AM
#8
Senior Member
I have vicarious knowledge about what it takes to do endurance events. My son is a professional triathlete who has completed 3 Ironmans and currently races 1/2 Ironman distance. My hat is off to you. Be proud of what you have achieved.
As an aside, I'm into long walks and find it funny that when I'm sitting by the trail contemplating my feet with my boots off, others will come by and say, "Blisters? Here, try one of my pills. It will help the pain."
As an aside, I'm into long walks and find it funny that when I'm sitting by the trail contemplating my feet with my boots off, others will come by and say, "Blisters? Here, try one of my pills. It will help the pain."
I never have any blisters, any hot spots, or any discomfort whatsoever wearing my Peregrines. Two weeks ago I did a similar hike of over 15 miles. I was whipped, but my feet were perfect.
09-19-12, 08:27 AM
#9
Senior Member
You might enjoy it more if you're a faster rider. It leads to more sleep. On the first section, Tony Knoblock covered the 251 miles in 16.8 hrs or 15 mph. My guess is that his moving average was at least 20-22. After a 12 hour break, he was off again.
About midway through the next section, he caught me while I was rolling at 15. I didn't see him coming but felt well enough to try and get on his wheel. I kicked it to 25 mph and couldn't close the gap. We were nearing the half way point and it was a dumb move for me anyways.
Acording to the tracking, he covered that 219 miles in about 15 hours which is around 14.6 mph total. No one covers that distance without stopping so his moving average was again much higher.
Not everyone suffers as much as me - and I intend to learn and get better at this aspect of cycling. I love the physical and mental challenge!
About midway through the next section, he caught me while I was rolling at 15. I didn't see him coming but felt well enough to try and get on his wheel. I kicked it to 25 mph and couldn't close the gap. We were nearing the half way point and it was a dumb move for me anyways.
Acording to the tracking, he covered that 219 miles in about 15 hours which is around 14.6 mph total. No one covers that distance without stopping so his moving average was again much higher.
Not everyone suffers as much as me - and I intend to learn and get better at this aspect of cycling. I love the physical and mental challenge!
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