Eastern Sierra Pain & Glory Double-Ride Report & Pics
06-02-07, 12:54 PM
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I'm Just Sayin'.....
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Eastern Sierra Pain & Glory Double-Ride Report & Pics
i do believe the title says it all....
scootcore=D to the N to the mutha f'in F
endd up with 85 miles...the elevation, lack of training, and weeks of crappy sleep hurt me bad...i was wrong about long gradual climbs..the roads they took us on got downright steep(at least for me..). at cp#2 i was just inside the cutoff time and decided to do the smart thing and head back down the hill. my heart rate was in the high 180's for all of the climbing, and the muscles in my arms and shoulders were getting so tired i was questioning my ability to hang on to the bike....i sucked out loud today boys and girls!!!! on the way back it got HOOOOTTTTTTT!!!! if feel for those brave souls slogging up the mountains right now, im sure their days will go better than mine.....
no pics, it just wasnt gonna happen......
scootcore=D to the N to the mutha f'in F
endd up with 85 miles...the elevation, lack of training, and weeks of crappy sleep hurt me bad...i was wrong about long gradual climbs..the roads they took us on got downright steep(at least for me..). at cp#2 i was just inside the cutoff time and decided to do the smart thing and head back down the hill. my heart rate was in the high 180's for all of the climbing, and the muscles in my arms and shoulders were getting so tired i was questioning my ability to hang on to the bike....i sucked out loud today boys and girls!!!! on the way back it got HOOOOTTTTTTT!!!! if feel for those brave souls slogging up the mountains right now, im sure their days will go better than mine.....
no pics, it just wasnt gonna happen......
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Mistakes are just fine. Just don't make excuses....
Mistakes are just fine. Just don't make excuses....
06-02-07, 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Scootcore
i do believe the title says it all....
scootcore=D to the N to the mutha f'in F
endd up with 85 miles...the elevation, lack of training, and weeks of crappy sleep hurt me bad...i was wrong about long gradual climbs..the roads they took us on got downright steep(at least for me..). at cp#2 i was just inside the cutoff time and decided to do the smart thing and head back down the hill. my heart rate was in the high 180's for all of the climbing, and the muscles in my arms and shoulders were getting so tired i was questioning my ability to hang on to the bike....i sucked out loud today boys and girls!!!! on the way back it got HOOOOTTTTTTT!!!! if feel for those brave souls slogging up the mountains right now, im sure their days will go better than mine.....
no pics, it just wasnt gonna happen......
scootcore=D to the N to the mutha f'in F
endd up with 85 miles...the elevation, lack of training, and weeks of crappy sleep hurt me bad...i was wrong about long gradual climbs..the roads they took us on got downright steep(at least for me..). at cp#2 i was just inside the cutoff time and decided to do the smart thing and head back down the hill. my heart rate was in the high 180's for all of the climbing, and the muscles in my arms and shoulders were getting so tired i was questioning my ability to hang on to the bike....i sucked out loud today boys and girls!!!! on the way back it got HOOOOTTTTTTT!!!! if feel for those brave souls slogging up the mountains right now, im sure their days will go better than mine.....
no pics, it just wasnt gonna happen......
Hey Bill stuff happens.... we've all been there. All I can say is at least you tried. Good effort and congrats on even starting the journey. You've completed a double not to long ago so no shame in your game.
06-02-07, 01:27 PM
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Awww Scoot...
Hey, don't feel bad. You had a Bad Day and it happens to everyone. If your heartrate was redlining like that something was amiss, and as Asia alluded to, you have already done a DC so we all know you are capable. I think it was smart of you to know something wasn't right and pull off the course. You will live to fight another day, and climb other mountains.
And despite the bad day, you still managed nearly a climbing century!
Hey, don't feel bad. You had a Bad Day and it happens to everyone. If your heartrate was redlining like that something was amiss, and as Asia alluded to, you have already done a DC so we all know you are capable. I think it was smart of you to know something wasn't right and pull off the course. You will live to fight another day, and climb other mountains.
And despite the bad day, you still managed nearly a climbing century!
06-02-07, 01:57 PM
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I'm Just Sayin'.....
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thanks guys..im still feeling like butt and this stupid motel only has scolding hot water.....methink ill be driving myself home today instead of tomorrow!!!
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Mistakes are just fine. Just don't make excuses....
Mistakes are just fine. Just don't make excuses....
06-02-07, 02:16 PM
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I'm Just Sayin'.....
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i turned around at mile 55 or so and ended up with around 5000 feet or so...i opted to ride back to the start rather than hitch a ride, it was mostly downhill for around 30 miles....wasnt going to waste the rides resources on my sorry a$$!!
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Mistakes are just fine. Just don't make excuses....
Mistakes are just fine. Just don't make excuses....
06-02-07, 05:13 PM
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okay, maybe...
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Originally Posted by thomson
Bill, I am with the rest. You did the right thing. There are plenty of good riding days ahead for you
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Almost new 2005 Ksyrium Equipes; less than 1500 miles, PM me...
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06-02-07, 07:19 PM
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I gave Bill the same sentiments you all did -- he did the right thing. He'll get his mojo back, soon enough.
As for me, I love every single thing about doubles, with one small exception: they are 100 miles too long!
As for me, I love every single thing about doubles, with one small exception: they are 100 miles too long!
06-02-07, 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Scootcore
i do believe the title says it all....
scootcore=D to the N to the mutha f'in F
endd up with 85 miles...the elevation, lack of training, and weeks of crappy sleep hurt me bad...i was wrong about long gradual climbs..the roads they took us on got downright steep(at least for me..). at cp#2 i was just inside the cutoff time and decided to do the smart thing and head back down the hill. my heart rate was in the high 180's for all of the climbing, and the muscles in my arms and shoulders were getting so tired i was questioning my ability to hang on to the bike....i sucked out loud today boys and girls!!!! on the way back it got HOOOOTTTTTTT!!!! if feel for those brave souls slogging up the mountains right now, im sure their days will go better than mine.....
no pics, it just wasnt gonna happen......
scootcore=D to the N to the mutha f'in F
endd up with 85 miles...the elevation, lack of training, and weeks of crappy sleep hurt me bad...i was wrong about long gradual climbs..the roads they took us on got downright steep(at least for me..). at cp#2 i was just inside the cutoff time and decided to do the smart thing and head back down the hill. my heart rate was in the high 180's for all of the climbing, and the muscles in my arms and shoulders were getting so tired i was questioning my ability to hang on to the bike....i sucked out loud today boys and girls!!!! on the way back it got HOOOOTTTTTTT!!!! if feel for those brave souls slogging up the mountains right now, im sure their days will go better than mine.....
no pics, it just wasnt gonna happen......
damn dude. you should have been with us on baldy.
f' it. you gave it a shot...its all good.
06-02-07, 08:29 PM
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Dude, you definitely did the right thing. We were talk about you guys at Eastern Sierra, and we're glad your brain listened to your body. No shame in DNF, especially when you haven't had enough preparation. On the Baldy ride, I kept hearing your voice saying "almost there" ... Glad you're ok. Eastern Sierra will be there next year.
06-02-07, 09:01 PM
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Dante and I finished about 50 minutes or so ago...
I've got lots of pictures that I took for about the first 130 miles, but I'm not going to upload them or anything until after I've gotten home sometime tomorrow.
I've got lots of pictures that I took for about the first 130 miles, but I'm not going to upload them or anything until after I've gotten home sometime tomorrow.
06-02-07, 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Scootcore
i do believe the title says it all....
(
(
I, myself, have stopped rides when not feeling well or "the mojo," and I'm sure some double will be a DNF for me as well (I like the way you put it). No worries, many strong riders do the same and it is just a ride. You'll have a better experience on Grand Tour! Now, go have a nice dinner and enjoy the views there.
06-02-07, 09:24 PM
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My selective ride report:
At mile 130 I was ready to praise this ride to no end, and beg everyone to come check out next year. And I had no reason to think anything would change my mind, given that "it's all downhill after mile 130".
1) Anyone who tells you that the ride is all downhill after mile 130 is a big fat liar, and should be thrashed with Tiffanie's whip. The two worst parts (by far) of the ride are in the second half. From mile 140-160, you have this combination of flat and rollers (some of the rollers big, with an overall gain in altitude). There is also a decent headwind during this stretch... and the best part, expansion cracks in the pavement every 5 feet! Those things are so wide, they are like speedbumps. That 20 or so miles was hell. And then the final 25 miles or so back into Bishop had incredible headwinds the entire way. I'm guessing 30-35mph, which I'm told is pretty normal for this time of year. That is not the way to route a double, imo. Naturally, I was solo through both of these sections, so couldn't paceline. I won't make that mistake again! I was so pissy... but at least I can laugh about it now.
2) As I alluded above, the first 130 miles of this ride are a DREAM. The climbing is very gradual, nothing very steep, and most importantly, the scenery is jaw-dropping spectacular. It made all the pain that came later easily worthwhile. We are definitely going to come up again soon when we have 3-4 days to explore. We rode past 5 or 6 lakes, including June and Mono, and every one had the stereotypical mountains and clouds reflected in the lake in amazing detail and color.
3) If you don't have wind -- or if you are smart enough to make sure you aren't solo during the wind -- I would rate this double as overall on par with, or possibly even a bit easier than, Heartbreak and Breathless centuries. Just as fyi for those considering it. You will not be disappointed.
4) Was especially nice to hook up with Bill, John, and Dante. As well as Keith and Stan, and meet a few new folks. I didn't get a chance to socialize much on the ride, which was unfortunate timing and a mistake. But again, the scenery helped make up for that. I really can't overemphasize how spectacular (and diverse) it is up here (my first time up here, so I'm a little giddy).
Sounds like you 2 (John and Dante) rode together through the wind. Smart!
At mile 130 I was ready to praise this ride to no end, and beg everyone to come check out next year. And I had no reason to think anything would change my mind, given that "it's all downhill after mile 130".
1) Anyone who tells you that the ride is all downhill after mile 130 is a big fat liar, and should be thrashed with Tiffanie's whip. The two worst parts (by far) of the ride are in the second half. From mile 140-160, you have this combination of flat and rollers (some of the rollers big, with an overall gain in altitude). There is also a decent headwind during this stretch... and the best part, expansion cracks in the pavement every 5 feet! Those things are so wide, they are like speedbumps. That 20 or so miles was hell. And then the final 25 miles or so back into Bishop had incredible headwinds the entire way. I'm guessing 30-35mph, which I'm told is pretty normal for this time of year. That is not the way to route a double, imo. Naturally, I was solo through both of these sections, so couldn't paceline. I won't make that mistake again! I was so pissy... but at least I can laugh about it now.
2) As I alluded above, the first 130 miles of this ride are a DREAM. The climbing is very gradual, nothing very steep, and most importantly, the scenery is jaw-dropping spectacular. It made all the pain that came later easily worthwhile. We are definitely going to come up again soon when we have 3-4 days to explore. We rode past 5 or 6 lakes, including June and Mono, and every one had the stereotypical mountains and clouds reflected in the lake in amazing detail and color.
3) If you don't have wind -- or if you are smart enough to make sure you aren't solo during the wind -- I would rate this double as overall on par with, or possibly even a bit easier than, Heartbreak and Breathless centuries. Just as fyi for those considering it. You will not be disappointed.
4) Was especially nice to hook up with Bill, John, and Dante. As well as Keith and Stan, and meet a few new folks. I didn't get a chance to socialize much on the ride, which was unfortunate timing and a mistake. But again, the scenery helped make up for that. I really can't overemphasize how spectacular (and diverse) it is up here (my first time up here, so I'm a little giddy).
Sounds like you 2 (John and Dante) rode together through the wind. Smart!
06-02-07, 09:35 PM
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Congratulations, Vance!!!! First double century...no longer a virgin! Yippee! 
Nice report and, yes, I want to try this ride next year.
First double century...no longer a virgin! Yippee! Nice report and, yes, I want to try this ride next year.
06-02-07, 09:36 PM
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Oh, and Dante and John, mea culpa...I meant to congratulate the both of you as well! I'm drooling to see the pics but I know you boys just left for dinner. 
I'm drooling to see the pics but I know you boys just left for dinner.
06-02-07, 09:37 PM
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Great report. It looks like Eastern Sierra is definitely worth the trip, but I also love Davis so much. Davis and Eastern Sierra are two weeks apart. Just don't know if my body can take 2 double centuries, 2 weeks apart.
06-03-07, 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by VanceMac
My selective ride report:
... and the best part, expansion cracks in the pavement every 5 feet! Those things are so wide, they are like speedbumps.
... and the best part, expansion cracks in the pavement every 5 feet! Those things are so wide, they are like speedbumps.
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06-03-07, 08:14 AM
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Here is a slideshow of all the pictures I took.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpconra...96783868/show/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpconra...96783868/show/
06-03-07, 12:08 PM
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Great pics John. There were some amazing views. I can only imagine what it was like ... I would imagine pictures do not do justice to the views.
06-03-07, 03:55 PM
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John, great pictures!!!! There is only one picture you missed, the best one of the day, Bill’s smiling face checking us in. I have never seen such a welcome sight.
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