Memorial Day weekend in Markleeville, Ca: 5/2008

Rick and I were in a quandry about whether to go to Markleeville for elevation/cycle training. Sue B. Mumford passed away Fri. at 1130, May 23rd in her sleep. With the weather predictions being rain all over, we decided to go away for a mini vacation. We left Sat. morning, enroute rain/snow as we drove further into the Sierra's. Post Carson Pass, dry weather: no signs of moisture. We opted to check out Lake Tahoe. After exploring and hiking the Emerald Bay area, we ate at a locale restruant. The locales said weather is unbelievable. Ebbits Pass closed once again. Sun., we cycled from Woodfords Inn to the top of Monitor Pass. Our plan was to do both sides but as we were climbing the front side, we cycled in snow. It was magical with the large snow flakes. Once we arrived at the top, we decided to return to the hotel as we were freezing. Later that day, we drove the back side of Monitor. I wanted to get a mental imagery again of what needs to be accomplished and the front of Ebbits to the closure part. We spent time at Wolf Creek Bar/Restaurant and then, driving thru the Nevada valley. Today, we bailed on riding as so cold, raining and wanted to beat the traffic home.

Enjoy the slide show.

Big Basin: 110 miles and 11,000 feet

Unfortunately, I missed this team ride due to Illness. This is my first to have been so sick with the GI bug or food poisoning. I was able to do an hour spin in the AM and an hour spin in the PM. This gives me a new appreciation of what our honorees have been thru with illness. I was there in spirit but not physical stamina.

So, this week focused on intervals, spinning and weight training.

Tour of the Unknown Coast, May

12 members from the Deathride Team decided to do our buddyride in Humboldt County. It is a 5 hr. drive from the Peninsula to the beautiful Redwoods of Ferndale/Fortuna/Avenue of the Giant. This year was not as windy: only 15-20 mph vs. 40-50 mph vs in 2007.

All of the members of the Fab 5 attended. Shelly and Kimberly did the metric version as one was recovering from a bike accident and the other from bronchitis. The remaining three tackled the century. Nancy was great in that she kept Grace and I entertained with her sheriff stories while climbing Panther Gap. Most inspirational moments for me: descending towards the ocean; watching Nancy and Grace climb the wall like it was nothing; the fog along the endless hills so it did not look so bad; and the kindness bestowed to us by the community especially at the general store for our caffeine buzz. Along the route, I met cycling commrades from Tracy, Cherry city, and friends of friends who knew me. In all that day: we cycled 100 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. Please enjoy the slide shows for the views are incredible.

Taste of the Devil: May 2, 2008

Team Ride #9 with our Endurance TNT Team. This day, we cycled 108 miles and 9600 feet of climbing.

This was a tough ride more mentally/emotionally. The week of April 25th we went Go-Live with our Software for the facility to be on Electronic Medical Charting. I have been working 12 hr. shifts with mandated OT and walking rounds. Susie legs are tired. Also, my honoree is fighting a very tough battle. Sue and Bob have made the decision: no further treatments for her cancer. They are allowing the higher power take its course. On top of that, fighting GI bug being a virus or stress.

At the start of the climb of Mt. Diablo, I had a meltdown. Coach Greg was wonderful and allowed me to share my issues. With his motivation and support, I did complete the ride. The views were incredible and the comaraderie of my teammates were fantastic.

The Team is what it is about.

Special thanks to my fab 5 and dream team as well as Alex(team number 1) and coach Greg, Kim, and Jacqui. The hardest climb for me was the false summit on Patterson. I had some words in my head for my friend KSue.(She thought Patterson was not difficult....uhm).

Overall, a great sense of accomplishment. Besides physical endurance, one needs mental endurance.

Our Honoree Grace, accomplished this ride as well. She deserves kudos.

Again, thank you all for your support.

Cheers,
Bumpster

Booneydoon Buddy ride, April 27th

Rick and I joined our friends from Cherry City Cyclists for the annual Booneydoon ride. We utilized this route for our Deathride training as it was a buddyride weekend. We decided to skip the Marin opt and join our friends for Santa Cruz. Again, this was a great route and thus far, my most difficult. I made the mistake ( I know better) did not refuel properly.

We met at Arastradero in Los Altos. Our route was 118 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. We cycled thru Los Altos Hills and climbed the remainder of Page Mill. I left the gang early at the start to get a head of the fasties. The first 5 miles the hardest as no great warm up for the climbing and my legs still felt tired from last weekend. I was psyched when I finished climbing Page Mill and joined with Eva/Micheal and Tina at Sag 1. Again, I left the group to stay ahead plus I do not like long breaks. We continued on Skyline North to rt. 84 and descended Old La Honda to Pescadero climb. Again, head of gang, good I am making good time mentally. I stopped at Sag 2 for a cold 7-Up. From this point, I had the opportunity to ride with Mike Melville who is cycling for his triple crown, Eva, Michael and Tina. We regrouped with the whole gang of 12 at Gazo Creek and Hwy 1. This was grand: 25 miles tailwind on US 1 towards Santa Cruz. The fasties met me at Santa Cruz which was good as meandering thru Santa Cruz traffic can be challenging. Cheryl, our sag goddess, had lunch waiting for us at the Park. After 15 min., I took off from the group. I knew the hardest climbing was ahead. I made the mistake thinking of sucking on sports drink alone would suffice me. I had no interest in food as hot hot. Why I did not use my hammer gel until too late? Not right. Mt. Charlie was easier this year. My difficult part was Skyline: 10 miles of rollers and my legs were not cooperating. Rick pulled me and I opted to sag at mile 97. I felt aok as I made it farther this year than last. Rick made the statement, I am use to you leaving me at the end. Ugh...bastard... but true for 07. Yes, I am disappointed in myself for not finishing and not fueling but loved the climbs. See what 09 brings.

Next weekend: cycling the Taste of the Devil. This is in the East Bay and part of Devil Mountain Double (200 miles and 22,000 feet of climbing).