Mr Todd's Wild Ride

5 Days to Leadville

2010-08-20T19:41:00.001-07:00

I have been building up to this event for more than seven months (more like 10 if you include the time I first watched the movie that inspired me to sign up in the first place). This past week I entered into the vortex of high altitude bliss and the exhilaration of the event, the energy of 1500+ people at registration, the anticipation of the race and then , boom, the thrill and exhaustion of the ride itself and, here I am nearly a week after the race trying to put together all my emotions and experiences of what is the Leadville Trail 100. I am not sure I have still come down off the cloud hanging above the Columbine Mine at 12,600 feet.

First let me let all my friends, family, colleagues and those who've somehow wandered onto this site know that a) I survived the race safely and b) I actually rode a time that even I had thought I couldn't do my first time around. This past week there have been enough numbers and stats spewed out from those that track the race that my head is spinning. The nitty gritty of the race itself is that, out of nearly 1500 riders, I placed 383rd overall and 48th within my age class (50-59 years) with a net time of 10 hours and 17 minutes. I was hoping to do about 11 hours or so I sometimes even doubted if I would make it under the "silver buckle" qualifying time of under 12 hours. The race itself was won by 3 time Tour of California winner, Levi Leipheimer with a new record scorching time of 6 hours, 10 minutes. Less than 10% of all entrants even finish under 9 hours (which earns them an upgrade to the coveted GOLD buckle, so I was more than pleased with the finish I had.

So much for the hard numbers, what about the race itself? What is it like? How can I portray the experience to those who've never ridden? What is like to ride amongst 1500 energy driven mountain bikers? How does the altitude truly affect you at 12,000feet? How can I explain the feeling I had at the 7 hour mark as I approached the vaunted Powerline "Death March" climb where I had to "Dig Deep", in the words of founder Ken Chlouber, to keep from stopping and put foot in front of foot as I climbed up to the top. Where do I begin to give thanks to my family and friends and even strangers along the race that gave me support in both spirit and aid to finish as I did?

I came into Colorado with a set of bikes on the top of my Highlander from the flat lands of California with a kind of self assured swagger that portrayed "I own this race....kind of". I had this innocent (Beth would say "cocky") sense that not only had I trained well and prepared properly but that I somehow, even though I had never tackled anything remotely of this caliber, was going to have a ride of some significance, whatever ride that was I am not quite sure. In July alone I had ridden over 1,000 miles and climbed over 100,000 feet in elevation in preparing for this race. I had poured over pages and pages of nutritional information. I had consulted with people who had ridden Leadville before. I hung on to every word that was posted on the Leadville Yahoo Groups posts as if they were pages from the Bible. I felt that I had come in to the sleepy mining town of Leadville ready to take it on. I suppose it is good to have some sense of confidence but as any history lesson will tell you, to have over confidence will help you to quickly lose the war before the first shot is made.

Beth and I arrived in Colorado on a Sunday 6 days before the race. Good friends of ours *Rich & Sharon) have a place in the beautiful golf community of Cordillera, about 20 minutes west of Vail. Perched at about 8,400', this was an ideal place to acclimate (and rest) for the altitude that Leadville would be. Only a few hours after our arrival, I was on my road bike for a 2 hour ride over to Beaver Creek Resort. I was immediately in love with Colorado. The summer thunderstorms, the green lushness of the meadows and forest, the quaking aspens, the lush colorful flowers and the numerous mountain streams. Everything was so...vivid! I loved it. Inspired by the beauty, I was given lift as I rode that afternoon and I rode strong and felt the altitude would not be a problem.

The next morning I drove up to Leadville for the first of two reconnaissance rides on portions of the trail that the race would actually cover. Having had "Leadville on the mind" for 10 months, to actually drive in to the town for the first time gave me huge goosebumps. I met a rider from Orange County in the parking lot of the "Cycles of Life" bike shop off of Harrison. Tom Maclee had reached out to me through the Yahoo groups forum and he too wanted to pre-ride part of the course. When I arrived, there were about 10 riders in the lot. Most had just finished their ride and had in their regiment the idea of "soft rides" the next 5 days leading up to the race. One of them was the son of founder Ken Chlouber. Very accommodating, he gave us good suggestions on the course which were greatly appreciated. Heck, I just arrived and had 2 days of hard riding that I had to get in as I wanted to experience the tougher parts of the course so that I wasn't "surprised" on race day. Today was to be St Kevins climb and the famed Powerline descent. Tomorrow was to be the 3,300' climb up to the Columbine Mine Aid Station at 12,600'.

We literally started our first ride going down 6th Street from Harrison in downtown Leadville, the site of the beginning of the actual race 6 days later. The road moved past century-old houses and then the high school and then on to a more narrow paved road through the forest on the edge of town. At the bottom of the hill we crossed a train track and then made a right on to the road that would lead to St Kevin's. For a few miles the ride was easy and pleasant as we went past cows grazing in the fields. Eventually the road turned left and kicked up to what one person called "15 minutes of climbing hell". Compared to So Cal mountain bike trails, this was actually not that bad. It was a steady incline of around 9-14% with some small to medium sized rocks to navigate around. The thing I had to keep in mind was that today it was just myself and Tom on the trail. Race day this section of the trail early on is like traffic in downtown LA during rush hour. The experienced says that the key to St Kevin's is being as close to the front as you can. Not to say I would be at Lance or Levi speed, but you've got to make sure you don't get stuck in the middle as it becomes a logjam of bikers and often you end up walking just because there's no room to ride up. THAT I don't want to have happen.

Once past the top of St Kevin's we were rewarded with a fun single track down hill. After a few miles the dirt road ended as we jumped onto the paved road that goes around Turquoise Lake. Here is where you make quick miles as you're able to get to the mid 30 mph. Then you take a hard right on to the gravel road called Hangerman's Pass that goes up to Sugarloaf at over 11,000'. I loved this road that morning. Puffy clouds in the deep blue sky with the 14,000+' Mt Massive mountains as the backdrop. Down below us, as we climbed up, was the creeks that flowed into the lake. The trail was right at timberline and the views were amazing. It really pumped energy into my legs as I scooted up and over the top of Sugarloaf and then approached that famous leg called the Powerline!

The section of the race I had anticipated ever since I watched the movie. Last summer, in this section, it was raining. TO understand the terrain, think of a step section of a mountain that has powerlines going up it. The road below is simply a maintenance access road. Over the years, rain has created ruts 2-3 feet deep that carry their own fall lines that change every 50-100 feet. Navigating this when going over 20 mpg takes skill and caution. No matter the condition, wet or dry, the surface can be loose or slippery. Add in rocks and tree roots and it becomes a small mine field. As you can imagine, this is the site of most of the crashes that happen on the course. For the outbound (downhill) portion, this is where the crowds come to see fast action. On the actual race day, my friend, Andy (from PQ) crashed out of the race going fast down the Powerline and fractured his collarbone. I saw another guy go down in front of me the day of the race. Fortunately there are plenty of people on the course to give aid.

One very unfortunate incident happened near the top of the final descent. A rider came down, crashed and went over the bars and his temple landed against a rock. His brain immediately shut down his ability to breath. Then a rider behind crashed into him causing 3 broken ribs. Fortunately, 3 riders who came upon this bloody scene were doctors- one being a brain surgeon. They all administered life saving measures to get him breathing. Once stabilized he was then air lifted to Denver where he was put into an induced comma to reduce the brain swelling. This story ran through the peloton (group of racers) over the next few days and we've all been following the progress of "Gary from Minnesota". As of this post he is still in the Denver hospital but hopes to be transported back home by the end of the week. He is up, talkative, knows his surroundings and laughs a bit. The long term prognosis is still being determined but the posts on their own blog site are very positive and they hope for a full recovery, though it might take time. Please say a prayer for them and, if you would like to donate to his recovery, you can do so at any US Bank and make the donation through the Gary Werning Medical Relief Fund.

Back to the Pre-ride, though....I had my helmet cam with me and I actually recorded the ride down the Powerline descent. Coming up over Hangerman's Pass and first seeing the large wooden structures that held up the electrical powerlines (hence it's name) gave me goosebumps for sure and sent the adrenaline running. No wonder so many accidents happened on this as riders crank up the gears and power down hard for the rush of excitement. Kind of like when you go up a rollercoaster slowly to its highest point them, once at the top, you have that quick pause as you first take in the awesome view and then quickly realize you're about to descend for the ride of your life and you simply hold on hard. That is the Powerline descent in a nutshell. Caring up, around, and over rocks and cambered turns and blind corners, it truly is an "E" ticket. I actually said that going down the course and someone behind me said "what's that?" Obviously they were alot younger than I am and had never experienced Disneyland in the way it was originally set up.

Towards the middle part of the bottom (and most tricky) section I came upon two other riders who were cautiously picking their way through the ruts in the trail. There are very few safe places to pass on this part of the course and, as some veterans had advised, it was wise to just not push it here and risk an accident just to gain 10-15 seconds. More on that later!

Tom from OC came down 4th and at the bottom we stopped and revealed in what we had just ridden the past 22 miles from the start in Leadville. I think we stared back up Powerline for what seemed like an hour thinking forward to what the scene will be like 6 days from now with all the fans cheering us on. Originally I had wanted to turn around and actually ride back up the Powerline. On race day, this was to be the last challenge of the race and nearly EVERYONE walks the bottom part of the climb. It is THAT STEEP and loose. As we were talking it over and Tom was trying to convince me not to ride it a couple riders came down the course and stopped to talk. When they heard what we were contemplating they chimed in: "Why in the heck would you want to do that? Going up it once is bad enough" they remarked from experience. "Too close to race day" they said followed by those words I heard often "...and don't burn matches you don't need to!" So on that, we took off down the paved portion of the road and back to Leadville. In hindsight, it was smart we did what we did because, just as we pulled in to town, Tom pointed out to the west towards the mountains we had just ridden. All the peaks were shrouded in a massive downpour. In town the wind kicked up and it got very dark as thunder sounded the approach of that same squall line of thunderstorms. They say in Colorado that if you don't like the weather, just wait an hour.

Back in town I just took in all the turn of the century authenticity and charm of the town. Though early in the week, the town had a decisive buzz about it. The local bike shop "Cycles of Life" was jammed with riders like myself that were out pre-riding portions of the course. I went by the Trail 100 store and bought a couple commemorative items and met the head of volunteers for the race. An extremely friendly person (as everyone whom I met from town was)she gave me the tip of the week as it related to where to have Beth and the "Pit Crew" (which would consist of Jenna, Justin, Sharon and Rich and Debbie from PQ) go for the day of the race.

Pit Crew? What's that all about? Is this NASCAR? Even though this was my first race of this type (or any type!) what I had learned is that, if possible, you want to have someone on the course in strategic spots to provide nutrition, clothing and possible mechanical supplies. The LEadville 100 is a 100 mile race that is 50 miles out to the top of the Columbine Mine. Then riders simply (actually laboriously!) retrace their course back 50 miles to the finish in Leadville. Along the way, the event organizers have Aid Stations spread out in 4 different spots: Crescent Aid (just off of St Kevins), Pipeline (about 5 miles past the bottom of the Powerline descent), Twin Lakes (the most popular, er, crowded, at mile 40...or 60 on the return) and Columbine Mine which is at the Top of the World at 12,600' (and marks the half way point i/n the race). A rider can (and many do) ride the course without a "pit crew" and get the nutrition they need at each aid station. They have water, energy drinks, soda (yes, a good caffeine and sugar dose of coke goes a long way when you are "digging deep" at mile 80!), energy bars, Gu, assorted fruit, pbj sandwiches, etc. There are also mechanics to offer assistance. Riders can also choose ahead of time to have "Drop Bags" with their own nutrition and clothing supplies left at the aid stations of their choice.

Having read about and "studied" the course and knowing full well how the weather can change and where it most affects the riders, I chose to have Beth and the Crew set up shop at Twin Lakes. While some veteran crews are able to navigate the back roads to set up at all the aid stations I didn't want to put Beth and the crew through that and chose the main spot at Twin Lakes. The volunteer lead told me exactly where to place Beth and so I decided that what we would do is actually set up the tent (and ENF banner) the day before the race. This would secure a spot before all the mayhem of race day and also reduce the stuff Beth would have to drag up to the site. People literally camp out at the sites the day before and I was told that on the day of the race, on these narrow dirt forest roads, it gets very crowded and parking becomes very difficult. For Beth to have to walk all the supplies I might need let alone the things she and the crew would need (food, drink,etc) I wouldn't want her to have to walk a mile from a parked car with all that.

Actually, the full logistics of how Beth and the Crew got to the race and where/when/how to position them was something that weighed on my mind the past few weeks. It's enough for me to be thinking about all the infinite details of the race itself: did I train enough, how will my body react to the altitude and distance, what should the nutrition plan be, what suppliers should I carry and what do I pick up at the sites, what are my strategies on the course. All these things occupied my mind 24/7 so that when it came to me thinking of the logistics of my important crew, it became almost overwhelming. I knew they too had to "dig deep" and that I was asking alot of Beth, my kids as well as my friends. We were staying all that week at our friends- Rich and Sharon's-amazing house (Sharon calls it the "double wide"...yeah, right!) in Cordillera, about 30 minutes west of Vail, Their place was a good (and curvy, yet beautiful) 75+ minute drive to Leadville (or more if you're stuck behind a motor home as I seemed to be every time I made the "commute"). With my need to be at the start line at between 5:00-5:30 on Saturday morning it gave me much to consider in how to get the crew situated. I had the kids flying in from San Diego on Wednesday night and Beth and I had to go to Vail (a 35 minute drive from the Brower's house) at 1 in the morning to pick them up. Then I was to have to go to Leadville early Friday to do medical check-in, registration and then listen to the famed Ken Chlouber "Orientation, er, Rally" speech. Then get the bike and supplies ready, have a big "carb load" dinner that Beth was going to prepare, and then try to get to bed early for a good nights sleep before the race. Man, was my mind getting overwhelmed...

...and my blog has lost its course as I have got on to the "Pit Crew" dilemma. Okay, so you have the picture. Back to the week in prep. So in now knew what I was to do with my Pit Crew and where they would be. I then got a little Mexican food in me and then I walked the town a little to just soak it all in. "So this is Leadville..." That is exactly the words Beth's dad, Tony Mills, would say if he were standing next to me looking down the street at all the turn of the century buildings. There was an old saloon from the 1870's (now an Irish Pub...although they served Guinness in a can....how can call yourself an Irish Pub and NOT pour Guinness from a proper tap!), there was the famous Tabor House Theater (they still do shows there...but not the naughty girl type!), I went to the Delaware Hotel- a Victorian style hotel that dates to 1886. My friend, Andy, along with a heap of other riders were staying here. I strolled through the lobby and felt I was transported back to the Wild West. All the staff was in period costume and the lady at the registration desk had the full bustier outfit going and it looked as if that was what she wore daily, regardless of the "theme". I wished the rest of the family were with me to take this in as it was very cool to experience.

After about an hour I headed back to "home" to report on my first day at Leadville. It was a good one!

Early the next day, Tuesday, I went back out to Leadville to do the Columbine Mine climb with Andy. He had met another rider, Greg from Conneticut, who was also staying at his hotel. He had just arrived from sea level the night before and wanted to get some elevation in. They say that to acclimate to the altitude and be able to perform well you should try to be there 2-3 weeks before the race. That is impractical for most of us working folks. Being there a week ahead was still in my best inerest. Greg taking on a climb to 12,600' the morning after he arrived from the Eastern seaboard was another undertaking all its own. We met in front of the hotel and then drove off to the site of the Twin Lakes aid station 15 miles south of town. This was a perfect starting point for a few reasons: First, parking was a-plenty. Second, it gave us about 15 minutes of needed easy-rolling warm up time before we started the 3,700' climb to the top. Lastly, it gave me a chance to "scout out" the place where Beth and the Pit Crew would be 4 days from now.

There were others doing the same pre-ride of Columbine as us and we took off at about 8:45. It was a beautiful morning with big puffy clouds that didn't look like they would become rain. In the movie on the race from last year, Mother Nature threw all her fury on the Columbine climb. It rained, it sleeted (it has snowed in the past) and it was cold and windy. It looked simply miserable. One rider interviewed at the top simply stuttered "I-I-I-aaaaaam-cccccc-old!". This is why the aid station at Twin Lakes is the most supply critical. As a rider, when you come into this station (it is Mile 40), you need to look up that mountain (it is two mountains away from Mt Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado at 14,433') and discern what the weather is and might be. From that observation you then make critical choices on what supplies to pack with you to the top: rain gear? change of clothes? how much and to what extent? Comfort, protection and safety should be primary concern and yet a racer is also trying to minimize the weight one carries as that will incrementally slow you down.

Today the decision was way easy. The weather called for a simple vest, arm warmers and a few water bottles and a few energy bars. We expected to get to the top in around 2 hours and it was less than 45 minutes back down so nothing more was needed. This was a "simple" reconnesance ride. Take notes of the difficulty of the climb, the effects of altitude and the technical aspects (rocks, ruts, pitch) of the trail during the final 2 miles of the climb. This was the famous "sting" of the ride. I again brought my helmet cam to record parts of the ride, especially the fast descent from the top.

Once past the warm up section, the ride turned up Forest Service Road #396 for the 7 mile ascent to the top. Through cool, sun filtering aspen groves, the road climbed at a steady 7-9% pitch. Andy and I set a steady pace and Greg kept behind steady about a couple 100 yards. We had a great photo stop half way up when the road made a hairpin turn. This was the first look at the top of the mountain as we were just at 11,000'. A mile up the road came out of the tree line near an old abandoned mine shaft. Here the going got decidedly steeper and more rocky. Dropping to my lowest gear, Andy and I (with Greg respectably not far behind!) plucked our way up through and over the rocks, picking our line as we went, with the intention of not stopping at all. No dabs as we call it, the goal in techincal mountain biking is to get through the more challenging sections without dropping your foot (aka "no dabs"!).

This was the beginning of the 2 mile section of the final assault to the top. Whether its the steepness, the rocks and ruts, or the lack of oxygen at this altitude (or all of the above) many if not most riders, on race day, would walk many (if not the entire) sections of this climb. Some veterans would recommend that it was actually faster to walk some of the steepest sections and that it would actually save energy as well as a good opportunity to change up the muscles used and to give other muscles a much needed break. Again, as I was pedaling, my mind raced back to the images of the riders in the movie walking their bikes in a steady "death march" single file up this section of the mountain. Like ants marching in order, the steady line of riders (now walkers) streaching the entire 2 mile length of the climb would slowly, foot after foot, work their oxygen deprived way to the top. This was the true first test of the "Dig Deep" mantra that would get many riders through this race.

Recalling my good riding friend from home, Rick, and his challenge to never dab, I kept cranking the pedals refusing to walk. Andy and I started to come upon other riders that had started before us. They were all walking. The road split, one going down to the actual Columbine Mine and the other going up a steep pitch. We started to go down the wrong road and then realized the steeper branch was the one we were supposed to take. Darn. Time to "Dig Deep"...again! This was nearly the auto-off-your-bike-and-walk section. Andy led out and he didn't walk....neither did I. We slowly passed the handful of riders on the mountain. The road leveled for a short but and we were able to gather our breath.

Then it kicked up and here is where, for the first time all week, I noticed the lack of oxygen. All of a sudden it was like the area around my head closed in and I felt a little dizzy. All this while I am trying to keep the cranks turning and the bike steadily pointed forward. "No dabs, no dabs, where the hell's the oxygen, pedal, pedal...just keep swimming, just keep swimming...why am I thinking about clown fish cartoon movie's???". The "altitude attack" came and went in about a minute and the road became a little more forgiving as I gathered my strength one more time.

As I was pedaling I could look up the barren mountain slope at the trail I was climbing. Clouds buzzing overhead, the wind steady but refreshingly cool, I could see that the road ahead began a short series of steep switchbacks. This was the steepest section for sure as it kicked to over 20% grade and was very rocky. Andy got off his bike here and though my pace slowed I kept on pedaling. Andy is a strong and smart experienced rider and what I respected in this section of the climb is that he always rode to the right side of the trail, even if it was more difficult and there was a better "line" to the left. Why was he doing this? He was replicating race day conditions. You see, on race day, this is the part of the course where there will be riders coming back down the trail as you are still climbing up. While you are plugging away at a snails pace of 2-3 miles per hour (or less if you're walking) on the steeper sections, the downhill riders are going at 15-25 mph and their wizzing by you with barely 2-3 feet of separation. So you cannot go up the left side or you will get run over and get the consternation of all the riders in the group! Rules of the road (as well as safety) apply on the Columbine Climb, from the first site of the lead rider coming down(last year it was Lance, then Dave Weins...who will it be this year?) to the "Last Ass Over the Pass" still making the climb. So while I was picking my line up no matter what side of the trail Andy kept to his plan. Smart guy and respect.

I knew my race day strategy was going to be different from what I was riding today and that I would be walking certain sections. Not a pride thing, it was just fact. On race day, with all the traffic and the complete distance of the 100 miles you need to account for, energy conservation as well as safety was #1. I knew that I would not go"No Dabs" on Columbine that day. However today was different and so I kept that steady pace. I chocked my way through the steepest section and then the ride started to level out. A few short but steep pitches later and I was past the gauntlet and I kicked into a bigger ring and literally got out of the saddle and pedaled hard. I was at the top and I was so energized by the momment. The adrenaline of the climb, the beauty of the mountains, the 360 degree view from the top that went forever, the deep blue color of the sky with the clouds dancing across it. I felt I could climb another 1,000' I was so filled with excitement and energy. This was the time and place I had dreamed of and trained for for the past 10 months. To be on the top of the Columbine, to take in the exhileration of the place I was at was something I will always remember. As in the movie, this was the section of the race that coined the term "Race Across the Sky" and I was in that momment as I came across the ridge.

I then dropped down at full speed to the crumbling log shelter that marked the turn-around point of the race at mile 51. Andy came up a few minutes later and then finally Greg. 1 hour, 42 minutes was my time and I was very pleased with it. Could I repeat that on race day? Doubtful but at least I knew I could do it. No dabs at that! It couldn't have been a more beautiful day on top and we took about 20 minutes to enjoy it. We took plenty of pictures because, on race day, the suggested strategy by the veteran's was to not stop at this aid station. Come around the turn, say your "hello's and thanks" to the great volunteers and make the short climb up to the high point before you do any stopping was the key. At that point, take in a little water, eat a little food if needed, and then put on your vest and arm warmers for the cool descent (if weather was bad, this was especially important!). Then get on down as they say. Get out of the bad weather and lack of oxygen back to the Twin Lakes station. Andy said that often at the top, medical staff would come up to you and offer you oxygen if you needed it. Problem is, if you took up on the kind offer, then the next thing the med staffer does is cut your race bracelet and tell you you're done for the day. Basically your taking oxygen is an admission of medical need and thus you are retired from the race. Be careful of hand outs I thought! Obviously if you are truly in need then it is a good thing they are there. THe medical volunteers are amazingly caring and supportive people and, as we later found out on race day, made life saving actions. Hats off to them!

We did not need any oxygen as we took it all in, taking our pictures, eating a little food and then we prepared to take off this "hill". I turned on my helmet cam and told Andy to take the lead and that I would get him descending the mountain. I might have outclimbed Andy by a hair but, geez, can this guy fly downhill. He was out of my picture in less than a minute. I got a little taste of race day as there were about a dozen or so riders still climbing up the steep section. This gave me the feel of how close you pass by at speed and how to maintain your line no matter the obtsructions in front. Apparently this upper 2 mile section of the course had been gone over with some kind of simple grader that swept the trail of alot of the bigger rocks that used to be there. Veteran's said that made the course more manageable and I was appreciative of that. There were still sections with plenty of rocks in my mind so I can't imagine what it had been like before the "sweep".

I finally caught up with Andy at the intersection of the split to the mine. I told him I was in awe of his descending skills and he admitted he was an addict to the downhill part of mountain biking. I will never go that fast...I have a life preserving "govenor" in my brain that kicks in at a certain speed. I don't like crashing. Done it enough in the past. Greg caught up and we all took off down the last steep section as we then entered into the forested and smoother section of the descent. It was a fun reward to the climbing we had just done. We past more riders making their own sojourn to the top and 30 minutes later we were back at our cars at Twin Lakes. We congratulated each other for a safe and solid ride and packed up our cars for the return to town. We had lunch and a celebratory beer at the Tennessee Pass Cafe and talked bike talk.

Andy suggested that I try in town to see if there was a room available (maybe someone cancelled) for Friday night. I had talked to Beth and she had wished I had made reservations months back. Knowing how early I would have to wake up on race day to pack my stuff, eat and then the distance of the drive to Leadville was something I was concerned about. I figured I would have to wake up at 3am to be there by 5:30 and even that was cutting it close. Add to that the logistics of Beth joining me and knowing the kids wouldn't wake up that early to be with Beth at the aid station pointed to a need for a new strategy. On only the second inquiry at the Notel 8 on the edge of town I got the last remaining room. I lucked out for sure and felt great relief that I would not have to set a 3 am wake up call! With reservation secured, I once again headed back to Cordillera and Beth with great excitement and a new confidence in me.

I had now rode 2 days of the toughest parts of the race. I had covered 50 miles and nearly 8,000' of climbing. The race was only 4 days away and now was time to wind down my riding and rest up for the Big Day! I needed now to take all the information I'd gained riding and from talking to veteran riders and put my final plan together for race day. Also, it was time to put focus on Beth and everyone else. My family (and now our hosts, the Brower's) were having to endure all my bike energy and talk and I needed to try and have the next part of this trip to beautiful Colorado be about things besides Leadville and mountain biking. In hindsite, I am not sure I fully accomplished that as I was like an excited child on Christmas Eve. We had a great sushi dinner in town and that capped a great day for me.

The next day we went into Vail and picked up Debbie from her shuttle ride from Denver. We strolled the village and enjoyed a late lunch on the patio of Bully Ranch until an afternoon thunderstorm chased us inside. Later that night we enjoyed wine on the patio, made some impromptu dinner and experienced an energetic evening thunderstorm that was full of heavy rain and lots of lightening. I love the smell of summer rain in the mountains with the fresh pine scents. We had a great time but Beth and I had to curtail the libations as we needed to stay up fresh for the drive back to Vail to get the kids that were coming in later that night. At midnight we headed out and we got to the Vail transit station at about 12:45 in the morning. Justin and Jenna had just arrived and were 20 minutes ahead of schedule. It was great to see them and, after all the planning and changes made to get us all together, we were finally all in Colorado. The "Pit Crew" was no fully intact!

Thursday morning was a much needed lazy morning. We discovered a great crepe place in Edwards, went to a French bakery to bring goodies back to the kids (who were back at the house sleeping in...they had a long trip to get here and they needed the well deserved rest...although later I would learn that Justin was up almost all night taking night photos of the annual Perseids Meteor Shower...the sky is sooo vivid at )and then stopped to get groceries for the "Carb Load" dinner for tomorrow night. That afternoon we all (sans Rich) went for an amazing 6 mile hike to Booth Falls. A few minutes outside of Vail, on the north side of the valley, the hike t ook us up this side valley through groves of aspens and across meadows and hillside fields of wildflowers that could fill an artists' palette. The whole hike we dodged in and out of thunder clouds and at one time we had a small hail storm. It was a great and memorable hike. Justin, Jenna and I were like Ansel Adam's taking tons of nature photo's along the way. After the hike, Rich met us at the Lionshead part of Vail and we had amazingly good pizza at the Blue Moose on the plaza while we listened to a live Big Band concert. When we got back to the house Leadville became the topic again. So we broke out the movie to watch so they could see what this whole fiasco was about that I was subjecting everyone to. Only Beth had seen the movie and last year's storylines of Lance and Dave; of Roxanne Hall and her long, arduous recovery from a life threatening bike crash (with a hit and run car); of the crazy weather and the person on the top of Columbine getting a drip for hypothermia; of the crying adult men as they get taken off the course for missing the 4 hour cutoff at Twin Lakes; the costumes and commraderie of the various "Pit Crews" at the aid stations; of all the challenges the course throws at you. An hour and a half later only Debbie was awake. So much for enabling! I guess you have to be a biker to watch the whole thing....

Tomorrow was Friday and the REAL beginning of all the activity. Tomorrow over 1,500 riders and their support teams were descending upon Leadville for the 18th year. Lance Armstrong had bowed out of the race 2 days prior siting the injuries he sustained at the Tour de France as his reason. Without Lance there was still enough energy and excitement to go around and word that Lance's teamate, Levi Leipheimer, was making a sneak appearance in the race only added to the chatter. Two days to race day and all my preperation riding was complete. I was ready and fairly confident. Now it was time to enjoy the moment and make sure that I have fun.

As I close this blog it is almost 2 weeks since the actual ride. Beth is in my ear saying "who will read this stuff anyhow?" I havevn't even got to RACE DAY in this blog, and yet I need to "turn the page". So the table is set, the course is known. The "FINAL" blog is taking shape in my mind as I close out the page and the night. Tomorrow it is all Leadville....

The 7 Day Countdown Begins.....now!

2010-08-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

I can't yet can believe that it has been a month since my last post. While my training has been solid if my efforts on blogging were to have any impact on race day, I think I would fail. I am sitting at the kitchen table Saturday morning just before sunrise. Trying to compose this blog I am distracted by Tico (our fruit bat rescue puppie) gnawing on Chloe's ears. Chloe, our 9 year old lab, just takes it. They really put a smile on my face each morning.

Well, the excitement is definitely brewing inside me. I could barely sleep last night and sleep is what I need in droves the next 7 days. In 90 minutes we head out on the road for Colorado. The Leadville 100 race is exactly one week from today. At this point pretty much all my training is done. I calculated the other day that in the month of July alone I rode nearly 1,000 miles and climbed nearly 100,000 feet. I love round numbers! In the process I have lost nearly 20 lbs and Beth says I need to stop, that I look gaunt. Then again my neighbor said the other day that I look great! I think all the riding and preparation and bike talk around the house has gotten to Beth.

I have done every bit of preparation...researching and testing out different nutrition items. I've settled on Hammer products. The preferred choice of endurance athletes. Mapping out the Leadville ride and starring at the map hours on end. Coordinating Garmin waypoints and learning what gpx and tcx stands for. Thank you Dan Goese for your on-line conference the other day. It actually worked! I have bought clothes to prepare for any of the insane weather that Colorado throws at you in the summer.....from heat, to sleet, hail or snow, rain of course, cold. Anything. Last year it was rain in the morning and sleet, wind and biting cold on the way up the Colombine climb. Actually, I have been blessed to be working with Hincapie Sportswear as George's brother, Rich has been extremely supportive in providing much of the specialty gear I will be using. They are also making the special commemorative jersey that is to be my Emilio Nares Foundation jersey.
I have been to Black Mountain Bikes countless times this past month. Everyone there has been very VERY supportive of my Leadville experience and of the fund-raising efforts that I have made. Matt has done countless repairs and adjustments to my bike and giving me plenty of humor (and opinions...that's the Matt we all know and love) along the way, Mike has been amazing as well as patient with my inquiries. He spent over an hour with me the other day trying to work on my shoe to alleviate pain I had in my foot. Mike, whatever you did, it worked! (so far...we'll see on race day). Rick did a great job on my final tune and the bike rides like new. And Tricia (I think...I am soooo bad on names) has been awesome with her kindness and supporting words of encouragement.

And then the rides...July started with the long HOT ride in Hemet to Idyllwild followed the next day by a 50 mile organized ride near my house on 4th of July. Then I headed to Mammoth for 5 days and rode every single day. I did altitude riding the first 3 days and then did the annual Markleville "Tour of the California Alps" (aka "Deathride") near Tahoe. This ride is 130 miles with 15,000 feet of climbing over 5 mountain passes all above 8,000. This was THE PERFECT "training" ride to prepare me for Leadville. I signed up for it in case Leadville never came through. I wanted something to shoot for. Then, once in Leadville, as the time for Deathride approach I thought, "hey, this ride is at the perfect time away from the Colorado race, so let's do it". Unfortunately to Beth, the mere mention of "Death....ride" brings emotion to her that, well, we just leave it alone. I think its just the name "death" for she fears for my safety whether I go on a 100 mile ride or an hour ride near the house. 9 hours later, my body was tired but the ride went well and I felt more confident on my chances for the big ride.
The last day of my Mammoth training trip was on the way home. I was driving south on Hwy 395 enjoying the view of the Eastern Sierra Nevada's. I never tire of this ride and am always inspired my these mountain peaks that rise steep up from the desert floor to 13-14,000'. While it was hot on the highway (pushing 96) you could see thunder clouds developing on the mountain ridges. I had read in Bicycle magazine about the Onion Valley road, just outside of the town of Independence, that is considered on of the top descents in the country. Needing one more "challenge" I pulled my car over, parked, quickly changed into cycling clothes and got the bike off the rack and started pedaling up-up-UP. The road climbed from 4,800' to 9,200' in 13 miles. It was hotter than Hattie's the lower part but cooled off as I got into the upper bowls of the Sierra. Even though the day before I had ridden over 130 miles, I felt totally renewed and fresh on this ride. Maybe it was the mountain air or the views that went on forever. Or the thrill of the challenge (the article said this ride was tougher than the famed Tourmelet climb used this year in the Tour de France). I returned to the car 2 hours later and got back on the road for home. Reflecting on the 5 days in Mammoth I knew that I was building a solid foundation to get me prepared for Leadville.

Since then I made a three journeys on bike to Mt Palomar (the local mountain that gets you close to 6,000'), I did a "Leadville Simulation" by riding a loop by my house over and over to get saddle time. I rode that day nearly 75 miles on the mtn bike and over 8 hours with 11,000' climbing. Half way through the ride I broke my rear derailleur cable and had to pedal out of the trail in a high (hard) gear. Mike at Black Mtn bikes was awesome. He did a quick repair and had me back on the trail in an hour. I have done a handful of what the locals call "Torrey Pines Repeats"....going up and down the famed Torrey Pines climb multiple times. Yes, we are nuts! I tallied that I have rode 6 centuries in the month of July when in the past, if I did 3 in a year that was my limit.

This past week, while getting ready to leave, it has been what the "Leadville Yahoo Groups" blogs have posted as "taper week". This means backing off the long rides and focusing on short "keep the legs fresh" rides with some intensity of spinning...meaning lower gear, pedaling faster (those of you in spin classes know of this). I have met a couple local guys through this group that are also doing Leadville. They are there now and I will be meeting up with them early next week to "Pre-Ride" sections of the Leadville course. I also had an amazing massage and therapy given by a local guy named "Tyme". This guy was awesome and inspirational in his own way. Straight out of the 60's, having lived on Indian reservations, monastery's in Mexico and studying at Buddha temples, he has this amazing view of life and of the human body and my visit there for one hour was well worth it for preparing me mentally.

So, as I look at the clock and realize that this blog needs to finish (for today) and that I need to pack the car and get on the road, I go through my mental check list of the month. Rides, research, repairs,reviews....the time is nearing and there is definitely no turning back. I am excited that the trip is now here. Now hopefully I can catch up on other items I have been wanting to write about. The most important being the Emilio Nares Foundation, the charity that I am riding for. That will be next....

Until then, as we say, "keep the rubber side down"...see you in Colorado!

Cramming for Final Exam

2010-07-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Once again, my posts are far between. I have spoken to a few of you that have actually ventured to this page and I appreciate the support and "rave reviews". To all I apologize that there have not been more posts. The balance between work, family and, yes, the heavy training I am trying to get in has been more of a challenge than I ever thought.
So, what have I been doing the past month? Work has never been busier- new managers, new brands, new accounts....the waterfall that never ends. But its a good thing. Thankful for work in today's economy for sure! Beth and I drove to Oregon and back in a 3 day period to get our daughter, Jenna, from U of O. Mother in law visits, training a new puppie, all the other things that come with the territory. How do I fit in training? It is not easy and its tough on those close to me. I literally try to "steal" in a ride in between all my obligations and, with just a little more than a month before "the BIG RIDE", I have been needing to step my game up.

I recently joined a Yahoo group with other Leadville entrants. To read some of the posts I get has both discouraged and motivated all at the same time. Many of the riders for this race live in or near Colorado. If I took a guess, I would think that 90% of the riders live a mile high. Me? Sea Level. I have done a lot of research into training regiments and read blogs from accomplished endurance coaches. "Live High, Train Low" (sounds like a mantra from the 60's) is "secret" for preparing for this ride which is above 10,000' for most of the time. I've got the "train low" part down good as that's where I live and ride. The altitude piece to this whole race is the big question mark for me and how I prepare. So, when I put my training calendar together, I planned 3 times to be at altitude, aka "live high".

Thus, having a place in Mammoth Lakes, CA, (which is at 8,000') is one ace up my sleeve. Beth and I came up here Memorial Day weekend and I trained solid then. See my posts 2 back for more info. As of this post I am sitting in my condo at Mammoth on day 3 of training at altitude. Yesterday I rode to 10,250' at Deadman's Summit (the pictures with the snow)and I have 3 more solid days planned. The snow is still on many of the trails and so I am doing more road riding than mounatin biking. I have a 120+ mile ride planned for tomorrow with close to 15,000' of climbing planned. This will be my ulitmate prep for Leadville.

Last week was the real test so far. On the day before the 4th of July, I drove out to Hemet, CA, known more as a retirement community, at the base of Mt San Jacinto. I connected a ride that my BetterRides friend, Wendy (and 5 time Leadville rider...listed as the oldest women to ever finish the race at 66 years young!) had recommmended to a road I found leading out of Hemet. I call it the Rouse Hill-Thomson Mountain Truck Trail. I got a late start to the day and so the sun was already fully blazing and not a cloud in the sky. The soft, rocky dirt jeep trail immediately climbed from just under 2,000' to the top of Rouse Hill at 5,000'(not really a hill...more like a freakin' mountain!). Along the way I played mind games and counted the snake trails across the soft dirt. 10-15-20-25...holy smokes, I hope all I see are tracks and not the real thing!

After the fist mountain summit, I immediately started up towards Thomson Mtn at 6,500'. All along the way, not another biker (who would be so stupid to ride in this heat....it was easily over 90 degrees) and barely a few jeeper's were on the road. At least no snakes (yet). I was exposed to the sun the entire time and the heat did take its toll on me. I was also testing out some new nutrition products specifically geared towards endurance riding. This ride was about seeing where I was at in my training and adjusting nutrition intake so I would be more prepared, through experience, for the big day. On hindsight, I can say water intake needed to be doubled that day primarliy due to the heat.

I finally made the top and it was well deserved. 20 miles of straight climbing and already 6,000+ feet of elevation gain. After a rest at a unimproved campground, I took off on a wonderfully needed downhill loop that ran the upper circumference of Thomson Mtn. Eventually I had to climb back up the north side of the mountain to intersect the trail that I originally came up. The entire ride was an out and back with a big 20 mile loop around the mountain. That last climb was a bear as it was right into the hot sun and the trail was loose and rocky with some steep pitches. I finally rejoined the trail that took me down what I once slugged up and it was a ton of well deserved fun. I had to be careeful due to the trail conditions as well as always being on the look out for wild off roaders and...snakes! After counting more than 30 tracks (I gave up long ago...) I came across a rock in the trail the I decided to go over instead of around. It was placed perfect in the middle of the road and large enough that I thought I'd have a little fun and launch off it. Good thing I did because just on the other side was a rattlesnake laid out in full length. I cleared it cleanly and never looked back. That encounter put me on snake alert for the rest of the ride down.

I got to the end of the ride at about 4:30. Ooops. That's over an hour AFTER the time I told Beth I would be home. Oh, and it's still 90 mintues drive to home. Yes, I underestimated the challenge of this ride. All in all, though, I was pleased with how I rode and how I persevered through the conditions. Stats of the ride: 55 miles, 9,000' elevation gain, 6 hours 45 minutes in the saddle. Not the pace I want but I wasn't pushing myself that way, either.

After that ride, I woke up the next morning in San Diego on 4th of July and rode in an annual local's ride called "Old Pro's" ride. A fun 50 miler in North County, it's a great road ride with people of all ages and skill. I even saw one guy on roller blades. I went to bed sore the night before and thought I wouldn't be able to answer the bell. I had committed to a few friends, like "Special Ed", and so I got my gear together in a rush and made it to the start just as the announcer set the group off riding. After a rusty 10 minute warm up, I actually found my legs and ended up having a great ride. To do so after such a suffering ride as I had the day before gave me a confidence boast. For that I enjoyed a beer at 10am in the beer garden and meet up with past Arthritis FOundation CCC riders....that was a treat!

On reflection after a weekend of tough riding, I thought- "maybe my training is coming along". So, like my old college days, I am cramming for my final's, getting as many miles and feet climbed as I can in the next 4 weeks. I will post feedback from each week of training. Let's first see how I do tomorrow on the "big test"!
Until then....

Chicken Wings, Spirit Fingers and Looking to Victory!

2010-06-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

So while Bethie went to Las Vegas(never call it just "Vegas" she always says...) this past weekend to visit her mom and sister, I went to school...mountain biking school. I've always been an "I can figure it out on my own" kind of person. I have mountain biked since the early 90's before the idea of "full suspension" bikes and disc brakes became the trend. All the challenging trails my friend Rick and I would go out and conquer. So, with all this "experience", why do I need to take lessons on how to mountain bike?

Maybe it's because I haven't ridden solidly for 8 years and the sport has changed in that time. I know for sure that I am working to adapt to a larger bike frame (29 incher) as I've been a little more reserved on some technical sections that I used to have no problem with. Giving security to Beth that I can handle Leadville was probably the convincing factor. So how did I find out about the class? That's where facebook and those computer/marketing genius's come in. It still amazes me that when you're on FB or simply browsing the internet how those advertising windows pop up on subject matter that you are actually interested in. No, I'm not talking about those ridiculous sex sites or those "5 ways to make a living from your home" sites. Not me..no way! I am talking about ad's that really know what one is in to. One was advertising "10 mistakes that mountain bikers make and how to avoid them". It caught my attention and I actually clicked it (I never go to those sites...all the virus's that my kids computers got in years past taught me to avoid this urge). This took me to register with Gene Hamilton's "Better Ride" website and I have to admit that I was very impressed with the way he presented bike skills and it somehow spoke to me. You think you know everything and yet how do you if you've never been taught properly?

From this I found out that a clinic was being held in San Diego. It was not coached by Gene himself (he lives in Colorado) but by a female pro rider from Ventura County named Christine Hirst. I was skeptical at first, especially after seeing her "I'm hip, yo-yo" photo on her website(sorry Christine, just being honest). Yet in reading her background(she's a teacher by profession) I was convinced to throw down the money and sign up. I couldn't have invested my money better!

First off, the class was held 2 miles from my house in Penasquitos Canyon, a great local spot for mountain biking. That sure was a positive for me! 7 other people showed up and we learned basic skills of bike handling in the parking lot. Christine told us all that we needed to park our "attitude" and come with an open mind to learn and to be positive. The group had a various range of skill; from a couple that seemed like they were just getting into biking to a 66 year old teacher who has done almost every endurance mountain bike race imaginable including 5 Leadville races! We were all there to learn something. Christine was amazing in how she taught, demonstrated, and reinforced the basic skills that we would build upon over those two days.

I have to admit that while I tried to come in with an open attitude, I quickly thought - "oh, I can do all this, I'm not sure if I need this". But day two really changed things for me as I really learned techniques and skills and especially an attitude that I never ever thought of. Arm positioning (or as she called it "chicken wings"), lightly holding the handle bars and feathering the brakes with fingers that she called "Spirit Fingers", putting your body into neutral positioning (such as standing while descending), the importance of vision and how it helps you through turns or difficult sections as you "ride to victory" as Christine would say. I learned that there is more than one way to do a "wheelie", I found out how to use my hips in turning (not just for dancing!)and I discovered that I can actually "seperate from my bike" and not need a lawyer to do so (mtb humor). This experience puts a new spin on the concept of "it's just like getting back on a bike". You really do have to work at it if you want to improve your ability to be not only faster on the trail but, more importantly, safer! This will make Beth a very happy person

Both days were hot and we actually lost 3 of our riders half way through the first day. No fault of Christine's, it just didn't work for them. The remaing group stayed together for both days and we had a great time! There was How (yes, real name!), Beth and Wendy (no, not my wife and her sister-Wendy...but 2 friends that are inspirational riders for their age! Wow!), and Merideth (she was there to learn to ride better so she could spend more time with her boyfriend...now that's commitment!). We supported each other, cheered each other on as we put into practice on the trail what we learned in the parking lot.

We all taked about how we would get together and ride and Beth and Wendy discussed with Christine about an Idywild session. For me, I got more than I expected and I am glad I did what I did. I also connected with a veteran of Leadville who already gave me precious tips on what to expect. With 2 months of training to go I honestly feel more confident now to take on the challenge of the Rockies! My plug for BetterRide (go to www.betterride.net) is on my own. If you're reading this blog, whether you are a casual weekend rider, you race on the weekends, or you just want to get into mountain biking...register on the site and look for a camp in your area. I was really impressed and can only hope that the other coaches are as personable, encouraging and capable as Christine was.

...Oh, and that picture of her and the race team she rides for? Go to www.vixenracing.org and see what her team is up to. I wouldn't want to have to race against them. They'd kick my b###!

Still winter in June!

2010-06-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Months ago when I first signed up to do the Leadville 100, I took out my calendar and started to write out a training schedule. Gotta do it, right? Can't go into this ride likes it a "regular" century, what with the altitude, potential weather adversities, the extreme distance (100 miles on a MTB is like 200 mi on a road bike...take away 75% of your oxygen and, well, you get the idea). I listed out the "organzied rides" like the Grand Fondo, the San Diego Century, and such. I also realized I needed to get in some serious altitude training as I got closer to the date. Having a place at Mammoth Mtn has its advantages for just this and so I talked to Beth and we scheduled in a few trips to go up. It's bad enough the 7+ hour drive but to have your husband take 2-5 hours a day riding...well, I DO have the best partner in life and Bethie has been an amazing supporter. (Let's re-address that as we get into the dog days of summer and the training goes up a few notches.

We planned our first venture to the Sierra's for Memorial Day weekend...its supposed to be the "official" start to summer. I decided to bring both my road and mtb bike and I had it in my mind to get as much altitude in as reasonable. There are plenty of roads that venture up the eastern flank of the Sierra's around Mammoth with the elevation ranging from 6800' to over 10,000'. The mountain biking is world class and NORBA has held their national championships here in the past. I was hoping to get some dirt in too to work on techincal aspects of riding as well as altitude acclimation.

This season for skiing was one of the bigger snow seasons and Mammoth was still open. They are planning on skiing through at least July 4th. I once skied here on July 23rd back in 1994, another hellacious el Nino year. I knew that going in but didn't expect to see what I did when I actually got there. It had just snowed 6" two days before we arrived and the air was still chilly in the morning as if it was February. We arrived Saturday early afternoon (too crazy of a sales day the day before to even think of doing a Friday after work departure...no way!) and, after meeting with a realator (sadly, we are selling our condo...any takers?) I took off on a "warm up" ride out the Mammoth Loop. It winds through forests of White Pine and Red Fir, past the Inyo Craters and ends at Hwy 395. I decided to turn left and took the hwy up over Deadman Summit (ele 8,047') to the June Lake Cutoff. I simply turned around (but not before taking in the beautiful snow filled peaks overlooking the area....one of my favorite spots on the eastern sierra) and headed back from which I came. It was a great ride and I felt better than I thought I would being the first day in altitude.

The next morning I got up early, took the dogs (yes, we have a new puppy....blog on that later....oh, so many blogs to catch up on) out for a walk, had breakfast and then got on the bike. Today was to be a longer ride with a goal to go to the top of Upper Rock Creek at Mosquito Flats. The elevation there is just over 10,000'. With all the snow still on the mountains, getting mountain bike riding in was going to be a challenge. So I decided to focus on anerobic and altitude training so it didn't matter what bike I was on as long as I was riding hard. So I took off down valley towards Tom's Place off Hwy 395 to the Upper Rock Creek junction. Beth and I have stopped here a few times for breakfast at this historic spot atop the Sherwin Grade and it was always one of those "marker spots" on the long drive from So Cal to Mammoth. When you got to Tom's Place you knew you were only 20 mintues from the cabin. Unless it was snowing hard...then it was a popular "chain up" spot.

I looked forward to this climb as my friend Susan had ridden this in the past and said it was a good training road. The climb first goes past a burned out portion of forest and then it slowly churns up grades between 7-13%, past a rushing creek of melting snow, to Alpine forests and shimmering lakes still covered in ice! The road starts at just under 7,000' and rises to about 10,200' to the trailhead. The upper valley is called Little Lakes Valley and is a favorite of my family for the hikes we did back when the kids were younger. We came here with our PQ friends- the Poggioli's-and I remember carrying Jenna on my shoulders half the hike. I came here last summer with Jenna (15 years later!) and she and I had the best day hiking, taking pictures, letting Chloe swim in the river. One of the best days I ever had with Jenna!

The road was full of holiday fisherman (and women) and the day couldn't have been more beautiful. Like the day before, I felt great and really felt like the altitude was not affecting me too much. I only hope that is the case come Leadville day. I rode as far as the highway let me which was about a mile shy of the trailhead as the road became covered in snow and became impassable. I still got most the ride in and got to just below 10,000'. The downhill was fun although I admit I am always conservative on descending. Going 40 mph on 1" tires still gives me cause for concern and I don't like the thought of dealing with road rashes. I try to be the first one up a climb but I know I will be one of the last one's down...

The ride back into Mammoth was very inspirational as I had 12,000' peaks covered in snow to move me on. If you haven't been to the Eastern Sierra in the Summer you're missing one of the most beautiful places on the planet. John Muir knows what I am talking about!

The last day of riding wsa a short one as Beth and I needed to leave. I did ride up to the ski resort and then also up to the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Over Memorial Day weekend these lakes are full of fisherman on their boats and along the shore. Not today as the same lakes were filled with ice. The road was closed past Twin Lakes to cars but was accessable by bike. Riding up to Lake Mary with 4-6 foot high snow berms was a trip. When I got to Lake Mary and I saw it still frozen over I thought I was in Siberia. I was amazed at the beauty and the stillness all around. I did come across a nice family who took my picture and I returned the favor. They owned the Crystal Craig Lodges and I vowed to come with Beth one day to stay there as they were the nicest people. They thought I was nuts for riding in the snow.

After the rides Beth and I would go to the Village and have a few beers, food, listen to local bands and laugh at the contrast of the crowd - skiers and snow boarders walking through the village while people hung out in shorts enjoying the sun and others walked by in bathing suits to the pool. After all, it was a day before June and it was still winter in Mammoth Mountain! Maybe Tipper left Al Gore because she realized the global warming thing was all a hype and she finally realized the truth! Whatever it is I am loving it!

So I got what I came for and came home with more... inspiration to keep riding, full of confidence that the altitude hopefully won't be my enemy. I will be back up the week of 4th of July with the family and plan to get some solid riding in along with fun family time in between...remember, Todd- BALANCE!

Today I am back at Sea Level and I am about to partake in a 2 day MTB skills class. I'm going in with an open mind to learn new skills and Beth believes this will give her confidence in me too for my safety in Colorado. More on that tomorrow...

Oh, was I supposed to write something? Sorry...

2010-05-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

Man, that was one heck of a long sleep. Last post was March 25th? And it's now the 14th of May? At least it's still 2010. Hey, if you had the 2 months I've had you'd have ejected on this blog thing back around Opening Day of baseball. I won't get into the personal details but I will say that having 2 - 50 year birthday's followed by an anniversary followed by a new puppy...you get the picture. Good thing is in the time since Post #1 the new bike came to be a reality and since then I've been training like now other. I got a job to do...

I am motivated to start posting again because today is a significant mark in time as I get ready for Leadville. It is exactly 90 days until blast off. So it truly is reality check. My training has been steady at 4-5 days a week but nothing of the intensity that I need to start rising to. Since I got accepted to the L100 in early February I have done only 1 century (the soggy San Diego Gran Fondo... which I will detail in a future blog) and one metric century in Fallbrook a few weeks back. In between all that it's been loops and repeats in and around the trails near my home in PQ. The Lusardi Loop is a 10 mile rolling loop around some nice homes and a great golf course and it has a nice mix of short but steep climbs and some fast rollers. If time allows, I extend 45 minutes and climb to the top of Black Mountain (elv 1554'), that radio-tower topped beacon of Rancho Penasquito.

Last weekend it was time to start getting some elevation in and I did a climb up the Nate Harrison grade to the top of Mt Palomar in North San Diego County. That was nearly 5000' of climbing with a finish at an old fire lookout station. I had a sweeping view all the way to the Pacific Ocean and it truly made the effort worthwhile. The fast ride down the dirt road had two challenges: cars that swing around the corner suddenly and too fast and rattlesnakes that straddle the road. I came around the corner and there he (or she) was stretched out across half the road. As I went by the snake jumped immediately into strike pose. I've come across snakes before on MTB and have literally hopped over them but the size of this one freaked me out. Nonetheless, the kid curiosity got the best of me and I stopped and went back to it to take pictures and taunt it by throwing pebbles at it. I wanted that pose again. Never got it as the snake slithered off the road...safe again for all other riders.

I have so much to catch up on and get current with my posts: First, to finish the PURPOSE of this whole site and why the heck I'm riding in this crazed race. How I raised the money to buy the bike (no, I didn't just charge it to the VISA card...wouldn't be prudent!), how I selected my bike and the help the good folks at Black Mountain Bikes gave me through the process. The whole procedure in choosing to make this ride a fundraising effort for a great cause that was founded by an amazing couple along with the talented efforts of their web designer. How I've already met great and inspiring people that are so supportive of what I am trying to accomplish. Among those people is George Hincapie's brother- Rich, who's company "Hincapie Sportswear" is creating a commemorative jersey for the ride. Great people. Go Team BMC in the Tour of California that starts this Sunday! Huge thanks to Dan Goese for hooking the two of us up.

All of these stories will be told over the next few weeks as I attempt to get current. Goal? Do so before Beth and I drive up to Oregon June 9 to pick up Jenna from her first year of college. I will never have the extra time after then. The training schedule plus my wild and crazy work schedule alone, as the summer approaches, is going to go up several notches. Sticking to time schedules will be the order of the day.

So, tomorrow marks 89 days until THE RIDE, so it is time to finish the Stone Pale Ale, take the puppy (pictures later!) for his bathroom walk and go to bed so I can get in about 4-5 hours in the saddle tomorrow. Its that, then a wedding followed by a wine dinner at Tommy V's Urban Kitchen (check your local listings for the debut of a reality show on the Food Network in early July called "Family Style"...its about the Maggiore family that owns this and many other Sicilian owned restaurants)...you get the picture on why nearly 2 months went by before Post #2. If you know me you know that I've got way too much on the plate. I call it "Cat Juggling". Whatever it is, it is what drives me and what ultimately will drive me to succeed in this ride.

It is with that thought in mind that I sign off as the beer is now gone and the dog needs a walk....

There's more to the Leadville 100 than wanting a new bike!

2010-03-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

This story began long before I watched the documentary, "Race Across the Sky", which chronicled last summers' epic mountain bike race in the Colorado Rockies. Yes, I was more than excited to see Lance Armstorng and Dave Wiens (6 time race winner) duke it out on the trails. I was more than moved by the various touching stories of perseverance and personal tragedy that your average cycling guy and gal endured to train and then accomplish this feat. 100 miles, 15,000 feet of climbing, all in the rarified air between the altitudes of 10,000-12,570 feet! I was absolutely motivated by the persona and slogan of race co-founder-Ken Chlouber, who said "Dig Deep" to anyone who dares to ride this.

Going back to the early 90's, my friend and co-worker, Rick, and I would hit the trails around San Diego County, honing our skills on simple and then progressively more challenging single track trails. "No Dabs!" was our motto as we challenged each other to make it up a technical trail without steping off the bike (falling is more like it). I was usually the guy who would resort to throwing my bike off the trail if I failed (on the fifth try) to negotiate a particularly tough section. Years went on, many rides (some in Mammoth, once in Moab) ridden, memories of great rides together.

Then, as often happens through time, we moved our seperate ways. Rick took a different job, I became a "roadie" (blogger note: for those not in the "know" of this jargon...a roadie is one who rides a bike on paved streets vs. the dirt of the mountains, wears lycra clothes with lots of logo's, cleans his bike all too often, stops at Starbuck's, acts way too cool...you get the picture!) and my GT LTS-1 became somewhat of a relic. Every now and then Rick and I would get together and lament on how we used to ride together and how we should start riding again. Then he remembered the bike I had and just shook his head; "Dude, you need a new bike!", he would say. I agreed but made an excuse that I didn't have the money or I loved road riding or something that kept us from having those times together. It had been almost 10 years since those great days we rode.

Then, once, when in Mammoth Lakes, a few years back with my family, I took that old brushed aluminum frame up to the trail head. The local bike mechanic looked at my old yellow Judy forks and, bent over laughing, he said he hadn't seen anything like that bike in ages. A relic, for sure! Unfeathered, I knew I could ride and I would show the mountain what I could do. That was until the first bump I took on the trail. The now completely-dead Rock Shocks slammed metal on metal with each bumpy impact. I then immediately got a pinch flat. It was so long when I last rode this bike that the tire repair kit was too old and I couldn't repair my flat. Heck, I didn't even have a pump with me. I was never so disorganized on a ride. I was SO OUT OF IT. I had to walk the bike down the mountain about a mile, then hitch a ride back to the base. Embarrased and "dishonored", I approached the mechanic I saw earlier and said my bike was officially dead and I needed to rent a bike. First time for everything. It was a Yeti (nice rentals!) and it had all the latest technology on it- Disc brakes, top of the line suspensions, fine tuned forks...I went from an old BMW 2002 to a new M3 and it rode like nothing I had been on before.

It was then that I knew I wanted to ride trails again and that I needed a new bike. Ah, but the money needed. What was I to do? Kids in college, bills to pay, life in San Diego isn't cheap. Then 2009 and the economy went in the crapper. No way then for a new bike....until the movie "Race Across the Sky" came!

I took my wife, Beth, to the debut of the movie that one solo showing time in mid-October. She has always supported my passion for cycling, although it surely has tested her patience at times. It's not the bike that tests her, its me. I get it now. More on that a different time. But you got to give her big props for going with me to see that movie. For most of the patrons that one night were all cycling geeks. Many came in lycra shorts and jersey's, their cars with bike racks in the lot. Some rode their bikes in the night. All shared cycling stories in the lobby. That's what we do when we congregate. So, my dear wife put up with all of this. (blogger note: No! I wore normal street clothes to this affair...no SDBC kit clothes that night!). The documentary was great, not only in cycling terms, but in human drama. I didn't see it up there with "Food Inc" or "The Cove" at this years Academy Awards, but it sure did deliver for me. All through the movie I pictured myself on those trails, slugging it up the mountain, crashing through the river streams, trying my best to make it under the time limits. Having a chance meeting with Lance, or Dave Wiens, or Tinker Juarez. That would be a great time.

Then I did it...I made up my mind to enter the race. I joked in that kind of "I don't mean it but I really do mean it" sort of a way when I told Beth that I planned to register for the race as an "excuse" to buy a new mountain bike. I felt it was an innocent enough gesture in that the riders for the Leadville 100 are selected by lottery. Thousands enter, only about 1400 get accepted, no rhyme-no reason. Its all chance and I didn't think I had a chance at all. So I figured there's no harm in entering. So I did just that, I entered and then waited for 3 months. I waited until the week of February 8th arrived...the week that the lottery selections were announced. You were to be notified by email if you got in. I will always remember the "moment" as it was while I sat with Beth watching "LOST". I had this nervous habit (more like an annoying habit if you asked Beth) of checking my emails on my crackberry during commercials (or at meals, or at the traffic light or on the lue....you get the picture...it's annoying as heck, I know. Actually, there's no known cure for this illness...I just hope it doesn't get passed down through generations). As I scrolled down my gmail account I saw the words "Congratulations from Leadville 100" as the title to the email. My heart raced and I quickly closed my phone, never actually reading the details in the email. I was afraid Beth would have seen it all and the episode of "LOST" would be ruined as a heavy discussion of "you are riding in WHAT?" ensued.

Later that night, I lay in bed thinking of what the implication of that email meant. Knowing what challenges in hours of training, changing diet habits, taking on new exercises, filling in the unknown questions of what this race will really be like and what it will take to successfully accomplish it....all these thoughts raced into my head. My biggest concern, though, was what will Beth say when I tell her. How can I gain her total support? I was going to need it not just on race day but, more importantly, in all the coming days-weeks-months ahead as I prepared and trained. Any cycling spouse knows that if you're married to a passionate cyclist, that while their heart and soul is dedicated to you (I hope!), their butt is on the saddle of that darn bike probably more than you'd like it to be. I tossed on the thought of how to break it to her for the next hour as I could not get to sleep.

Then this last thought crossed my mind: one of complete satisfaction and one of great but selfish motivation. The reason for entering the race was to have an excuse to get a new mountain bike. Thus enabling me to enter that bliss of grinding up challenging mountain trails and to fly freely though twisty trails dodging rocks, roots, or cactie, of hopping over snakes and splashing through creeks. Taking in vistas and high-fiving my friends as we made it up a technical climb. I was in the freaking LEADVILLE 100 and I now had my excuse to buy that bike. So a smile crept onto my face as I thought about it all and how great it was going to be. Yet, that last thought went quickly back to that unresolved issue....how was I going to break this to Beth? Oh man...complications of life shared. Sleep on it, Todd, you'll figure it out. You're getting that bike was my last image as I fell asleep...