Courage Classic Day 3 and Recap

Now that I am home and can download my cycling computer data, I have some updated totals and notes.


Day 1 - 59 miles and 4607 feet of climbing in 5 hours riding time
I rode most of the day with a broken cleat on my shoes. For the non-riders amongst my readers, some bicycle pedals are 'clipless'. There is a small pedal and you attach your shoe to the pedal for riding (it is often called clipping in/clipping out...a bit of a misnomer with clipless pedals...but I digress). The advantage is that you can pedal a full stroke because you can pull back and up on the pedal as you ride. This is a great help when climbing.

I first realized something was wrong when my left foot came out of the pedal while descending Battle Mountain (a rather disconcerting feeling when traveling in excess of 35 miles per hour downhill). It was not until we stopped for lunch that I actually looked at my shoe and saw part of the cleat was broken. Fortunately, I was still able to attach the cleat (but it was difficult and energy consuming) to the pedal and complete the days ride. More fortunately, one of the local bicycle shops had a merchandise/service tent set up and actually had the cleats that fit my pedals!


Day 2 - 59 miles and 2740 feet of climbing in 3 hours 20 minutes riding time.
Drama free...so nothing to add.

And now the rest of the story...


Day 3 - Monday, July 28. Copper Mountain to Leadville (26 miles and 1943 feet of climbing in 2 hours 15 minutes riding time).

This morning was one of the most difficult mornings of riding. It was not so much the route, but rather the pre-ride jitters that I (and others) felt. It was very difficult to choke down breakfast (I finally gave up... but not before a cinnamon roll!) and it just felt wrong. Part of it was the long difficult climb that was the first order of business (in other words...no warm up!). We start at 9750 feet and would climb to 11,318 feet in 12 miles. Walt, one of the unofficial leaders of our little gang, injured his back and would not be able to ride. It just was not the same without him.

I got a little behind everyone after stopping early with a few others and then dropping my shoe cleat covers (key to keeping the cleats in good shape...though eventually they wear out and break). A bit up the road, a driver in a Lexus SUV decided he/she did not want to share the road with cyclists and demonstrated their feelings by driving at high speed too close to the cyclists (state law requires a 3 foot buffer between cars and bicycles) and honking his/her horn. Fortunately, I was able to flag down one of the Colorado State Patrol Troopers who were supporting the ride and report the driver. The great part (well second greatest part) was that I made the report while still riding and climbing up Freemont Pass. The actual greatest part was speaking with a Trooper at the first rest stop and finding out that they pulled over the driver! Of all the drivers I encountered along the rode, that was the only one that I observed being unsafe.

After stopping at the first rest aid station (5.4 miles and 900 feet of climbing from the start), Roberta and I took off together for the rest of the climb to the summit of Freemont Pass. We both rode at the same pace. It is a great feeling to ride through the mountains of Colorado with a great friend...it helps to take your mind off the pain in your lungs and legs (and feet and butt!). It is just great to share the experience.

We arrived first (for the group) at the top of the pass. We both posed for the required picture at the top of the pass (in case you can't see it all that well, the elevation is 11,318 feet). I am amazed that after climbing 1600 feet in 90 minutes I still had the strength to lift the bike over my head! have to say that the ride started with a very negative feeling (shared by many in the group), but the feeling at the top of the pass was amazingly positive! It is definitely the worst and best of rides!

At the top, we were joined by Walt and Kathy (and Yvonne and Marjorie). Last year, we gathered at the summit and had a brief ceremony to honor the memory of Jen (Walt and Kathy's daughter, Caitlin's sister) who passed away in 2006. This year, we gathered again to celebrate the ride and honor Jen. Lee, a friend of mine from Newcastle, introduced us to the tradition of the quaich when we climbed Ben Nevis in May (Walt, Kathy and Roberta were there as well...along with my friend Peter). Walt poured some Talisker in the quaich and we passed it around twice, each person taking a small sip. There was a drop left, so I looked at Walt, said "This is for Jen" and tossed the last bit of fine single malt into the air for her to share with us.

It was time to depart, so Roberta and I started our descent. In the next 3.5 miles, we descended almost 1000 feet! While I did not achieve the same speed (48 miles per hour) as last year, it was a great descent. After a short hill ascent to get to Leadville, Roberta and I stopped so that we could get the group back together and cross the finish line as one. Walt and Yvonne joined us for this last part of the ride. I know it was not easy for either one from a physical standpoint, but it was a must do from an emotional standpoint.

It took a little bit of route finding, but I was able to lead the group to the finish line...well almost. We were all riding to honor Jen, so it was appropriate that Caitlin and Walt led us across the finish line.

Then it was time for lunch, cake (for Caitlin and Roberta's first Courage Classic and Walt and Roberta's birthdays), a change of clothes and heading for home!


Recap
144 miles, 9290 feet of climbing in 10 hours 35 minutes of riding time

It was a great tour. I definitely improved on my performance from last year and much of the credit is due to my training partner, Roberta, and the rides we did together. None of the climbs were easy, quite the opposite, but I did them in better time and with fewer stops (in the most cases, no stops). I am definitely looking to next year and improving my climbing endurance.

It is also a wonderful feeling to ride with your friends and talk with absolute strangers. The friendship and energy of the Courage Classic is just amazing.

If you have a few spare dollars (euros, pounds) and would like to contribute to a great cause, you can donate at http://www.couragetours.com/2008/danielwfink. Whether it is $5 or $50 (or more) it is greatly appreciated!

Courage Classic Day 1 and 2

*I was beat last night (especially with the after dinner drinks with Walt, Phil and Pat) and went to bed early so I'm filing a double report.

Day 1 - Saturday, July 26. Leadville to Copper Mountain (59 miles, 3800 feet of elevation gain, 5 hours of riding time).
This is the toughest day on the ride. We started out in Leadville (the highest incorporated town in the US at 10,040 feet) in the morning cold (about 45 degrees fahrenheit). Of course, it was not a smooth beginning when I realized that I had left my socks at the condo in Copper Mountain...at least 30 minutes drive away. Fortunately, the local grocery store had some socks that would work, so I know own another 6 pairs of white sports socks. But I had socks! Last year, I forgot to pack my sports supplements...which caused a lot of problems late in the day.

About 4 miles of the route were under construction, so we essentially were riding on packed dirt. Wet, packed dirt. My front tire slipped several times, but not enough to fall. It was a tough section for Roberta, but her ability to navigate it successfully did a lot to boost her confidence on the bike. The next challenge was a 4 mile/400 foot climb of Tennessee Pass, a great way to warm up.

After a quick stop at the aid station (water, food), we headed down the other side of Tennessee Pass (10 miles, 2000 feet of elevation loss). This is a great descent, good road, long straights and only a few turns. Just after starting down, we passed Kathy, a friend who was volunteering). So I stopped as soon as it was safe (about 200 feet down), rode back up, gave her a quick hug (she was supposed to ride but was injured while cycling to work a few weeks back), then started back down the pass. Roberta had gone on ahead, so I rode as fast as I could safely to catch up with her. It is a great feeling to be actually pedaling while going almost 40 miles per hour down hill! I caught up with Roberta (who was also making good time) just before the Camp Hale aid station.

The next climb was Battle Mountain. This is a 3 mile/1000 foot climb (at 10,000 feet) and nearly did me in last year. The nice thing about riding with a friend is that you work together to keep pushing. I kept looking back at Roberta and telling myself that I was not going to stop until she did...and she never did. After a few turns, we finally saw the welcome sign...a yellow traffic sign indicating that a steep descent was ahead!

As we started down the other side of Battle Mountain, we had a sobering experience. A few miles from the summit (just enough to get up some speed), we encountered a police officer telling us to slow down as there was an accident ahead. Unfortunately, it was a fellow cyclist who was being attended to by the medical staff. We had to stop and walk our bikes around the ambulance and continue on our way (after taking a moment to compose ourselves).

Shortly after leaving the accident scene, I came upon a slower rider, checked my mirror to see if anyone was behind me (I could only see Roberta), and called out "On Your Left" to let them know that I was going to be passing them (something very important when you are descending). I had just moved out to pass the rider when another rider went past me, almost hitting me. He came upon unannounced and in a blind spot of my mirror. This kind of thing is annoying on a 10 mile per hour bike path, but on a 35 mile per hour descent in the mountains it is dangerous not to tell the rider you are approaching and to not give them enough room. Next time you are riding and approach a slower rider, say "On Your Left" (in the appropriate language of course), ring a bell, do something to let them know you will be passing. And give them plenty of room in case they are still startled by your approach. The life you save may be your own!

After a lunch stop in Vail, where we caught up with Walt, Caitlin, Dr. Jody and the assorted characters in our little riding team, we headed up towards Vail Pass. The 45 degree morning had given way to a 90 degree (at least it felt that hot) slog. Riding on roads, we gained about 500 feet over 6 miles...a miserable 6 miles. At one point, I became overheated and stopped in the shade and breeze to cool down. I seriously considered catching a ride up the pass as I do not tolerate the heat well. I could see the next aid station (it looked to be about 42 miles directly above), so I dumped the last of my water over my head and continued on. I spent a few minutes at the aid station cooling down and decided that the gain in elevation would help cool me down (which it did...but at what cost????)

I got back on the bike and started up Vail Pass. This is one of the tougher passes for cycling. You gain almost 2400 feet in less than 8 miles, going from 8300 feet to 10,700 feet. It is also almost a constant uphill (the only downhill is a twisty narrow section...immediately before an amazingly steep section). Slow and steady was the rule of the day (I probably averaged about 5 miles per hour) and I did have to walk the bike in two spots (steep and narrow sections where it is just safer to walk it when you have that many people on the path).

Once at the top, it is a fast 4 miles down to Copper Mountain. And I mean fast! Even in the rain, I made it down the 4 miles in about 10 minutes. I have ridden this path many times and am familiar with it's twists and turns. It is a lot of fun on a dry day...a little nerve wracking on a rainy day.

After rolling across the finish line and collecting handshakes and hugs from friends, it was back to the condo, into the hot tub, a quick shower and dinner (and a couple of Fat Tire Ales with the above mentioned gang).

Day 2 - Sunday, July 27 Copper Mountain/Summit County Out and Back (60 miles, 1700 feet elevation and 4 hours of riding time).

After a leisurely breakfast and team photo, we headed out on a day of undecided duration. The usual routes were changed because of a road closure, so we had options of 35 - 100 miles. We ultimately decided on the 56 mile route out to Blue River. This is a way I have not been before, so it was a great time to check it out (with 2000 of my closest cycling buddies).

As we rode along the highway, we encountered a bit of a head wind. I drafted behind the group for a bit, then decided I needed to stretch my legs, so I passed the group (saying "On Your Left" of course!) and tucked in behind Walt, who was a bit ahead of the rest. After a mile, I passed him to take the lead and let him rest (I am a great person to draft behind). For the next 4 miles...that is how it stayed...me in front, Walt taking it easy behind me (I teased him a little bit about it later). After passing some traffic and a couple of small descents, I lost Walt. We had also lost the headwind, so it was not too bad for him.

After a short rest break, I headed back. I thought I saw the group just behind me...but it turned out to be other members of our team (we are all wearing the same jersey today). The 12 miles back to town were really pretty easy once I got into a good rhythm. Most of the gang caught up with me at the rest station (except Roberta and Phil who decided 60 miles was not enough, so they rode a bit farther from the turnaround point). They caught up with me just in time for me to head out (except for Kate, who arrived a minute or so after me). So Kate and I headed back towards Copper. She passed me at the switchbacks up to the Dillon Dam (young and in shape will drop an old man like me any day!). We caught back up at the end of the Dam (about 1 mile) and rode together to Frisco, where I stopped (I started to get really hungry and had 7 miles/500 feet to go) to get something to eat.

I pulled across the finish line a little after 2pm, just behind Kate and well ahead of the rest of our little group. After waiting for Roberta, who arrived about 3pm, I went back to the condo and hit the hot tub, shower and drinks with Phil and Walt.

Another great day of riding.

Tomorrow is the final day. We start with an ascent of Fremont Pass (12 miles/1600 feet) and top out at 11,318 feet, our high point for the tour. After a quick descent (I hit almost 50 miles per hour last year), we arrive back at Leadville for a well deserved picnic!

I'll report in on the Monday ride...from the warm and welcome confines of my home!

Courage Classic Day 0

After a lot of training, anticipation and fair amount of anxiety, The Courage Classic is upon us. Today has been hectic, but productive. After taking care of some emails and business, it was time to load up Aggie for her vacation at the Flying Piglet Ranch (she gets to pool, graze and fence fight so she loves it!). Upon my return home, I took care of a few more emails and then loaded up the car, so I could pick up Roberta (training partner and fellow rider) and Amanda (our volunteer driver) and headed up to the mountains. A little traffic, a little rain, some great conversation.

It started to rain when we arrived at Copper Mountain, on which I shall blame my inability to find our check in location (2 u-turns) and condo (1 u-turn). The condo is nice (a little rough hewn, but fitting with the location), unfortunately it is on the 3rd floor...and no elevator! Oh well, good last minute training. The location is good, close to the center village, but far enough away to be quiet.

We registered (I turned in an additional $500 in checks) and picked up our gear. We decided to get some food...fortunately, I picked the restaurant where Walt and Phil were just finishing a beer or two...and ignoring their phone. They were heading back to the condo to drop off some items and wait for the rest of the crowd (most of whom rode last year). About 30 minutes later, the rest of the crowd walked past the restaurant, so I dashed out (nice cloth napkin in hand) to let them know we had arrived and were waiting for their wonderful company. They headed back to the condo to drop off their gear.

We had just finished our dinner when the whole gang (all 9 of them) arrived. It was really nice to chat with the friends from last year (lots of people know the Weavers). Unfortunately, it was also time to get back to the condo to get ready for the ride (I will not repeat my mistake from last year).

Check some email, prepare my sports drink bottles and supplements, write this blog...

Tomorrow will be a tough day. 58 miles and about 4,000 feet of elevation gain (including almost 3000 in the last 1/3 of the ride). Battle Mountain will be the steepest (1,000 feet in under 4 miles), but Vail Pass (2800 in 16 miles) is tough because it comes at the end of the day. Fortunately, the descent to Copper Mountain is fast, but it is also difficult because you have to be totally focused on your descent. It is narrow, twisty, often crowded. I have seen a lot of close calls on this section of the trail and it will take my full attention to make it down safely.

Time to get the last few items ready for tomorrow. Please keep all the riders, volunteers, staff, and families in your thoughts.

More tomorrow!