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At the top - Monte!
Stretching the legs
The big rides are important. Monte........is a pretty good ride, but only part of the way. I love Monte Cristo. It takes me back (see the previous post for another reference). I've referred to Monte (as it is known locally) as a brutally honest friend. There are no lies here - only the truth. Some highway construction this year has resulted in a few challenges and near disasters - but its all worth the effort. Monday was sketchy weather wise, but I took the chance. Thinking I might try going over to Woodruff (the big ride), I had to turn around at the top when weather started to look questionable. At the top, you're just over 9,000 foot elevation - and exposed. I've been caught up there before and it can get dangerous. Rain, lightning, wet roads, cold - it can be a problem at any time. Monday was the right ride for the right day. 86 miles with around 5,400 foot of climbing.
Woodruff - The Other Side....
SR39 - Woodruff, heading back home..........
I love Woodruff! It makes me hurt like nothing else can. I know....that is a little sick, but I can't explain the attraction. From Huntsville alone it is 50 miles one-way, with Monte in between. Straight from my house it's nearly 64 miles one-way - and a lot of pain. The climb back is always met with a nasty headwind. Wednesday I had setout to push all the way over without stopping - with success. I also committed to pushing back to the top, again without stopping. The mind games can really get you going at times. Into the canyon, the wind was right into my face. Up to the dugway, I was gassed, but still determined. The last hard climb to get past Curtis Creek Road was nothing short of daunting. The overall speed was less than impressive, but I made it - if only to prove that point again. What pain?
A little water
The camp ground at the top usually has water. Last year the system failed and they haven't had running water since that time. I resorted to dragging a couple cases of water up to the camp host's trailer for others that may stumble in - besides myself. It was cool up top - like 65°. Very quiet. Rather nice. Trying not to take more time than necessary, I was quickly back out on the road and heading for home.
The road home - from the top.
Off the top, you still have to ride over "the shoulders" of Monte, before you hit the long down-hill at MP44 (tune in next week for that post). Tops speeds in the mid 40-MPH range, bugs can leave a mark on your face. Zip-up the jersey and keep the mouth closed. The helmet down to the top of the sunglasses. The miles fly by - until the construction zone. UDOT is chip-sealing the road again. I picked up general traffic at a pilot-zone and followed an empty dump down a couple miles. With a brief stop along the way, I heard a buzzing noise - as if something were dragging on my bike. Not wanting to get left behind traffic, I pedaled harder, knowing something was causing considerable drag. Finally, at the end of the pilot zone, I pulled off to find a rock wedged between the top of my tire and rear brake. Needless to say, it wore a serious flat spot on my tire - to the point of near disaster. I would have been "hosed" - without cell service and another 12 miles before I could get any. Like I've always said, better lucky than good.
Again, the right ride for the right day.
Important Huntsman Update
I spoke with my very good friend (the event director at Huntsman) yesterday. She confirmed donations are down across the board. It is often seen as a barometer of the overall economy and social stability. I'm told a few key significant supporters have not been able to come through this year. As such, I have been doing my part by contacting everyone and anyone that I can think of. This is a big effort, made easier by the hands of many. Please....please, find it in your heart to help someone. If not Huntsman, than someone else. We all can give a little, which will be a lot in the end. It is within us all to do good. We are built for this............
Ride HARD!
