More support & doners
The last look at Monte Cristo Camp Ground and Guard Station for the season.
Two more from the yea-whos
Former Support crew returns
Yep, the little doo-dah heads, Dorothy, "G." and the Dino (and of course their parents) piled in for another year with the Porpoise. This cadre of knuckle-heads has headed-up support for many a LOTOJA experience - going back a long time. Three years ago, they ponied-up to support my buddy in time of need. And support they did. They helped him on to the podium that year. They know the drill as well as anyone and are a tremendous support - all the way around! They also know too well about the Big-C and all that garbage. It's good to know they are still involved - but then again, why wouldn't they be? Thanks you guys!
New, but also old
The others that jumped in are the smaller, but every bit as loyal bunch from the south side of town. Never one to say a lot, action is always his motive. The littlest one of that pack is quite the inquisitive little guy. I can see him being a future rider - someday. Although not an interest as far as riding, the "old man" knows a thing or two about endurance and training. His better half, well she is making a career of the subject. Maybe between the two of them they can figure out how to help me get across the line a little faster one of these years. I've certainly tried a lot of variations. Until then, it is a pleasant surprise to see them pile in with the Porpoise. Believe me when I say, they gave when it kind of hurt. And for that, I think I can try a little harder Saturday when I think it hurts. You guys are great! Thanks!
Final Details
Packet pickup is tomorrow. This is the part where the butterflies creep in. It gets very real, as you see the other racers and event staff. They are all a bunch of great people, but you get the sense of the inevitable. Work schedules this week are making it hard to ride much, if at all. Waiting for some new shifting cables, R&R Gold chain-lude and still need to buy a new chain (maybe a new R3 or two). I need about four hours to dial the bike in and then need a solid 34 mile tempo ride to check it out. Thus far, weather conditions look pretty good, but that can also change by race day. I do think things will somehow come together, but I need the customary mountain bike ride one evening to put my mind at ease. All together, it's just a matter of going through the motions at this point. Everything will fall into place - eventually.
Ode to MP 44
SR39, MP 44 In-Bound - heading for home!
The Bitter and the Sweet
I love riding Monte. You can go back and read posts from years gone by and see the same thing over and over. I often refer to Monte as an old friend. Brutally honest and always there waiting. The climb out of Huntsville is burned into my memory; Turn up at MP19, lose cell service at about MP25, a steep stretch in the big ring just before the "blue roof", a quick banana on that little level area, maybe a gu between the Slate Spring and Ant Flat Road, drop into the small ring at about MP 36, grind up through MP37 at the gate, past Big Horn, around the bend to Marriotts and MP 40, Dry-Bread at MP 42, Little Monte at MP 43 and finally on to the shoulders at MP 44 - out bound. The camp ground sits closer to MP 48 than 47, but is not quite the highest point. You cross three county lines in the process. Heading toward Woodruff, MP49 at Curtis Creek Road is pretty much the point of now return. In a matter of about twelve minutes, you have bunny-hoped the first cattle-gate at about 44 MPH and managed to pass the lower snow gate between MP 55 & 56. MP 60 is the next cattle gate at Burch Creek and then it is a mild push into town. The stop at the store is always pleasant, as these people are simply the nicest folks you can imagine. The ride back to the top starts fairly easy, usually not too bad before the snow gate. Always a head wind, it's only a matter of how hot it may get. In the canyon mid-day, there is no relief from the sun. At MP 53, you are now coming onto the dugway. Past MP 52 just before the dog-leg, MP 51 at the guardrail curve and finally on to MP 50 for a climb that just doesn't give a crap about your sore legs. At MP 49, Curtis Creek Road appears to be a friendly site, but it is still a mile before the climbing is mostly over. At MP 48 inbound, you quickly see the camp ground and the haven that is an oasis. A quick water pickup on at the camp ground, its now over the rolling shoulders, knowing that there is an hour long down hill ahead - but it just seems a little further yet. Finally, just past the last county line, you see it; the beginning of what will be the down hill stretch to home. Off to the left hand side is MP 44 inbound, the flag that tells you that you have earned it once again. As you fly past the last sentinel, the jersey zipper is fully up, sliding into the drop-bars and shifting into the fasted gear you can find - its time to bring it on home. That last descent of the year is always hard to put into the books. You are glad its behind you, but you can't let go. It is the curse and the blessing of what is Monte Cristo. Perhaps not as much of a secret as it used to be, but still an loyal and brutally honest friend - that I will long for during the coldest winter months to come.
A couple more days and posts - then we'll have this one in the books.......
Bring it on home
I owe this one to myself. Headphones on - and play it loud!
Ride HARD!
