Riding into the Twilight

 

Using that extra hour

Ending daylight savings means two things; having an extra hour of sleep and earlier darkness.  So, I used my extra hour of "sleep" to get out early and ride into the light.  Darn cold, like 27°, so I dressed for the occasion - headlight and all. That image above makes it look much lighter than it really was.  That little dot is the moon dropping behind the Black Mountain and to the north of Willard Peak. 

The snow from last week is still around in a few places.  This image above is from Tuesday night.  This is the north descent, right off the top heading for the tight switchbacks. Spots of ice are a problem with these types of conditions and can easily catch you off guard. Kind of weird that you ride from ice to dust within only a few feet, but that's what it's been like this year. It has been very good riding despite the unusual conditions. 

Early morning shopping...

I take a lot of picts during my rides, more so in the offseason than during the busy time. A morning like today was unique, as the morning light is totally different than that of dusk. I regularly send picts to buddies "spanning the globe", as kind of a "whish you were here" type thing.  Maybe, it's more like, "don't you wish you were here?" type thing. Either way, I regularly share for various reasons, some more annoying than others. This morning was really a trip to find the picture of an appropriate sunrise, for one of the gang. Using my phone makes things easy, but it also has limitations.  So...riding along, looking for "that shot" became a bit consuming this morning, but at exactly the right time, things came together. That pic is a gift, and is a "one-off" thing.  Otherwise, it wouldn't be unique. It won't be posted, or let out anywhere else. As I've looked through all the pictures this past season, I often stop to think of each occasion. There are well over 140 pictures from this season alone, many have made it to a post.  Most will never go anywhere. The one from this morning will go one place and then be deleted. Some memories are better kept in ones mind than in print.  We tend to remember them they way we really want to remember them in the end.

Time alone

Heading out in the twilight with thermal gloves, fishing jacket and headlamp is not many people's idea of fun. To me, it's about being alone. For most of my life, I've found the time out in the field, either alone, or with my dog, the absolute best. Sure, I miss riding a ski lift with my friends, or sharing a road, or trail with buddies, but the times alone and away from others is priceless. I haven't had a dog for better than 20 years.  My last dog was a Yellow Lab.  A good nose and even temperament. The miles and hours with her were many. Back then, mountain bikes were nothing like today.  I took her on a couple rides with me, something I wouldn't do these days.  Riding the bike allows me to put a lot of distance down in a short period of time. Unless I intentionally stop and look around, I miss a lot of the view - which was never a problem with my dog. One of the last ventures I took with my lab was not a hunting trip, but rather an impromptu walk. One morning I needed to just get away, so I took the dog and my coyote rifle and headed up the backside to Ben Lomond peak. I think it was the middle of the week, but back then it didn't much matter as there was seldom anyone else up that way. On the way back down, I stopped at "the saddle" and sat in the tall grass; listening to the breeze while looking across the vast expanse of the Wasatch. I must have sat there for over an hour with not another person around. I don't think I ever chambered a round in the rifle that day, but rather used my long range scope to look at things a long ways away. I never needed an excuse to take that gun out for a long walk. Now days, I simply ride a bike and carry my cell phone. It still serves the same purpose. It's not what most people would consider fun. It's a good fit for me...

We'll see what this week brings, but local rides have to start before 4:00, or risk getting caught in the dark.  They should be closing the park tomorrow, making it more limited for most riders. Clients are starting to request projects and work, put-off earlier due to Covid - meaning less chance of getting home early enough for evening rides. Once the real snow hits, I'll be riding the Shoreline Trail on the other side of the mountain. That may be the case even before snow flies, as there is easily an extra 90 minutes of daylight down there, versus up here.

We'll see how this week pans-out.....

"Life is like a storybook story" but it's real... click here

Ride HARD!

The changing season(s)

 Good riding

The backside of Powder Mountain at dusk

From the top of Mules Ear Overlook, the evening shadows are moving up earlier by the day.  Some days have been warmer than others, but generally pretty cold once in the shadows of the evening.  Still, it has been good riding this fall.  There are a few die-hards I see, along with obvious tire tracks from earlier in the day, but most people are well gone before my ride. To say it is peaceful is a mild understatement. Most evenings I just like to get to the overlook and hang around for a while.  It's kind of what drives the decision to ride on most evenings. Getting down the single track in low light is a little sketchy, but manageable.  Another week of this schedule and we'll be off of Daylight Savings - and most local evening rides will be out of the question.

Up North

Heading out early does provide sufficient time for a jog up past Bicentennial trail. This is the old horse race trail from way back in the day when such a thing, was...... a thing.  Parts of this trail are very technical, as in full of roots and cuts. Not a lot of traffic over there, making it a very nice ride for the solace. This particular day I ran across a ton of Ruffed Grouse.  Not just one or two here and there, but huge coveys in several places.  I suppose that is an indication that is nobody out this way.  If you don't know where you're going, it can be a little spooky.  It's really no place to be by yourself anyway.  No cell service and a long walk out. You don't want to wreck out here.

I did manage to find a new trail just cut this past month, or so.  This rough-cut timber across the creek is kind of sketchy.  That drop into the drink is about seven feet. I'd guess the distance across to be just short of fifteen feet. No transition, and maybe a foot wide, you can only walk across with your front wheel on the timber. The connector on the east side is very steep and narrow.  Again, no place to venture without another person.  It does provide a nice view over Cutler from the top, but is not an easy climb for the average rider.  Too narrow and too much exposure to bomb it safely.

Snow again, but very cold....

Today was supposed to be a good afternoon ride opportunity.  A dusting of snow last night really didn't do much, but the daytime high temperature was only 29°F. I had considered going out, as the cold doesn't bother me - if I'm prepared.  Knowing that some of the areas would likely be glazed over with ice was the deciding factor.  This type of riding makes for very slow and overly cautious descents.  At that, it kind of takes the fun out of a ride.  The forecast is calling for warmer temps this week, but we'll have to see what is in store.  They will be closing the gates in about a week, then we'll have the park all to ourselves - until the real snow hits.  Any rides after about 4 o'clock will be too late to get back before dark.  Kind of funny how fast the light is lost this time of year.  Still my favorite time of year and I love being in the out of doors during this season.

2021 Season

I've received an official notice from Leadville.  They are still honoring the voluntary deferment.  As a matter of fact, they are offering def's into 2022 and 2023. I think next year will be the one for me, but this will take a ton of planning and commitment. I've always wanted to do it, but it will be a huge effort on my part to be ready.  I have a lot to sort through before committing either way, but if not 2021, it simply will never happen. This could get serious very quickly.  Who's up for a challenge?  More about this later....

Ah yes... The Budokan! "We're all alright!"

Ride HARD!

A little reflection

 Bridging.....

There are times when you have to simply do something, anything, to stay on course.  The problem is, that course isn't always clear. That is what typically becomes of "the off-season".  Ah yes, that "off-season" thing again.  Truth is, we all have our off-seasons, just in unique variations.  When I was in high school and college, that period was typically between sports, or other recreational activities. During these times, we'd always have something to occupy our days - mostly focusing on something over that horizon, which was the "purpose".  As time rolled along, those "things" ceased to exist. Without something to drive toward, many would simply loose their way and drift into.....some other crap that just wasn't part of the plan. Still, doing something just for the sake of "doing it" can be kind of senseless, or at least appear to be so.  At some point I know I lost track of what was really important to me, or so it seems now.  The things we have to learn the hard way...

A true giant of a man....

I recently ran across a picture from June 1979 - yes, in the previous century. I was at national football camp, with kids from all over the country.  I could write volumes about that experience, but this picture was something.  I distinctly remember the day it was taken. As camp participants, we had our individual pictures taken with Randy Gradishar, Haven Moses, Phil Olsen and Jack Youngblood. At the time, none of knew the story behind Youngblood's experience the night before in the Cactus Club. Later that morning, just before session drills and practice, he addresses the entire group of about 300 "campers".  I remember thinking to myself, the wind wouldn't dare blow while that man was talking. It wasn't that he was this massive piece of humanity, rather he simply commanded.....whatever it is that he commands. It was a couple nights later I found out from our dorm floor adviser, who had picked-up Youngblood from the airport when he came into town, what had happened that night at the Cactus Club (nobody else had ever heard this story before). A few years later, when Youngblood retired, I read an article that mentioned that very event. Regardless of what you may read online, it happened in '79, and I was in the presence of that "god" the very next morning. Back to that picture; Olsen was staring intently at me, this screwy kid that thought "I was really something".  But there I was in the company of these four legends. That week I played with some truly talented guys, busted my nose again and learned a lot. Helluva good time. The kid in that picture was still in touch with reality and had a view of the future.  I had to stop and think what all had happened since that time, and why I may have otherwise lost my way. For the next several years, I trained myself, with absolutely no help from anyone else. Night after night, week after month ongoing, I would walk over to the high school football field, do my thing and return home - alone. Maybe it was because I didn't know any better. Perhaps I didn't have anything better to do with my time. One thing is for sure; it was a physical manifestation of who I was. Man, what that stupid kid just didn't know.

Everything to lose, a lot more to gain...

There is a kid from those days that was a great wrestler, baseball player and incredible artist that I've caught up with recently. Without describing the specifics, I can tell you he can't do anything like that anymore.  His body is a broken vessel of what it used to be. I lost track of him sometime in college, after he traded one of his detailed pencil drawing prints, in exchange for working on his snow skis.  I still have the print and had it matted and framed many years ago. As life happens, we went our separate ways - until ten months ago. Through this experience I have been left focusing on what we both were forty years ago.  His situation has nothing to do with any of his life's choice, it is simply the crappy luck of life's draw. With everything else that has been happening this past year, I've had to stop and look at things with a different perspective. Without a deadline like a race, or other pressing events, I could easily sit back and let life take over. I'm not willing to let that happen, but then again.... we've covered that "willingness" thing before, haven't we? I ride because I still can, and more so, it is a physical extension of who I am. That age thing is for someone else.

The riding this week was good.  Scratch that, it was great!  Five times up on the "Mule". Two nights ago, so cold I couldn't feel my face at the top - with sweat pouring out of my helmet.  I couldn't feel my fingers all the way home. It was GREAT!. The next night, I ran into a familiar face. Made me remember what life was really like back in those days. Tonight, I had planned to put in a few hours, but making some adjustments to the bike, limited my time to climbing "the Mule" again. The bike is running well.  The tires are fantastic. They do have a funny characteristic in the front in a specific condition - but great! I've noticed one place up top where I "washed-out" back in July, has become spot where several people have crashed.  There is a big hole in the brush where a lot of riders have completely missed the turn.  At least I stayed on the single track when I bought it.  Tonight was totally empty of anyone else on the mountain. The pic above is where I both catch the single track (behind me in this image), and where I get off.  One big loop.  From here, I'm less than five minutes from my garage. It is here where I can check my daily cares at the trailhead going up.  If I ride fast enough going home, they won't catch me until after I'm in the garage. Beat that...

Click here for "Clear as the Driven Snow" the Bros

Ride HARD! (while you can)

Already going south.......

Planning - a bit over rated?

As things typically tend to do, schedules and commitments pretty much got in the way all week.  A pretty good rain storm last night knocked down all the dust on the trails, with a few pools still around this afternoon.  Even at that, I still only had time to get out for a very short ride before heading back home.  The leaves are mostly gone, with no shade in the usual places.  A ton of leaves covering several stretches.  With temps into the low 30's, maybe upper 20's tonight, there will be some areas that will have frozen surfaces the rest of the season.  Those can be sketchy (refer to the Ben Lomond ride a few years ago).

This afternoon's short ride seemed very "forced".  Dealing with a ton of issues on pretty much every front at the moment, really makes it had to clear my mind.  Hopefully things will be a little better tomorrow.  That link from Rapha on the previous post pretty much tells it like it is; it is my time alone.  I don't ride with others often, in fact seldom do I do so.  This time of year is different from the summer.  When possible, I prefer to take the longer, more remote rides and spend time alone in the "fresh air".  Some of this can be a little dangerous, as there may be no cell service and may not see anyone else for hours. There are times when you just have to "check-out" for a while.  I'll have to see what I can do to get to that point tomorrow afternoon.

This is how it usually starts......

A missed ride, skipping a few indoor sessions, no personal discipline.....this is where the offseason can go wrong quickly.  There isn't supposed to be an off season this year, but I think that gets said nearly every year.  Truth is, I'd better get a few goals in place soon, or forget about Leadville, or anything else concerning next season for that matter.  I'm already feeling the effects of limited hours, as the simplest climbs seem to arrive at a higher cost.

Perhaps a good half day ride over to Porcupine, or a trip to the top of Ben Lomond will set things straight.  It is getting kind of late, at there was snow at about 7.500 feet this morning.  Definitely not going over the top this late in the year, but maybe something a little different.  Stick around........

The last track from that '79 release - Click here for Triumph

Ride HARD!

Just riding...just because

 Getting away

Now that the season has transitioned to only dirt rides, things have a different "flavor".  I still ride a lot of the same training trails, but not nearly as hard. I actually take time to enjoy the trail, and maybe talk to a few people along the way.

Riding has always given me the space and clarity to think things over in my mind.  Occasionally I'll sort through some technical problems - not really doing the "finite element" stuff, but figuring out how to setup a problem, applying the science and math later. It' amazing how clear things can be when on the bike for a while.  

There was a time when road riding could do this, and it generally still does - to some level.  Riding the dirt just takes it all away.  No traffic and occasionally other riders and hikers.  Taking time to stop and look around really sets it all straight.  The fact that this is all in my backyard just makes it that much more...…awesome.  

I've been taking the time to ride up north into the Bicentennial trail area after climbing the Mule.  This is the oldest single track in North Fork, aside from the old forest service trails up to Ben Lomond.  The name comes from the era of which the first trail was cut - 1976; The Bicentennial. Parts of the trail still don't get a ton of traffic, but enough to keep the over-growth in check. The days are getting much shorter and the time more limited. It won't be long and I'll be riding on the other side of the mountain for a while.  For now, I'll keep soaking it up, one ride at a time.  Oh, and right out of my garage at that....it sucks to be me sometimes.

Something from Rapha that explains we curious cyclists....

Ride HARD!

Dirt Only

 Transition

Definitely the best time of year.

With the road season officially over (like it really ever started), everything now is dirt.  There is a lot competing for time at the moment, and there is no sign of that changing anytime soon.  With the sparse time riding, it's time to make some adjustments and begin working toward next spring.  Starting with pedals, it seemed like a good idea to go back to my SPDs.  Riding the same trail I've been doing all year, it should have been just a little adjustment, considering I rode with SPDs for twenty years before switching.  Lets just say it was not at all enjoyable - rather frustrating.  Perhaps I need to try Mallets with some cleat shims.  I also swapped out the XR3 tires with a set of Conti "Der Kaiser Projekt 2.4".  Comparing these to the Bontrager XR3 2.4, they are more like a 2.5+, and very grippy.  One of the tech reviews said "...they hookup like a college kid on Tinder".  Boy, was that spot on.  The larger profile does handle the rocks and roots very well, but the stability on the way down was noticeable - very comfortable. Getting them on the wheels was a challenge, but the beads popped right in to place at only 40 PSI.  Running them at 23 PSI, felt more like about 18 PSI, as they are supple.  We'll see how well the sidewalls hold up with the rocks and roots.

Therapy

The plan last night was to get home early enough for a tire swap, brake service and fast trail ride.  Another intentional "accident" had me stuck on a mountain side with a rescue for more than two hours.  Getting out of there, I had to drive all the way around to Ogden canyon, as I was parked below the "incident" and couldn't get past them.  Rather than wait, I just wanted to get out of there, but it was far too late for any riding. Just being around that crap is draining - mentally depleting.  Getting out tonight was well needed therapy.  About half way through the top switch backs, one of the high school teams rolled up from behind.  Spread out for a solid ten minutes, it really threw a wrench into the works.  Then some jack-wagon had his dog up there, and it followed the school kids to the top.  When I came around, it followed me up to the overlook, and then all the way back to Cutler.  That stupid mutt was getting under my wheels in some of the faster sweeping turns, making it hard to get away from him.  So much for therapy tonight.  Two nights ago it was another high school team that plugged up the trails.  All that aside, it still beats dealing with most other stuff on a daily basis.

Seasons

This year is perhaps three weeks early on the fall colors.  The trails are already seeing a ton of leaf cover, as the season seems to have peaked.  The rain we had last Saturday was swallowed up by the very dry conditions.  The trail was dusty Sunday night, to the point you'd never know it had rained hard only twenty-four hours earlier.  There have been a lot of late season riders this year.  Only two years ago, you could go out anytime after Labor Day and never see anyone on the trails.  It is busier now in the evenings than it has been all year.  A lot of trail hikers this year, simply enjoying the colors, while more and more down-hill riders hitting it hard.  Autumn still is my favorite time of year - always has been.  Getting to do this right out of my garage is something I hope to never take for granted.  

Somebody has to do it.......may as well be me.  You'd better get onto it before the season gets any later.

Maybe a bit quirky, but she nails it! Click here for something.....different

Ride HARD!

Lets try this again - The Summary

 The campaign

Donations rolled in late Friday and Early Saturday putting us at the goal.  Talking to my contact at Huntsman, donations and participation was down across the board.  Something like only 51 final participants, of which I only saw a few Huntsman jerseys all day long.  Pretty much all other fundraising efforts for Huntsman were scrapped this year.  Turns out, LOTOJA was it for the fundraising campaign.  Within LOTOJA, there were a lot of people that either had to drop out, or couldn't travel to Utah for the race.  I know there were my own personal doubts, but somehow......

New to the "Porpoise" this year was the one that put us over the top.  My better-half's brother (and awesome fam) came in big time. He works in the field and sees the heartbreak that results from the Big-C.  He (they) also lost their mother to this garbage a few years ago.  Not that anyone needs that much exposure to understand the devastation, but he (they) all know it too well.  This particular donation came in with some thunder, and truly made a difference toward the race-day attitude.  "Spiking it over the goal-line!". Big thanks Na and awesome fam. 

Two others that came in last week were the Sis'. Yep, my reliable sisters that always keep me inline.  Long time supporters of the "Porpoise", in fact supporters from the very beginning - they are rather great for "older chicks" (can I even say that?).  If you've read the posts over these years, you'll know their significance.  Both of them gave me two of my most memorable Christmas gifts in the form of vinyl. Of course, when they donate, I have to ride to finish.  Thanks you guys.

From the fast dirt ride late last night, on the middle switch-backs.

Jersey Markings

As done on past several occasions, I marked up my race jersey the night before the race (see earlier posts). If you look back over the years you'll see others, and appreciate the significance.  It makes a difference to me personally.

On my left sleeve (blue) was in memory of a kid from High School.  No, we weren't "close buddies", but he is still a Scot.  We came from different Junior High Schools and met early on in our sophomore year.  That year was significant on many levels.  We were all ten feet tall and bullet proof.  We had arrived at the big time - at least in our own minds. We didn't know any better and life was good.  By the time we hit graduation, the facade had faded, the innocence spent and........well, welcome to the world. When I informed another mutual friend of his passing, he took it pretty hard.  Add to that his own physical and personal difficulties, it seemed only right to carry that on my shoulder come race day. 

On My right sleeve (orange) is the name of my support crew-boss' father.  A little older than I, but has been a pretty active fellow.  Last year he was hit with his own battle that has been a significant change in lifestyle - to say the least. His situation does not allow for occasional breaks, or relief.  He has no option other than endure.  On one of my rides back from Woodruff, this was front and center in my mind. During the race, I kept that thought and pushed through every time I thought I wanted to stop for a second.  I had pre-planned stopping points and having that on my shoulder kept me from stopping anywhere outside of those. There is no comparison between his situation and what I experienced.  Although I pushed through each time, I still was able to enjoy lengthy respites at nearly every feed zone.  Thanks for the ride "H".  This one was for you.......

The Race (and ride)

Nervous as always, the race group 800 series was 06:00 (cold and dark).  They showed 50 racers on the list, but I'd guess it to be something less than that at the line. The basic kit (no company "colors" this year), with arm-warmers and long finger Rossi's.  The temperature when I got out of the truck was something like 42°F.  I took only two bottles, versus the three I've started with for the past ten years.  Two Gu's under each leg gripper, two Ensure Plus in the middle pocket, fruit snacks and Jolly Ranchers in the left pocket, a banana, phone and Stinger Waffle in the right pocket - I was set for a good ride.

Logan to Montpelier

With the dark start, a Motor-Marshal riding behind us gave some light through the group.  Most guys had some type of tail light, mainly to provide a little view of the back wheel. The rolling neutral was faster than 15 MPH, although too dark to see the display.  As we got out to Idaho, it was getting colder by the mile.  I was later told the 06:20 pack showed 28°F at Preston.  By the time we got to the first climb and in to Riverdale (in the river bottoms), a lot of riders had no use of their hands.  When I tried to drop the front ring at that climb, the index wouldn't release due to the cold (eventually it did). Things stayed pretty calm for the first few miles up Idaho 36.  Somewhere around Mink Creek it seems, I got dropped on a climb/roller.  Perhaps 45 - 48 miles into the race. This was expected and I didn't panic.  That said, my race was over and was now just out for a long ride.  Planned, short stops at the false summit (MP 17) and summit (MP 22) allowed me to pound the Ensures and some water. The descent off of the top was pretty fast and had a couple good groups.  Out past Ovid, a couple miles from the feed zone, I let the group I was on go ahead, as it became a little sketchy.  A couple really big groups came right up, including the fastest Mens Cat V.  Again, I let them go without hooking on.  The time to Montpelier was close to my plan, but after that, things would change.

Montpelier to Salt River Pass & Afton/Thayne

I spent more time than usual in the feed zone at Montpelier.  From here I wouldn't see my support until Thayne, Wyoming (18 miles past the usual Afton).  Heading up the canyon was predictable, with some traffic issues at the pilot car stop.  As planned, I stopped at the big bend for a few minutes (business).  Talked with a couple of the radio guys manning that stretch and headed for the climb over the top.  I had planned to stop at the brake-check before descending for some fuel, but chose instead to bomb into Geneva and get to the water stop just over the Idaho/Wyoming line.  Hooking on to a couple small groups, the water stop came pretty fast.  I took a little water, pounded an Ensure and headed for King of the Mountain (KoM/QoM).  The winds were mostly favorable and I really didn't try to hook on to groups unless it was absolutely convenient.  Just before the KoM timing strip, I stopped (a little too long) to stretch, push a Gu and drink some water.  That climb wasn't bad - until the last 1K, where there was a dead deer laying across our path into the finish.  It looked like it had exploded - literally.  Add to this, being gassed from the climb, it made for a memorable arrival at the feed zone.  I think this was the first time I have stopped at this feed zone, but knowing I would have to neutral through Afton, I was making sure I had water and pickle juice.  This time I spent way too much time in that feed zone - which would be the theme for the rest of the day.  Leaving the feed zone for the fast descent toward Smoot, I was sure either I'd catch a group, or one would catch me.  Turns out, I caught a woman racer and dragged her along until we caught another guy.  With both of them on my wheel, our speed was pretty good, but I was expecting somebody to catch us - which didn't happen.  The one and only time I rolled off the front to let the other guy pull, he really struggled.  After about 2 minutes, I jumped out front and pulled the three of us almost to After before he had a flat.  The two of us left found the neutral in Afton, where I took up home for a while and called my new support crew (I'll explain later).  

The Afton route took us several blocks to the east adding some miles before we got back on the highway.  One other guy and I worked together all the way to Thayne (18 miles) in what turned out to be just over 22 minutes.  But there was nobody else to help.  At that feed zone, I considered taking up residency, as I stayed there way too long - for no reason what so ever.  By this point, it was just nice day and I was in no hurry to end it. Spending more time alone was pretty much what I was after, and that is what the rest of the day would look like.

Thayne to Alpine and Home

Leaving Thayne alone was not the best idea.  However, given the lack of any groups, that was the order of the remaining ride.  Pretty much solo to Alpine, the winds were mostly favorable.  At Alpine I met up with my original support, that earlier I had sent forward to support another racer.  Again time at this feed zone was pretty.....too long.  The next 24 mile up Snake River Canyon was a total solo ride - by my choice.  This is the most beautiful part of the ride, and I really enjoyed the hour it took to get to Hoeback.  A quick stop at the new neutral for the last Ensure and a Redbull (and dropping trash), I had 28 miles to go.

Traffic at the roundabout was backed up, but not really a problem for most bikes. Just past the narrow pass, they took us of onto a detour that was interesting.  The first couple miles had a deceptive uphill grade - 10 MPH kind of deceptive.  Over the top of that stretch, the road wound its way toward the Snake River.  At that point, there was a steep, unpaved section - far too long to walk.  The road here was't road base, nor was it gravel.  Lets qualify it as officially sketch-city. Directly at the bottom of what physics would suggest an otherwise fast descent, was a hard left-hand turn onto a bridge across the Snake.  This had two rows of planking for vehicle tires, with a support deck on either side, as well the center.  If you weren't on the planking, you'd have to stop to lift your bike back onto the road at the other side.  Not that the planking was a lot better, as they were loose and presented the potential of pinch plats.  Directly off this bridge was a very steep climb, for maybe 200 feet.  At the top was a double set of exceptionally wide cattle guards.  Flying over the bridge, I really didn't notice the abrupt grade at the other end, and was in my big ring upfront for that short climb.  As I hit the cattle guards, the intense vibration brought me to a near stall just as I rolled onto the asphalt (lucky).

By the time I got over to the heart-breaker (last hill before Jackson) I could see individual riders in both directions, but no groups.  After crossing the highway, I could see two individual riders that looked like an opportunity, but I was having trouble getting a Jolly Rancher into my mouth for the last part of the ride and didn't catch them.  A mile of two before the turnoff to the High School, I hooked on to a couple guys that would be ending their ride up there.  When they turned off for their finish, I still had almost eleven miles to go - alone.  I did manage to real-in a couple individuals, but they were of no use to me at that point. Finally on the Wilson/Teton Highway, and just under seven miles to go, it was all business.  Alternating between out of the saddle and down gripping the top of the shifters, I was carrying a pretty good clip.  There have been other years that this stretch has really been hard to deal with mentally.  This year, I had more than enough to drive it home.  One guy tried to hook on at around 1K or 2K out.  Not that it mattered, as I gave it everything left in the tank.  With my head down on the bars, in a seated sprint, I finished with a sense of dignity. Coasting in, sitting on the top tube, there wasn't the normal mob of people to stop me, or get my timing chip (due to Covid).  Rather, at the end of the chute, just prior to the trail, they were there asking us to remove our chips and hand them over.  It started different and ended different, but still a great day.

Summary

Considering how few road miles I had this year, I was surprised at the lack of overall fatigue.  I didn't care about my time, and that's not an excuse.  It occurred to me later that the emptiness that I felt when I got off my bike for the last time on Saturday, was the cold reality of having to join civilization again - going back to life.  I actually didn't want it to end, but certainly couldn't go on either.  The actual bike time versus official time was something in the order of 90 minutes different.  Compare that to one year that I had something like 12 minutes off my bike.  I truly didn't want it to end, but I was also pretty tired after burning 650 - 800 calories an hour for 13+ hours.  I could have absolutely gone harder, but I chose to enjoy my day and sort things out in my head.

Hats off to my buddy that finished strong in his race group, as a podium 4th place.  He was principle in keeping my mind straight this summer, when I thought I would otherwise quit.  Thanks Kerry - and congrats on a killer ride!

With the season behind me, I'm already struggling to make time for the mountain bike. Clients, work and other commitments are competing with my spare time.  The ride last night was about as late as it gets without a headlamp.  Regardless, I'm currently on the hook for Leadville next summer and that will be a very serious undertaking.  There will be no real off-season this year.  But then who could have predicted what happened this past year.

Ben Lomond in the Autumn - a contrast from the picts earlier this year.

Stick around.  This is a lot to do.

It'll be forty years ago next week - Click here for "I'm Gonna Crawl"

Ride HARD!