Popular Post az_cyclist Posted January 9, 2023 Popular Post Share #1 Posted January 9, 2023 Let me start by saying this is the 4th time I have ridden this route, but the first time I have ridden it solo. I know it is a difficult route, and I know that my long distance training has been down a bit this past fall, but I did want to ride it as training in case I do want to ride a double century this spring. It was a chilly when I left home at 6:22 Saturday morning, about 43. It was about 6 miles to the start point. There were about 20 riders for the 200K brevet, and about 4 or 5 for the 100K brevet. Both routes were the same to the first control point (Sears-Kay ruins). The climbing started about 3 miles from the start, a gentle 1% grade that went up from there. After the first control point we rode down to Bartlett Lake. Riding down to Bartlett Lake is a bit different. From the start of Bartlett Dam Rd at Cave Creek Rd to the marina is about 11 miles. After about 4 miles you have to climb about 1000 ft, then descend again. The last descent is about 6 miles and an average of 6% grade, with a couple a places at 8%. The marina was the 2nd control point. I stopped for a bit for some food and look at my GoPro cam, then I started the climb. That first 6 miles is tough. Part of the way up I stopped to take some Gu gel. The uphill I had during the descent was a nice and needed downhill to break up the climb out. I did stop once more on the final climb. At Cave Creek Rd there was a nice 5-6 mile descent. I stopped in Cave Creek to buy a Coke and Payday bar for energy. After that was a gentle downhill then flat route for several miles. At this point I was feeling the fatigue, and wondering if I should cut the ride short. I kept going. At mile 85 (of the route, 91 for me) the route turned north to New River AZ, and another 1-2% false flat climb. By the time I got to the next control point in New River near I-17 I was really feeling tired and knowing my training and conditioning was not as good as a year ago. I drank more of the Coke, ate a Honey Stinger waffle, and called my wife. She said she would come to get me at the finish point, a Subway at the start. I told her I would call her when I got close. I mentioned the chilly temp at the start. I did warm up quickly. I took off my wind vest at the first control point, then my arm warmers (leaving on my sunsleeves) and knee warmers at the marina. The temp topped at at 64-66 F, which was darn good for January. Some high clouds started to move in , and it didnt feel as warm as I left New River. There was a nice downhill 1-2% for about 10 miles. At this point I was confident I could finish the ride. I mentioned the high clouds. I stopped at mile 108 (114 for me) to switch from my sunglasses to my other glasses. Of course 30 minutes after that the clouds moved and it did get sunny again, but, it was not bad. I really felt the fatigue the last 10 miles. With about 3 miles left I called my wife. I did have to yell at a driver with about a mile and a half to go because they started to pull out (I had my lights on). The final control point was the Subway next to the start, and we had a ticket for a 6" sandwich, chips, and a drink. If I had rode home I would not be able to take the drink, but since she picked me up, I could. I felt good enough Sunday to ride, so, looking for the next 200K. 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted January 9, 2023 Share #2 Posted January 9, 2023 Nice report. I'd struggle with a 130 mile ride this time of year. Half that? No problem. 100? with some longer breaks or a serious speed reduction. More than that? Not likely. You really should have skipped that first six miles. I think you would have been fine without them 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petitepedal ★ Posted January 9, 2023 Share #3 Posted January 9, 2023 Wow 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge ★ Posted January 12, 2023 Share #4 Posted January 12, 2023 Psht, you're in fantastic shape if you can do those hills with that many miles! And I can never decide if people are brave or crazy to do extra miles just to get to their destination! Ha!! Do you get a chill going down the hills? I do like the temps in the 60's for you. What GoPro do you have? What pack do you have? I like your write-up. Thanks for the report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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