Lost River Barn Ride
It was a good ride today at Lost river. We broke up into two groups - a C group and an A/B group. In the C group was Jess, Peggy, Jennifer Bean, and Jen. In the other group was the race leader Jay. Shane, Cheryll, Kraig, Charlie, Theresa, Scott Bean, and myself.
In our group we set off and hit some hairy descents right from the beginning. We were hitting some high speeds on some twisty, gravelly roads. It definitely made me appreciate the pros as much for their descending as their climbing abilities. A few times I had a few close calls on the gravel, but I managed to stay up.
Jay did a great job leading the ride. I think he's 52 years old and he never broke a sweat on the ride. He was chattering away to Shane like he was walking in the park. As usual Shane and Kraig were strong on the hills - Kraig floated over them without distress.
I think I was okay except for the final (hardest) climb. I had to take a couple breaks on the way up, which is unusual for me. The last part is a six mile climb to the barn, with the beginning section having few breaks and the grade seeming to hit as much as 15 - 20%. Once you make it over that though, there are some small downhill sections and some breaks it the climbing that make it easier to finish. The cumulative total of the 67 miles was just wearing on me at the end. I rode up to the barn after Kraig and Shane finished their climb. I was so covered with salt I kind of looked like a ghost; you know it was bad because everyone urged me to take the first shower.
Anyway, without further ado, here are my stats. They are slightly skewed because for about a .75 mile section I forgot to restart the Garmin, however that doesn't seem to have affected it too much:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/31884712
Hear is a link to Jay's blog about our trip...
Great Time
Jennifer and I had a great time at the Barn. Thanks again for putting this trip together. The ride was a real challenge. I have a new goal this summer; to do the ride again and this time make it to the end. Cheers Scott and Jen
Thanks to the organizers!
Thank you, thank you to Shane and Cheryl for putting the idea of this weekend at the Lost River Barn into our minds and making it happen. The beauty of the area and the comforts of the site itself could not have been more perfect. I would definately recommend this place to anyone who is interested in testing out their legs on some mighty hilly climbs and for those less inclined to that kind of torture a welcome and cozy retreat to just get away. It was one of those weekends that went so fast my brain is spinning, but also one of those weekends that I will remember forever. Thanks again my friends!
T
It was a great weekend of
It was a great weekend of riding. The riding, especially on Saturday was challenging to say the least. I had some major leg cramping at about 63 miles in and couldn't make it back up to the barn. Congratulations to those who made the ascent back to the barn on Saturday. Theresa made a great effort to make the climb. Cheryl was so determined to make it up, she climbed back up to the barn after a 22M ride this morning. Way to go Cheryl, that was an amazing effort. The barn accommodations were wonderful and Jay Moglia was a superb host. Thanks to all who made it a memorable weekend. Here's my Garmin stats. Wish they reflected a little longer ride and a bit more elevation but I'll live to ride another day.
Charlie
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/32037861
Thanks to all!
It was an incredible weekend! The ride Saturday was beautiful, but far from my best day on the bike. It was a very challenging ride, but I struggled more than it seems I should have. This morning the temp was more moderate, and I felt much more like myself, so did the climb up to the barn that I didn't do Saturday. It was great to have 4 cars of PPCC 'cheerleaders' going by and shouting inspiration! They also cleared a big, fat, lethargic rattlesnake off the road for me- would have wished it to bite me and put out of my misery at that point in the climb! Congrats to all for riding hard and far over tough terrain in hot weather. Of course our host Jay made it look so easy! Glad that Jess was moving today too after her 30 mile ride Saturday- some pedaling with one leg as the other was numb. Thanks to the Beans for taking care of many of us that didn't quite finish what we set out to do Saturday.
We've got some great people in the club and the barn was such a fun place to spend time together. Thanks to everyone for pitching in to make the food a very memorable part of the experience. Just wish I would have had a bit more energy to party into the wee hours Saturday night- or maybe make it to 11PM! The weekend just flew by and was very special. Sure hope we can do it again sometime soon. I'll post up some picts soon.
Cheryl Morrison
Secretary
Panhandle Pedalers Cycling Club
Beat Shane to the top?
"I rode up to the barn after Kraig and Shane finished their climb."
Does this mean you beat them to the top? That's awesome! I hope Shane & Craig saved enough legs for Cranky Monkey. 14 days away!
Sounds like it was a good ride. I really wish I didn't have to miss it. (My day pretty much sucked here!)
Josh Hughes
Level: B/C
Treasurer
Panhandle Pedalers Cycling Club
Raw Talent Ranch water bottles
Last call for anyone who may want a Raw Talent Ranch water bottle- let me know by tomorrow aft (Tuesday 5/11) and I contact Jay with a total. There were only 2 there at the barn and they went quickly, so they offered to ship us more. They are $5 and have the RTR logo. Already have Charlie down for a couple, and Shane and I are getting a few.
Thanks!
Cheryl Morrison
Secretary
Panhandle Pedalers Cycling Club