Monday, September 26, 2011

Happy Endings are new beginnings #ride2vegas


Well I've put off writing that final blog long enough. I hate endings of any kind. I knew it was inevitable and the Specialized Ride to Vegas eventually did end some 500+ miles from Salt Lake city at Treasure Island in Las Vegas.

The journey was incredible. The people were as individual as snowflakes It certainly has changed me and I have many new friendships that I look forward to seeing grow over the upcoming years.

I have also gained a great amount of strength and learned a few things along the way. That growth and awareness came from the graciousness of the other riders, staff, coaches, soigneurs,chefs, drivers, mechanics, guides and the Specialized crew who without their attention to detail this would not have happened.

My thanks goes out to all with a few specifics I would be remiss if I didn't mention...

Nancy--Leader extraordinaire who executed a perfect event with a smile regardless of the stress she must have been under. Thank you for allowing me to participate.
Kim--congrats on your 1st century and for the invite to join you on this and so many other journeys. Love what you do for women's cycling.
Nic--For your smile, encouragement and endless ability to make me laugh--pure awesomeness.
Western Spirits--thank you for every perfecly poured cup of coffee, delicious meals, guidance on the road, sharing your gloves and your staff to lead a helping hand. I look forward to working with you again.
Ben Capron--for your warmth and willingness to help in Brian's Head. I will forever appreciate that.
Patty--my roomie and guiding angel; thank you for all your help, easing my fears and fun along the ride. You amaze me as a rider, a shop owner and a woman.
Rebecca--for the pushes along the way that made me a stronger rider, for encouraging me and for being such a fun, down to earth person to hang with. I know we will see each other again...thanks also for letting Greg pull me along:)
Sal-- my faithful domestique, soul friend and gifted conversationalist; I miss you already.
Dougie T--for the great massage that kept me going and your coaching advice along the way which helped so much!
Troy-- soigneur who not only gives a great massage but sacrifices his sweatshirt on the coldest day..you rock
Patrick--for the great chance to share toughts and ideas along the way, it was fun.
Anthony--For letting me admire your pink bike everyday, I look forward to seeing what your future brings.
Robert--I am happy to have been a part of the Right to Play/First Gear movement; it's great work lead by great people.
Glen--for always being there and guiding us on this amazing route.
Michael @Velodramatic, for the incredible memories and so much more.
Ryan--for keeping our bikes working perfectly every moment and putting up with my "techie blonde" questions

To my boss and editor, Zap, for being too busy to ride this and giving me the chance to participate--you are twice the lady I am::))

Much thanks goes to the sponsors of this event: Specialized, Skins, Hammer Nutrition,Beyond Coastal, Dermatone, Action Wipes, Veloshine.

Mike Sinyard--I hope someday we will meet, thank you for what you have built.



To the big dogs of the Peloton; Joe, Chris, Anthony, Johnny, Doug, Shane, Ben, Dan, Glenn, John, John, Greg, Mark and everyone else--thank you for leading me in to the FINISH LINE, it was an honor.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Ride 2 Vegas Last Big Day; Downhill Desserts!






What can I say? Today was warm and sunny, just my style so I was about the happiest girl ever after yesterday's artic journey. Also, this was a really fun day on the bike. We had a few mishaps with directions, but that just makes it more of an adventure. My group missed a turn and ended up in a small and lovely town named Santa Clara. I have to say it was worth the trip as the bike path in this town is smooth as ice; which was a welcome reprieve from the bumpy roads we had traveled over the morning. Luckily for us, some kind gentlemen (who are the two in the photos) pointed out that we were going the wrong way....oops! Oh well, but they were kind enough to shuttle us back to the spot where we had gone astray. The peloton had also experienced a directional delay, so as we made the climb we saw many of the riders...the group was a bit more spread out today, but avg speed of the pack was 24...wow those cyclists hammer.
The scenery on the open road was so incredible. Joshua trees, big huge clouds, open roads, cactus, cattle and lakes...yes lakes in the desert. We went through a most unusual town called Gunlock,straight out of an old western, complete with a rodeo--I didn't stop to take a photo as I was alone through there and well...
Beyond that the curving road lead to some smoking fast descents, glowing red rock and absolutely no one in site....except for when your water bottle went dry and Coach Doug miraculously appeared from no where to fuel, hydrate and take your xtra clothes in less than 30 seconds...that guy rocks.
We rode through AZ into the Mohave onto Mesquite Nevada where we were greeted by an oasis waterfall pool at our hotel and of course the crew of Western Spirit Adventures were there ready to feed us.
Dinner was amazing once again. We gathered around and talked about our day,each having a bit of a different experience on the same course.
I spent some time chatting with Anthony Sinyard "the pink flame"...probably the only guy I'll ever meet who love pink as much as I do. I have been his "pink carrot" all week as the peloton chases us who have taken "the magic bus" just ahead....he calls me "hammer"...maybe because I'm hammering so hard so he won't catch me...not possible though the kid is fast and strong. I also think he's pretty smart and will follow his journey as he starts to produce a line of cycling clothing. Yup he loves pink and clothes...and he's single....ladies get in line (I suspect it's a long one)pictured below having dinner.
Kudos today go to Kim Hughes of Specialized who completed her first ever century ride!!! woohooo...and she didn't just complete it she rode it strong, fast and efficiently. Good job Kim that was awesome. Pictured below with her recovery tights on--thank you SKINS.
I'm also gonna give praise to the test Specialized Amira I am riding....after yesterday's incredible descent and today's high speed descents (38-40) this bike handles beautifully. At one point today I actually got air--not on purpose but just didn't see the dip in the road and it was nothing, the bike glided back to the surface without a twitch. I can say also that the 52/36 chainring set up I'm riding is awesome. I've finally dialed in on how to shift with SRAM RED...I'm a Dura-Ace girl, so holding out on my final comments until I've had more time on it, but SRAM is a bit more noisy and I find that annoying.
Enjoy these picks...last day tomorrow we should arrive at Dirt Demo sometime around 12;30!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

It's about the company you keep-- Panquitch to Cedar City



I think the work EPIC was ruined by Versus TV...now almost any ride has epic in the description and I like the word, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it seems not enough. Today was one of those days--for a lack of a better word: EPIC.

We woke to wet road and dark clouds, but another spectacular breakfast of pancakes, bacon and hot coffee got us rolling out of bed to set the course for the day. We delayed the start to 9:00 to let the road dry a bit, a good choice as they did and the storm seems to be blowing by.

Our route today would have a monsterously long climb; although not steep but starting at 6700 ft, climbing over Brian's Head Peak at 10,630ft and dropping into Cedar City, Utah. 58 miles but with that long climb at altitude then a seriously technical 20+ mile descent.

I had the great pleasure of getting on the magic bus with Sal Ruibal, lifetime journalist with USA Today. One thing I can tell you about Sal is that he is humble, good natured, has no ego, doesn't whine, make excuses or have anything to prove to anyone....he is simply enjoy the journey of life. Having him as my self proclaimed "domestique" for the day was quite an honor.

We started our journey ahead of the hammerfest and enjoyed feeling the pump of blood as we turned the pedals up to the summit (which for us was a 12 mile 2000 ft climb). The scenery was beautiful, we had a light rain and shared great conversation in between whispered breaths of the thin high air.

A few of the breakaway guys passed us just a half mile from the summit, so we cheered and waved them on. As we crested the summit the clouds turned black, the rain started to fall, at time even hail pelted our faces. The temperature dropped like a brick and there wasn't going to be time to stop for photos, we had to get down this descent in a hurry and hopefully safely.

I lost Sal on the descent my fingers numb from the cold when I spotted the western spirits van and stole another pair of gloves from Mark. Understand that I was wearing base layer, two vests, jersey, arm warmers and long sleeve jacket, two socks, shoe covers...I had prepared for the cold....so I thought.

I was alone now and hoping for a break in the rain. It was hard to see and the road was slick. Seeing signs for Avalanche area didn't help my confidence, but my hands had warmed up and I saw the sign for Cedar City it seemed doable. Again that might have proved wrong....unfortunately this is point where things went really wrong. Some ____hole with a water truck drove by me on the very narrow road completely unaware that water was pouring from the back of his truck and I got soaked through all my clothes...this was the death call for the cold 40 degree descent ahead.

I continued on seeing the warning signs for trucks to slow, steep pitches, narrow roads, brake pull outs. The road down from Brian Head is a two lane road--people drive fast and there is virtually no shoulder that is ridable...add to that the gusting winds and lack of guardrails in this (what I'm sure is a gorgeous canyon that I missed seeing) this descent was horrifying at times.

My body started shaking from the cold and I was really getting worried about being able to control the bike. I pulled over once then continued on...probably a mistake because now I was shaking uncontrollably and there wasn't anywhere to turn out so without being able to use my hands, my legs so knumb I feared I wouldn't be able to unclip. I tried a few times and couldn't get my legs out, so I just sort of was flying down this mountain feeling very out of control. The bike proved worthy and stayed upright, but my body was shaking like an earthquake. Finally I saw a turnout and decided gravel or not I must stop--the next turn was a hard left on a camber? and I would not make it. I managed to unclip and come to a somewhat sliding stop, barely able to place my bike on the sidewall. I stood there shaking uncontrollably in the rain, tried to hitch a ride but apparently I look like an ax murderer or people in utah just have a rule of not helping those who are clearly in visible distress. Time went on and I could not get warm, I knew the cars were behind me but surely getting all the riders swept up and motoring in these conditions had to be equally stressful for our Specialized drivers and support crew--who are amazing in all they do.

Finally Ben Capron (from National Interscholastic Cycing Association) came careening down the mountain and yelled you ok? All I could manage to say was "no"....the sound of his brakes as he attempted to stop on the wet roads made me fearful for him, but grateful. Literally he scooped me in, put his jacket and hat on me and sat me in his lap against the side of the embankment and warmed me up while I shivered uncontrollably. 2 more riders pulled in and we waited without cell service hoping for a vehicle...and alas in rolled Ryan and Troy to rescue me. Ben piled me into the car quickly, my bike loaded, my wet clothes stripped off and wrapped in the guys sweatshirts, heat cranked and food being put in.

Ben and the 2 others rode the final 5 miles down and I was happy for them to see the road conditions got better, but I'm sure they were freezing as we rolled into the Best Western where I was promptly put in the pool first then the hot tub ----where I finally stopped shivering. I was happy to see that Sal has also made it in and was in good shape.

All in all there wasn't anyone in this day that didn't speak of how cold it was. My roomie, Patty did the entire climb with Chris D'Alusio...WOW that woman is strong!

So my ROAD ID winner of the day is BEN CAPRON for saving me:) I will be forever grateful.

Thank you Patty for the image taken of me and Sal yesterday and the pic of Ben at Bryce Canyon to use on this blog.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Richfield to Panquitch









Today was another flat day with approximately 80 miles of flat roads. I chose the 50 mile option and made it a goal to do a recovery ride pace after yesterday's hammerfest. There were 5 in my group today and we stayed ahead of the peloton all day. The breakaway group caught us just outside of Panquitch and the peloton rolled in right behind us. It was a really fun day, with breathtaking views and as always great support.

We also had the opportunity after the ride to fit in a little site seeing at Bryce Canyon,which is almost undescribable it's so beautiful. Because of this I'm going to make this blog mostly photos....you'll see what I mean.

Long flat road to Panquitch

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and found a superhero as I started my ride--just like the commercial my roomie Patty told me about the night before--wow! So yes I stopped, picked him up and took him with me.

Lunch at Bryce Canyon for one of the guys who rolled over a 100 miles today

Rebecca and her boyfriend waiting to roll out of Bryce Point

Sunset Panquitch

Full moon Panquitch

Inspiration Point
Good night, ride safe all
50 miles tomorrow 31 of climbing then all down hill they say......

Friday, September 9, 2011

Day 3 Nephi to Richfield




I am almost at a loss for words about today's ride. Rebecca Rusch (3 time Leadville winner and known as The Queen of Pain) took it upon herself to help me out today; a flat 75 mile ride from Nephi to Richfield. Flat as in approx. 1500 ft of gain and of course there was a headwind. I worked hard the first 20 miles to stay in the peloton..which hit the road rolling at 27mph, it took many pushes by the Queen of Pain to keep me in there. Her incredibly handsome and patient boyfriend allowed me his wheel, so technically I had to was not blow up...easier said than done with the rubber band effect of the peloton and my trust issues. I also know that we have 4 more days of riding but the fear of being out there alone kept me pedaling for dear life. Let's me clear, Specialized has great support and I would not have been left alone, but let's face it we all think that!

Mark Howe, with Western Spirit, who is strong and can cook pushed Rebecca while she pushed me..it was my first threesome. (hahahaha)

I admit that being in the group was as exhilarating as it was scary. But rolling alone watching the miles disappear gave me great pleasure so I worked harder and harder, paced myself and took all the advice and guidance I could from Rebecca.

At mile 42 the peloton split and we were a separate group of 5. The last 35 miles zipped by and we entered into Richfield passing beautiful red rock mountains.

We are staying at a Holiday Express and my roomie Patty swears we will have Super Powers tomorrow...I so hope she is right---she's been a great helper on this trip and she kicks butt...she rode in the front group all day! WOW.

Tomorrow is a 78 mile ride from richfield to Panguitch. There 2200 ft of gain, so not too bad. Wondering which poor Specialized athlete will be assigned the back with me...

Having a great time, people and food is awesome. 6000 calories burned already!
Here are a few pics...the photographer got some great shots of The Queen of Pain and I "sprinting" it out at the front of the peloton...those will come; but above are a few.

Big shout out of thanks to Western Spirit who feeds us well, Action Wipes you are in my pockets and I am so grateful at those road side breaks (yes, I mean roadside literally), SKINS who gave us all compression wear today, Hammer products that are fueling us on the ride, Veloshine for their goodies (although I don't have to clean my bike here:), Bicycle John's for packing my bike, Jill Gass for coaching and of course to Road Bike Action for giving me this opportunity and Specialized for inviting me. Luv goes out to my hubby for letting me come on yet another adventure!

And for all of you who comment, text me or email I thank you--the encouragement helps.
SUPER POWERS for all!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Day 2






Wow this first day of riding was amazing. Incredibly hard at first riding--- along the Salt Lake on the flats in the headwind. I stayed in my own tempo....listening to my super powers within that kept reminding me not to blow it all on day 1. Saw many who might not feel so great tomorrow.... but I think everyone had an awesome day. I managed 80 fantastic miles before the sweep vehicle took us off the climb... pretty much everyone picked up did not want to get in, but as we drove the final 8 miles of the climb everyone agreed it was time to go. Dinner was waiting! Western Spirit is fixing our fantasic meals...tonight's curry chicken hit the spot. Specialized provided amazing support for the ride and yes I'll admit it... those boys (Nic/Glen) and girls (Kim) pushed me, let me suck a wheel, motopaced, whatever it took to get me home and we had FUN on 2 WHEELS::)))

Special shout out to THEQUEENOFPAIN who absolutely amazed me and to PATTY from Action Wheels the Jersey girl that kicks ass!And of course Doug for the oh so needed massage.

Here are a few pictures of the day:
thanks to Patty for the start pic of me...scared to death!(at bottom of page)

a cow that looked like "is this the SAG wagon"..she didn't want to move off the road at all

Mr. Young Sinyard on his FABU pink bike

My roomie Patty from Action Wheels NJ (first pic)

The lake view

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Day 1 "A Specialized Road Trip"

Today is day one of my journey with Specialized to ride from
Salt lake city to Las Vegas for Interbike. This 522 mile
Journey will prove to amazing--even though I'm hardly
Fit enough to ride the wheel of Rebecca Rusch (3 time Leadville winner).

That being said, stay tuned to this blog for posts from the
Road as I find some fun in suffering!

The ride starts tomorrow but tonight we'll attend a bike rodeo
And give some bikes to kids who have never had a bike...should be
Amazing to see the look on their faces:)

I'll be testing the 2011 S-works Amira and Oura seat for this journey.
Pardon the errors as I am
Posting from my iphone
Ride on,
RaeLynn

Friday, September 2, 2011