As dawn broke on the morning of Saturday, September 19, I somehow found myself at the start line of the 21st edition of the Mount Charleston Hill Climb. The event is a local cycling tradition - A time-trial up 17.5 miles of asphalt from Highway 95 to the Mt. Charleston Ski Resort and climbs 5,800 feet in elevation. Fun right!?
My goal: To finish without completely and utterly exploding.
I am happy to report to my fellow Chasquis that I succeeded mightily, ending up atop the helo-pad at the base of the ski slope with a time of 2hours 33 minutes. I refrained from audibly wheezing, puking, bonking or dismounting!
However, by mile 2, it was clear that I've spent far too many hours in my cubical and not nearly enough on the saddle. I estimate that only 20-30 riders finished behind me (out of 250 riders total), but I am actually OK with the result considering my day to day slug living.
For any a Chasquis who dare be inspired by this account and try the HILLCLIMB on their own - be warned. If you don’t wheez, puke, bonk or dismount - there is still a high chance you will be board out of your freaking mind! The road is virtually dead straight for the first 16 miles! You can see the pain that lays ahead every pedal stroke. Oh ya, it’s a winner! Add a little 95 degree sun, no breeze, and 6% grades... you get the picture. But have at it you masochist!
Oh, by the way, I finally got to take my new ride out for a proper test spin. The Scott Carbon Compact is sweet. Maybe the rider can better match the horse soon.
Anyway, it was a worthy training ride if nothing else.
Hope all you guys are training your arse off for Ragnar. I'll be watching.
Later,
Weintz
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3 comments:
Miguel, you took to the starting line, and you did it. Inspiring! Well done my friend.
Sounds like a RIDE! Way to finish!!
Nice job Mike! :)
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