EPIC TRAINING SYSTEMS
Endure, Excel, Acheive
2006 Heartbreak Double Century Ride Report
| The Hearbreak Double Century was the last in a three part series of climbing events called the King Of the Mountians Century Challenge . 3 Days 323 miles and 30,800 feet of climbing. I of course had decided that doing the Double Centuries for the Mullholland and Heartbreak events would be tougher and add more credibility to the KOM designation. Out of the hundreds (200-300 per event) that did the events these were the final numbers: 168 Total Finished all three events 21 Women 139 Men ONLY 8 of the 168 finishers completed the series by doing the Mulholland and Heartbreak Doubles. I was one of the 8. Our totals were 3 days 523 miles and 45,000 feet of climbing. |
| 2006 Heartbreak Double Century Ride Report The weather forecast called for a cool morning and a sunny afternoon. I couldn't believe it was not going to be in the 90's. I have attached the link of the actual temps and wind conditions for the day. Notice the 40F temperature and the last column shows the winds in the 30 MPH range. And of course it was a headwind. I was sick going into the event with a chest cold. I knew I shouldn't race but wanted to finish the KOM series. That was my first mistake. We left at 5:15am and it was bitterly cold. My second mistake was thinking that it would warm up soon. I wasn't dressed warm enough and it took hours before it was "sunny". I tried to stay with the lead group and even made the first 2 cuts and then I was dropped. I knew by mile 25 that my cold was going to hinder me and I was going to have a tough ride. Mile 50--Best Rest Inn. By the time I made it to the first checkpoint I was frozen solid. My hands were stiff and my chest was really hurting from breathing heavy and in particular the cold air was really irritating my lungs. It was at this point I made the decision to just finish- keep my effort low- not breathe too hard or I would have coughing spasms. And coughing felt like razor blades were slashing through my lungs. THE FIRST 50 MILES TOOK SO MUCH OUT OF ME I WASN'T WORRIED ABOUT MY TIME ANYMORE. 50 miles and 4300 feet of climbing into a 30mph headwind. I picked up my cold weather gear (can't believe I'm packing this I said while I was in San Diego) and sat for a 1/2 hour warming up. I then started the climb up Frazier to Pine Mountain. Finally the weather turned for the better. The sun came up and the climbing was done in the 50's. The rest of the ride was really uneventful just climbing, climbing and more climbing. 16,500 feet in all. Mile 107--I made it a point to stop at lunch and eat. I usually don't eat. But I forced a sub par Subway sandwich. I don't know why Planet Ultra Subway sandwiches suck so bad. 1/2 hour later I was back on the road. Mile 150-- I was back at the Best Rest Inn and forced another of those Subway sandwiches down. It was now 5pm 12 hours and I was still 50 miles from finishing. Will there be a tailwind now that I was heading back? Old Ridge Route on the way back was a bit challenging but I think it was just because I was tired and hungry. And then the last 17 miles seemed to last forever. One thing that was disappointing was that people returning late like me did not have the benefit of a tailwind. I barely noticed it. Mile 202-- At the finish I was congratulated by the great volunteers who give so much of their time to help us pursue our goals. I think of people like Dan Crain who offered me clothing when he saw how cold I was pulling into the Best Rest Inn on the first 50 miles. Lynn Katano and Bobbli Fisher always so cheery when I'm suffering. By the way, as Planet Ultra events go the out-and-back course provided the opportunity for the SAG vehicles to better patrol the course. I felt safe all day knowing that there was plenty of SAG. I remember seeing Brian at least 5 times in the big white van. Not to mention the other folks too. Thank you Planet Ultra. When I got back to the hotel I soaked in a hot bath so I could finally warm up from 15 hours of being cold. My chest and throat were in so much pain I couldn't eat or swallow anything other than liquids. Hence, my recovery was hot soup and recovery drinks. I really needed to chew something but the thought of trying to swallow any solid food was too scary. Well there it is another Double Century done. It wasn't pretty but it is in the books. Three deliberate stops of 1/2 each and steady as she goes pace brings this one to a close. That brings the Double Century count on the California Triple Crown Calendar to 11. |
| Power Numbers Total work -- 7024 KJ Average Power- 165 watts 2006 Results |
| Heartbreak Double Century 202 Miles with 16,500 feet of climbing 16th out of 69 starters only 51 finishers |
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