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.
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
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.