EPIC TRAINING SYSTEMS
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2006 Mulholland Double Century
| April 22, 2006 Mulholland Double Century Third Toughest Double Century 202 Miles with 16,500 feet of climbing 11th Finisher out of 48 finishing time 14:32 Total Time Wattage Numbers Total Kilojoules 7350 Best Average 30 min- 244w Best Average 60 min- 214w Best Average 120 min- 201w Average Watts total event- 152w |
| Mile 0- 6am mass start from the Good Nite Inn in Calabasas. There is a small group at the start and I am wondering "is everybody here?" Yes, it appears only 48 slightly disturbed riders wish to punish themselves for 202 miles and 16,500 feet of climbing. For those that can't imagine how much climbing that is well locally it would be like going up Torrey Pines 42 times or Palomar Mountain Store to store more than 4X. You know, the Rosarito to Ensenada ride was the same day --nahhh it is only 50 miles. Mile 23- After a little warm-up and up Topanga Canyon I get dropped on Old Topanga Canyon. We roll through several other climbs and I am riding alone. Mile 48- We begin the descent on Little Sycamore Canyon which then becomes Yerba Buena. The pavement was not very good on this road consequently the descent wasn't that enjoyable. Mile 59.2- The descent on Pacific View Rd/Deer Creek Rd was exciting. The view of the ocean was spectacular. I was having so much fun I literally screamed "yahoooo!!" as I navigated the tight turns. Others weren't so lucky as I heard there were a few crashes on that road. Mile 62.2-- 7.4 miles North on the coast with a headwind all the way. The weather was chilly most of the day. I really breakdown when it comes to headwinds. Mile 73.9- The climb on Potrero Rd. I hadn't been on this road since the Grand Tour 2004. I guess I forgot how steep the road was. It is one of those that you stand and crank on it is well over 15% grade. Still early in the day so I had the legs to overcome it. Mile 90- Lunch stop. I didn't have lunch. I regretted that later when all the other Checkpoints had Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. I should have had the Subway Turkey sandwich. I felt good so I skipped lunch. (famous last words.) Mile 121.9- Started to feel a little bonk coming on so I stopped and ate a PB&J and recovered a bit. Mile 125.3- Balcom Canyon Rd. This was a very steep grade of 25% the two other riders that ascended with me dismounted and walk their bikes up. I had a 34 chainring and 27 cog which allowed me to keep pedaling albeit, not very fast though only about 4 MPH. Yes you can call this a SUFFER FEST. Mile 155- I was totally wiped out. I pulled over on the PCH and watched the waves and slowly drank one of my bottles trying to recover. I sat there for over 25 mins and watched people enjoying their day at the beach while I was suffering. It kind of puts things in perspective. I wondered what the heck am I doing to myself. Look at all those people having a good time and here I sit. My back hurts, my feet hurt, I have no energy, I feel like puking and I still have close to 50 miles to go. Meanwhile, I watch 6 riders who I had passed on earlier climbs ride by me as I am feeling sorry for myself. I also thought that next year I'm signing up for the century. I felt horrible and thought there's no reason I have to come back to do the double. This is just silly. But then I realized I'm not going to SAG in, I can't finish the event sitting here and I yelled at myself ... "GET BACK ON THE BIKE!". Mile 159.5- Off the PCH onto Decker Canyon Rd. Another very steep 20% grade and a scheduled stop and light pick point. I put on my arm/knee warmers shell, gloves, ate and rolled on. Mile 178.6- I was feeling OK until I got close to this stop. The day and the miles were starting to wear on me. By this time I have done over 13,000 feet of climbing and over 12 hours in the saddle. I stopped and ate a Cup of Soup and headed out on a 21 mile loop that had the last two climbs. As I finished Piuma and Schueren Rd I was finally thinking of the finish line!! Mile 191.3- Begin the descents toward home and I'm feeling relieved. A few miles (counting down every mile) of descending and then a short climb back to the start/finish and "Yippee" I'm done!!"" 202 miles and 16,500 14:32 hours later finishing 11th. Mile 202.4- OK so I did it under my goal of 15 hours. I know where I can improve and maybe just maybe next year my goal will be under 14 hours. This is a good hard ride that I will definitely try again!! |
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