William and I had soup.  I had two servings.  I just wish it had more substance to it.  There were
vegetables but not enough chicken.  It was just after 10 pm.  We had been riding since 430am 17 1/2
hours on the bike.  I just wanted the ride to be over.  And I wanted REAL FOOD.  

At this checkpoint I realized that we were doing something special.  There were still doubles riders sitting
there.  We were riding a Triple and there were still doubles riders on the course.  Maybe a time limit
should be enforced.  What do I know?  But I do know human nature and if you give someone 24 hours
to do 200 miles they'll take as much of that 24 hours to do it.  Ok off my soap box.

William and I rode out knowing that this was it.  This was the last 36 miles.  We still had a slight tailwind
or at least no headwind.  We worked our way down the coast towards Malibu our start/finish.  All was
fine until the last 15 miles.  

I was starving and falling asleep.  I took two (2) No Doz and continued.  The last few rollers getting into
Malibu were a P.I.T.A.  With every pedal stroke I just wanted the ride to end.  William pulled ahead and I
let him go. I was in my own little world of pain and I had to work through it.  I downed the last bit of
Carbo-Pro concentrate which was about 500 calories in one shot.  I was so hungry that it didn't even
help.  I stopped at least three (3) times, hoping those riders I had passed wouldn't pass me and see me in
this state.  

The only thing that kept me going was that I still had a shot at beating my 2004 Triple Century time of 20
hours 47 minutes.  I pushed through by pity party and finished with a 20 hours 30 minutes time.  And I
think that even though William beat me in to the finish I either beat him or tied him because he left 15
minutes earlier at 4:15 and I left at 4:30am.  Yes always competitive--it's what drives me.  
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So there you have it 300 miles in 20:30.  

1.  My Average speed for 312.2 miles 15.22 mph for total time including all stops for food, nature
breaks and a gazillion traffic controls.

2.  My rolling average speed 16.81 mph.

3.  I spent two hours off the bike either stopped at a light, nature breaks or actually off the bike eating.  

4.  I spent 8600 kjs.  That is an enormous amount of calories.  I didn't take in more than 4, 000
calories.  

5.  Elevation gain 12K feet.  It is a really tame Triple in regards to climbing.  It is front-loaded though.

My actual mileage was a bit more from getting lost twice.  I couldn't believe the same volunteers were
still manning the finish as were there at 3:30am when I checked in.  Amazing dedication on the parts of
MJ Grove and Frank Neal. My hats off to you AND to all the volunteers.  

After checking in the first order of business was FOOD!  There was some left-over chili. It was the only
option so I gladly had two (2) bowls.  They used to do a big BBQ with tri-tip.  Maybe we missed it.




William and I rode the next section together.  It was uneventful and hard to get lost.  I was starving
again.  I kept thinking I would stop at some fast food place and get something but I didn't want to stop.  
I kept thinking I can make it to Port Hueneme ...just hold on.  By the time we got there I was about to
faint from hunger!

Port Hueneme Checkpoint # 6 mile 263.6
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Malibu Finish # 5 mile 299. (actual 312.2)

Questions and Answers

Epilogue

So far I have received one question on my blog.

Question:  How does this ride compare to the 508?

Answer:  The Furnace Creek 508 is significantly harder. As a three-time finisher I can tell you the 508
miles and the 35,000 feet of climbing in the Mojave and Death Valley deserts are more punishing than the
Grand Tour.  The Grand Tour is considered to be a good beginners double century.  The challenge in
doing the Quad (400 miles) is the amount of traffic that you have to contend with.  Not an issue at the
508.  This is a supported event.  They do however suggest you have a crew for the last 100 miles.  The
climbing is relatively tame once you get through Ojai and Lake Casitas.  After that is it mainly coastline
and rollers.  I would recommend you save some for the last rollers into Malibu.  Don't forget there are
other options than the Quad i.e. 200km, 200 miles, 300 miles.  I'm just a nut case and went for the Quad.


Question: I was curious. How do you manage your calories. It appeared that you ate mostly on feel.
Do you regiment and eat when you have to, or just when you feel hungry. I'd also like your opinion on
Carbo Pro vs. Perpetuem. Is Carbo Pro easy on the stomach and does it contain any Whey protein?

Answer:  I do eat mainly on feel.  I am mindful of 300 calories an hour.  Sometimes it comes in small
doses sometimes it comes in large doses.  

Small doses-- while climbing it comes from my bottles.  

Large doses-- when I summit a climb it comes from a homemade gel from Carbo Pro and can be in
excess of 300 calories.  

Carbo Pro vs. Perpetuem.

Perpetueum is a complete fuel i.e. fat, protein, carbs and and some electrolytes.  

Carbo Pro is straight carbs no sugar.  It does not provide protein, fat or electrolytes.  

Carbo Pro IS very easy on the stomach.  I recommend it to anyone who has had trouble with the other
endurance fuels.