EVEREST CHALLENGE - DAY 2 - WIN!

Are we REALLY going up that?
Stage Two of the Everest Challenge

Big Pine, CA

Today’s second stage began with bitterly cold temperatures (38) but bright blue skies. As promised, the second stage had 1500 feet of additional climbing at the cost of 10 added kilometers. Normally, 10 KM would not make a difference but when it is 10 km up hill and comes at mile 50 a rider has a tendency to get a bit bitter about the changes (or at least this rider does).

Once again, the start time was 6:45, very nearly still dark and definitely still frigid. Like yesterday I set a nice tempo on the way out, much to the disgust of the other (male) riders. However, today they did not bother to warn me about starting out too hard, or how difficult the terrain was.

The first climb began at the 3 mile mark, and unfortunately, we had to ride right by the hotel we were staying at. If there ever was a test, that certainly was it. I thought about how the bed was probably still warm, and remembered that I had failed to turn off the coffee pot and that there was still coffee. Somehow I managed to keep going and hit the climb second wheel. I picked Bill’ wheel, the nice guy I was with for a bit yesterday because looking at his GC it was apparent he would need to be on the attack today to win the State Championship. Sure enough, the first pitch he attacked and I was able to follow his wheel.

We hit the first switch back, giving me a chance to see where the chase was at, and we already had nearly two minutes. From there Bill set a good steady pace, promising to pace me up the climb, if I would work for him on the descent and on the flats (of which there was little today.) Technically we could work together despite being in different categories because all the riders were started together.

So we climbed, and climbed and climbed. It was an extremely difficult climb, but what I did not know was that it was lily white in comparison to the final 22 miles of the race. We climbed for about an hour fifteen minutes and finally hit the turn-around. The descent was cold, but as promised I pushed the pace, glancing occasionally at my SRM to see the speed part read 75 km/hour. Now that is real fun!

We passed Rob who was looking great, sitting very comfortably in a small group that was off the front of his large field. I wanted to let him know to save something for the top of the climb, but the wind whipped my words away and all he saw was my mouth move and a smile.

On the flat section, we hit a lovely head/cross wind – finally something I was comfortable with. However, being a little climber guy, Bill was struggling so I had to meter my effort. The second climb was long, nearly 17 miles (with the additional 10 km) but at an average grade of 5%. This is my kind of gradient and I sat in the front happily setting tempo. Bill and I were the leading riders on the road, and again without any information we stayed on a hard pace, neither of us wanting to get caught. After yesterday’s stage I had a 38 minute cushion over second place, but I wanted to be certain that if I blew on the final 22 mile climb, I would not have to panic.

Finally we hit the turn-around and after a short 500 meter, 3 kilometer climb we were descending again. With only a 5% grade it was a pedal climb, and I had my work cut out for me. Again, I willingly did the bulk of the work, keeping the pace at 60 km/hr. We passed Bill’s opponent on the way down, at least five minutes back.

We also passed Rob who was at this point sitting third, with two guys off the front, still within site. I was impressed; for a mountain biker, Rob was doing great on such a challenging course and at altitude.

At the bottom of the descent, we made a right hand turn and everything went to hell. Bill had warned me that the first 10 miles and the final 10 miles were going to be tough. He failed to tell me that the first two miles averaged 6%, the next four miles at 8% and the next two 10%. Ouch.

I was in a bad way. I was cold and every part of my body ached or burned or was complaining in someway. And as most athletes know, it is when you are most tired that you don’t take care of yourself. At this point I had only consumed two gels and a piece of banana bread. The climb was so steep I could barely get my hand off my bars to grab some food, but finally I managed to throw down a mix of Clif Blocks and a Clif Shot.

Bill had ridden away from me at this point, apologizing, but needing to ride his own race. For an hour I rode by myself, going crazier with every pedal stroke. The smallest things bother you at this point, like the way the SRM was no longer straight on my bars, or how I had gotten some dirt on my flash Proman shorts. I was in a foul mood, and as the road continued to get steeper I began to fantasize about getting off my bike and lying down on the side of the road until the sag wagon rescued me.

At the mid-feed station, I caught Bill and things looked up a bit. We made a left hand turn and had a bit of a descent. I ate some more and got myself together. It was a relief to have someone to talk to, although at this point, all we could really manage was grunting.

By this time, five pro men had passed us, taking time to say hi as the passed. For a long time I stared at Bill’s wheel until he warned me that the next three miles would be “extremely difficult.” An average of 17% for three miles is something I hope I never have to suffer through again. When you are averaging four to five miles an hour, three miles takes a VERY long time.

At one point, I looked up only to see the road snaking up, intolerably getting steeper with every switch back. NEVER LOOK UP unless you are ready to deal with the consequences. I was near to tears at this point, fed up with pain, fed up with being cold, and fed up with being slow. I think it was just my stubbornness that got me (finally to the top). I had been climbing for a little over two hours.

After the finish, I huddled under a blanket and had another delicious quesadilla and about three cups of hot chocolate. I was shaking so badly that the volunteer staff had to carry me to a chair. Thankfully there were heaters, electric blankets and loads of warm food.

I was just beginning to get a little warmer when I saw Rob come in. He had a superb finish in third, which will move him up in the overall to either third or fourth. The officials were trying to figure out final results but we could not wait any longer in the cold and the wind.

With my win today, I sealed the overall as well as the State Climbing Championship. I find the Championship a bit ironic as I do not fancy myself a climber, but I can be a bit tenacious, and I think this was the winning ingredient for the Everest Challenge.

Would I come back to this race? I promised myself a million times today that if I finished, I would never come back. I have raced the women’s Tour de France, the Giro, several world cups, the tour of Switzerland, and just about every other major women’s race. I have never seen a climb like the final climb up to the Ancient Bristlecone. Maybe it was climbing at 10,550 feet, or doing 220 miles in two days, or it could be the nearly 30,000 feet we climbed. The combination of all three makes this one of the most difficult races I have ever done. Each of the over 200 riders that completed the race should be incredibly proud of the effort put out. It took pure determination, grit and fortitude to get to the finish line – there was no hiding at a race like this.

The race was really well organized, very safe, ran on time, and the volunteer crew were superb. They made finishing possible for each and every rider. If anyone ever wants to test themselves to see what they are made of – this would be a great arena for it. Next time, I might bring something bigger than a 27.

Thanks for reading!

EVEREST CHALLENGE - DAY 1 - WIN! & SNOW!

Gut wrenching fun at nine thousand feet

Stage one - Everest Challenge

Bishop, CA

Have you ever wondered what it is like to race two consecutive stages of the Tour de France? There is an opportunity in mid-September in the Bishop, CA area. A gut busting total of over two hundred miles and very nearly 30,000 feet of climbing, the Everest Challenge offers riders of all experience levels the chance to test themselves at 8,000 feet.

Rob and I made the drive from the Santa Rosa area yesterday, a very slow six and a half hours through incredible scenery. As we came around the valley to Mono Lake, I looked out into the vast span of rock faces and realized that I was looking at snow tipped peaks. Oh no. Snow was not part of my tactical plans for the two days of racing. Of course I was prepared for cold with long fingered gloves, booties, leg warmers, a wind front base layer and a cap for under my helmet, but cold for me is 60 degrees. As we drove over the final pass into Bishop the car thermometer read 40. I was already cold. The wind buffeted the car and we watched with dread as the rain and snow mix came across the valley and pummeled the windows as we pulled into registration.

When we picked up our numbers I was informed of two things. The first was that there were a substantial amount of women racing (yeah) and the second was that although the course would change due to weather we would still start at 6:45 (yikes). I was uncertain that I could consume enough coffee to actually pedal my bike at 6:45 (yes that is AM).

In any case, a quick dinner of lasagna and salad saw us to bed without a ride. Now, when you race professionally there are frequently pre-race days that you just don’t get a chance to ride, whether due to travel, or the location of the bikes. However, I try to make a point of climbing on my bike prior to racing now because my legs are old and creaky and need a little pre-race opener to be able to perform. I was able to comfort myself only in the fact that with 120 miles and 15,000 feet of climbing, chances were no one would attack before mile 60…

A quick stop at “the man” for coffee and we were at the start. It was still dark and cold. I mean bitter. I was shaking and would not get out of the car. Rob got my bike ready and as they called the riders to the line I crawled out of the heated car and rolled to the line. The first group to head out was all the women, the Master’s men (all categories) and the public racers. With such a big field, I went to the front immediately and set a good tempo in an attempt to get warm. Four different men came up and asked me to slow down. They inquired into my history with the race (none) and told me I would blow up for sure.

I can be kind of stubborn and was not keen on slowing down because I was asked to. So we hit the first climb and the group was quickly whittled down to eight of us; one of members was a woman named Marie from the Simple Green Team. She was climbing really well, and looked like a very good climber (meaning she was little and light).

As the climb wound its way up the mountain we were treated to spectacular views, the light was stunning as the rising sun light glinted of the snow kissed peaks. One of the men in the group put some pressure on, picking up the pace and looking like he was not going to slow down. As he split off from the group, he took another man with him. Marie jumped across to them but I was determined to be patient, sitting at a comfortable tempo.

Soon the small group had 15 seconds on our small group. Anyone who races knows that feeling in their gut when they know it is time to go. It was time, looking up the mountain I was fairly certain that this was going to be one of the few times I could bridge somewhat comfortably, and with a brief amount of suffering I was to the group, bringing one man with me. The five of us never looked back and that was to be the group for the next 40 or so miles.

This race was an interesting format because at the mountain top was a turn-around and then you headed back down from whence you came. I loved this for two reasons. The first was that I passed Rob, who had started an hour behind me. It is always a lift when you see someone you like during the race. The second reason I like this particular format was that I got to know the descent and could really let the bike run on the way down. In fact, I was told twice today I descended like a “demon.”

Thankfully, the training camp we just held in New Mexico really paid off, and the descents were no where near as technical as those we had just been riding on. I easily put two minutes into the group after the first descent and was faced with a decision. I could wait or try a go at being solo for 90 miles. So I sat up and waited, eating some delicious homemade banana bread that Rob’s Mom had made just for the race.

The second climb was a stair step climb – only the set of stairs was from the Empire State Building. No kidding, there must have been thirty “steps.” Just when I was getting frustrated with the slow pavement, the rain, the people I was riding with and my own inability to weigh ten pounds so I could climb better, we reached the top. Blasting down the descent, I once again reached the bottom solo. There was about four miles of flat before the next climb so I rode tempo, and two of the men bridged to me. The three of us made our way to the third climb.

Beautiful but steep, the third climb made its way up through a valley of Aspens. The leaves were blowing across the road, dappling the snow with yellow and gold. The two men I was riding with were in the same category and I tried to hang tough as they attacked each other. Soon it was Dennis going up the road leaving myself and the second, very kind man to suffer it out for 10 more miles. I wished I could do something to help the man I was riding with bridge the gap to his competitor but I was tapped.

We made our way up to the top and at the turn-around Dennis had three minutes on us. As soon as we hit the descent I began the chase, trying to help bridge the gap for the man I was with. He was not as secure a descender as I so I monitored my effort to keep him within his envelope of comfort.

I waved to Rob who looked super strong. He had settled into the front group of six (his category began with 60) and was feeling good enough to make a joke as we passed.

The two of us hit the last flat section of 8 miles before the finish and I began to chase for real. By this point I was alone, but I could see Dennis just in front of me. The wind was ghastly, keeping me on the sidewall of my tires the entire time. I had to get very quiet in my mind and focus on every pedal stroke. Dennis looked back, saw me coming and sat up so he could get on my wheel as I came by. That lasted for about 30 seconds before I was alone. Ah yes, alone again.

Finally I turned out of the wind and onto the last climb – a killer ascent of 22 miles. Everyone had failed to mention that this was a severely difficult climb, one that mocks the riders that try to climb it, and revels in the delight of bringing cyclists to their knees in agony.

I had nothing to do but turn the pedals, one stroke at a time. Looking at my computer I realized that I would be climbing for nearly two hours. I kept telling myself I would get to the top. You always do – don’t you? Isn’t that why you climb? I reminded myself that I had paid for the pleasure of this suffering so I should just quit my whining and get the job done.

Being off the front solo – the lead rider – was difficult. With no information, I had no idea what the time splits were, or even if I was on the right road. Finally I saw a feed station. The volunteers at this race are incredible. They are great feeders, offering encouragement and support to everyone who passes, as well as bottles, bars and gels. I was relieved to see them, but it was a short bit of relief as the road hit the sky, and for miles all I could see was pavement going up. The feeders did inform me that I was the leading rider on the road but that a group of three professional men were approaching.

At the ten kilometer to go mark the first pro caught me and passed with a brief nod. He looked like I felt – slow and kind of desperate. About three minutes later, the second pro came by me on one of the sharpest grades, with a cheery “hello, great job.” He was dancing up the climb and I had a quick evil wish that he would offer to push me the rest of the way.

Another three minutes and the third pro came by, offering up support in the form of “good work – tough climb.” I cannot write the words that came out of my mouth, or my Mom will fly to CA to wash it out with soap, but suffice to say it was nothing but illiterate swearing.

Finally the five kilometer mark showed itself and I was briefly happy, until I realized that I probably still had fifteen minutes of climbing. I had kept the three pros well within sight, and was closing in on the guy who had come by my first. He was definitely faltering, giving me some comfort that I was not alone in my suffering.

The one kilometer mark took brought a smile to my face until I saw how steep the final incline was. It was cruel, I mean just downright unnecessary. The pitches were 17% and came in four separate parts, with the last 200 meters being the most brutal. My finish was a bit anticlimactic; everyone was huddled together trying to avoid the hail that was now pounding the road and the cutting wind that was burning exposed skin.

I quickly headed back down to where the finish bags were and put on every single piece of clothing that I owned. I also grabbed a fresh quesadilla, which was quite possibly the best thing I have ever eaten. I did manage to eat it on the descent, but not without getting some refried beans on my bars. Whatever, I did not much care. All I did care about was eating something warm and seeing Rob coming up the climb.

At about nine kilometers to go I crossed paths with Rob who was sitting about fifth and looking pretty miserable in the hail and rain. A quick wave and I put my mind on getting to the bottom and into the car. By the time I reached the car I was shaking so much I thought I might crash. Throwing the bike in the car, I drove back up the hill to pick up a nearly frozen Rob. I had to help him pry his hands off the bars and nearly carry him to the car he was shaking so badly.

Finally back at the hotel and after a meal and hot shower, life is returning. Well, at least enough to realize that tomorrow is 86 miles with “additional climbing” because we “missed out on some today.” Please, my heart won’t be broken if we miss a few thousand feet – really!

I have not seen GC, but I think I have a bit of a gap over the second place woman. However, the second day at such high altitude and with so much climbing should certainly put both Rob and me to the test. Until then – tailwinds!

Everest challenge –

Women’s Pro 1, 2

1^st – Giana Roberge

SOCAL ELITE STATE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS - WIN!

SoCal State Track Championships
3K Individual Pursuit, Points Race, and Scratch Race

Rob, Gio, and I decided to make the trek down to L.A. this past weekend to race the Socal State Championship Event. We all wanted to get some track time and some competitive racing on the ADT track before the National Championships coming up in a few weeks. What a great weekend of racing. We arrived early at the track on Saturday morning and began warming up around 8:00 a.m. My first event was the 3k pursuit, which I entered primarily to practice pursuiting on that track in the gearing that I will use for the Mass Start Test at Nationals.


I'm always a little nervous getting on the track for the first time, but it is definitely getting easier every time. We were able to warm up for about 1.5 hours, so I was really feeling comfortable in my new tt positioning and on the steep bankings by the time my race came around. I got a good start and rode the first half of the pursuit a little too fast. My splits were fairly consistent, but not as much as I would like them to be. I started fading with about 1k to go, but still managed to hold on for a 3:58:7 and a personal best. This was 5 seconds faster than the last pursuit I did a weekend earlier. I held on for 2nd place after all of the other riders had finished, only being beat by Dotsie Bausch of Colavita. I was very pleased with my improvement and am starting to be more and more comfortable during my pursuits.


Next up was Gio in the Keirin. What a cool race to watch. He made it through the qualifying heats with ease and picked the 1st position behind the motor for the final. He gave that position up at the start to another eager rider who took it from him immediately off the start line. Gio sat comfortably in second wheel for the majority of the race until one lap to go when he engaged in a mean sprint against Justin Williams of Rock and Repubic. Justin took the win and Gio held on for second, demonstrating great strength and tactical savviness.


Then it was the Points Race heats. Gio and Rob were in different heats, but both qualified easily. Rob was looking for some added training and nearly won his qualifying heat by battling and scoring on almost every sprint lap. Then my points race. There were only 8 of us, but the field was stacked with National caliber races like Becky Quinn, Christen King, Neva Day, Cassandra Hollman, and Catherine Fiedler. I was patient on the first sprint lap, but ready for the counter. Little did I know, I was riding an 83-inch gear and intended to be riding an 88, at least. I was spinning all over the place. It was an interesting experience. For the rest of the race, I contested every sprint lap, taking 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place points. It wasn't enough to challenge Becky Quinn though, who would end up taking the win. With 2 sprints to go, one rider attacked off the front. This rider wasn't a threat to Becky, but was a threat to me, so I got on the front and raised the pace to bring it back. Every half lap I would look to the riders behind me for help, but no one would. In retrospect, I should have scored the early points in order to be more aware of who else had scored what, which would allow me to play a more defensive role. I learned a lot in this race. One thing or sure, I will not be racing with an 83-inch gear at Nationals.


Check out Rob's blog for the men's points race report: http://web.mac.com/robevans1/ODHBikes/Blog/Entries/2007/9/15_So_Cal_Championships%3A_Day_1.html


Day Two: Team Pursuit and Scratch Race

On Saturday, two girls asked me to race the Team Pursuit with them on Sunday. I was more than happy to do it because I absolutely love this event. I was the only one of the 3 of us with tt bars and helmet. I passed on some tips I had about the race from doing it back at home the week before. We started with me in the middle of the 2 of them and the first girl sprinted hard off the line. It would have been better to wind it up a little slower rather than jump so hard off the line, but oh well. It took about a 1/2 lap for the 2 of us to latch back onto her wheel and then she pulled off and I was on the front. I led for a lap and then exchanged and after one more exchange, one of the girls pulled out. Now we have 2 girls and 10 laps to go. I put my head down and started driving it hard for a lap, making sure my teammate was tucked in closely behind me. After the exchange, I felt I was the stronger of the two of us and indicated to her that I would take 2 lap pulls. We eventually finished the race, almost 10 seconds off the fastest time of the day, but still a second place overall. Becky Quinn, Neva Day, and Christen King made up the winning team.
I approached them after the race and expressed my interest in doing this event with them at Nationals in a couple of weeks. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to race the Team Pursuit at Nationals. It's a great race.


Finally, the Scratch Race. A chance to get a victory. I am now prepared with the right gearing and super-motivated to get a win. With only 40 laps in the race, I knew I could race hard and had every intention of keeping the race fast and attacking left and right. After following a small attack, the pack came back together and I attacked immediately. My gap grew to about a 1/2 lap over about 6 laps, but with 30 laps to go, I knew it wasn't going to stick and I wasn't going to lap. I backed off a bit and waited for the pack to catch me. I was able to get back on for about 1 lap before the next attack and I went with it. The field was broken, but managed to come back together and bring every attack back. It was an extremely fast and aggressive race. With about 14 laps to go Christen King made a strong move to get off the front and I was the only one to go with her. She drove the pace hard for a couple of laps and I helped. We were eventually caught with about 6 to go and I attacked immediately.
I got off the front quickly and the chase hesitated. I gained about 1/2 lap again and was keeping it there. With 3 to go, I knew I had to commit so I turned it up as much as I could and gave it everything I had for 3 laps. I was able to hold off the field and ride in with about a straight-away ahead of the field. It was very satisfying to have timed my move right and been able to hold on for the win.


It really was an amazing weekend. I met so many cool riders, mechanics, officials, and coaches. It was a really great atmosphere to be in just weeks before Nationals. Huge thanks to all of the officials, volunteers, and announcers at the ADT Center who organized a great event. Also, thanks to Tim, Team Manager of the Bicycle John's Cycling Team, Kara, Catherine, Cassandra, and Becky for being so cool and supportive all weekend. And of course, thanks to Rob and Gio for taking care of me and making it such great weekend.

Thanks for Reading - Shelley