Day 5 Thursday 6/14/07

How time flies! It's so hard to even remember what day of the week it is or what town we stayed in last night. Either that means I'm losing my memory (maybe I never had any) or that I'm enjoying myself away from work, meetings and an Outlook calendar!

Anyway, today was another good day. We did 156 miles from Springerville AZ to Socorro NM. It was cold enough at 6 AM in Springerville that some people started in arm warmers of light jackets. Not me. We had a good fraction of our climbing in the first 11 miles in a total day of only 4,000 feet.

I had a massage the night before so my legs felt good. But I kept going to just under my lactate threshold and would have to back off. Just listen to the legs! Eventually there were only 2-4 riders out in front of me and I was riding alone. I passed up the first sag area (22 miles) without stopping. Saw a couple riders in there. They saw me. This ride isn't a race, but cyclists tend to be competitive even so. Besides, They put the names of the riders in the first finishing group on the white board and give you a tattoo (supposedly to put on your left calf to mark you the next day for other riders). It washes off so don't worry Robin.

So... they came out to "hunt" me down (PeterBeeson and Mark Pattinson) . They caught me. At the next sag area (49 miles) I stopped as Peter was leaving. I was quick to refill food and drink. I left with Peter. Still didn't really know how many were ahead, but suspected not many since Mark is usually the first one in at the end of the day.

After a bit, I pulled away from Peter. I passed the third sag area (71 miles) without stopping. A rider saw me go by. Two miles later I stopped to snap the following two picture at the 7,729 foot continental divide just inside the New Mexico state line. Mark passed me like I was standing still! Looks like my helmet needs adjusting.

The next picture shows my Serotta Ottrott ST bike. It is a pleasure to ride and is working well.

I stopped at the lunch area and Mark was about to leave. He asked me if I wanted to go. Susan (one of the organizers) said if I wanted to get on the white board that Mark was number one and I was there too. It only took a second to decide, but it was a rad decision - the soft tortillas and fixins looked VERY good. So I said yes and grabbed what I could stuff in my mouth and got some more water etc. and left with Mark. We traded leads for the next 65 miles - although his were always stronger and faster. It was a risk to go with him and somewhat of a gift (although I did work for him too), but it was an opportunity worth taking. And it worked. We didn't get caught. We came in at 1:30 PM, riding 156 miles in 7.5 hours (average pace with stops of 20.8 mph). Where is my tattoo?

The next picture show the Syntace C2 aerobars that I am so glad I put on for this ride. I've never used them before but it was a wise choice. I spent probably 90% of the day in them (you put your forearm near your elbows on the pads and hold onto the ends). It relieves stress on your hands by giving yo a new position. I've done reasonably well with them even in some crosswind.

This picture is looking down at the route card, aerobars and speedometer. I'm getting better at snapping pictures on the move. Yes, it says 24.5 mph (but don't tell Robin).

For the people at work, ask Tony Kay if he knows the significance of the next picture. There are two white objects in the picture that should interest him (kind of small in my view - can you double click to enlarge). Anyway, this is part of the Very Large Array of radio telescopes between Pie Town and Magdalena. Supposedly this is where they shot part of the "Contact" movie with Jodi Foster. We didn't see any intelligent life all day though!

The map here shows our progress. We are 772 miles into the the 2800 miles (28%).

Here is the white board with my name as one of the people in the first finishing group.

Here are Eric (L) and Ed Pabst (R) while we wait in the shade for our room keys to be but in the basket and room numbers marked in the white board out at the PAC Tour trailer.

Here is what we all like to do after the pedal turning stops. Put your feet up in the air to drain the lactic acid. There are my feet.

Something else they do very well on PAC Tour (and people comply) is that they have a water jug filled with a soap/water mix and everyone is required to remove their gloves and wash upon entering a sad area before they get near the food. I'm sure you will want to tune in tomorrow, same time, same station to see a picture of how they combine the jug with the paper towel roll!

Day 4: Wednesday 6/13/07

It's already 8:45 PM. I should be sleeping! Even if you get in between 3-5 PM there is still so much to do and so little time. Here is some of the list - starting when you get off the bike:

The Elite Pac Tour Daily Process

Get your room key, tun on the AC, find your gear bag, drag it to your room, retrieve you bike from the racks that are set up by the trailers, mix and consume a recovery drink, clean and re-lubricate your chain, clean your water bottle (they probably had other stuff in them during the day), take your shower, retrieve your PC from the trailer, get your new maps ready for the next day, go eat a big meal, repair any punctured tubes (I've had two so far), layout your riding clothes for next day, clean your sunglasses, get a massage (I've had two in four days), log on to the PC, work on your blog (must also share time for Eric to work on his), brush your teeth, drink more water, go to bed, get up four times to urinate, get up at 4:45 AM (typical so far), apply sunscreen, apply chamois butter, be outside at 5:30 AM to eat (typically oatmeal, rolls, bagels, eggs (for day 5), fruit), pack your gear bag, load it at exactly 5:50 AM, start riding at 6 AM sharp (as determined by an "atomic" clock), turn the pedals about 51,000 to 72,000 times, take some pictures, eat and drink all you can, enjoy the scenery and conversation, sweat a lot, and repeat the process for 16 more days.

Today was day 4: Wednesday June 13. Globe AZ to Springerville AZ 144 miles with about 11,000 feet of climbing. I did well today. It felt like I was in my own element - climbing in war to cool air between 3,700 and 9, 260 feet. At least it wasn't flat and hot. Eric an I rode together all day and I was able to return the favor he did for me on day two - at least in part. He was not climbing as well as normal but we stuck together as much as you can in the mountains and hills. You can't help one another in the mountains like you can in the flat windy areas. You can at least keep making contact, stay nearby, encourage and make sure they are OK. Susan (one of the organizers) told him he needed to eat more.

In Springerville we are on the Arizona - New Mexico border. Great Mexican restaurent here. I am so full. Tomorrow we go to Socorro NM. About 150 miles and only 4,000 feet climbing. Until then - good night.

Day 3 June 12, 2007

I'm in Globe AZ now (6/12/07) bit their internet is not letting any one upload pictures, so please check this post tomorrow for pictures - maybe it will work in Springerville AZ.

Today was 149 miles from Gila Ben AZ to Globe AZ. We had about 6000 feet of climbing and got up to 4260 feet. At least it was a little cooler up there. What a difference a say makes. I felt very good. Eric and I started in separate groups. Eric was up ahead and I did just whatever my legs felt like without making a lot of lactic acid. I then caught him at the 80 mile lunch stop. And we rode the remaining 70 miles together where all the climbing was. I would usually do better than Eric up the climbs the slow and wait so we could descend together and regroup. The climbing was with a tail wind so there was no real air movement around us when we were climbing. We had an 800 foot tunnel to get through. I though it would be cooler inside than it was.

Tomorrow it is 11,ooo feet climbing. We get up to 9,200 feet and it will be cooler. More like home. Check back for pictures tomorrow.

Day 2 June 11, 2007

6/11/07 El Centro to Gila Bend - 190 Hot miles

Note: This post now has pictures posted on 6/13/07.

It was hot! The End. That would be enough to describe the day. But for more clarity I could say it was “hotter than hell”, or “hot enough to make your blood boil” or “too hot for man or beast”. A bare-chested guy at one of the convenience stores we stopped at wondered what we were doing this for in this part of the country. He said there were lots better looking parts of the country, and that the town we were in was 2 miles from hell and 100 miles from water”!

Actually we rode 190 miles from El Centro CA to Gila Bend AZ. At the rest stop they said it was 112 degrees but I’m not sure of the accuracy of that. We were, at times less tan a half-mile from Mexico. You could see the buildings at the international border crossing. Then it seemed like every other sign we saw said “Mexico”.

Eric was a true friend. I had a pretty hard day and had to slow way down at the end. It was so hot. Eric helped me a lot at the end. We both had our moments, but Eric did more for me today than I was able to do for him. Second days of multi-day rides are typically the hardest for me. I hope it holds true this time.

Usually one waits till the end of the event for the credits, but I would like to start now. Thanks to Robin – my beautiful wife who let me come. More thanks next time.

Day 1 Sunday, June 10, 2007

Day 1 is over now. The 128 miles from San Diego to El Centro, CA took us 8 hours and 20 minutes. The temperature didn't get over 100 degrees they say. A relatively "cool"day. Eric thinks we came in about 6th out of 5o, but I'm not sure.

The sag stops were organized well and were placed about ever 30 miles. My diet today consisted of oatmeal with brown sugar, pastry and juice for breakfast, Payday bars for snacks, sandwiches, chips and cake for lunch, and a Denny's dinner of salad, french toast, cheese covered fries and a side of mashed potatoes. The liquid for the day was Camelbak water & ice and insulated water bottles filled with Sustained Energy. This was the first ride in several years without Hammer Gel for me.

Eric and I stayed together all day, joined by others every now and then. We rode a good part of the first 75 miles to lunch with Ed Pabst (age 57). He was very strong on the hills. Then we didn't see him again until he came in after us at the end. I was strong in the climbs of the first half, and Eric was stronger in the hot flat sections of the last half.

Basically the route weaved under, over and both sides of I-8 for most of the day with to section actually on I-8 (5 miles flat and 12 miles descent). Some of that second I-8 stretch looked totally devoid of live plant life.

Then we were on CA-98 through the Yuha Desert. Very barren (see picture).

There were lots of border patrol cops on that section. There were also these flags on polls (see picture) with a blue container at the base. It said "aqua" on the container. When we went over to inspect, there were 4 one gallon jugs of water (hot water at that time of day). People told us it was a humanitarian effort to keep the illegals alive during border crossings. So they make it illegal for them to sneak over here but they supply water just in case.

We got in, drank recovery mixtures, showered and ate. The I splurged on a half-hour massage to flush the legs of lactic acid. The guy was good. The IT band area was especially sensitive. It felt good. I hope it helps tomorrow go well.

Tomorrow is 190 miles with only 2300 feet of elevation gain but it is supposed to be MUCH HOTTER. It will be important to manage our speed and our liquid intake. Until then - so long.

Day Before the Start

A slow day today. Breakfast at Brian's then he drove us down to San Diego. The hotel was in the hotel circle area near I-5 and Hwy 163. We had to wait 90 minutes or so before the room was ready. Put on the aerobars. Eric went to visit his uncle. I went on a 14 mile ride up by the University of San Diego. Awesome architecture but I didn't have the camera. Made one seat adjustment. The pool-side meeting is at 3:30 then dinner at 5:00 PM. Wondering how I'll perform.... Wondering how PAC Tour really works..... We shall see.

2007 Elite PAC Tour route and Schedule

GONE CYCLING!
Elite Southern Transcontinental PAC Tour

Here is the schedule for our PAC Tour (taken from pactour.com)

17 Days Coast to Coast

175 - 210 miles per day

San Diego, CA to Savannah (Tybee Island), GA

June 10 to June 26, 2007

Day 1 (June 10, Sunday) San Diego, CA to El Centro, CA 128 miles, 7,400’

We depart the Pacific Ocean and begin climbing the first 50 miles. After crossing four mountain passes from 3,000 to 4,000 feet elevation we drop back down to sea level near the 100 mile mark. The desert will be 110 degrees at this time of year. The climbing today is almost 7,500 feet. With all the climbing and desert heat this day is a tough introduction to the Elite Tour.

Day 2 (June 11, Monday) El Centro to Gila Bend, AZ 191 miles, 2,300’

Today the good thing is the route will be mainly flat. The bad thing is that we ride across the burning desert all day. A 1,000 foot climb over Telegraph Pass near Yuma, Arizona is the main climbing for this section. With a little luck we could have good tailwinds the last half of the day.

Day 3 (June 12, Tuesday) Gila Bend to Globe, AZ 147 miles, 6,000’

The first half of the day we climb and descend several gentle grades in the desert. After lunch we begin climbing steeper grades gaining over 3,000 feet. The Pinal Mountains offer cooler temperatures and relief from the heat.

Day 4 (June 13, Wednesday) Globe to Springerville, AZ 148 miles, 11,000’

The first challenge of the day will be the steep climb out of the Salt River Canyon. Dozens of hairpin turns along the edge of the Canyon give us spectacular views across the valley. After departing the town of Show Low the route climbs to over 9,000 feet. The final 20 miles are a fast ride from the forests down into the ranches of the valley.

Day 5 (June 14, Thursday) Springerville to Socorro, NM 158 miles, 4,000’

Today we cross into New Mexico. The tall forests give way to small scrubby pine trees. Hills and cliffs of red rocks line the road as we climb to the Continental Divide at 8,000 feet near Pie Town. The wind will dictate if the ride across the range country is fast or not.

Day 6 (June 15, Friday) Socorro to Roswell, NM 167 miles, 5,000’

Another day of big rolling grades. There are several three to five mile climbs. Over the final 30 miles the road drops from the mountains into the prairie. By the time we reach Roswell the only thing alien to us will be the feeling of fresh legs.

Day 7 (June 16, Saturday) Roswell to Hereford, TX 165 miles, 2,000’This is the flattest day of the tour. The scrubby vegetation changes to farm fields and cattle ranches as we enter Texas. It could be windy!

Day 8 (June 17, Sunday) Hereford to Sayre, OK 180 miles, 3,500’

We continue across the flat Texas Panhandle. In the afternoon we drop off the Caprock and begin to roll along the frontage road of Oklahoma's Route 66. The old remaining cement slabs offer a glimpse of highway travel 60 years ago.

Day 9 (June 18, Monday) Sayre to Ada, OK 206 miles, 3,500’

The scenery changes with more trees and rivers offering variety to the landscape. This is the longest day in miles but it will be interesting with many small towns and rolling hills.

Day 10 (June 19, Tuesday) Ada to Mena, AR 178 miles, 10,100’

This day will be remembered for the steep 15% grades of the Talimena Parkway. This Parkway follows the backbone ridge of the Quachita Mountains into Arkansas. 8,000 feet of climbing are packed into the final 50 miles of rollers.

Day 11 (June 20, Wednesday) Mena to Pine Bluff, AR 180 miles, 4,100’

Today is a recovery day from the steep climbing. We enter the dense pine forests of western Arkansas. Lumber and paper mills are the major landmarks today.

Day 12 (June 21, Thursday) Pine Bluff to Batesville, MS 159 miles, 2,000’

We leave the forests and ride out on the flat delta region. Rice and cotton are the main crops here with an occasional catfish farms. We cross the Mississippi River and climb up the rolling bluffs leaving the river behind.

Day 13 (June 22, Friday) Batesville to Forest, MS 176 miles, 3,200’

We return to the forests and hills in central Mississippi. Rural highways and farm roads make this a nice cycling day.

Day 14 (June 23, Saturday) Forest to Camden, AL 172 miles, 3,700’

Any rider who has made it this far is looking forward to the finish. The terrain and mileage are easier than anything we have traveled so far.

Day 15 (June 24, Sunday) Camden to Eufaula, AL 152 miles, 4,800’

A good variety of rural roads through the forests make this an interesting day. The humid heat will be the biggest challenge of today.

Day 16 (June 25, Monday) Eufaula to Dublin, GA 160 miles, 4,500’

As we enter Georgia, the big rolling hills are suitable for small chainring climbing. The ride becomes flat as we cross more than half the state today.

Day 17 (June 26, Tuesday) Dublin to Tybee, GA 142 miles, 1,500’

Our last day of riding. The route is nearly pancake flat with a slight downhill to the Atlantic. We cross the historic city of Savannah then ride the final 15 miles to the beach, arriving by mid afternoon. That evening we celebrate the completion of the Elite Tour with an awards dinner.

Total Distance 2,797 miles
Total Climbing 78,600 feet
Departure (June 27, Wednesday) - Schedule your departure for this day.