Around the Bend 400k Brevet

Ride Report - March 10, 2012

This one started out innocently enough. Mark would be returning home for spring break. He, Tegan, and Debby would be heading up to Colorado the morning of the brevet for a week of skiing. I could not take the time off because of work, so that left Michael and I at home. He would be starting his spring break on Monday flying out to visit his grandparents in South Carolina. Should be easy for me to slip away. Plus this was a new route that didn't return via the I-10 Frontage Road of Brain Damage! I didn't want to miss this one so I obtained the kitchen pass and signed up!

The week before the Brevet, Michael decides to enter a USA Cycling Criterium, also on Saturday. He is almost 18 and was fine to drive himself to the race so I pre-signed his junior release forms and he was good to go. Deb suggested I line up someone in case he got hurt during his event since we would both be 'on the road' while he was racing...

Tom Baker leading the Rider Meeting

20+ riders showed up at the Round Trip Bike Shop ready to try on the new 400k Brevet designed by Tom Baker. Tom would be today's trail boss and did a great job with the route, coordinating volunteers and support, and even directing riders at the only unmarked turn on the course!

After the requisite rider briefing, we were soon motoring up Trekell at a brisk pace and a group formed at the front with many of the usual suspects (Mike, Russ, Carlton, Roger, and Dick) and a new addition, Gary from Seattle. With a strong breeze building from the east, we picked up speed and arrived at the first checkpoint in Maricopa exactly when it opened (0746)! Tom was there to sign our cards, so all we needed to do was reload our bottles, use the restroom, and head out.

We left Maricopa in two groups but soon reformed before the long descent into Gila Bend. Downhill, with the wind, in a group of strong riders, we covered the next 14 miles averaging at least 30 mph! We rolled through town and made a U turn at the Welcome to Gila Bend sign to answer the control question. As we completed our U turn, it was obvious our most excellent progress into town was greatly wind assisted!

We decided to reload supplies and strip off some layers at the Texaco convenience store. The group was just about ready to go and I thought I should check my phone for messages:

Text from Debby: "Michael crashed in the race, he hurt his wrist. He may need to go to Urgent Care."

WHAT! Oh I know, she was just giving me a hard time because I didn't line up someone in case he got hurt. I called her cell; "I hope you are kidding." Nope, she wasn't. The group had rolled out, and I realized my fastest way home, short of hiring a cab, was rolling out of town!  I told Deb to text me an update, but that I had to go. I could abandon if necessary when we got back to Phoenix.

Back into the headwind, I caught the group just before they turned on Old Highway 80. Now it was a stiff cross-wind. To avoid echelons across the whole road, we formed a nice rotating double pace line to give each of us a litlle relief from the wind and made great progress.

Is there a law against texting in a pace line? Probably not, but it is definitely bad form and I didn't like doing it! But the updates on Michael's condition were good, and he was heading home. The paramedics at the race did not think his wrist was broken.

Did I mention the pace picked up when Steve and Trev from Canada joined the group?

We arrived at the checkpoint outside Buckeye. It was well stocked and staffed by our ever-present trail boss, Tom Baker. We reloaded and quickly exited the control, back into the headwind we would face for the rest of the day.

At the third check point near Buckeye

We rolled through downtown Buckeye and the pace picked up, I started to feel a bonk coming on, and I wanted to check in on Michael, so I took one more pull in the rotation and let myself get spit out of the back of the group.

I called Michael to check in. The good news; when Michael got home one of our friends (who is a Registered Nurse), was walking by with her dog, so Michael asked her to check out his wrist. She confirmed there was no break, and suggested he ice it. The bad news; I suddenly realized I had not consumed enough food and water since leaving Gila Bend and had a sour stomach bonk! Thinking more about Michael and contingency plans (abandon, call for a ride, etc.) I simply forgot to eat!

I remounted and got back on the road, I could see the main group about a mile away. Carlton dropped off to check on me since I suddenly disappeared. I told him I was OK, just bonked. He offered his wheel and I tacked on and we continued to Goodyear stopping at the Safeway for some lunch. I stuffed down a banana and a chocolate milk, but still felt badly when we left. By the time we got to PIR I told Carlton to go on without me, because I needed a little more time on the side of the road, and I felt even worse slowing him down and not contributing to the work. He didn't want to leave me, but I insisted and he reluctantly headed down the road.


After round two with the stomach, and back on the road I spotted Carlton leaving a Circle K where he had stopped for supplies. We rejoined; then in conversation we missed two turns. We backtracked and got back on the course with me firmly planted on his wheel. Somewhere along the way, I got another text from Michael and dropped off one more time to check on him telling Carlton to go on.

I stopped at familiar convenience store on 51st ave and called home to check on Michael one more time. His wrist was fine, his bike was fine, but his racing bibs were ruined and he had 3 big patches of road rash on his hip and rear. He said he was good and to keep riding! Back into the wind, I thought I saw a rider way up the road. Susan and Tom had set up a SAG stop at Beltline and Maricopa road. When I rolled in Carlton was there. We left together, me attached to his wheel, unable to generate enough power to take any pulls at the front.

Somewhere along the way Carlton told me about the Mormon Batalion Fleche team he was putting together. He said they would take non-Mormons, Hindus, and even Catholics. I told him I was in!

We put on our reflective gear as the sun went down and soon in rolled into Eric Simmons' control in Queen Creek. Eric checked us in and had the stove going for soup and coffee. I was hoping for potato soup (usually works like magic when I am bonking). I think it was creamy eggplant with a kick of pepper. In any case, it was delicious and I chased it with a hot coffee with about a half-box of sugar poured in!

A few miles after we left the checkpoint, Eric's magic soup (better than any regular potato soup) and hot sugar with a little coffee mixed in took hold and my legs came back and I was able to take a few pulls and finally give Carlton some relief. Unfortunately all his time dragging me along most of the day was taking its toll on his back (injured last year).

By the time we reached Coolidge the roles were reversed. Now Carlton was suffering and staring my my rear hub as our little two man team passed through the night. We made one stop at the Circle K, I pounded another sugar-coffee and we were out the door ready to tick off the last 19 miles and put this one behind us.


We rolled into finish at 22:14, 16 hours and 14 minutes after we started. A personal best for both of us!

I called it another 400k suffer-fest. Carlton called it tag-team survival.

Somehow it turned out to be a great day on the bike with some special teamwork. Thanks Carlton!

Gila River Valley 200k Brevet

February 18, 2012
Ride Report

The sun came up just at Tom Baker started the pre-ride meeting for the first running of the Gila River Valley 200k. About 20 souls showed up for this brevet designed by Tom and now part of the Arizona Randonneurs Brevet Series. Thanks to Tom and Susan for adding this new ride to the calendar!

Some of the usual suspects had signed up for the ride including Lonnie Epic Wolf from Utah. He was also attending a horse show in Scottsdale and was able to slip his brevet machine into the truck and out of the hotel for today's ride. Unfortunately, he rolled into the start just as we were rolling out!

Tom Baker, noting the direction of the start!

A tandem team of Paul Danhaus and Jenn Bixby from Wisconsin also were in attendance. When Tom announced that is was 7 am and time to go, I rolled out with Carlton van Leuven. Temperatures were in the low 40's, but the sun was up and there was little wind. Soon we were joined by Paul and Jenn and we worked together heading toward Sacaton. This was Carlton's first ride of the season over 50 miles and he decided to drop back. We continued through the village of Sacaton and stopped for a short break at the convenience store across from the Veteran's Park. One of the Marines in the famous Iwo Jima photo is from Sacaton and honored here! (Ira Hayes - Wikipedia has his story with a tough ending)!

Leaving Sacaton we were faced with the most brutal climb of the day, nearly 6 miles of 2-3% grade!!!! Once we cleared the top we congratulated each other, happy that the day's climbing was behind us! Soon we were rolling easily into Casa Grande and the first Checkpoint. Mick McCombs pre-rode the course with Tom Baker and was an ever-present support volunteer. He was in the parking lot of the Frys in Casa Grande and was able to sign our cards and refill our water bottles. Thanks Mick!

As we were rolling out, Mick mentioned that Susan had seen Lonnie working his way up toward the front of the peloton. We left the check point and soon were heading into the building wind on the 12 mile run to Eloy on Jimmy Kerr Boulevard. We reached the Circle K in Eloy recorded the answer to the Information Control Question and reloaded our bottles and took a natural break.

I called Mick and he said that Lonnie was only about 10-20 minutes behind us. I told Paul and Jenn that I wanted to wait for Lonnie so we could catch up. As Paul and Jenn took off Carlton rolled in and soon after that Lonnie rolled in, surprised that we were waiting for him. Another group from the Arizona Bicycle Club was on a ride to Tucson, so this little Circle K was quite overrun with cyclists!

Lonnie's Circle K Lunch!

Carlton enjoying a beverage

Lonnie was a little surprised to see us!

Soon we were rolling out of the Circle K; heading north with a nice quartering tailwind. The road is flat, straight, and unremarkable. A great section to ride with friends and share stories!

Here is a little video, sorry about the wind noise:

Our little trio rolled to and through Coolidge. Our quartering tailwind had shifted to a stout cross-wind and with the rough road, our group was suffering. As we neared the Pinal Pioneer Parkway, Lonnie decided to drop off, take a break, and ride the rest of the way in alone. We bid him good luck and farewell as we continued to ride toward Florence.

Mick was again waiting for us at the Information control at the intersection of the Old Florence-Kelvin Highway. He signed our cards, filled our bottles and we were on our way. The wind was continuing to build out of the west as we rolled through Florence and past the barbed wire and guard towers that surround the various units of the Arizona State Prison!

Leaving Florence we began what could be called the 'tour de foreclosure.' Lot's of partially completed developments and many empty houses in the Queen Creek area. I had no idea there was an Anthem development on the southeast side of the Valley!

We reached the Queen Creek Olive Mill and with only 5 miles to go I was somewhat temped to stop in for a wine tasting and a gourmet sandwich. They feature locally grown and processed olive oil, fine sandwiches and local Arizona wines. It was bustling with a live band and lots of traffic - next time!

We pointed our steeds into the wind and clicked off the last few miles of Chandler Heights Road, rolling into the Bashas' at Power Road, 7 hours and 38 minutes after we had started. RBA extraordinaire Susan Plonsky signed us in putting this brevet officially in the bag!

Paul Danhaus stopped by on his way out and soon Lonnie joined us at the finish line. Overall a great new route ridden with some great old friends!

Steve Atkins

Lonnie at the finish

Susan, not buying some of our stories

Post ride recovery meal!

Casa Grande 200k Brevet

Ride Report January 7, 2012
Steve Atkins

"Hey Mike, you think you might want to ride a brevet with me this year?"

"Sure!"

And so it starts...

After last years Paris-Brest-Paris I promised Debby I would take it easy this year and ease back on the brevet riding. Well, I was unable to resist the siren's call of distance riding, and a few 200k's here and there shouldn't be a problem. So one weekend after our journey to Reavis Ranch, we were loading up the Suburban and heading down to Casa Grande and the Round Trip Bike Shop for the first brevet of the season!
The start time was set at 0730 am so we were up, fully coffee'd, and out of the house by 0615. With Mike behind the wheel we made great time and arrived in Casa Grande just before 0700. We stopped at the Walmart for a natural break and headed over to the Round Trip Bike Shop to check in and get ready for the ride.
Most of the usual suspects were there and it was great seeing the AZ brevet crowd. Most asked Mike, "How did you let your Dad talk you into this?" Susan checked us in and we exchanged the requisite paperwork and we returned to the Suburban to get our gear together.

Its been colder, today was in the low 40's!

Rolling out of the Start

All smiles at the start

Susan gave us the pre-ride briefing and noted that since most of us knew the route so well, she didn't need to provide the Brevetmobile lead out. We pedaled through town for the first few miles at a nice civilized warm up pace as we exchanged Happy New Year Greetings. As we neared Casa Grande High School the pace picked up a little and soon a group formed at the front with a dozen or so riders and the pace picked up dramatically.
Everyone was sharing the work and while a few fell away on the 'big' climb of the day most of the group arrived at the first check point at 0858. We had to wait a minute or two for the gate to open (it does automatically at 0900), but soon we were in the monument check point. I told Mike to be ready for a quick reload of bottles because this group will not be in the checkpoint very long. I rolled in, we reloaded our bottles and I took our cards into office to get stamped and when I walked out, only Joey was there, and he was mounted and rolling out to chase down the group. That was one fast control, we were at less that 5 minutes at that point and the group was gone! We were in no mood to try and chase them down so we rolled out as a two man team as several riders arrived at the checkpoint.
The breeze was favorable heading toward the Community College and we were holding a great pace. Just before we rolled back into the Bike Shop we saw Susan heading out along the route meaning the lead group was already gone. We wouldn't see them again until they were heading back on Indian 15!
While we were checking in, at 1024, a group of three including Dave Jordan rolled in and we agreed to head out together. The wind really seemed to be building from the Southeast so it was good to have a few more horses to share the work into the wind!

Dave Jordan taking his pull

Michael still having fun!

Mike taking a pull!

By the time we reached the reservation our group had dwindled to three, but the wind was now a quartering tailwind and we made great time on Indian 15, rolling through the Border Patrol Checkpoint and reaching the lunch break at 1230!

At the lunch break in our new Kit!

Susan Plonsky - RBA and today's Trail Boss

The source of World Famous Brevet Lunches!

Dick Wiss was heading out just as we arrived. Susan had kindly made up a low protein vegetarian wrap for Michael and we enjoyed a light snack. Dave Jordan was hoping to beat his time from several years ago (he did) and decided take his lunch 'to go' and headed out.
We visited with Susan a bit longer and noting that a favorable tail wind had developed, we saddled up and headed back. The nice part of an out and back route is that you get to greet and see the other riders. Some smiling, some not! We decided NOT to practice our Spanish at the Border Patrol Checkpoint and we were waved right through.
As is typical with this brevet, the tailwind fades away as you approach Casa Grande, and the last 9 miles miles is generally into the wind. Today was no exception with a relatively strong headwind to top off Mike's first brevet experience.

At the finish, a great day on the bikes!

We rolled into the Bike Shop and checked in at 1436 (7 hours 6 minutes) a great time for Mike's first brevet. Dick Wiss and Dave Jordan were packing up so we said our goodbyes, loaded the Suburban, grabbed some fries and Cokes at the McDonald's across the street, and were back on the road and home before 1600!

Deb asked Mike; "So how was it?"

"Well, not so much fun riding back the last 40 miles or so, but great now that its over!"

Deb says to me; "You've ruined another one!"

Reavis Ranch New Year

Hike Report
New Years Hike
December 31 - January 2, 2012

Michael at the Trail Head

It has been a couple of years since we assembled the group for our Traditional New Year's hike. Joe Tansill and I started the tradition by rounding up the boys and heading into the Wilderness for a 2-3 night backpacking trip over New Years Weekend. We think this was our 6th outing. We started the tradition with a trip to Angel Basin in the Superstition Wilderness east of Phoenix in 2004. We returned there in 2006 and took two trips the Sycamore Creek (2005 and 2009) area of the Tonto National Forest north of town, and a trip to the Indian Paint (2007) area north of Canyon Lake, also in the Superstitions.

This year we settled on a 3 day/ 2 night expedition and selected the Reavis Ranch area of the Superstition Wilderness. Joe and I have both been to the area on previous trips over the years. We selected the northern approach from the Reavis trail head near Apache Lake. Its a well marked 9.5 march to the Reavis Ranch area. We planned to hike and set camp on Day 1, hike to the Circlestone ruins on Day 2, and hike out on Day 3.

This year's participants included a newcomer, Daniel's roommate David. Mark Atkins and Jacob Tansill had better offers for the weekend and missed our trip. Our 7 man team fit nicely in Deb's Urban Assault Vehicle.

Goin' in photo!

31 December 2011
Michael and I were up early brewing coffee and packing the last minute items in the truck. Deb bid us farewell and Michael drove us to the Tansill's to pick of the balance of the expedition (Joe, David, Daniel, Jonathan, and Patrick). Luckily Joe's coffee brewer was up and running and we reloaded our cups while we packed all the Tansill gear into the truck and headed out on US 60 toward the Apache Trail. We followed AZ 88 past Canyon Lake, down Fish Creek Hill, and found the well-marked turnoff to the Reavis trail head just past the ADOT maintenance yard (if you get the the Apahe Lake Marina, you have gone too far!

Perfect day for a hike!

Surprisingly, we regained cell service at the trail head (we think there must be a cell tower near the Apache Lake Marina!). We posted a few pictures, hoisted our packs, took the obligatory goin' in photo, and were on the trail by 0950!

The boys set a solid pace and we covered nearly two miles in the first hour before before we stopped to slather on some sunscreen and peel off a few layers of clothing!

Old fence line on one the saddles north of Castle Dome

The trail is very easy to follow. It is the remnants of the road/wagon trail to Reavis Ranch before the area was designated a wilderness area and motor traffic was prohibited! A few miles from the trail head, the grade becomes a very steady and tilts up toward the Castle Dome formation. The trail enters a wide valley and it is very easy to see the trail for miles winding toward Castle Dome!

By now our little team had stretched out along the trail. With Joe and I bringing up the rear; we reached the north saddle of the Dome at about noon. The rest of the team was motoring up the trail, as we came around the bend. Luckily (they had the lunch bag) they waited for us about 500 meters from the south saddle. We agreed to take lunch at a spot called Windy Pass on the map (about three quarters of a mile up the trail). Again they motored up the trail and were soon out of sight.

Joe powers up toward Castle Dome

Grassy slopes below Castle Dome

Heading toward Windy Pass after lunch

The lead element of our team stopped at the south saddle, just before Windy Pass. It was a great spot for lunch, so we stopped right there. 
We feasted on sardines, cheese, salami, flat bread, honey and peanut butter smorgasbord style for lunch. Joe broke out some targets and soon they were filled with holes from Joe's historic .22 target pistol and Mike's 9 mm handgun!

After our leisurely lunch and shooting break, we were back on the trail. From here the trail heads mostly downward toward Reavis Creek and our day's destination; Reavis Ranch.

Flow Springs and Frog Tanks Areas from Windy Pass

As we wound down the trail toward Windy Pass, we could see the Frog Springs area in the distance. On one of our previous Angel Basin hikes, we had to hike all the way to Frog Tanks to get water! Windy Pass was in fact very windy and not very conducive to a proper lunch break!

Soon the trail dropped into the Reavis Creek drainage and we could hear the water running in the creek. There are several springs in the area that feed this creek, a very reliable water source, in a very unexpectedly lush and flat valley.

After nine and a half miles of hiking, we were all ready to find a good spot to set up our camp. There were lots of fire rings and places to camp in the lower valley. But we pressed on and soon the trail continued through a nice grassy park. We left the trail and headed toward the creek and found a very grassy flat spot under the trees near the creek with a fire ring and some sittin' logs. This was the spot.

The team dropped packs and started setting up the camp area. By the time we were set up, the sun dropped behind the ridge and the temperature started dropping dramatically. Mike and I started preparing dinner as Team Tansill started gathering firewood. We prepared Chicken Quesadillas, enjoyed a nice salad, a great campfire, and awesome fellowship. Even though it was before 10 pm; we were all in the sack well before midnight on New Years Eve!

1 January 2012

All thumbs up for pancakes!

 
Mike and I rolled out of the tent early New Years Day. Since today's objective was a day hike to the Circlestone Ruins, we could afford a nice leisurely breakfast of coffee and pancakes. So with Michael firmly at the wheel of the FryBake pan, we cooked pancakes until we used up the whole box of Crustez mix and everyone had their fill. We had a few extra, so we put them in the lunch bag and set off for the ruins a little after 1000.  

Front steps of the Reavis Ranch Cabin

About a half-mile up the main trail we arrived at the ruins of the Reavis Ranch Cabin. All that stands there now is the foundation and the front steps. The rest of the cabin was destroyed in a fire in 1999 (The first time I hiked to the Reavis Ranch many years ago the cabin was still there!). After we checked out the cabin area we dropped into the creek bed to pump some water for our day packs. Soon we found the Fireline trail and were climbing out of the Reavis Valley toward Mound Mountain.

Snow patch along the Fireline Trail

The Circlestone ruins sit on a minor peak a few hundred feet below Mound Mountain at 6000 feet. The trail continues up from the ranch area to a saddle above the valley. There were several snow patches on the saddle and a few snowballs were tossed about.


We continued along the trail as it began to drop down into the next valley. About a half-mile from the saddle a rock carin marks a side trail that heads UP to the Circlestone ruins. The ruins are a ancient ceremonial site. The walls (some are still standing) form a circle on the sub peak. Inside the circle are some smaller rooms. Some astronomical studies have indicated that a number of the doors and openings of the ruins align with the celestial motions. We thought is was a cool spot for lunch. From the ruins we could make out the mountains and skyscrapers in the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas.

No human would stack rocks like this!

Enjoying lunch in the ruins.

We posed for a group photo and headed back down toward the ranch and our camp. Back at camp we started the process of gathering firewood, pumping water, preparing dinner, and having enjoying a hot drink or two.

With plenty of daylight, we had plenty of time to prepare two versions of Steve's Chicken (regular and PKU) and spend time around the campfire. The weather was a little warmer and we spent more time around the fire toasting marshmallows and relaxing.

Old farm equipment at the ranch

2 January 2012

Mike firing up the bagel melts

We planned to head out early to get home in time to take our respective brides out to dinner. So that meant getting up before dawn and starting breakfast. Mike and I fired up the coffee pot, packed our bags and tent, and fired up the FryBake. The best way to entice a sleepy camper out of their cosy cot is to have piping hot bagel melts and coffee ready to go. 

Heading out

Soon we were packed and heading up the trail toward Castle Dome. We planned to have lunch and more shooting practice at our Day 1 lunch spot, but the wind too strong. We decided to continue to the saddle on the north side of Castle Dome. It was protected from the wind and offered great views and a perfect spot for a 'road kill' (anything left to eat) lunch and more target practice!

The sardine cans did not stand a chance against out team of marksmen!

It was almost all downhill back to the trailhead and we made great time. We loaded the truck and with Michael behind the wheel we were soon heading back up Fish Creek Hill. There was quite a bit of traffic since it was the New Years Day holiday. We decided to stop at Tortilla Flats for a cold adult beverage. The place was hopping with motorcyclists and tourists. The restaurant had a wait so we decided to have a few beers and sodas on the patio. We were able to get our drinks right away and find a table. A 4 piece country band provided great entertainment. When the band finished their set we decided to call it a trip and head back to the valley.

Tortilla Flats

Where to next year?

 

A few more pictures here.

Heart of Arizona 200k Brevet

Ride Report November 5, 2011
Steve Atkins

As usual for an Arizona Brevet, a cold front moved through the area a few days before bringing wind, dust, rain, and a temperature drop of about 20 degrees!

This was my first ride of the Heart of Arizona 200k Brevet hosted by the Arizona Bullshifters Cycling club. This event has two options; the Heart of Arizona Century and 200k Brevet. There were about 50 Century riders and 10 Brevet riders.

The basic route is a heart-shaped loop that starts in Congress AZ joins the US93 Joshua Tree Parkway and heads north past the Santa Maria River. The route joins SR96 toward Bagdad then heads east to Kirkland and Wiloit. Finally heading southwest back to Congress via Yarnell.

US 93 heading toward the Santa Maria River

I left the house at 5 am for the drive the Congress (just north of Wickenburg) and arrived at the Sierra Vista Motel and checked in with the Bullshifters. Traditionally included with the entry fee is some 'cool swag.' This year's swag was a Jersey Bin with a custom Bullshifters logo. Very cool.

The Brevet riders start at 7:30 and with a relatively informal start (announcer says: "OK brevet riders, its 7:30 you can start!"). I head down the road, I barely clipped in my pedals when one of the zip ties that holds the speed sensor for my bike computer snapped and the sensor proceeded to get tangled in the front spokes. I pulled off and was very happy I packed my brevet repair kit that includes among many other things, three spare zip ties! So ten minutes later with a secure speed sensor, I was on the road with several brevet riders off in the distance.

I decided to settle into a brisk tempo pace and by the time I reached US 93 I had caught and passed all the brevet riders that did not have mechanical problems in the first 100 meters!

The temperatures were quite cool and the road surface was very wet. As the morning went on, however the clouds cleared and sun dried out the road and warmed the riders. The route is along the Joshua Tree Parkway. Here is a little video:

I reached the first SAG stop just across the Santa Maria River and was welcomed with loud cheers by the Bullshifter volunteers. They had plenty of food and supplies, but all I needed was some water and a Coke to mix up some Sustained Energy and I was out of there. Jim and Robin Pettit, who provided great SAG support on last years Route 66 300k Brevet were there and again providing great support.

SAG stop #2

I was under a little time pressure for this ride. I needed to be back home for the State Marching Band Preliminary competition in time for the Corona del Sol HS warm-up and performance at 7 pm. So while I would have liked to stay and visit, I made all my SAG stops very quick bottle reloads. I was out of the stop in less than 5 minutes and back on the road.

The route heads east on SR97 to the next SAG at the junction with SR96. Here the Brevet route heads UP 4.5 miles to Bagdad. I reached the junction skipping the SAG and turned left to Bagdad and rode into the mining town and checked in at a convenience store and headed down for a very cold descent back to the SAG. Nearing the SAG I waved at the other brevet riders heading up to Bagdad and stopped at the SAG. Now quite busy with a bunch of the century riders.

Hillside descent with snow capped peaks

The route continues east and up to the top of the 'Hillside' climb. With 70 miles in, this was a great place for a SAG. Dick Wiss was there, he pre-rode the course the week before with Mike Sturgill.

On the descent, Sugarloaf Mountain came into view. It was covered with a fresh dusting of snow from the storm that passed through on Friday. The views were great, and the sun was out, but the temperature did not really warm up. Even with wool socks, I don't think I felt my toes much during this ride. Of course as the day wore on the winds continued to build out of the southwest.

A little snow still on the ground in Wilhoit!

The next SAG is 4 miles past Kirkland junction, just before the brevet route turns left for the 6 mile climb to Wilhoit. I stopped for a moment at the SAG but decided I would reload my bottles at the General Store in Wilhoit. It is a deceptive climb to this little village. Even with a strong tailwind I was really working to maintain a good pace. This section of road reminded me of the high plains near Sonoita Arizona. Since the whole landscape is tilted up, you can't really perceive the incline, other than the amount of work it takes to head up.

I reached the store at 14:05, bought a water bottle and a Coke to reload my bottles and headed back to the road. This descent was probably the coldest of the day. Of course it magnified by the sweat produced climbing into town! Even with the headwind, I reached 30 miles per hour on the descent back to the main route, quite a testament to the grade heading to Wilhoit!

Your faithful correspondent, leaving Wilhoit

I rejoined the main road to Yarnell and saw a few riders on the Century route along the way. The route continues about 12 miles up to Yarnell passing through Peeples Valley. With the wind and the climb I thought I would never get to Yarnell. But soon I was on the 6% downhill grade toward Congress. Normally on a grade like this I would easily descend at 45+ mph!. Today, with the buffeting headwinds, I think my maximum speed was 32! At the base of the hill, its a nice 3 mile ride to Congress. I rolled in at 3:55 and Jim Pettit was the RUSA official that signed me in and collected my proof of passage (receipts from the stores at Bagdad and Wilhoit). I turned in my brevet card and packed the bike away in the Mini.

Did I mention the awesome SAG support the Bullshifters provide on this ride? All the SAG stops were staffed with very gracious volunteers and had plenty of snacks and drinks (although SAG #2 did not have Coke!). The best stop of course is the finish. The Bullshifters were grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and generally having a great time. Wanting to stay and visit (chatted with Susan Snow who rode this years PBP); I grabbed my hamburger 'to go' and headed back to Tempe for the State Marching Band Competition. Corona was rated Superior with Distinction and will march in next week's State finals. Even better, the Corona drumline (my son Michael is the center snare and section leader) scored the highest drumline rating in Arizona!

Yes, my bike fits nicely in the Mini!

2011 Whitney Classic Ride Report

Whitney Times September 25, 2011 Vol. XII

Friday
Joe Tansill and I rolled out from his house in Gilbert AZ at about 9 am on Friday morning to start our 2011 Whitney Classic Adventure. We left an hour later than planned, but had plenty of time to get to Lone Pine for dinner and the Friday night worship service. I took the first pull behind the wheel and Joe took over just outside of town so I could fire up the laptop, Blackberry and justify not taking a vacation day!

Friday night worship service

We reached US395 in great time and stopped to change drivers and refuel the Suburban. Traffic was light and there were a number of scattered thunderstorms and virga (rain that evaporates before it hits the ground) in the Edwards Air Force Base area. We arrived in Lone Pine at about 5:30 and stopped at the event headquarters at the Alabama Hills motel to complete our paperwork, collect our numbers, and visit with our Summit friends. We then checked into the Historic Dow Villa Hotel and went directly across the street to the Pizza Factory for a spaghetti/meatball/Blue Moon dinner. After dinner we checked out our room (twin beds with shower/bath down the hall!) and wandered down to the worship service at the Lone Pine Park.

Many of the riders, staff, and volunteers were there and the weather was perfect for a nice evening of worship and fellowship. Tom Smith, executive director of Summit Adventure, shared some scripture and encouragement for the event. We retired early, knowing that we would have a long day on Saturday.

Saturday

Panamint Springs Resort

We were up early looking for breakfast in Lone Pine. The restaurant near the Dow where we normally eat was out of business, but we found a great breakfast/lunch place across the street that was perfect. We topped off the tank and tires on the Suburban, picked up some last minute supplies at the grocery store, and were on the road to Panamint Springs by 9:45.

Last year the Panamint Springs Resort became a Whitney sponsor by providing the rider brunch in addition to hosting a SAG stop. This year they continued that tradition and served a great pancake brunch. We completed the meal and rider/SAG briefing and were soon motoring up Towne Pass toward Death Valley.

Your humble correspondent in USNA kit at the Start

 The forecast was for mild temperatures (108) and light winds. When we arrived at Stovepipe Wells at about 1:30, the temperature was already 108 and the winds were fairly strong. We picked up a few souvenirs and proceeded to the Furnace Creek visitor center. Our plan was to change into our riding gear there and prepare the bikes in the shade before driving the last 17 miles to the start in Badwater. The visitor center was closed so we found a relatively secluded spot behind the center to change and decided to get the bikes ready at Badwater.

Video from the start and finish!

By the time we arrived at Badwater the temperature had climbed to 112! We prepared the bikes, had the pre-ride photos taken and at 3 pm sharp we were off. We decided to ride together for the first mile or two, then Joe circled back to the start to hop in the Suburban and leap frog me to set up for the next leg. Our main objective was to maximize the amount of time each of us could spend in the SAG stops to visit with the Summit staff and volunteers. So when we were 5-10 miles away from a SAG stop,  one of us would proceed to the stop in the vehicle to have about 20 minutes to visit and get ready for the arrival of our partner. When he arrived, the other would take off and then that rider would take 15-20 minutes to visit and reload in the SAG, then leave to catch the other and continue taking turns. Our strategy worked great and both of us were able spend quite a bit of time at the SAG stops.

SAG stop #2 in Death Valley

The weather was quite unusual with lots of scattered thunderstorms, some of them actually let loose with hail, wind, and rain on several of the SAG stops! The benefit was the cloud cover and great views, the only negative was the heavy headwind on the climb up Towne pass.

Throughout Death Valley and on the Towne Pass and Panamint climbs Joe and I were able to keep with Team Dinosaur and Team Outlaw. It was very enjoyable riding with various members of the teams and there were always many SAG drivers and other team members cheering us on!

Awesome storm clouds from Wild Rose SAG

On the descent from Hillcrest Joe got super motivated and powered past Team Outlaw when they were changing riders and we lost our company for the remainder of the ride. The strong headwind up Townes pass became a nice tailwind as we made our way toward Lone Pine. We each took longer pulls and soon were checked into the Alabama Hills SAG at 12:15 am! Since Joe rode into Lone Pine I launched off to start the last 12 miles UP to the Whitney Portal. After his SAG break. Joe caught me at the Cottonwood Canyon turnoff and we traded pulls to the top. We finally arrived at the Portal at 2:35 and were very happy to complete this segment in just over 2 hours!

As usual it was quite cold at the finish, and as usual the Summit staff had a spare sleeping bag or two to get into while we waited for Team Outlaw to finish. They arrived within 30 minutes and we cheered them on to the finish! We had planned to wait for Team Dinosaur, but when I started to get too cold we decided to head down the hill to Lone Pine, we stopped to encourage Team Dinosaur just a couple of miles from the finish as they changed riders on their way to the finish line.

Home Sweet Home (in Lone Pine)

Back at the hotel, we broke out the Heineken and tuned in ESPN Sports Center to catch up on the college scores. We finally had lights out at 4:35!

Sunday
I woke up at about 7:30 and headed down to the Suburban to assess the mess and start packing for the trip home. Rick Wallace and his family (Team Storm) were also in the parking lot packing and we were able to share stories about the ride and catch up. Rick is a Summit Adventure Board Member and has ridden the Whitney MANY times including the unofficial hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney. His Team Storm was the top fund raising team!

Joe came down shortly and we had breakfast at the cafe we discovered on Saturday. We were able to get a late check-out and finished packing the Suburban and retired to our room until the Pizza Party and award ceremony at 1 pm.

The worship band was performing and the weather was perfect. We enjoyed many slices of pizza and the awards ceremony. God, Guts, and Glory went to Erica for her persistence in completing this year's Whitney as the only solo rider. Your faithful correspondent was the top individual fundraiser due to your faithful support!

Joe and I headed back after the ceremony, and since I had business in Las Vegas, we drove through Death Valley again. I took the first shift while Joe napped and we switched drivers at Death Valley Junction NV. I napped until we hit the outskirts of Las Vegas. I dropped Joe off at the airport and I checked in to the Wynn Encore Hotel. Just a little more upscale than the Dow Villa!

Last thoughts

We were treated to an awesome weekend of spectacular beauty, friendship, and challenge. This year my riding focus was PBP, but the riding season is not complete until I am 'in the bag' at the Whitney Portal! I was very happy that Joe Tansill could join me on such short notice to share the weekend. We were blessed with favorable weather, good friends, safe riding, and a weekend focused on God and his awesome creation!

So far we have raised just over $10,000 (including a matching grant in process from the Dell Foundation - Thanks to Mary Gibbons) for Summit Adventure. If you would like to donate click here and note Atkins WC in the comment section.

Thanks again for your support,

Steve Atkins

Phil 4:13 “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me”