Whitney Classic 2013 Ride Report

September 29-30, 2013

The Whitney Classic is a unique and awesome cycling event. It started as a challenge that a handful of Summit Adventure instructors came up with; starting from the lowest point in the continental US (Badwater California -282 feet below sea level) and continuing to the highest point in the continental US  (Mt. Whitney 14,497 feet above sea level). That's 135 miles on the bike, then dismount and continue on the hiking trail 12 miles to the top! "Successfully" completing the Whitney in its early days meant covering that ground in 24 hours or less! Because the ride tackles 3 huge climbs and 2 descents, the 135 miles of cycling includes 15,400 feet of climbing! After that initial epic adventure over 30 years ago (totally self-supported), the Whitney has become Summit Adventure's main annual fund raising event. Today, because of logistics and permit issues with the forest service, the official ride includes only the bike portion. To help increase participation and fund raising about 10 years ago, relay teams were added as a category to take on the challenge!

The Whitney is also very addiciting. Most participants have ridden the event many times. I rode my first Whitney in 1999, and have ridden each event since 2001! This is the story of my 14th Whitney Classic!

What's it going to be this year, team or solo?

Dow Villa Hotel in Lone Pine CA

Last year your humble corespondent organized a group of Arizona riders to ride the Whitney in Audax style (each riding solo, but staying together as a group). 3 of the 5 team members completed the whole ride; Michael Atkins, Carlton van Leuven, and Ryan Snow, (2012 ride report here). With the 1200km Big Wild Ride Randonnee on the calendar in July, and maintaining form through August and September, tackling this years event solo should not be a problem. Plus, by riding solo, I could get last year's DNF 'Monkey' off my back! So solo it is! Now who else could be hoodwinked into this crazy ride:

Carlton van Leuven: He was in, until his daughter announced her pending nuptials. Carlton wisely deferred this years Whitney, but joined for most of the big training rides this summer.

David Edwards: David was away at college in Ohio last year and wanted to join the Audax team, but couldn't make the logistics work. This year he is attending school here in Arizona, and was eager to tackle the Whitney solo!

Joe Tansill: Joe has ridden the Whitney 5 times and after missing last year, wanted to put a team together. He formed Tean Tanz with his sons Daniel and Patrick.

Lessons were learned last year; each rider/team would need their own SAG (support and gear) crew . The best news, Debby was willing to drive SAG. Karen and NatalieTansill would SAG Team Tanz, and Krista Anderson would SAG David.

Heading out onto the course for the shakedown ride

Funny, it doesn't feel like a 190 bpm pace!

Pre-ride

We left Tempe Thursday evening and after a quick overnight in San Bernardino, we arrived in Lone Pine at about noon on Friday. Happily, the friendly folks at the Dow Hotel prepared our room early and we checked in shortly after lunch! The Dow is the  place to stay in Lone Pine. Great history, comfortable lobby, and the owners keep it in great shape!

Deb grabbed a nap while the faithful steed was reassembled and it was off for the obligatory shakedown ride.  Basically just head out about 10 miles on CA 190, then U turn back to Lone Pine. Its a great opportunity to loosen the legs after hours in the car, but more importantly to make sure all systems are 'Go' on the bike.

Mt. Whitney and the Alabama Hills

Rolling out of town my computer indicated that my heart rate was at full race pace. Interesting;  just spinning along at warm-up pace should not generate that kind of reading! It dropped back to normal, but spiked several times during the ride. Probably a bad battery in the sensor strap. Keeping your pace under control is critical on the Whitney, so this was just the sort of problem you want to find on shakedown, not during the event. A quick stop into the hardware store to replace the battery after the ride solved the problem!

Debby and Karen 

Returning to Lone Pine, the Summit Crew was just opening up the registration table. After lots of hugs and hello's, the check in was complete, t-shirts and other race swag stowed in the truck, and it was back to the Dow to chill before dinner.

Keeping with tradition of the past few years, the team met at the Pizza Factory for the pre-ride pasta meal. Janet Nye (Summit Board Member and solo rider) and her SAG team (Husband Alan and daughter Libby) joined us for dinner during a very busy Friday Night at the Pizza Factory!

After dinner we headed down to the Lone Pine park for the traditional praise and worship service. Awesome musicians from Julian (near San Diego) have made the trip the past several years and have become a special part of the Whitney. We enjoyed songs, scripture, and words of inspiration from Tom Smith, Summit's executive director. Kelli Stansell, event director, also provided some last minute instructions. Then back to the Dow to try and relax and get some sleep!

Saturday 

Time to finish packing, ice the coolers, and grab a light meal before leaving Lone Pine. The event does not start until 3 pm, but the start line is 120 miles away. So we set out at about 9:30 for the 50 mile drive to Panamint Springs. The owner of the resort provides a free pancake breakfast, and there is a mandatory rider meeting to go over rules for the permits, SAG and rider tips, and last minute instructions.

"Why do they do this?"

"Start slow..."

After the meal, its back in the cars for stops at Stovepipe Wells (for last minute supplies and post cards) and Furnace Creek (change into riding kit in the air conditioned restrooms at the visitor center). We cut our time a little short leaving Stove Pipe, and arrived just in time at Badwater for the pre-race photos. Luckily for us, the event staff arrived after us!

At the start in Badwater

Cool day in Death Valley

After a briefing from a park ranger, we lined up for the start and at 3:10 we were off!

Ready to go!

David and Patrick Tansill

The Valley

The fast teams moved to the front and headed out of sight! David and I settled into an easy pace and were soon joined by Team Tanz. As is tradition, the whole Tanz team started, but after a few miles they started their rider rotation. We rode the next 45 miles together to Stovepipe Wells.  The temperature increased, but winds were light and conditions could not have been more favorable for a controlled ride through the valley.

David and Daniel Tansill

Because of vehicle restrictions, Krista joined Deb in the Suburban for the first segment to Furnace Creek and was a quick study providing fantastic SAG support. At Furnace Creek she grabbed David's car and we were greeted by our SAGs about every 5-6 miles to check on us. Deb and Krista had lots of time to get acquainted, waiting for us to roll through and spring into action. They knew exactly what we needed and were able to provide perfect handoffs. In fact, we did not stop rolling until we reached the Wild Rose SAG stop 51 miles into the ride to put on our lights and reflective gear!

We were also cheered on by the SAG for Team Tanz! Lot's of smiles, pictures, and good times were had by all as we rolled through the first 45 miles of the event.

Ready for a bottle change in Death Valley

Towne Pass

Heading up Towne's Pass

The climb to Towne Pass is about 17 miles long and gains 5200 feet. We were making great time and with the super SAG support we did not need to stop or even slow down until we reached the Wild Rose Stop about half-way up the pass. Deb and Krista had our lights and reflective gear ready when we rolled in, 3:15 elapsed time from the start. We were out of the stop in five minutes and back on our bikes for the steepest section of the climb (8%). Another 1.5 hours of climbing put us at the top of the pass.

We stopped for food and arm warmers. After rolling only a few hundred meters down the pass, I started to get cold (wind chill and wet kit); so we quickly flagged down the SAG vehicles and put on jackets and leg warmers. Back on the bikes and seconds later, with all lights on high, and a firm grip on the bars we were bombing down the pass at 51.8 mph!

The course drops down to 2000 feet in about 12 miles, so in the warmth of Panamint Valley we flagged the SAGs down again to strip off a layer or two. We told them to head to the next SAG stop at Panamint Springs about 5 miles up the road.

Fr. Crowley/Hillcrest

What does down must go up on the Whitney! The next climb is about 12 miles and gains about 3000 feet to Hillcrest. There is a SAG stop at the Fr. Crowley lookout near the top and after the steep climbing. Our plan was to take a break at Fr. Crowley, have some soup (Kelli stocked it specifically for us last year and again this year!), and change into dry kit (clothes).Click here for a link for a great article about Fr. Crowley and history of the Inyo County area!

The climbing starts easy then quickly tilts up after leaving Panamint. As is typical, we faced a light headwind on the climb. The moon was not up and the stars were out in full force. We talked about how we were doing and feeling. David was concerned that the cold air was constricting his breathing, and we settled into a easier climbing pace and started the countdown to potato soup at Fr. Crowley.

This is my favorite portion of the event, no traffic, awesome stars, and easier climbing. It can be a spiritual and emotional time and was especially this year. With all the normal 'man defenses' worn off from the rigors of the ride, I always feel especially close to God climbing this hill!

When we rolled into the SAG, Deb and Krista had been there and warned the volunteers we were approaching and looking forward to SOUP! We had joked on the climb that after being focused on soup for so long, if it was gone, there could be a terrible headline: "SAG volunteers massacred by chain wielding crazed cyclists!"

That's what the Whitney does to your head. One minute you are near tears in a spiritual closeness to GOD, the next talking about how bad things could happen if there is no soup at the next SAG.

Well, as we rolled in, they all yelled "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" Lucky for them, the soup was ready. After a 20 minute break, we were back on the road with dry kit and warm full tummies!

We stopped once more at Hillcrest to add layers for the next descent. At that point David realized he left his wallet, gels, and cliff bars on the roof of his car at the SAG. When Krista rolled in, they were gone! We layered up, and Krista doubled back to look for them and Deb went back to double SAG duty.

After Hillcrest the course tilts down and again we were making great time to the next SAG at Darwin Turnoff. Just before we reached the SAG, Krista flashed by in the car. Dave says, I wonder if that means she found his stuff. SHE DID! It was spread over 150 yards of the road outside of the Fr. Crowley SAG. We praised God and got back on the bikes.

Back to two SAGs we were back to full speed, and arrived in Lone Pine at a little before 1 am.

Portal Climb

We downed coffee and reloaded drinks for the last 14 miles to the finish. The first two are nice and flat through town. Both Deb and Krista stopped at the McDonalds drive through and David and I made our way through town. Soon we were on the steep slopes of the portal road. I mentioned to David that we need to pace ourselves on the bottom half, because the real climbing is in the last 5 miles (grades 8-13%). About half-way up we realized we had a shot of finishing in under 13 hours, and with both of us feeling good, we dialed up the pace. The last 3.6 miles took nearly 45 minutes, but when I crossed the line, my computer showed 12 hours 26 minutes, a personal best for me.

Just a little winded at the finish!

Deb quickly wrapped me in a blanket and Kelli prepared a hot chocolate. Tom took the Finish Photo and I crawled into a nearby Summit sleeping bag to stay warm! David rolled in just a few minutes later to high fives, hugs, and congratulations!

"Its in the Bag!"

Final thoughts and Thank You

This was my 14th Whitney and 8th Solo Effort. Riding with great friends and introducing David Edwards to the madness that is the Whitney was very special.

Of course having my best friend as my SAG crew supporting and encouraging me made this one of my most enjoyable and rewarding Whitney Classics.

Thank you for supporting our ride financially. We have raised nearly $12,000 so far! There is still time to support our ride and send in your pledge to support Summit Adventure. Click here to donate online!

Click here for more photos.


Click here for GPS data

Thanks again for your support!

Steve Atkins

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

What's next?

End of World to Kelvin End of Pavement Loop x3

Safety Pullout at the End of the World

Ride Report
September 14, 2013

Just one year ago, Carlton van Leuven, Michael Atkins and your humble correspondent rode the loop from the top of the "End of the World" climb down toward Winkleman to the "End of Pavement" on the Kelvin-Florence Highway. A ride so nice, we would do it thrice! With two weeks to the Whitney Classic Fund Raiser we wanted to dial in our equipment and get some high angle climbing in (2012 ride report).

David and Carlton at the start

Fast forward one year to today. Conditions were very similar (cool at the start, hot at the finish, a gentle breeze from the south), and two of us returned with a fresh victim, David Edwards. Last year David was attending the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio and Michael was attending school in the here in Arizona. David really wanted to join us on the Whitney last year, but could not because of his school commitment. This year the roles are reversed, with David here and Michael in Ohio, it will be David heading to Death Valley.

Rolling out at dawn

I picked Carlton up at 0500 and we were at the safety pullout by 0600. David met us there and we were ready to go at 0615! Last year it was very cold on the first descent, so we all wore long sleeves. We checked traffic and rolled out and down the 10%+ grade. In no time, we were bombing down the highway at 50+ mph. It was quite breezy on the descent, and the wind actually held us back.

After a short climb the route takes a long descent past the ASARCO Ray Works open pit copper mine to the Kelvin turnoff. From there we rolled past the homes in Riverside to the Gila River. After the bridge, the road angles up at 15+% for a short stout climb to the end of the pavement on the highway.

David and Carl approach the turnaround

It only took us about 20 minutes to cover the 10 miles to the end of the pavement. I joked with David that the goal is to beat that time to get back to the top!  It would take us an hour to get back!

The road is steep and rough back down to the bridge, and a set of RR tracks on the far side of the bridge call for a cautious descent. Although with each successive lap we found better lines, increased our speed, and 'bunny hopped' the tracks to keep our momentum through Riverside.

Carl noted that the packing box for a big screen TV on the back porch of one of the houses was still there from last year!

Back on the main highway, the route climbs back past the main entrance of the ASARCO Ray Works. The pavement is in good condition, and while the grade continually is changing, it is a pleasant climb.

Big Ass Tonka Toys!

On the first lap five huge off road dump trucks were just firing up to start their day, on the second lap two had headed into the mine, and on the last lap they were all working!

On each lap, the colors changed as the sun rose higher in the sky. With the different minerals in the tailings heap, it looks like a minature man-made painted desert!

Coming Soon?

On the second lap, I stopped to photograph this memorial at the Gila River bridge. I have ridden past here many times and have always enjoyed seeing the flag against the beautiful riparian desert backdrop. The sign promises an additional memorial that will be 'coming soon!' Maybe next year.

The short descent back to the Gila River

On the second lap, the temperature was still cool before the real climbing began, so we compared nutrition strategies for the ride. I was trying a different mix (Carbo-Pro and Coke), David was using power bars, and Carlton left his food on the counter at home. WHAT! He as half-way through the ride on water only! I had a bag of Swedish Fish in my bento bag and offered them to Carl. Never underestimate the power of sugar Fish!

Enjoying the Fish

Wondering when the hard climbing will start!

  

The last two miles to the "End of the World" climb at an average 10% grade. Of course some sections are "above average." The first lap: Cool, fresh legs, not so bad. We reload our bottles and head out and return for the second lap: Sun is up, temperature is climbing, and sweat is pouring out from everywhere. Another reload and we set out for the third lap: Temperature is officially hot, eyes are blinded from the salt/sweat pouring out from under our helmets, legs and back complaining loudly, and finally reaching the top we go right for the truck and douse ourselves with ice water from the cooler!

Some where along the way on the last lap David rode off the front, so by the time Carlton and I limped in on the final lap, he was already in his car and heading home!

We covered 61 miles and climbed 6,500 feet in about 4.5 hours of great riding.

The Whitney Classic is only 2 weeks away! I plan to ride solo and Debby will be my super SAG driver. This ride is all about raising money for Summit Adventure. Course income provides for only 45 percent of the Summit budget. The rest comes through fund raising events such as the Whitney Classic. I served as a member of the Summit Board of Directors and know how critical a successful Whitney is to the financial health of the ministry. Debby, Mark, Michael and I have all participated on Summit courses over the years and have been deeply impacted by this great ministry! We all love Summit. That’s why I ride!

If you have already donated, thank-you! If not I would appreciate your consideration, its easy, just click here to go to my personal fund raising page!

Hey, send Summit some $$!

2013 Whitney Classic Fund Raising Appeal

At the base of the Townes Pass in 2012

Yes, its that time of year again…The 32^th Annual Whitney Classic Bike Ride, Summit Adventure’s main fundraising event, will take place on September 28^th-29^th .The Whitney is an adventurous 135-mile bike ride that starts at 3:00 p.m. at Badwater, Death Valley, California (282 ft. below sea level), continues through the night and finishes the next morning at the portals at Mt. Whitney (8365 feet above sea level). The ride includes three major climbs of 17 miles, 13 miles and 13 miles, two of which by Tour de France classifications are considered “Out of Category” which to you and me means “really, really steep.” Total elevation gain for the ride is 15,300 feet. 

Usually over 110 at the start!

This is my 14^th Whitney! What, are you nuts? Yes, nuts and addicted to this awesome ride. I love to ride, I love Summit Adventure, and I love this event. Nothing matches the awesome course, camaraderie of the participants, and incredible support from the Summit Staff and volunteers. Many of you have been loyal supporters of Summit all these years. I cannot thank you enough!

This year I will make my 8th solo effort. My awesome SAG driver from the Alaska Big Wild Ride, Debby Atkins will provide support and encouragement! After our great adventure in Alaska, we are looking forward to putting an exclamation point on this year's cycling season at the 2013 Whitney Classic!

In the past thirteen years, through your generous support, we have contributed over $135,000 to Summit Adventure! Thank you! Here’s where you come in: I have set a goal to raise $10,000 for this year’s Whitney. Course income provides for only 45 percent of the Summit budget. The rest comes through fund raising events such as the Whitney Classic. I served as a member of the Summit Board of Directors and know how critical a successful Whitney is to the financial health of the ministry. Debby, Mark, Michael and I have all participated on Summit courses over the years and have been deeply impacted by this great ministry! We all love Summit. That’s why I ride!
 

Please join my support team and make a donation today! (Donate online by clicking here) 

Note: As a thank you for donations over $100, I will send you a Whitney Classic T-Shirt after the event! 

Please pray with me for a safe, successful event. If you have any questions, or would like to just catch up, please call me at 602-549-5331 or at home at 480-775-1682. I would love to hear from you. Thank you and God bless!

Click here to see my 2010 Ride Report

Click here to see my 2011 Ride Report

Click here to see my 2012 Ride Report

Check out Summit’s web page by clicking here             

Thank you for your continued support!

2012 Whitney Classic Ride Report

September 30, 2012

Just in case you didn't notice the heat!

The Team

How this year's Whitney Classic team came together:

Michael Atkins - Mike had been dialing up his training miles  and riding some competitive races this year. He even joined me for the Casa Grande 200km brevet at the start of the season. Somewhere along the way he asked me what additional training he needed to do to ride the Whitney solo. I told him to add some event specific training (climbing, night riding) and he would be good to go.

Daniel Tansill - Daniel has ridden the Whitney several times on a team and has a cross-country ride under his belt. He wanted to take on the Whitney solo.

Ryan Snow - Ryan, a college buddy of Daniel, is preparing for the Ironman Triathlon. Ryan graduated from ASU and is living in Tucson.

Carton van Leuven - Carton and I have shared many brevet experiences over the years. I sent him a note that described the Whitney: Ride 134 miles, starting in the extreme heat of Death Valley, riding through the night, climbing 15,300 feet on three sustained climbs, and finishing in the cold at the trailhead to Mount Whitney. His response: "I'm in!"

We named ourselves Team Holy Spokes Audax. We would ride solo, but stay together as a team. We recruited Mike and Kathy Rollinson (Whitney Classic veterans) and their son Mike to be our Support and Gear (SAG) team. With 5 riders, one SAG team would have been tough. Luckily, Ruthann van Leuven and Natalie Aleman could not resist the siren call of the event and also agreed to stay up all night with a bunch of smelly cyclists and form our second SAG team.

Daniel Tansill, Ryan Snow, Calton van Leuven, Michal and Steve Atkins

The Training

Ryan lives in Tucson, and while he was training and fund raising for months, he could not join us for any of our team training rides. Even though he was in contact with Daniel, the rest of the team heard very little from him and we referred to him as Ryan "Mystery Man" Snow!

One training ride included a ride from Superior to Globe via Winkleman. It is about a 45 minute drive from Tempe. We arrived and were getting ready to ride when Daniel realized he left his shoes at home! Debby, our SAG driver for the ride, drove him back home to retrieve his shoes and they rejoined us part way through the ride. Now he was Shoeless Dan Tansill! Michael earned the moniker Metronome Mike for his perfect cadence and pacing on our many training rides up Usery Pass.

I guess the rest of the team must have been respecting their elders, because Carlton and I never were tagged with a nickname. Although I was accused on more than one occasion of being like a high school girl taking pictures with my Blackberry all the time!

The Trip

We met at my house in Tempe at 1 pm on Friday and were on the road to Lone Pine California by 2 pm. Because of work and school requirements, we were not able to leave early enough to arrive in time for the Worship Service that marks the beginning of the Whitney weekend. With out late start we drove straight through, and with a burrito break in Redlands CA at Chipotle and two stops for fuel, we arrived at the Dow Villa Hotel at about 11 pm.

The Event

We were up early and found the event organizers at the Lone Pine VFW Hall for the event volunteer meeting. We checked in and were able to visit with many of our Summit Adventure friends that show up at the Whitney year after year!

Mike, Kathy, and Little Mike Rollinson met us at the McDonalds for breakfast and we were able to finally have our whole team together; riders and SAG support. Soon we were on our way to Panamint Springs for the rider brunch and meeting hosted by the owner of this very remote 'resort' in Death Valley National Park.

After stops in Stovepipe Wells for supplies, and Furnace Creek to put on our kit, we arrived for the 3 pm start in Badwater, some 300 feet below sea level.

The riders

Rolling out of Badwater

 It was a typical start for the Whitney Classic. About 110 degrees with a light headwind out of the northwest. We soon organized into a nice paceline and made our way through the first 45 miles of the event. The event profile gives the impression that this portion of the ride is relatively flat, however it is deceptively hilly as the road traverses up and down the slopes of the valley floor. By the time we would reach Stovepipe Wells 45 miles into the event at the base of the big (17 miles, 4,000 feet) climb we already had over 1,000 feet of climbing behind us!

SAG team serving water and ice!

One of the 'Flat' spots in the Valley

Our Sag teams were ever present giving us water, ice, and food bottles on this portion of the ride. We were able to make great time through the valley and were on the big climb up to Townes Pass.

Early on the climb up Townes Pass

The Team Splits

The event was taking its toll on our team. As we were leaving the SAG stop at Stovepipe wells we dialed our pace back, shifted into low gears and began the grind up the climb that would take about three hours to complete.

The suffering begins!

In a classic Whitney conversation, Daniel asks me; "Hey Steve, what should I do if I feel like I need to throw up?" I say, "Pull over and throw up, you'll fell better!" So with the rest of the team cheering him on, Daniel follows my advice and gets back on his bike and we continue up the hill.

Daniel was suffering from a cold he had not quite recovered from and determined there was no way he could recover on the climb up Townes Pass, so while we put our lights and reflective gear on he decided to take a break and hopped into Carlton's van.

Steve, Mike, Carlton, and Ryan in full Rando-geek reflective gear!

The team continued up the hill, but I could not keep my heart-rate under control and keep pace with the rest of the team. By the time we reached the Wild Rose Pass SAG, the team was stopping and waiting for me to catch up. Not wanting to quit, but also knowing that my slow speed was making it more difficult for the team, I told Carlton, Mike, and Ryan to continue with Ruthann and Natalie as their SAG. I would continue with the Rollinsons providing my SAG.

Riding alone I was able to climb at my own pace and control my heart-rate, but my neck started to give me trouble. After a few stops with Mike Rollinson providing some massage relief, I decided to get to the top of Townes Pass, grab some food for the descent, and see if I could recover on the run down to Panamint springs.

It is a blast descending Townes Pass, and even with the slight headwind, I reached speeds of 55 miles per hour! After nine miles on 6-8% down grades, I was able to get some food and drink in my system. Reaching the floor of Panamint Valley, I told Mike and Kathy to go ahead to the SAG stop some 6 miles up the road.

Riding up the road, my neck continued to bother me and I really wanted to rejoin the team. Rolling into Panamint Springs, I decided to abandon the ride. I climbed out of my kit, put on my compression gear, and climbed back in the Suburban to chase down the team. We caught them half-way up the climb to the Father Crowley SAG stop.

Back together

After a few leapfrogs we rolled into the SAG stop at the Father Crowley Lookout/Rest stop. This stop is near the end of the second hill where the climb eases off significantly. It also where the temperature begins to drop significantly. 58 degrees does not sound cold, but with a headwind, and your body still trying to throw off heat (it was over 110 degrees only a few hours ago), it is easy to get chilled. This year, the organizers planned to have hot potato soup at this stop. With the team sprawled out on the ground and changing into dry gear and putting on layers, I asked the SAG stop volunteers if there was any soup left. There was, but only because they had not cooked it yet!!!!

I asked them to fire it up and made hot drinks for the team while it cooked. Soon the soup was ready and our team was shoveling it in. It was clear at this point Ryan and Michael were really suffering and that Carlton had dialed back his pace to encourage them and keep the team together. Daniel was feeling better and decided to get back on the bike and ride with the team to Lone Pine.

We rolled out with a four-man team on the road and stopped once more a few more miles down the road to put on leg and arm warmers for the cold run into Lone Pine. Once we were over Hillcrest, the team made tremendous progress over the next 35 miles, only stopping for bottle refills along the way.

The Real Suffering Begins

Reaching the Lone Pine SAG stop is no small feat. 120+ miles and 11,000+ feet of climbing is behind you. But there are 12 more miles, uphill on the steepest part of the route, to the finish. Daniel had used the last of his reserves to get here and decided to get off the bike and help SAG. Carlton was in great shape leading the team, and basically put Michael and Ryan on his wheel and headed up the hill.

Michael had been suffering with a sore neck (wonder where he got that from) since Father Crowley and had to stop often while we massaged it and encouraged him up the hill. Ryan had settled into his own pace and would ride on ahead a few hundred meters and wait for the team to rejoin. Carlton stayed with Michael pacing him and encouraging him up the hill.

About 6 miles from the finish the grade tilts up beyond 10%. This is the moment of truth. With warm vehicles nearby, it is very tempting to make suffering stop and give up on the climb. The team put their heads down and kept grinding!

At this point, you simply pick a spot up the road and ride to it. Pick another spot a few tenths of a mile up the road and repeat. Michael's neck was killing him so at each stop I would hop out of the truck and massage it! Soon we reached the last SAG stop about 3.5 miles from the finish. The team pulled in, crashed on the carpet in front of the volunteers RV, and we served hot drinks.

Mike Rollinson wisely suggested we keep the team moving and encouraged our riders to get it done!! There are several long switchbacks to reach the finish. The grade leaving the SAG is over 12%! We yelled, screamed, and beat the lid of a cooler with a pedal wrench, and generally did anything we could to distract the riders from their suffering and encourage them along.

Carlton was in non-stop story mode talking and pacing Ryan and Michael up the hill!

Incredibly, it typically takes 45 minutes to an hour for a solo rider to clear the last 3.5 miles to the finish!

The Finish

The climbing finishes just below Premier Buttress and rolls gently to the finish, so once the riders made the last turn we told them the next time they would see our flashers will be at the finish! We rolled ahead to the finish to cheer them on.

Carlton, Ryan and Michael crossed the finish line at 5:52am, 14 hours and 52 minutes after the start in Death Valley. A fantastic time for this grueling event!

At the Finish!

Thank you!

This year's Whitney was an awesome event. Carlton, Ryan, and Michael finished in outstanding form. Carlton basically putting team on his shoulders and dragging them to the finish. Our new SAG team members Ruthann and Natalie who started as SAG rookies but finished providing support like SAG Whitney Classic veterans! Mike, Kathy and Little Mike Rollinson looking after me on Townes and especially Mike Rollinson, staying with the team up the Portal Road and encouraging Michael and the team to keep going.

While the whole team didn't make it to the finish on our bikes, we were all there supporting and encouraging each other to the finish. Michael was awarded the "God, Gear and Guts Award" given to a Whitney rider that suffers through with exemplary perseverance! Ryan may have started with the nickname of "Mystery Man", but he finished as Ryan "Hard Man" Snow! Carlton finished in classic randonneuring style helping other riders to the finish.

I wouldn't have traded this year's Whitney for any other!

Thank you for supporting our ride financially. We have raised over $8,500 so far and have pledges that will take us over our goal of $10,000! There is still time to support our ride and send in your pledge to support Summit Adventure. Click here to donate online! (indicate S.Atkins WC).

Click here for more photos.

Thanks again for your support!

Steve Atkins

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

2012 Whitney Classic Fund Raising Appeal

September 2012

Riding through Death Valley in 2010

 

Yes, its that time of year again…The 31^th Annual Whitney Classic Bike Ride, Summit Adventure’s main fundraising event, will take place on September 29^th-30^th .The Whitney is an adventurous 135-mile bike ride that starts at 3:00 p.m. at Badwater, Death Valley, California (282 ft. below sea level), continues through the night and finishes the next morning at the portals at Mt. Whitney (8365 feet above sea level). The ride includes three major climbs of 17 miles, 13 miles and 13 miles, two of which by Tour de France classifications are considered “Out of Category” which to you and me means “really, really steep.” Total elevation gain for the ride is 15,300 feet.

This is my 13^th Whitney! What, are you nuts? Yes, nuts and addicted to this awesome ride. I love to ride, I love Summit Adventure, and I love this event. Nothing matches the awesome course, camaraderie of the participants, and incredible support from the Summit Staff and volunteers. Many of you have been loyal supporters of Summit all these years. I cannot thank you enough!

This year I was able to convince 4 other riders (Michael Atkins, Ryan Snow, Daniel Tansill, and Carlton van Leuven) to ride uphill, in the heat, and through the night to join me for this suffer fest! All are experienced riders, but none have ridden the Whitney Classic as a solo rider. This year will all ride solo for the ‘Full Whitney’ Audax Style (together as a group). This will be my 7^th Whitney solo effort!

In the past twelve years, through your generous support, we have contributed over $125,000 to Summit Adventure! Thank you! Here’s where you come in: I have set a goal to raise $10,000 for this year’s Whitney. Course income provides for only 45 percent of the Summit budget. The rest comes through fund raising events such as the Whitney Classic. I served as a member of the Summit Board of Directors and know how critical a successful Whitney is to the financial health of the ministry. Debby, Mark, Michael and I have all participated on Summit courses over the years and have been deeply impacted by this great ministry! We all love Summit. That’s why I ride!

Please join my support team and send in your donation today! (Donate online by clicking here and indicate ‘Steve Atkins WC’ in the donor comment box).

Please pray with me for a safe, successful event. If you have any questions, or would like to just catch up, please call me at 602-549-5331 or at home at 480-775-1682. I would love to hear from you. Thank you and God bless!

Click here to see my 2010 Ride Report

Click here to see my 2011 Ride Report

Check out Summit’s web page by clicking here             

Thank you for your continued support!

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