2015 Whitney Classic Ride Report

All smiles at the start

September 2015


If its the last weekend in September, its Whitney Classic time! At least its been that way for the last 34 years as Summit Adventure puts on it annual fund raiser! This year marked my 17th Whitney Classic. Each year is different (solo, team, SAG or no SAG), but each is also familiar and rewarding. This year with a busy work and travel schedule, it would be a solo effort without a support and gear (SAG) team. Here is this year's story:

Friday

Up early and on the road at 0800 so I could plug in the ear buds and connect to the first of 8 conference calls that would fill most of the drive time from Phoenix to Lone Pine California. With just two stops for fuel, relatively light traffic, and constant project updates; the drive went by quickly.

Arriving at the edge of Lone Pine at about 3:30 pm, the organizers were just starting to set up the check-in tables at the event headquarters. Perfect, plenty of time to head into town, secure a room at the Historic Dow Villa Hotel, and take the machine out for a shake-down ride.

Lobby at the Historic Dow Hotel

The Death Valley Park Service, for the second year in a row, refused to issue an event permit for this year's Whitney Classic, so the 2015 route is a variation of the 2014 route, with addition of Lubken Canyon Road and an out and back to Darwin along the original route. Lubken Canyon road was added to complete to loop back to town after the Cottonwood Canyon climb. Never having been down that road, it was a perfect candidate for a quick ride to check out the equipment and wake up the legs from a long drive!

Small pasture along Lubken Canyon Road

Rolling out of the Dow at about 4 pm, it was still quite warm at about 92 degrees! Settling into an easy pace, I rode through town to the Portal Road, up Tuttle Creek Road, and down Lubken Canyon Road. Down meaning that climb up Tuttle creek gains just over 1000 feet in the first 5 miles, so Lubken looked like a fun descent back into town. It was, and although the road narrowed and became quite rough running through private land and a small farm, it went by fast and soon I was on highway 395 headed back into town.

A huge wind was coming from the South, and combined with a slight downgrade into town, meant it was an easy soft pedal for 2.5 miles at 30 mph back into town. The rider check-in was ready so I stopped in, completed the requisite paperwork, and picked up 30+ event t-shirts for my donor team. With t-shirts bagged and balanced on the aero-bars, I completed the loop back to the Dow Hotel and cleaned up for dinner and the worship service.

Pre-event power dinner!

One of the highlights of the Whitney Classic is the Friday night worship service held in the City Park with staff, volunteers, riders, and SAG teams. Music, scripture, and fellowship in the open air at the base of the High Sierras, is the highlight of the weekend. Certainly not typical for an endurance event, but then Summit Adventure is not a typical ministry, and the Whitney Classic is not a normal endurance event!

Saturday

The day starts at the Lone Pine VFW lodge for the rider breakfast and meeting. After a delicious breakfast, complete with bacon, eggs, potatoes, and hot cakes, the riders are briefed on the course, permit rules, and final updates. Your humble corespondent provided some tips for SAG drivers and the sage advice for riders handed down from former Summit Executive Director Dave Kelly: "Start slow, and back if off from there!"

Since I was riding unsupported this year, I positioned the truck prior to breakfast at the event HQ at the Alabama Hills Motel. The event would start there and serve as 3 checkpoints, effectively breaking the event into 3 stages.

Stage 1 - Cottonwood Canyon Climb

Final instructions and prayer at the start

After the pre-ride photos and final instructions, the event got underway a few minutes after 9 am. The riders rolled out as a large group, but quickly thinned as the road turned west and up the Portal Road.

Rolling through town with Janet Nye

Portal road

The climbing begins on Tuttle Creek Road, through an unlikely oasis in the desert of the Alabama Hills.  With many of the teams making their first rider exchanges, there was lots of activity, conversation, and encouragement! The climbing starts here and continues for 20+ miles gaining 6,200 feet!

Leaving Alabama Hills on the Cottonwood Climb

The first checkpoint is at the top of the switchbacks, about 16 miles into the ride. Two hours of climbing, most of that into a strong headwind, meant this was a two bottle refill, check in, and get back on the climb.

Nearing the top at Horseshoe Meadows

Entering Horseshoe Meadows

With eight more miles of climbing, the route continues through 10,000 feet and enters an active bear area at Horseshoe Meadows. After a quick bottle refill, it was welcome descent back to Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills Motel.

Stage 1 Summary: 46 miles, 6,600 feet climbing, 4.5 hours.

Stage 2 - Darwin

The 2015 route features an out and back to Darwin, a nearly abandoned mining settlement about halfway between Lone Pine and the Death Valley National Park Boundary. It covers 73 miles and includes about 3,600 feet of gentle climbing. It was pretty much a straight shot to the southeast with gentle climbing rollers, on paper, a nice relief from the HC climbs of the Cottonwood Canyon and Portal roads. In reality, this was the toughest part of this year's Whitney. Temperatures were above 90 degrees, and the wind (gusting to 25+ mph) was right on the nose. 

I rolled into Keeler checkpoint and Kathleen McCormick was there cooling off in the shade. I refilled bottles and we rolled out together. This was her first Whitney and we worked together into the hot wind. When the road tilted up I dropped off to a slower pace and she disappeared into the distance.

Heading up to Darwin

The next checkpoint at the Darwin turnoff was a welcome sight. Hot and out of water, it was the same routine; refill bottles and roll out. The route climbs for a mile or so, then descends into Darwin. While a few souls may still inhabit the town, most of the buildings are abandoned,
other that the "U turn here" event sign, there was not much here to see!

Darwin Station

The climb out of Darwin went quicker than  expected, the strong wind out of the southeast was now a friend and provided a gentle push up the hill. With the temperature finally starting to moderate, it was time to concentrate on eating and drinking to reload calories and fluids. Leaving the Darwin turnoff, it was generally downhill with a strong tailwind all the way back to Lone Pine.

Outbound it took nearly 4 hours to cover the 36 miles from Lone Pine to Darwin. Inbound it took less than 2 hours!

Stage 2 Summary: 73 miles, 3,600 feet climbing, 6 hours.

Stage 3 -Mt. Whitney Portal

The last stage is short, steep, and if it was featured in the Tour de France would be rated HC, or beyond category. Meaning steep, very steep. With 13 miles and 4,300 of climbing to go, perhaps the biggest challenge of the event is riding past the Dow Villa Hotel and all it stands for: Hot shower and a comfortable bed!

After a clothing and bike change (my old Trek with triple chainring and mountain derailleur) it was
up the Portal Road for the finale of the ride.

The temperatures were moderate, but the grade was not! The last 12 miles average an 8 percent grade with maximum grades over 14% on some of the switchbacks.  Along the way I could see the tail lights of other teams up the road, and enjoyed the encouragement from other riders that were finished and heading back into town!

The grade finally eases off after the final switchback below the Premier Buttress and it is a welcome relief to roll into the finish!

#17 is in the Books!

Stage 3 Summary: 13 miles, 4,300 feet climbing, 2.5 hours.

Finish

Rolling into the finish, I quickly layered up, enjoyed a hot chocolate, and posed for the finish photo.  132 miles, 14,500 feet of elevation gain, 13 hours 24 minutes, wind, heat, and 50+ mph descents made this a Whitney to remember!

Tom Gibson, Whitney veteran and Official Photographer, gave me a lift back to Alabama Hills. As we drove through town, the last two individual riders were passing through ready to make their last push to the finish. I loaded the bike into my truck, picked up some dinner at a convenience store, and drove the short distance to a hot shower and comfortable bed at the Dow Villa Hotel.

Sunday and Thank You!

Sunday morning I grabbed breakfast, cleaned up the truck, went to Mass at the local parish, and checked out of The Dow Villa Hotel. Normally I would linger for the pizza party and awards ceremony to mark the end of the event. This year, however, Debby was meeting me in Las Vegas for a work meeting, so I needed to push out early to arrive in time to pick her up at the airport!

This year's Whitney was a great success. Summit has raised $84,000 toward is goal of $90,000; and you, my faithful support team, have blessed Summit with over $13,000 in donations! Thank you very much for your faithful support!

The Whitney Classic has marked the end my cycling season with a huge exclamation point for many years, this year was no exception!

Thank you again for your support!

Steve Atkins

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Click here to Donate to Summit !

Click here for GPS Data

2015 Whitney Classic Fund Raising Appeal

The Start of the 2014 Whitney Classic

Yes, its that time of year again…The 34th Annual Whitney Classic Bike Ride, Summit Adventure’s main fundraising event, will take place on September 26th-27th. The Whitney Classic has traditionally started in Badwater, Death Valley. Due to an ongoing safety study by Death Valley National Park, athletic events will not be permitted in Death Valley this summer. For that reason, the Whitney Classic will again be held in the Lone Pine California area. With two HC climbs, an out and back to Darwin, 132 miles, and nearly 15,000 feet of climbing; the Whitney will indeed be classic in 2015! Click here for the route details.

Sound too good to miss? Go here to register and join the Fun!

This is my 16th Whitney and 17th fund raising ride for Summit Adventure! This year I will make my 10th solo effort.

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!

All smiles at the start!

In the past 16 years, through your generous support, we have contributed over $160,000 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!

At the finish in 2015

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 
Click here to see my 2013 Ride Report 
Click here to see my 2014 Ride Report 

Check out Summit’s web page by clicking here        

Thank you for your support!    

Tuttle Creek Road

Whitney Classic Ride Report

Whitney Classic 2014 Ride Report
"On the Edge of Epic"
 September 27, 2014

Pre-ride

Each year there is the internal debate; should this be the year the 16 year streak ends? With many nights and weekends spent at the office over the past year, if there was a year to take a pass, this was it. But alas, an email from a long time supporter Mary Gibbons, wondering when this year's appeal letter was coming, and Debby's encouragement to ride the Whitney again, found me on the website registering for the the 33rd Annual Whitney Classic.

The National Park Service is not issuing permits for events in the park this year, so the organizers changed up the course, 20 fewer miles, but 4,500 feet of additional climbing. Two laps up to Horseshoe Meadows, a couple of loops along Turtle Creek and the classic slog up Whitney Portal road to the trailhead. Three HC climbs makes for 20,000 feet of climbing over 115 miles. Not wanting to share that fun with a team, the solo box was checked on the registration form and it was planning time.

The 34T cog for the Triple setup

Who might want to share the fun?  Carlton van Leuven also was thinking about the ride, and with the new route was also interested in riding solo. The plan was set, we would drive out to Lone Pine together after work Thursday night, work remotely on Friday from Lone Pine, ride the route Audax style (ride together with minimal support at checkpoints only) Saturday, and return Sunday. Carlton's wife Ruthann joined the fun to provide another driver and drop bag support at the main checkpoint.

A late start and rush hour traffic in Phoenix slowed our start on Thursday. We arrived at the Dow Villa Hotel a little after 2 am on Friday morning. With the lap top and cell phone set up in the lobby at 0800 Friday morning, it was six hours of nearly non-stop conference calls!

With the work box finally checked, it was time to start the weekend! We mounted the steeds and pre-rode the Turtle Creek and Granite View portions of the new route.

Great sign!

Leaving town, the route passes the BLM campground and heads into the Alabama Hills. These hills provided the backdrop of many western movies, old and new. From John Wayne classics to django Unchained, these rocks have provided specular movie settings.

i

"This road is awesome!"

In all the years of the Whitney Classics and climbing Mt. Whitney, this was the first time to roll along this very scenic road. Steep climbs, new road surface, and different views around each corner, made the shakedown ride very enjoyable indeed.

Could be Joshua Tree National Park

We rolled past the intersection of Lubken Canyon and Horseshoe Meadows road (the main event checkpoint #'s 2, 5, 6, 10, and 11) and headed up the short rough steep climb up Granite View road. The organizers added this climb to the two Turtle Creek loops to 'round up' the total climbing to 20,000 feet. The grade was steady, but the road was rough, and very annoying, especially on the descent.

Rolling back into town, it was time to complete the rider check-in. Mike, Kathy, and Little Mike Rollinson had just arrived at the Dow as we arrived. We exchanged greetings and made plans for a pasta dinner at the Pizza Factory after the check-in. Service was slow, but the company was awesome for the traditional pasta fest.

One of the best parts of the Whitney Classic is the Friday night worship service. Seeing old friends, and meeting new ones as Summit Staff, riders, volunteers take over the band stand in the Lone Pine park. Tremendous musicians led the group in song and praise, and Executive Director Tom Smith shared inspiring scripture and provided information about the ride.

Whitney Time!

Since the route starts in Lone Pine, and there was no need to drive 100 miles to the traditional start in Death Valley, so the start time was moved up to 0900. We were up early making last minute preparations, getting a light breakfast, and heading to the VFW Lodge for the pre-ride briefing.

Jair Drooger outlined the rules of the ride and answered questions. Your humble corespondent provided pointers for SAG (support and gear) drivers, some tips from previous rides, and advice handed down from former Summit Executive Director, Dave Kelly: "Start slow, and back it off from there!" With all the climbing, this year is more like; 'Start slow and go backwards from there!"

Jair providing the pre-ride brief

We don't allow their Kind in here!

The final instructions were provided at 0845 at the corner of Brewery Street and Whitney Portal road, start photos, taken, and finally its Whitney Time.

Here we go!

Rolly leads us in prayer before the start

The winds were strong out of the north, providing a stout cross as the route heads west, up the portal road, but after a few miles the course turns south on Horseshoe Meadows road for the first climb and the tailwind was perfect!

The 100 meter flat section is at the start!

We fell into the lead group, but since most of them were riding as a team, by the time we rolled through the first checkpoint they were out in front. It was enjoyable to have the teams cheering us along as they re-racked their bikes and raced on ahead in their SAG vehicles to prepare for the next exchange.

The route follows those switchbacks to the top!

This Madman (Jair Drooger) designed the course!

A

 All smiles on the first lap up to Horseshoe Meadows!

It is about 23 miles and 6,500 feet of climbing from the start in Lone Pine to the top of the first climb at Horseshoe Meadows. Jair added a checkpoint about 15 miles into the climb at a pull out just above the switchbacks. This was a great place to reload water bottles and take a short break. It also enabled us to ride without carrying an extra water bottle. We reloaded and warned the volunteers at the checkpoint that we would be rolling through on the way down and not stopping.

The food/fuel/ride plan estimated it would take 3 hours to reach the checkpoint at Horseshoe Meadows, we rolled in a few minutes after noon, right on time. With bottles refilled, we pointed our steeds downhill and prepared for an E ticket ride back to the Lubken checkpoint.

Lubken Canyon Checkpoint

3 hours to go up, only 30 minutes to go down, with a top speed of 44 mph! Not bad with the switchbacks and headwind from the north.

Ruthann met us at Lubken for our first resupply. We reloaded the bottles and headed out for the loop up and down Granite View road and back to Lone Pine for the tour de Turtle Creek and back to Lubken.

On Granite View Road

As we headed up Granite View, storm clouds started to pour over the mountain tops. It was sunny and warm in the Alabama Hills, but looked nasty up in the mountains, where the ride took us next!

The loop took about 1.5 hours and Ruthann was still at the Lubken checkpoint when we came through again. With the clouds continuing to pour over the ridge,  it was time to gear up. With a polypro base layer and arm and knee warmers on board, we set up for the climb #2 to Horseshoe Meadows.

We caught 'Team Lactic Acid Trip' on the climb and enjoyed their company until one of their strong climbers took a pull and left us in the dust, and building drizzle!

We cleared the switchbacks checkpoint and as the false summit came into view, so did the snow! It was time to pull off and gear up. Sitting on the ground gearing up, Tom Smith and his team and SAG rolled by on their descent. At first they thought your correspondent had crashed, but with a thumbs up and a shout out of; "This is awesome!" they figured I was out of my mind, but otherwise in good shape.

Early accumulation on the bike

Its all fun and games, and then it starts snowing!

Geared up, and with Carlton riding off toward the checkpoint, it was back on the bike, wondering why my rain pants, shoe covers, and wool socks were back in Arizona, only a little out of reach!

Nearing the summit, the snow was coming down wet and heavy, it was in the mid-thirties, so thankfully there was only an accumulation of slush on the road, but the landscape was spectacular!

Team Rollinson rolled by and offered additional gear as the checkpoint came into view. Warm from the climbing I declined and rolled into the checkpoint. Carlton was there waiting and shivering from the cold. There was no need to wait, so he took a hot chocolate and rolled out. I quickly added arm warmers and kicked the accumulated snow from my legs and shoes. The Good Sam volunteers whipped up several cups of hot chocolate. With a water bottle full of hot chocolate, and soaked from the waist down, it was time to descend!

Kathy Rollinson sampling the 'Manna from Heaven'

The road was wet, but the real problem was wind chill. While the temperatures were in the mid-thirties, anytime the speed reached over 25 mph, the wind chill put the temperature in the low 20's! To prevent uncontrolled shivering, it was time to grab a big gear and pedal downhill against the brakes. As added benefit, the rims and brakes stayed dry and effective, especially helpful on the 180 degree switchbacks.

At this point in the ride, we were on the 'Edge of Epic.' Exposed, wet, and descending in a snow storm, this ride was headed toward Epic proportions. About halfway down the descent, the snow was replaced with drizzle, and then hitting the valley floor, the rain stopped and temperature warmed. Ruthann was at the Lubken checkpoint with the van warmed up. Rolling in and diving into the van, the wet kit came off, dry kit and the winter jersey stopped the shivering. Another hot chocolate and we were back on the road for the second lap of Granite View and Turtle Creek.

The climb up Granite View was a welcome opportunity to warm up. Had the rain continued, this Whitney may have become an Epic event (as defined by Lonnie Epic Wolff), however with the sun setting and temperatures holding, it was just going to be another brutal Whitney!

The descent down Granite view caused my headlight to vibrate loose, slowing to fix it, Carlton nearly crashed into me! Recovered, and with a nice backlight from Carlton, we quickly descended this annoying stretch for the last time.

Rolling through Turtle Creek at night was tremendous and soon we were back at the Lubken checkpoint. One last reload, and a switch of bikes (the old Trek 5500 has a triple and mountian bike gearing) and we were off.

Riding past Granite view and turning left on Whitney Portal road for the last section, we were accompanied by Ruthann and Team Rollinson all the way up the Portal road.

Its a steep slog to the finish; 9 miles at an average grade of 8.6% with grades reaching 14%+ near the finish, each rider finds their own pace. Soon all I could see of Carlton was his tail light!

With encouragement from Ruthann and Mike Rollinson, I settled into a steady pace, often wondering, why such a great event has to end with this exclamation point/uphill finish. Soon the lights of the finish line were in sight and 13 hours and 51 minutes after the start, it was finished!

At the Finish!

Hugs, cheers, and relief! Rolling in about 20 minutes after Carlton, the volunteers told us we were the last riders on the course. All the others had either finished or abandoned, leaving your humble corespondent the honors of the Lantern Rouge!

Thank You!

At this writing, you, my support team have contributed over $10,000 to Summit Adventure. I cannot thank you enough!

Click here if you would like to donate (there is still time) to Summit!

Click here for the gory GPS ride details.


All the best,


Steve Atkins

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)

Lantern Rouge!

End of Pavement (EOP) Whitney Classic Training Ride

Whitney Classic Appeal

The Whitney Classic is now only 2 weeks away, so its time to get in another long ride with some climbing; and update the Blog with a final fund raising appeal for the Whitney and Summit Adventure.

Click here to go to my fund raising page to learn more about the ride or to donate to Summit Adventure. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all those that have donated so far, you are awesome!

OK with the groveling for Summit out of the way, lets get to the ride!

Ride Report

I was thinking of starting this ride early to beat the heat and be home in time for the noon Mass. Happily, Michael stopped by for dinner and to watch the ASU football game last night, so it was football, pizza, wings, and staying up with Mike, bag the early start! Since Mike is serving at the 7 pm Mass at the Newman Center, there was no need to get going early (cue the ominous background music), I would grab that Mass!

I woke at 0517, made some coffee, and was on the bike at 0543. It was already 80 something, but with the light blazing into the predawn darkness it was time to start. It was calm making progress through through Tempe, and Mesa. As the sun came up, so did the wind. Reached the 202 on Brown road about an hour into the ride, it was really blowing strong from the northeast.

A quick bottle fill at the Chevron at Ellsworth road and it was back into the wind.

The Elks Lodge in Apache Junction

Turning onto the Apache Trail, the wind was right on the nose and strong. The Elks Lodge was a good spot to grab a photo of the flag in the wind. The parking lot was clear, so being downwind, if there were any Elks to be found, they would not be warned, but alas the parking lot was empty!

Reaching the switchbacks and the steep climbing the wind would come and go, alternating strong on the nose, then a nice push from behind as the directions changed. Soon, reaching the top of the first climb, it was back on the descent to Canyon Lake. Happily there was little traffic on the road, because the only smooth part of the pavement is right along the center line! Reaching the lake, other than a few jet skis playing in the white caps, there was very little boat traffic at the lake.

A few whitecaps on the lake

Another climb and descent just past the marina carries the route past Tortilla Flats. With a full bottle, there was no need to stop and refill, so it was on to the next climb. The route crosses Tortilla Creek, climbs briefly and then descends sharply back to the creek before the last 5 mile climb to the EOP. In the spring the water generally flows over the road, but rarely in the summer/fall.

After last weeks record rainfall of over 5 inches in one day, the Creek was still flowing, but not at the flash flood levels evidenced by the sand on many parts of the road way! 

Safe to cross today!

Nice pool on Tortilla Creek

The road turns right and all protection from the wind disappeared and it was a classic 'uphill into the wind' pull to the top!

Note the vegetation

This looks more like April than September!

Just past the EOP on the dirt!

The Garmin read 3 hours 23 minutes to the EOP, 69 minutes of climbing from Tortilla Flats. With the wind, and eager to put it on the tail, there was only time to take a few quick photos and get back on the road. The Garmin recorded a top speed of 53.4 mph on the 15 minute descent back to Tortilla Flats!!!

With both bottles empty, and a vending machine with cold water on the wooden sidewalk at the Mercantile, it was a welcome stop. A new 'fortune telling' machine has been installed nearby, because suddenly, you hear; "Howdy Partner" as a talking head comes to life welcoming passers by to Tortilla Flats. He goes on to say the Flats were named because a group of cowboys were trapped here during a flash flood for weeks with only a sack of flour for provisions. Hence "Tortilla Flats!" For another dollar he will share some more 'history.'

Ready to roll and eager to continue before the typical mid-day wind shift and building heat, it was back on the road for more one short and one longer climb out of the Canyon Lake area.

Nearing the top of the last climb, a sedan appeared in the rearview mirror. Not wanting to get caught behind a car on the twisting descent, I took the lane and hammered over the last few meters and started the descent. The sedan disappeared quickly and did not reappear until the road straightened and leveled out.

The run down Apache Trail went quickly with favorable winds and with one last stop for water at the Dash Inn at Brown Road, it was back into the trailer parks and horse corals that is Apache Junction! The temperature was building, and is typical the morning wind finally started it journey across the compass. Reaching Tempe about an hour later the route turns South for the last 2 miles. One last punch from the snake, the wind was right back on the nose!

Rolling into the driveway, the Garmin read 100.4 miles, 6 hours 15 minutes, 4400 feet of climbing, and 5383 calories burned. Lastly the temperature read 102 degrees!

Recovery drinks

Pouring a couple cans of Mountain Dew over ice, stripping of the salty kit, it was into the pool to cool off. Of course; Rocky, Tina, and Rex hate to see anyone swim alone, so add three tennis balls and it was party time!

Very happy Labs

An earlier start would have taken some of the headwind out of the equation, and most of the mid-day heat, but it was well worth the extra suffering to enjoy the football game with Mike and Debby!
Next week, the schedule calls for one or two repeats on the End of the World Hill to check out the equipment on high angle climbs, and then its off to Lone Pine California for the Whitney Classic!

Thanks again for your support!

Steve Atkins

Here is the data from today's ride!

2014 Whitney Clasic Fund Raiser Appeal

Death Valley 2013

Yes, its that time of year again…The 33th Annual Whitney Classic Bike Ride, Summit Adventure’s main fundraising event, will take place on September 27th-28th.The Whitney Classic has traditionally started in Badwater, Death Valley. Due to an ongoing safety study by Death Valley National Park, athletic events will not be permitted in Death Valley this summer. For that reason, the Whitney Classic route is different this year. This year, the ride includes 2 climbs of Horseshoe Meadows Rd, 2 climbs of Tuttle Creek Rd, 2 climbs of Granite View Dr, and a final climb to the end of Whitney Portal Rd.

The new route is more compact this year, 20 fewer miles with 4500 additional feet of climbing: 20,000 feet of climbing over 115 miles! While we will miss Death Valley this year, the entire route will be in the Alabama Hills and Whitney Portal area on the Eastern Slope of the Sierras near Lone Pine California.

Sound too good to miss? Go here to register and join the Fun!

New Route for 2014

This is my 15th Whitney and 16th fund raising ride for Summit Adventure! 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!

2013 Finish

This year I will make my 9th solo effort. My awesome wife, Debby Atkins will provide support and encouragement! After a year consumed by the merger of Hunt Construction Group and AECOM, I am ready for a weekend of worship, prayer, and riding!

In the past 15 years, through your generous support, we have contributed over $150,000 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!

Already thinking about next year!

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 
Click here to see my 2013 Ride Report

Check out Summit’s web page by clicking here             

Thank you for your continued support!