A Fast 300K!

Casa Grade 300k Ride Report

February 7, 2009

Steve Atkins

All the ingredients for another wet desert brevet were aligning. The perfect weather the weekend before, increasing rain chances in the forecast, and my normal bad weather luck. So it was time to break out the Moots TailGator (normally I would not use the TailGator for a 300k brevet) and stuff it with my rain jacket, rain legs, and emergency blanket, just in case. I packed up the Suburban and was out of the house by 4:50 am and made my way to Casa Grande and arrived at the start at 5:30, plenty of time to get ready for the 6:00 start.

Susan moved the start/finish line to the 24 hour Wal-Mart in Casa Grande. A nice improvement over the alley in Historic Downtown Casa Grande! Hot coffee and ample restrooms were available at the start. After a quick rider briefing we were coursing our way through Casa Grande behind Susan’s brevet mobile. At the outskirts of town she pulled away and we were off.

The pace picked up right away with a strong group of riders from Calgary and the usual suspects (Sturgill, Enfield, Peskett) and we made great time to Coolidge. The temperature was a balmy 50 degrees and with my Patagonia base, jersey, vest and arm warmers I was quite toasty!

We turned onto the Pinal Pioneer Parkway and encountered a light headwind coming out of the south. The winds out of the south would increase throughout the day. The group worked well together and we pulled into the Tom Mix control, only 10 minutes after it opened at 8:10.

I left the control with the Canadians, Sturgill, and Peskett but could not keep up the pace and dropped off the group. I ending up riding to the Kinney control alone. I arrived to find Roger Peskett at the lunch control at 12:58. The rain never came and the sun had been out all day. I took the opportunity to take off the leg warmers and lather up with some sunscreen. Mike Enfield rolled in as I was heading out.

As I noted earlier the wind had been increasing all day. In fact, riding through Gates Pass, the wind was swirling quite strongly (20-25 mph) from all directions. Leaving the control and heading north, I enjoyed a great tailwind and motored along the next 20 miles with little effort and great velocity. Mike Enfield flashed by outside of Painted Rock.

Reaching the Circle K in Marana I topped off my water bottles and hoped the wind would hold, but as the route turned to the northwest, the great tailwind became a maddening cross-wind and slowed my progress greatly.

Susan changed the course to avoid the dreaded 10 mile pull into La Palma, instead, we headed into Eloy. I reloaded my water bottles for the last time at the Circle K there and headed due north to 11 Mile Corner. With the change in direction, the wind was again mostly a nice tailwind, and with the fresh road surface those 8 miles flew by.

Turning west for the last 8 miles to the finish, the wind again became a ‘training aid’ to add a little exclamation point to the brevet. I rolled into the finish at 5:25 and a couple of other riders will milling about. Paul Layton pulled up at 6 as I was finishing getting packed up. I jumped into the Panda Express for a nice dinner and was on my way home.

With the fast start and generally favorable wind conditions, this was my fastest 300k at 11 hours and 25 minutes.

Special thanks to Mike Rollinson for stopping by the house at mid-day to spend some time with the dogs (Debby and Michael were in California with the Corona Steel Drum Band).

Another great Arizona Brevet – Thanks Susan!!!

Click here to go to Susan's website with links to other blogs.

Mt. Lemmon 200k

Mt. Lemmon 200k Ride Report
Steve Atkins

I missed last year's Mt. Lemmon 200k and was looking forward to riding this brevet with Mike Rollinson. Mike suffered a knee problem and decided he was not up for the whole thing, but wanted to join me for the drive down, and perhaps take a stab at part of the ride (after all if the knee flared up, he could coast down and call it a day).

The alarm sounded at 4:45, Mike was already in the driveway unloading his faithful steed. We put the bikes on the rack and were on the road at precisely 5:00am. Sweet, we will have plenty of time! We were talking about Mike's ride last year remembered that he was late due to a crash on the I-10 just past the rest area on the way into Casa Grande for last years Mt. Lemmon 200k. Incredibly, just then, we slowed to a halt and waited 45 minutes until the traffic cleared. An 18 wheeler had overturned in the exact same spot as last years crash.

I called Susan Plosky (our regional brevet administrator), noted the milepost and exit number and told her, I would be late. We arrived at the start line just after 7:10am. Susan, Bruce Chandler and Carl Van Lueven (who also was caught in the same traffic jam) were milling about. Carl and I headed out about 7:20 and rode together to the first checkpoint.

When we hit Ina/Skyline/Sunrise the wind really kicked up. We saw Rick Blacker just finishing a flat repair and Paul Layton as we battled the headwinds to the first checkpoint. Mike Rollinson was waiting for us at the first checkpoint and we headed out toward the real climbing.

At the base of the hill, Carl excused himself from the group and headed off the front. Mike fell back and I found myself wishing I had aerobars for the ASCENT! The winds were especially strong in the road cuts with the venturi effect. It felt like track standing at some points!

I ran into Dave Glasgow in Molina canyon and we rode together for some time. We bumped into Mike Enfield in Bear Canyon and pressed on to Windy Point. Which was not at all Windy. It seemed to be the only calm place on the mountain. Ever optimistic Bruce Chandler said, "its just a regular ride from here, and the wind is dying down." Encouraged I reloaded my water bottles (two worked for me today) and headed up the road, only to be blasted by a very cold and very strong wind just around the corner!

I pressed on alone and reached Susan's Palisades Paradise Wrap Stop and grabbed some more water. I wanted to reach the top, and savor a wrap on the down slope.

I have ridden Mt. Lemmon several times and knew what was in front. I was startled to see snow and ice on the shaded roadcuts as I neared Summerhaven. I dropped my card in the slot at the post office, with a short love note to Bruce, and I was on my way back to wrap heaven.

The stop had cleared out, and I enjoyed a wrap, Coke and Susan's company before setting out for the descent.

I waved at Bruce as I bombed through Windy Point. The winds alternatively pushed, pulled, and generally made the normally very fun descent a bit more challenging.

Mike was waiting for me at the McDonald's control. I grabbed some fries and a receipt and told him to meet me at Basha's in two hours. The last 32 miles went by quickly with the tailwind and I was back at 5:09. I had lights on the bike (my normal commuting setup) but didn't need them.

I was complaining to my wife about the wind. She is now convinced that either 1)Susan has some special deal with the weather service that allows her to schedule brevets on blustery days or, 2) I am a big complainer.

Either way it was a great day to spend on the bike on a beautiful route. Thanks Susan!

Go to here for Susan's website and links to other blogs from the ride.

Steve Atkins

Shenandoah 1200 Ride Report

Shenandoah 1200 Ride Report
Steve Atkins

I was considering riding the Cascade 1200 this summer but its date conflicted with a family commitment. While on the RUSA site I hit the link for the "Inaugural" Shenandoah 1200, its dates worked and I signed up.

Shakedown ride and check-in

I assembled my bike at my friend Bill Boyle's house in Reston VA. My sister Laura lives about 10 miles away so it seemed the perfect plan for a shake-down ride was to ride to her place.

I rode the W and OD bike trail which covered most the distance. We had a nice lunch and since the clouds were gathering, and it rained like crazy the day before, I decided to head back to Reston.

A few miles later some guy in a car rolls down his window at a stop light and says ' hey did you know there is a tornado warning in this immediate area!'

I say thanks and note the clouds were turning the shade of pea soup. Not good.

I hurried on toward the bike path. I reached it but could see a wall of rain coming so I stopped next to an apartment building to put on my rain jacket. By the time I got it on the wind was blowing the rain horizontal. Luckily I was protected by the side of the building!

Later the TV news said gusts in that area exceeded 85 miles an hour!

The heavy wind lasted about 20 minutes. It let up to a steady rain and I jumped on the bike path and headed back.

Most the traffic lights were out and there were so many power outages that many schools were closed the following day.

A number of trees were uprooted and there was an unconfirmed tornado touchdown in Sterling (where I was). This tree nearly blocked all lanes of traffic near Bill's house.

After carrying my bike over several fallen trees I made it back to Bills place. The bike AND the rain gear checked out fine.

We drove to Leesburg in more driving rain, I checked in, had my bike inspected, and headed back to Reston.

What a start!

Leesburg - Start to Gettysburg
I was up at 2:45 for breakfast and Bill Boyle and I were on the road to Leesburg. We checked in and waited for the pre-ride briefing.

Matt Settle provided two key points of advice: 1-Watch for downed trees, limbs and debris. 2-The ride should get easier after you reach Fancy Gap.

The pace started out fairly fast and seemed to accelerate after the group had to dismount to cross a downed power line.

I decided to drop off and go at my own pace just before we hit a steep climb about 20 miles into the ride. The scenery in Maryland was spectacular, all the rain the previous day really greened up the forest and fields. We actually had quite a bit of fog at the start.

Somewhere along the way on route 17 I rode with Tim Sullivan of San Diego. We shared stories of our teenage sons' interest in bike racing and their abilities to drop us old men.

I arrived at the Gettysburg control at 8:03, had a couple of PBJ sammies, reloaded water, put on sunblock and was out by 8:25.

Gettysburg to Sharpsburg

Just out of the control there was an unmarked right turn into the Gettysburg National Battlefield. It was very cool to ride through the park.




I pulled off to an overlook to take it all in and snap a few photos. Another rider, Jack Holmgren of San Francisco stopped and we took each other's pictures. We rode together through the park and stopped again to snap a picture of a covered bridge.

Then the climbing got steep and hot. With a very slight tailwind, there was no air movement.

We continued through farm land and an area that was hit hard with wind the day before. Trees were down everywhere, including a large oak that had fallen on and crushed a farmhouse!

Just before the the next control we rode the Antietam National Battlefield. It was very moving riding through and thinking about the men that fought there. I snapped a picture and arrived at the control at 12:03.

The line for sandwiches in the deli was long and I spotted some potato salad in the cooler. So potatoes is was washed down with the first of many Sobe Lizard Fuels. I was back on the road at 12:30.

Sharpsburg to Winchester

Lots of rollers on this section and the heat was increasing. I think this stage touched three states, Maryland, West Virgina, and Virgina. Roads continued to be good and traffic was light.

Clouds continued to build and with the heat and humidity I thought for sure we would have a thunderstorm. Actually I was hoping for one to wash off the sweat and cool off.

I hit the control at 3:05 and was out at 3:25.

Winchester to Harrisonburg

More heat, more hills, no rain.

I rolled into the Harrisonburg control at 9:55 I was tempted to have a full dinner but decided to have a few snacks, refill my water bottles and get on my way to Deerfield. The Harrisonburg control was the Maplewood dorm at Eastern Mennonite University. It was a great control with dorm rooms, showers, and lots of food. I had decided to put my drop bag at the next stop at Deerfield thinking that I would arrive sometime between 1 and 2 am and nap until just before dawn. I was feeling fine, and close to my plan when I left at 10:30 pm.

Harrisonburg to Deerfield

The road flattened out, and actually descended 250 feet over the next 10 miles, but there was a slight headwind. Then a relatively steady climb of 20 miles, before the last 9 to the control at the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department. The stars were out and it was very pleasant night riding.

I arrived about 1:30am, showered, ate a great meal including a turkey sandwich and big bowl of pinto beans. I was on a cot by 2:30 am. It was a large room and somewhat noisy. I pulled my balaclava over my eyes, put in the earplugs and and slept till 5:25 am.

A control volunteer had whipped up eggs, biscuits and gravy so I obliged and chowed down. I was out of there by 6:30.

Deerfield to Clifton Forge

The was one of the most spectacular sections of the ride. It was mostly downhill, much of the road was under a canopy of trees, and we rode through the Doughat State Park. There was a beautiful lake and great waterfall.

I arrived at the control at 9:10. It was a restaurant at the train station. A couple of riders, including Paul Rozzell were having some breakfast. I asked the waitress to sign my card and fill my bottles and I was out at 9:20. I stopped at a convenience store in town to reload some supplies and chatted with the cashier. He wanted to know where I was going and why I was planning to ride in the predicted heat. I told him I was riding to Fancy Gap and he looked at me like I had lost my mind. I told him that was only about 1/3 of the riding in the event. He said, "Boy, did you bump your head? Yup, I think you bumped your head!" I told him my wife feels the same way, and headed back out onto the road.

Clifton Forge to Christiansburg

From the profile I knew this would be a tough stage, but with 7500 feet of climbing over 79 miles, it was the killer.

3 steep climbs then lots of rollers. I flatted on the descent of the third climb. Too much speed and too many patches of broken pavement.

I stopped at a convenience store 38 miles into the section and provided this e mail update:

Let the whining begin!

The organizer is an assassin! 3 12-18 percent grades in the first 17 miles!

Here I sit on a 50 pound bag of dog food at CM Grocery (they were nice to let me stay in the cool store) having a dual tube steak lunch. 4 hours to complete 38 miles! Did I mention it is hot!

Enough whining; back to my steaks!

68 miles into this stage I stopped at the convenience store at Ellett road. Paul Rozzell was there (he passed me when I was repairing a flat on the descent of the third big climb). We discussed the lovely heat, headwinds, and seemingly endless rollers that comprised the previous 50 miles. We rode together to the control and arrived at Christiansburg at 5:15. At that pace I would not have qualified for a 200k brevet. Temperatures were over 100 with high humidity. We were out of there at 5:30.

Christiansburg to Hillsville

The ride to Hillsville was dominated by the Indian Valley Road. This road starts up a beautiful water course then transitions to a ridge line road. So nice steady climbing then a series of very sharp and steep climbs and descents. The views from along the road were awesome and much of the pavement was brand new.

We arrived at the control in Hillsville at 10:18 pm. where the volunteers were especially eager to please. I chowed down a PBJ and rolled out with several riders at 10:33 pm.

Hillsville to Fancy Gap

Only 13 miles of climbing, and with the cooler evening air it was a nice section. We climbed to the Blue Ridge Parkway and rolled into the control at 11:55 pm under a starry sky. The control was set up with the check-in point at one end of the campground and the food and sleep area on the other end. Volunteers shuttled the riders back and forth in a pick up truck. I must say the NC Randonneurs did a great job. I showered, had a grilled hamburger, and a big pile of beans. I was in bed at 12:45 am with a wake-up call for 4:30am.

Fancy Gap to Hillsville

I woke and chowed down my standard brevet breakfast (canned beans, chocolate milk, and Ensure) while I dressed in my room (private no less!). I had a cup of coffee and walked back to my bike to loosen up and was out of the control at 5:00am. Just a few miles into the ride, my chain started clicking. I stopped to check it out and noticed a link had popped.

I tried to repair it by removing the troublesome link and then reconnecting the chain. It worked, and carried me to the control but the link where I reconnected was stiff. I asked the control volunteer if there was a bike shop in town. I was convinced I would have more chain trouble. She checked with Matt, and he said he had a spare chain he could sell me and would be in Hillsville 'shortly.' While I was waiting, I decided to remove that link and replace it with a quick link I had in my repair kit. I should have done that first. In any case, I waited for some time and did not leave the control until 7:45 am., just 15 minutes before its close.


Hillsville to Christiansburg


The course retraced yesterday's route through Indian Valley. I paused to take a couple of photos because the views were great. The climbs on the return trip did not seem so bad, probably because it was still cool and the legs were somewhat fresh. I was In and out of Christiansburg at 11:12. I picked up a 3 hour time cushion over 45 miles and my legs felt it!

Christiansburg to Buchanan

I took a Subway break near the control before heading out for Buchanan and wrote:

I fixed the chain with a Fast link but decided to wait for a replacement chain to carry as a spare in case another link failed.

Now that I have the spare that will end my chain problems. The chain was only a few months old but it really got hammered yesterday with all the climbing.

Buchanan does not close till 1123 tonight so if its too hot this afternoon I may duck into a Subway or under a tree!

The control at Buchanan was a BugerKing/Exxon combination. I arrived at 4:45 pm and decided to take a long break to get out of the heat, and to let the sun get lower on the horizon to create some shade on the route. I bought a half gallon of Gatorade, Whopper Jr., fries and settled in to read the newspaper a previous patron had left. I did not leave until 5:45 pm, in the meantime a number of riders stumbled in, beet red from the heat.

Buchanan to Harrisonburg

This was a long section (89 miles) and I stopped about halfway at a Shell station at 9:55 for a 20 minute break and a couple of hot dogs and another quart of Gatorade.

I called Debby to say hello and to get the weather forecast for tomorrow. She said the temps in Leesburg would be nearing 100 at noon. She suggested I sleep short and start early to get done before it gets really hot. I was ready to get out of the heat ASAP so I planned to adopt that strategy.



It seemed to take forever to get to Harrisonburg. I cracked up and took this picture in a small town on the way to Harrisonburg! I finally arrived at 1:13 am, showered, ate, and was in bed for a 90 min nap and 3:00 am wake-up call. I had breakfast and was on the road at 3:40 am.

Harrisonburg to Middletown

The first few miles out of Harrisonburg were tough to get rolling, but since this section was generally downhill, it was not long until I was warmed up and moving. It was nice to start so early as there was no traffic on VA 42 at that time of morning.

It was a great sunrise as I rode through great Virgina farm country. I arrived at Middleton at 7:20, put on sunblock, had a cup of coffee, and was back on the road at 7:35.

Middletown to Leesburg (Finish!)

The first 20 miles were very nice. At one point, I crossed a river on a one lane bridge. When I reached the other side, a father and son were preparing to launch their fishing boat. I stopped to say hello. The boy, about 6 years old admired the blue tires on my blue bike. We chatted for a while and they were kind enough to snap a photo.

The ride to the finish had two tough sections, each climbing up and over a ridge. The second was climbing Route 7 over Manassas Gap. The road here was very tough. Lots of traffic and the shoulder had been recently chip sealed. Even at 10:00 am, the heat was radiating off the pavement. The air was still and I was sweating so much I had to remove my sunglasses on the climb.

I rolled into the finish at about 11:50am and beat the 80 hour mark (Just barely). I was very happy to have my sister Laura and niece Kate at the finish line. Of course, off camera, my friend and logistics officer Bill Boyle was there to collect me and shuttle back to Reston.





Bill and I found some lunch in Leesburg and I pounded many Cokes and water over lunch. On the way back to his house, the big challenge was staying awake!


Closing thoughts

I was happy with my ride, it was a great route, with good roads and very cool views. It was a double bonus having friends and family so close to the start/finish. As usual in randonneur events, the riders and volunteers were awesome. There was more climbing that I expected and certainly more heat.

With the big DNF rate, many riders were comparing this 1200 to PBP 2007. I rode that PBP and can say I do much better in the heat than in the cold. Maybe that's why I live in Tempe Arizona!

Link to Picasa photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/cyclewhitney/200806Shenandoah1200

Camp Verde to Flagstaff City Limits (almost a Double)

Mt. Humphry from Lake Mary Road

Ride Report May 18. 2008

I was planning on riding a double century last Saturday. Deb 'suggested' that I do the ride on Sunday, since I am always 'not worth a crap' the day after a long ride. So Sunday it was. Since it is already in the triple digits here in the desert, it was off to the rim country for climbing and cooler climes. This is my last 'long' training ride before the Shenandoah 1200 in June. I mis-calculated the time to drive to Camp Verde(closer to 2 hours, not 1) and had to shorten the ride to 180 miles to be back home by 10:00 p.m. when my kitchen pass officially expired!

I have ridden this route many times, and this was by far the most enjoyable. The weather was perfect with a consistent cross-wind from the west that kept me cool most of the day. The sun was out all day and traffic was light. I would have liked to have made it all the way to downtown Flagstaff for a latte at the Late for the Train Coffee Shop, but due to the time I turned around just inside the city limits sign when my computer indicated 90 miles and 2 pm.

Camp Verde to Clint's Well

I set out from the Clear Creek RV resort just outside Camp Verde at 6:33 am for the long climb up to the rim. The first 23 miles or so are up AZ 230 to the AZ87 connection. Turn left and climb a couple of more miles to the 7450 elevation sign. From there, its 8 miles of descent on a narrow two-lane to Clint's Well. Traffic was light and the air was cool. I arrived at the Mustang Gas Station/Mini-mart at about 9:30 and enjoyed a turkey sandwich and Sobe Lizard Fuel.

Clint's Well to Mormon Lake Lodge and General Store

Most think it would be a steady climb toward Flagstaff, but actually the route descends for a few miles before starting the climb up to Happy Jack, about half-way to Mormon Lake. There are no services in Happy Jack, but there is a Forest Service office, with a hose bib in the back, where I have gotten water in the past. No need this trip, I was solid on water and dropped down to Mormon Lake. I arrived at 12:17 and chowed down on a Campbell's Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup. Cold out of the can (mucho grams of sodium) and muy tasty. Chased with another Sobe and I was on my way to Flagstaff.

Flagstaff City Limits

The ride from Mormon Lake to Flag was stunning. This has been a wet winter, and Mormon, Upper and Lower Lake Mary were all full. The road here is two-lane with an excellent shoulder. Lots of riders were out doing the loop from Flagstaff to Mormon Lake and back. At one point the cross-wind turned into a tail-wind on a downhill section and I was cruising easily at 40 mph! The shoulder disappears at the Flagstaff City limits sign and I turned around about 2 miles later when my computer indicated 90 miles at about 2:00 p.m.

Back to Mormon Lake

The ride back was excellent. Many boaters and fisherman were enjoying the lakes, and while the grass has not really greened up yet, the views were great. I made my way back to the Mormon Lake lodge. Since it was hot, I treated myself to an ice cream sandwich, can of Beanie Weenie, and another Sobe Lizard fuel. I left just before 4:00 pm.

Mormon Lake to Clint's Well

The climb out of Mormon Lake to Happy Jack went quickly and before I knew it, I was descending with outstanding views of the rim area. I rolled into Clint's Well at about 5:45 and purchased a tuna sandwich and large Coke from the fountain. I was craving a chocolate milk, but they were out. So Coke it was, stirring the straw like crazy to 'shake out' the carbonation. I sat outside for a few minutes at the store. They have two benches where I usually take a break. I met a guy who asked me about my ride. Turns out he runs a small construction company in Gilbert AZ and we talked construction accounting while I hammered down my sandwich and Coke. I was out of there at 6:09

Clint's Well to Camp Verde

I was dreading this portion of the ride. Sunday evening on a narrow two-lane highway. Well traffic was light, and the road surface is improved from last year. So that while the space outside the fog line was only inches, it was smooth. I hammered up to the 7450 sign and then started the descent. It is a rolling descent until you hit the safety pullout about 12 miles from the end of the ride. Then its a 6 percent grade from there with one 'false flat' about halfway down. It was now dark so I put on the clear glasses and turned on my Schmidt generator hub and pointed my ride downhill.

The sky was fire red, and with a slight headwind, my speed held at about 40 mph nearly all the way to the car at Clear Creek. At that speed, only a few cars passed me, and all gave me plenty of space. I hit one snake and about a million grasshoppers as I rolled into the heat of Camp Verde.

It was 8:10 when I arrived back at the car. I was very happy with the ride and my food strategy. Mostly convenience store stuff supplemented with a few gels and Ensure.

Overall rating: Excellent

This was a good shakedown ride for the Shenandoah 1200. I carried nearly everything I will have on the bike for the 1200. With about 10,000 feet of climbing, elevation, and remote sections, this is one of the best brevet training routes in the state. Combined with the great views and generally excellent roads, this ride is hard to beat. Now if I had just left 1.5 hours earlier !!!

Tombstone 600 April 26-27, 2008

A few lessons learned!

My plan for this year's 600 was to ride straight through and skip the sleep stop in Elgin. So to make sure I wasn't up too late the night before the ride, for the first time ever, I had all my gear organized and staged Thursday night. All I needed to do as pack up the Suburban Friday night and I set my alarm and was in the sack at 9:00 pm, a new bedtime record before a brevet.

Early Friday morning I rolled over and looked at the clock: 4:19am. DOH! The alarm didn't go off, so I jump out of bed, grab my clothes, brew a coffee and I am out the door at 4:28. With 45 miles to go and a start time of 5:00 am, I know I will be late. With my gear in the front seat and the Sub on cruise control I gear up on the way to Casa Grande.

Lesson One: Pack every thing two nights before and be ready to go!

Lesson Two: Double check and back-up the alarm. I found out from Debby that I set it for 4:40 not 3:40 as I had planned (she was not too happy about getting her wake-up at 4:40!)

I called Susan (our Brevet Administrator) at 4:45 and told her I would be late. She said she would wait for me at the start and reminded me not to speed (I saw two highway patrol and one sheriff vehicles on the way!).

I arrived fully clothed (gloves, helmet, glasses) at 5:08, pulled my bike out of the back, gave Susan my drop bag, picked up my card and I was out of there at 5:11.

I caught the Utah contingent outside of Casa Grande and by the time we hit Eloy, everyone except Mike Sturgill and Craig Long were in the group. The headwinds picked up and Rodger Smith did a great job getting us organized into a double pace line that we held together (more or less) from Picacho to Marana.

The road tilted up and the wind eased and the group shattered. Somewhere along this section I lost my cue sheet, but the morning was spectacular and I made great time and hit the checkpoint at I-19 at 11:40am. Mike and Craig were just finishing lunch, I topped off my bottles and we headed off together into a stiff headwind. Turning east on Sahaurita road, the wind became a strong cross and our little group broke up. I would see Mike and Craig off and on throughout the remainder of the ride.

At the Houghton Road mini-mart I topped off my bottles and headed toward Sonoita. On the long climb, I ran out of water, and due to the heat became dehydrated. I figured two large water bottles would be plenty, but I really needed three. I hate wearing a Camelback on the bike, and I knew this would be the longest section without water on the ride. I wished I had bought an extra water bottle at the mini-mart and stuck it in my jersey pocket.

Lesson Three: Buy an extra water bottle for remote sections.

Arriving in Sonoita, only 9 miles from the checkpoint, I stopped at the mini-mart and bought water and a Coke and tried to recover. I lingered for a while and headed to Elgin, where Susan, Mike and Craig were wondering if I had taken a wrong turn. I hadn't, but I must of spent more time in Sonoita that I had thought. I ate a little, changed clothes and headed out for Tombstone. Along the way, I had a nice tail wind, but suffered from the dehydration and a sour stomach. What little food I had in Elgin ended up on the road to Tombstone!

I arrived at the checkpoint Tombstone just before 7 pm. I downed a large Sobe drink (always works when I get sick or dehydrated) and headed out. I pounded down another Sobe at the Mustang Corner store half-way back to Elgin. The had sun set and I started to feel better. I arrived back in Elgin just before 10 pm.

I declined Susan's offer of dinner and opted for a can of beans I had in my drop bag instead. I changed into dry clothes again and left Elgin just before 11 feeling much better that when I had arrived there 7 hours before.

It usually gets very cold around Elgin and this year was no exception. I really didn't get warmed up until I reached Sahaurita road at the bottom of the hill. I reloaded my water bottles at the secret location provided by Susan. I also checked my stashed water at the Houghton road market and it was there.

I reached the I-19 at about 2am. If there had been a Motel there, I would have checked in. There is a new 24 hour Shell station there, so I asked where the nearest motel was. Since it would have been 10 miles off route (5 each way), I decided to take a short break in front of the store. I headed out some 10 minutes later and I could see Mike Sturgil's tail light going up Helmet Peak Road several miles in front of me. I came upon Mike quite suddenly as he had stopped on Mission to work on his lights. We rode together through the night and all the way to Marana.

Mike was ready to 'get this ride over with' while I really needed some breakfast, so he left while I finished my Circle K Breakfast Sandwich and chocolate milk. I left Marana about 7 dreading the building headwinds. About a mile or two later I reached down for my water bottles. DOH DOH DOH! I left them on the counter at the Circle K. I returned the Circle K, retrieved my bottles and headed out again. As I was leaving I considered putting on sun screen, but decided since I would finish at about 10am I wouldn't need it.

Lesson Four: You make mental mistakes when you stay up all night.

I wasted 20 minutes and got a nice sunburn because of my two little mental mistakes in Marana.

The last 45 miles of the Casa Grande brevets are flat, but always seem to be into a headwind. This ride was no exception. Arriving in Casa Grande I was fighting a stiff crossing headwind and dodging flying debris. I arrived at the finish line just before 10am, very happy to have that section behind me and this ride in the bag.

This was the first time I arrived at the finish before our brevet administrator. So I completed my card, dropped it in the designated spot, and headed for home fighting Mr. Sandman the whole way!

I completed the ride within the time goal I had set and learned some valuable lessons.

Steve Atkins

Paris-Brest-Paris 2007 Ride Report

Check-in

On the train to St. Quentin, we met up with several randonneurs from the US. One, John Grogan, we would run into several times during and after the ride. This was also his first PBP and was his first year of randonneuring. His daughter was attending school in Oxford and he had lived in London for a number of years so had some good tips for Debby's trip there.

When we arrived, Debby took to a cab to the hotel with the bike box and I proceeded to the check-in and safety check with my bike. Even though my "official" entry documents were lost in the e-mail (skimmed off by the spam guard I suspect), I had no problems getting through the lines with my printouts from the PBP website with my frame number. Since it had been raining off and on all day, the safety check was cancelled.

So I collected my brevet card, book, and documents. The Super randonneur medals were in only some of the packets, not mine, they took my name down, and said it would arrive sometime in the mail. I claimed the two jerseys I ordered and traded them for the next size down since they were too large. I don't think they were supposed to do that, but the volunteer was very cheerful, and I think she enjoyed my butchery of her language. In any case, I was out of the gym in about an hour and ready for the 'short' ride to the hotel.

First, it was nowhere near as close as Klaus (official US travel agent) inferred. Secondly, the skies let loose about a km from the gym with a hard driving rain (insert ominous foreshadowing music here!). I had my raincoat, but no rain pants and had not changed into bike clothes, since I thought the hotel was so close. So I literally slogged my way to the hotel where Debby patiently waited. We checked in, I wrung out my clothes and we headed back to Paris (direct on the train to Montparnasse) for more sight seeing.

Start to Villaines

Debby and I went our separate ways Monday morning, she to London, and me to St. Quentin. I went to the hotel, dressed and rode back into town for a shakedown ride, early dinner and some grocery shopping. The town was really set up for the event, with thousands of riders and support teams. At the commercial center, they even had a bike valet where you checked your bike with an attendant. I enjoyed a nice pizza and beer and then went shopping to see what was available.

Two items of note: The chocolate milk and beans I lugged all the way from the states were available at the grocery store. Secondly, the CO2 cartridges we searched for all over Paris, were also available at the Go-sports ( like an Oshmans in the states) in St. Quentin. I had read in various literature that CO2 cartridges were considered hazardous cargo and couldn’t go in the bike box so I dutifully removed them planning to pick some up in Paris. Once we did find them, they weren’t cheap, about $3 each. When we checked the box at the Phoenix Airport, they asked me what was in it and threw it on the baggage belt. They didn’t even x-ray or check the box. On the way home I couldn’t part with those $3 cartridges, so I left them in the box without incident.

I returned to the hotel, completed my bike prep, ate a light dinner of beans and a tuna sandwich and hit the sack at 7pm. I was up at 3:30 for a breakfast of beans, chocolate milk, and Ensure. I checked out of the room and rode into town to check in at the controle and line up. I arrived at 4:30 and most of the 600 or so riders were already there for the 0500 start.


Check-in consists of swiping your electronic brevet card and the official stamping of your official brevet book (very much like a passport). We started nearly 15 minutes after 5, but I don't think any adjustments were made to the official times. I started near the back of the pack and kept working my way forward until I found groups going the right pace for me.




The ride was fairly uneventful until about 0900 when the first of the heavy rains hit. After stopping to pull on the raingear, the groups really spread out and I rode alone most of the way to Mortagne. This was not a controle outbound, and I had not planned to stop. But with the cold, I hurried in and pounded down the first two of what would be many cafes (coffee or espresso) on this ride.



After 2 or 3 cycles of French scattered showers; driving rain until you are soaked, wind until you are cold, clearing until you are almost dry, then repeat, I reached Villaines. The town looked like a Tour de France arrival town with spectators cheering those arriving and departing, a loudspeaker announcer going on and on (in French or course), balloons and banners. The sun had burned through and I checked in at 1525 and grabbed a coke, cafe, and sandwich. I didn't linger and was out of the controle in about 45 minutes. I was proceeding at my slow goal pace, losing many minutes to constant reconfiguring of rain gear due to changing conditions.

Villaines to Loudeac

The ride to the next control in Fourgeres was calm. With the 84 hour start, the 600 riders were spread all over the course, so I often rode alone. The lines at the controles were not bad at all. With the constant cross-winds, it didn't help that much to get in a pace line so I didn’t mind riding alone. I was in Fourgeres at 2002 and with plenty of daylight. I enjoyed a big meal of potatoes, chicken, soup, cafe and coke.

I left town and joined two riders from Belgium. This was their first PBP. We worked well together and were able to enjoy some limited conversation in French, with a few words of English mixed in. We stayed together until we caught a larger group of American and Canadian riders. I was getting sleepy and dropped of the group in a small town where a local bar had set up a tent for the PBP. I had a cafe and got back on the road, probably around 0200.

I continued on alone and at about 0345 I had more difficultly staying awake. After nearly dozing off on the bike, I couldn't stay awake any longer and decided to take a nap at a bank parking lot I had come upon.

Crash! As I pulled in, my front wheel washed out on a wet granite curb and I hit the deck hard. I was able to dismount and take a step before I hit the pavement. That combined with the fact I was slowing saved my PBP. I hit hard on my shoulder and wrist.

Suffice it to say, that crash pumped me up with adrenaline and I could not nap, I rested 15 minutes, started to get cold and got back on the bike and headed for Loudeac. I arrived there, ate and was in the sac at 0430. I planned to sleep two hours until 0630. I awoke cold and wet, thinking it was 0630, when in fact it was only 0530. Since I was already up I decided to get warm in the cafeteria and have some food. I didn't eat much, had some coke, cafe and soup.

I was feeling tired and cold. Perhaps it was the rain, more likely the single hour of sleep, but this was a low point. I wasted too much time packing and repacking my drop bag and actually didn't leave the controle until 0800!

Loudeac Brest Loudeac

The route out of Loudeac is generally up as you hit the steeper portion of the event. The climbs are more sustained and for me was conducive to building some good rhythm. I noted at the sleep stop that I was not consuming my Ensure (yes the stuff you buy at Walgreen’s in powder form. I found it works best for me, better than the high-tech stuff the you get at the bike shops) and gels (power and cliff shots and blocks) at the pace I had planned.

I think I was loading up too much protein and local food, and didn't have the sugar on board to reload the glycogen stores to generate the necessary power. So outside Loudeac I made a concerted effort to slam at least one or two gels per hour, and it really paid off. About 2 hours out I started to get my legs back and had great power.

A group passed me and one asked if I wanted to share the work and make the next controle in 4 hours. By the time I worked out the translation they were away. I caught them on the next steep section, apologized for my slow translation time, and we agreed to work together. This was a group of 5 riders from an Audax club in Dijon France. This was their first PBP and 3 of us took turns at the front. The sun started to come out and my French was at its high point and we had a great ride. We hit and left the "surprise controle" (unannounced controle to prevent cheating) together and made the controle in Carhaix in less than 4 hours.

By now the 84 hour group had caught the 90 hour group and riding alone was rare. In Carhaix the sun came out and I put on sunscreen for the first time during the event. I pounded a gel and an Ensure and was out of the controle quickly, my new friends from Dijon stayed for breakfast. I was in and out of groups for the balance of the way into Brest. Enjoying the sun, steady climbs, and great scenery.

Upon arrival in Brest, you got a free drink (I selected coke), most Europeans seemed to drink beer and wine! I mounted up and headed out with the first tailwind of the event. I was holding 30kph (18mph) on the uphills. It was a welcome change. The sun disappeared and as we left the coast, we rode back into the rain. I hit the next controle at Carhaix at 1730 with 3.5 hours to spare, so I had dinner then set out for Loudeac.

Temperatures were dropping rapidly. The heavy rain hit at 2330 and I did not make Loudeac until 0310. I ate, grabbed two hours sleep, and left the controle a bit after it closed. Lots of riders were calling it quits, as the rain was coming down in sheets. When I left the controle two riders were being loaded into ambulances!

Loudeac to St. Quentin

Outside Loudeac, I again had trouble getting going. A big train of riders passed me so I jumped in. A group of Italians were working the front, I was in the middle, and group of French were in the back. They all were talking, so I didn't. We stayed together until we hit a secret controle outside Tinteniac. While the clouds never cleared, the rain eased and I was able to wear only my shorts, polypro tee and jersey.

I noticed during the rain that I was overheating and losing power in my raingear. By stripping down and moving fast I was able to hold a solid heart rate and generate some good speed. The weather was gray but dry. I made good time into Tinteniac (plus 1:25) and Fourgeres (plus 3:00) and had a nice time cushion. I was riding alone mostly, passing most riders and being passed by only a few. I was on top of my eating and had leg great power. There were lots of riders lying along the side of the road napping, wrapped in their Space Blankets.

I stopped at several cafe stands that locals set up along the route. For the promise of a postcard mailed from home, you could have all the cafe and cake you would like. Even with the rain, all along the route people would lean out windows, clap and cheer. It was very encouraging!

Loudeac to St. Quentin – The Ugly

Somewhere between Fourgeres and Villaines my neck started to go. It was sore 30k outside Villaines so I decided to stop for dinner at a cafe in Ambriers les Ville. It was a great meal. I mentioned to two German riders who were also there eating how nice it was that the rain had stopped. As soon as the words crossed my lips I knew I was done.

As I left the café, it started to sprinkle. It was raining lightly when my neck was getting worse and I thought to make it last a little longer, and so I could see the road in the coming darkness, I should flip my handlebars to be able to sit more upright. Halfway through the operation, the skies opened to the strongest downpour yet. It was a race against hypothermia and I knew it. It took an hour but I was able to get the bars rigged and get back on the bike. Unfortunately, this section was downhill, the wind was in my face and I was shivering uncontrollably. I pulled off and put on my dry long sleeve polypro shirt over my poly tee. Next, my jersey, vest, jacket, hood and balaclava went on. I was wearing every item on the bike!

I got back on and hit the bottom of the hill and was able to generate heat to stay warm on the uphill. My neck got worse. I needed to stay upright to "balance" my head on my shoulders. So I rode sitting up, no handed for many kilometers. I descended sitting on the top tube so I could get some relief. I hit Villaines controle with only 2 hours to spare, checked in and went right to the medical controle.

The doctor spoke little English, but he said it was a frequent injury; it was muscle, not nerve damage. I could continue. He gave me an equivalent of a super Advil and Tylenol. He said sleep would likely make it worse as it would stiffen. He had a paramedic give me a massage with warming lotion that was heavenly.

I decided it was better to risk a stiff neck in the morning, rather than crash again tonight, so I headed for the dormir for a 90 minute nap. That was all I could afford with my time cushion.I awoke, ate, and got back on the bike. I was taking Advils like M&M’s and doing everything to keep moving. I thought that weight on my helmet was adding to the pain. So, I removed my headlamp, to lighten it. This meant however that it would be more difficult to track my progress in terms of speed time and distance since it was still very dark. I rode the next several hours just trying to stay moving.

I was not gaining time like I had hoped. In fact, as the sun came up I would have trouble making the Mortagne controle before it closed. I hammered the last 10k and arrived 3 minutes late. However, a two hour grace had been added to the intermediate controles to compensate for the weather, so officially I was still OK. I ate, rested, and went to the medial control to get checked. This one did not have a doctor but the paramedic there massaged my neck and it gave me some relief.

Loudeac to St. Quentin – The Good

Meanwhile, Mike Rollinson, long-time friend, cyclist, brother, and prayer warrior, aware of my predicament from my e mail updates, e mailed me a suggestion he had heard about from Race Across America riders with the same neck problem (Shermers). They use a harness from their waist, up the spine, attached to the front of the helmet to get some support. He said, if you could find a cord, it works; he rigged one up in his garage to prove it!

I felt like it was Apollo 13 and the NASA engineers had the solution, all I needed was a cord. I couldn't find one, but as I was looking for one at the bike shop, it hit me-- inner tubes, better than a cord because they are dynamic and will absorb road shock. One cut and looped through the helmet, and attached to the second around my chest and Camelback harness. It took an hour, but I got it together.

A Frenchman came up and asked if he could photograph my rig. He had the same problem and wanted a record of the solution. I was so happy with the support, I gladly allowed him to click away. I asked him to take a few shots with my camera and I was on my way.

The only problem, the controle closed 1:40 ago, I would need to make that up and build a cushion in case of mechanical like a flat tire. I did the math. It was possible to make up the time. The harness at least allowed me to see further ahead and descend without having to sit up. It provided only support, no relief from the pain. I knew I would finish; I did not know if I could keep moving and stay motivated knowing it would be 8 hours before I could lie down and stop the pain. I caught an American rider resigned to not making the time cutoff. I left him in a hurry.

I pounded gels and Advil like candy. I remember there being a long run before the next control without a village, so I pulled into a town for some fortification. I had been riding for more than an hour and I promised my self if I could hold over 22kph for that hour I could get a cafe. I saw a bar, almost crashing and spraining my ankle on the dismount; I ran in and ordered 2 cappuccinos. I had the bar maid refill my bottles, and slammed down the cappuccinos.

Another rider was in the bar reading a paper. He had abandoned and was waiting for a ride. He was Danish and said "bon courage bon courage...you must finish" then he motioned me to get the hell out of there and I did!

Soon there after, I was working my way though the carnage that was the tail end of the event. Lots of riders, most in varying degrees of difficulty, suffering toward Paris. I can't recall if they caught me or I caught them, but I joined with David Lewis and Anne Learmonth from Great Britain. We were evenly paced and started working together.

We introduced ourselves and agreed we could make if we could hold 22kph through the next controle to the end. A few others joined and dropped off but we stayed together making easy English conversation that made the miles go by. They also did not seem to be bothered by my riding no handed (so I could sit up) in our little pace line if I was in 2nd or 3rd position (a big pace line faux paux). We hit Dreux right at the close, making up the 1:40 I was behind.

We still had 5 hours of riding so we ate at the Dreux controle and left one hour behind. David and Anne had ridden PBP three and two time previous and they were confident we would make it. Dave and Anne met on a previous PBP and are now married. They are members of the Cardiff Byways Audax club, and while there were quite a few of them riding the PBP, they had dropped off the pace to recollect the place they actually meet on the route some years ago.

Near the end of the course, there are some very steep grades. I was starting to come apart on the largest one and powered up to the top just to make the pain stop and waited for Dave and Anne. Of course there was a crowd of locals there watching and David explained in French my unusual headdress and neck condition. A man walked up and asked to look at my neck and asked if he could massage it. I said sure. He gave me a 2 min massage while I was slouched over my bike. He would have gone longer but I knew I needed to keep moving. David and Anne waited! I knew then we were going to make it.

As we neared the finish line, David gave me a Cardiff hat and made me an honorary member of the Cardiff Club. We crossed the line together with 22 min to spare.

We found the rest of the Cardiff club and enjoyed laughs, toasted our success with a cold beer, and regaled in stories from our adventure. We traded jerseys and contact information and headed our separate ways after several heartfelt group hugs.

What a ride!

Was this an epic ride? What is an epic?

With apologies to Lonnie “Epic” Wolfe, I think an adventure with highs that can only be measured by the depths of the lows becomes epic.

Shouts of "bon courage," visions of locals standing in the rain, wind, dark, and cold clapping and cheering and offering drinks and support provided high points all along the way. Also, support of friends who endured my e-mail updates, following my progress, and provided moral support along the way provided 'virtual' support to keep going.

The best indicator of an epic: Old and new friends helping you when you are at your lowest, becoming the hands and feet of the Almighty God to carry you to the finish.

Yes this was an epic.

Steve Atkins

Click here for all photos

PBP 2007 - Event Preparation

The event begins in a little under 6 hours tomorrow morning at 0500. Here are some somewhat random thoughts on my event preparation. The PBP, an ultracycling event (1200k in 84 hours) might be better described as an ultradecision making event.

Time limt; There are 3 time limits to select from; 80, 84, and 90. I selected 84 so I could grab some sleep Monday night.The 90 group leaves at 10:00pm Monday and the 84 on tues. am. Caught three hours earlier tonight. Now blogging till I get drowsy.

Another reason for the 84 start is that 25 percent of the participants start at that time, it should be less crowded.

Pedal/shoe system-I have been riding speedplay X series pedals for 10 years. The only problem, they are hard to walk around in. With control stops and spending 3 days in the same pair of shoes, I opted for my Speedplay Mountian Frog system. Recessed cleats allow to to use a more normal shoe that is easier to move around in and easy to clip in and out.

Storage system- I selected the Moots Tailgator for my rear rack and and old Novara handlebar pannier for my front bag. This was the best configuration after lots of experiments on the brevets.

Novara Front
Food-10 gels, 9 ensure powder, 4 shot blocks (will reload at Loudeac each way).
Meds-Electrolyte tabs, tums, advil, prilosec, & chocolate covered coffee beans
Glasses-clear, sun, & reading
Lotions-diaper lotion, udder cream, spf40

Moots rear- safety blanket/bag, vest, arm&leg warmers, LS jersey, gloves, balaclava, minipump and repair kit.

Repair kit:2 tubes and CO2, tire boots, tire irons, mini tool(alien), mini pliers, derailleur cable, can opener, quick ties, duct tape.