Show Low Training Block

Ride Report
June 2013

1833 Friday ready for Day 1

In preparation for this summers 'Big Wild Ride' 1200 km Randonnee (BWR) in July I wanted to complete a 3 day training block to simulate portions of the ride, shake down my equipment and dial in my nutrition plan. This time of year, all-day rides must done at elevation because of the desert heat. In 2007 we went to Santa Barbara, in 2011 Flagstaff was the choice. This year I decided that Show Low would provide a convenient base of operations. Here is my report:

Day 1:

I have ridden several long randonnees, and in each one, the start was early in the morning. The BWR has only one start time, at 1800. So to simulate the start of the event, my plan was to start at about 1800, ride 6-7 hours, eat, reload the body and bike, take a 4 hour nap, and then start day 2.

AZ260 Near Heber - Burned Out Forest

The sun was setting and I realized I was probably invisible to motorists also traveling west with the setting sun. I was happy that I had installed a rear-view mirror for this ride. Luckily traffic was light and the shoulder was wide enough to ride on the outside the fog line. As the sun set, I stopped to put my my reflective gear and lights. I actually felt more visible after dark.

The road gently rolls and I covered the first 35 miles in just over 2 hours. Huge swaths of forest along the way was devastated by the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski  fire. Over 450,000 acres burned in the area. The road surface was good to excellent. It was very interesting how quickly the temperatures dropped from the 90's to the 60's almost instantly after sunset.

My trusty steed

I rolled into the Circle K to reload my bottles. A very nice LDS couple inquired about my lighting system on the bike. I mentioned it must be good, since on-coming drivers often flash their high beams at me thinking my high beam is on! How do I know they were LDS you ask, why of course, they had their church name tags on and were picking up some ice cream for the ride home.

I rolled out after a few minutes for the leg to Snowflake. This leg is mostly downhill. This is a secondary highway with little or no shoulder. No worries though, traffic was light and I made good time to Snowflake. Snowflake was founded in 1878 by Mormon pioneers Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake. Arizona's junior senator, Jeff Flake is a descendant of William Jordan Flake. I rolled into the Circle K for my typical reload (water, ice, soda), and feeling a little hungry I picked up a bag of Twizzler Pieces. Pretty quiet at 10:30 pm in Snowflake. The clerk was interested what I was doing, and after described my plan, ( I would ride through Snowflake again in the morning on the way to Holbrook) she mentioned that she would be wrapping up her shift tomorrow morning when I passed through!

Thinking I might try to grab the 6:30 vigil mass on Saturday, I asked her if she knew where the Catholic Church. She gave me perfect directions and I was out the door.

The run back to Show Low was mostly uphill. A good portion of the route had been recently chip sealed with no lane markers. Luckily, only a few cars were out, and before I knew it the 20 miles were behind me and I was rolling through downtown Show Low and arrived at my base camp at the Days Inn a little after midnight.

I reloaded the bike, enjoyed a gourmet meal of microwave pasta, potato salad, and blueberries. I put on the compression gear washed it all down with a Blue Moon and crawled into the sack at about 0130. I set the alarm for 0400 and fell fast asleep.


Day 2:

AZ77 just after dawn before the descent to Snowflake

It felt like my head just hit the pillow when the alarm went off at 0430. I fired up the single serve coffee maker, dressed, and put my bottles on the bike. I was out the door and rolling through Show Low at 0503! It was an easy downhill ride to Snowflake. I made great time, and was there in about an hour. Since it was a long run to Holbrook, I stopped at the Circle K to grab a Frappachino and reload a bottle. The helpful clerk from the night before was just cleaning up and wished me well.

The run to Holbrook was across high desert grassland. In the distance I noticed a wind farm. Hmm, not good, while the blades were not turning (still calm), they don't plant those things unless the wind generally blows!

Uh-oh wind farm!

The next 125 miles would be very challenging mentally. At each rise, the road would stretch out for miles more in a straight line into the distance.

Long and unending road

Finally reaching Holbrook at 1000, I bought some water and a Coke to reload my bottles. I spotted a small park across the street with some petrified wood, some dinosaurs, and some shade. I  used the break to peel off some layers and prepare for the run to the Petrified Forest.

They like their ears scratched!

Leaving town, I turned on US180 for the 30 mile press to the Park. The road surface was in terrible shape, but the winds were light and quartering from the rear. I pulled into the park, paid my fee and stopped at the South Entrance gift shop and store for a reload. The next 28 miles were difficult riding, my quartering tailwind, was now a stout cross and the park road has lots of rollers. But the scenery was awesome and very interesting.

Could pass for Death Valley!

Painted Desert

By the time I reached the North Entrance visitor center and store, the temperatures in the shade were over 90 degrees. In addition to my normal Coke and water, I added a Popsicle! I figured I better get moving with the building heat. By the time I reached the South Entrance, it was 97 degrees in the shade and brutal hot with a 25 mile cross wind! The only saving grace, I would have a huge tailwind for the run to Concho!

Sitting on a stone log!

It was 30 miles to the next stop and with the heat, I refilled my empty chocolate milk bottle with water to have a 'reserve.' I made good time, but with the hot wind, I ran out of water 3-4 miles from the convenience store at Concho. Plus the route and shifted from south to west, and the wind was now howling out of the west. I limped into the Concho convenience store, bought some supplies, and collapsed in the shade.

At this point my plan to finish before 1800 and grab the mass in Snowflake at 1830 was out the window! I considered parking in a near-by restaurant and waiting out the heat and wind. I decided that finishing in the daylight was the better plan, so after a 30 minute break, I saddled up, put my head down and spent the next 2.5 hours covering 28 miles!

Arriving at my base, I turned the AC on full blast, showered, ate, reloaded the bike and slipped back into the compression gear. At this point I decided that in my depleted state, and the predicted heat for Sunday, my best plan would be to get up at 0600, and ride about two hours up into the pines then return to Show Low, check out and head home before the heat and wind hit.

Day 3:

The same wake-up routine, coffee, and out the door. The morning temps were still cool, so I wore a base layer! It took a couple of miles to shake off that familiar Day 3 logy feeling, but soon I felt recovered and was generating good power.

Near the turn-around point

I would cover 63 miles round trip, climbing up from Show Low to a turn-around point near the Sunrise Ski Resort road and then return. There was very little traffic and I was soon at the Hon-Dah casino and convenience store. I reloaded and continued up AZ260. Passing McNary, the road had been recently resurfaced with additional shoulder space. Very nice!

With the shade, cool pines, and awesome scenery, it was very clear that I should have been doing laps up here instead of slogging through the high desert around Holbrook.

Results:

I was happy with my performance, even in the heat, and I am glad I dialed back the miles on Sunday. By the time I returned to my room at the Days Inn at 1030 am, it was already 92 degrees and the wind was again howling! In retrospect the allure of covering new ground on the run to Holbrook in spite of the above normal temperatures was probably a mistake. I could have covered more ground doing 'laps' in the mountains, but then I would have missed all the adventure!!

In any case, I am glad I made that run to Holbrook/Petrified Forest, because I will never do that route again!

Thanks again to my e mail team who suffered through my updates and encouraged me during the ride!

Steve Atkins

More photos

Globe/Show Low Twin 200km Brevets

Calm winds at the start

Ride Report
May 2013

Day 1 Globe to Show Low via Whiteriver: 126 miles 11,000 ft elevation gain

Carlton van Leuven organized the Double 200km brevets to be held May 11th an 12th. The Trail Boss often 'pre-rides' the course before the event, so Roger Peskett and I went along to keep Carlton company. Ruthann van Leuven drove us to the start, stashed water at the bottom of the canyon, transported our drop bags to Show Low, and would wait patiently for our arrival.

Team Preride

We launched off at 8 am from Globe and headed out with a very short cue sheet. Only a few turns over 125 miles meant that route finding should not be a problem on this brevet. Traffic was light, and the temperatures were perfect for the climb out of Globe to the rim of the Salt River Canyon.

As we neared the south rim of the Salt River Canyon we encountered a tandem with a very discouraged stoker on foot walking up the hill alongside her captain! They were part of the GABA Globe to Show Low event. They said they were fine, but wondered if we knew where the SAG stop was. We told them we were on a different ride and wished them well. Not a happy tandem team!

All smiles at the start of this one

The first 27 miles of this one are generally uphill and our progress was 'steady.' Finally we reached the first downhill warning sign. Its a quick 10 mile drop into the Salt River Canyon. Winds and traffic were light so it was a blast carving out the turns on the switchbacks at 48+ miles per hour!

The gas station at the bottom of the canyon was closed years ago, so this brevet includes a water cache (Ruthann provided on her way to Show Low) in the ruins of the old gas station/store. When we arrived a few Navajo jewelery artisans were setting out their wares under portable canopies. While we reloaded our bottles, Roger filled us in on the details of the Tucson Chapter of the Greater Arizona Bicycle Association (GABA) that was doing a supported Globe to Show Low ride. As we refilled our bottles, a GABA rider rolled by at a good pace.

Setting up the jewelery sale

We left together, but Roger and Carlton were climbing at a pace faster than I wanted to go, so I dropped off and took some photos during the climb.

Behind the abandoned gas station

The views of the river and canyon were awesome. It took nearly an hour to climb out of the canyon, and the GABA SAG wagon was at the safety pullout at the top of the canyon. Traffic was light, but there was a lot of activity in the scenic pull outs. Groups of motorcyclists, sports car enthusiasts, and RV'rs encouraged us on as they admired the canyon views. I caught the GABA rider near the top. She also asked if I knew were the SAG stop was. I told here I was on a different ride, but the last GABA stop was as the safety pullout on the south rim, I guessed that is where they would be on the north rim. It was still a few miles away, I bid her good luck and rode on.

As I reached the top of the climb, the GABA SAG team had set up on the safety pullout. They shouted out to see if I needed water, but I was fine to get to our first turn on the route and convenience store only a few miles up the road.

When I arrived, I was surprised to see a dozen or so GABA riders enjoying the picnic tables outside the store. They only had 25 more miles to Show Low, taking the direct route, we still had 62 miles to go taking the scenic route through Whiteriver Arizona.

Carlton explaining our route plan

Once off the main highway we were treated to light traffic, rolling hills and sweeping views.

Once we hit the steep rollers, I let Carlton and Roger go ahead. We met again in front of the Bashas store in Whiteriver. A small fair was going on and the store was very busy. We met a great young man from Cibecue that was working security in front of the store. While most passers by were just curious about our bikes and what we were doing, a few were quite drunk. Our security specialist would simply escort them along past the entrance to the store and come back to visit with us.

We enjoyed a light meal (potato salad for me) as we prepared for the last climb of the day to the checkpoint at the Hon Dah casino just outside of Pinetop.

Nice pasture on the climb out of Whiteriver

The winds were building from the south so we had a tailwind assist on the gentle climb out of town. Again I dropped back to climb at my own pace and enjoyed the excellent road surface and great views. I arrived at the convenience store at the Hon Dah casino, and Roger and Carlton were already there and almost ready to go. I grabbed a Frappachino and a water for the last 17 miles to Show Low. The route is downhill, and with the tailwind and the Frappachino, I felt great as the three us us took fast pulls and made great time to Days Inn in Show Low!

We were in just under 10 hours! We checked into our rooms, cleaned up, and went in search of pasta! We found a Native New Yorker across the street and enjoyed a great meal. It was back to the room and early to bed after we set our alarms for a 6 am wake up!

Day 2 - Show Low to Globe via Whiteriver 126 miles, 9000 feet elevation gain

Our Day's Inn rate included a free breakfast at the adjacent JB's. So we powered down a big breakfast, checked out and were on the road by 7 am. After clicking in an extra bonus mile (we missed the first turn), we took pulls up the hill through Show Low, Lakeside, and Pinetop. Traffic was very light, and unlike the day before, we were stopped at only a couple traffic lights. We reached the Hon Dah store, got our receipts and started down the hill to Whiteriver.

Even with the building headwind, we made fantastic time working together down the hill. Reaching the outskirts of Whiteriver, Carlton flatted so we took a break while he made his repair.

Carlton in the areobars setting the pace

Flat Repair

As Carlton finished his repair, we agreed to stop at the convenience store near the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) headquarters. We figured it would be less busy and more efficient. It was, and like the Bashas yesterday, the staff and customers were very friendly and curious about us and our bikes. Perhaps because it was so early on Sunday morning, the drunks had not yet arrived on the scene!

WMAT HQ

Riding past the WMAT headquarters, I remembered my conversation with the manager of the WMAT Tribal Heard back in 1982 when I was wrapping up the annual audit and going through the final checklist. I was an eager young CPA. He was a crusty stereo typical cowboy!

CPA: How many copies of the annual report would you like this year?
Cowboy: Twice as many as last year.
CPA: OK, but why do you need twice as many as last year?
Cowboy: Well we ran out about half way through the year.
CPA:  I don't get it?
Cowboy: Well, you guys print those things on really nice paper, we put them in the outhouse, the boys love 'em!

He had a big smile and really did want twice as many reports!

We rolled out of Whiteriver with gusting head and cross winds. Once we reached Geronimo Pass, the road turned north and the winds became more of a cross and we were soon at the convenience store for a reload and light lunch before we headed south, directly into the wind.

Again our group split up on the climb, but soon we were on the sweeping descents into the Salt River Canyon. But with the headwinds, it was hard to go any faster than 35 mph! When we reached the gas station at the bottom of the canyon, our Navajo friends were there and so was Ruthann. She had just arrived to drop our water. I quickly reloaded and headed up the hill figuring the Carlton and Roger would catch me on the climb.

Climb out of the canyon

Roger powering up the climb

They did after the first few switchbacks. Luckily, while we were on the switchbacks we were protected from the wind, but the last 3 miles were exposed to a 20 mph block headwind! 6-8% grades I can deal with. 20 mph headwinds I can deal with. Combine them together, and you have a frustration fest!

Finally powering over the last hill, the wind eased slightly and I came upon Roger and Carlton taking a break on the side of the road. They were looking for water at a campground and taking a break. No water to be found, so we continued on.

Again we split on the long rollers heading back to Globe. I caught Carlton on one of the long climbs just a few miles out of town. We worked together to the city limits and then he suddenly dropped off. I turned around to see him with his shoes off, stomping on the pavement like his feet were on fire! He said to go on, he was suffering from Hot Foot.

I rolled into the finish about 10 minutes after Roger and a few minutes before Carlton. We finished in about 9.5 hours, slower than we expected due to the headwind.

Ruthann at the finish, note the flag!

We packed up and headed home. It was a great weekend riding with good friends! Extra thanks to Ruthann for her encouragement and support!

Steve Atkins

Solana Beach 600km Brevet

Ride Report
April 2013

At the start line

Since the USNA Triathlon Team took over our home and neighborhood the weekend of the Tombstone 600, I needed to find another 600 to complete my 2013 SR Series. After a quick search of Rusa.org, I found the Solana Beach 600km, a lightly attended 600 that consists of three different 200k loops from the Solana Beach Holiday Inn.

Mike Sturgill and Brian McGuire from AZ

Deb was up for hanging out on the beach while I rode, so we booked a room at the Courtyard next door to the Holiday Inn. We left Tempe and made the easy drive to Solana Beach with plenty of time to get organized and have a nice pasta meal at the California Pizza Kitchen a short walk from our hotel.

The rider meeting was brief and 15 riders rolled out of the Holiday Inn at 0400. We headed north for a few hundred meters, turned right, and started climbing! Once the climbing started, the group slowly split apart as each rider found their own pace. With so many miles, so much climbing, and so few riders, this would a brevet enjoyed mostly alone!

 

Going up!

It was interesting rolling through Solana Beach as a 24-hour team relay running event was going on. We came upon a number of runners with flashing lights and reflective gear sharing the route! They looked like lost randonnuers searching for their bikes! 

When I reached the first control at the Stage Stop Market a few of the fast climbers were there and 
preparing to leave. One of the local San Diego guys commented that now the real climbing begins! Reloaded, I pulled out and dropped into my 'Granny Gear' and started the grind up to Mesa Grande!

Traffic was light and the temperatures were very conducive to steady climbing. As the elevation increased, so did the trees and lush green valleys.

I thought the climbing was done reaching Henshaw Lake (a shallow grassy lake that reminded me of Mormon Lake in Arizona). Passing the lake, the cue sheet indicated a right turn toward Mesa Grande Road. A very steep 4 mile climb led to the information control on Mesa Grande. The Mesa was a spectacular rolling farming area! Plus it was the high point on this loop, so there would be more descending than climbing on the way back to Solana Beach.

A short descent on a long climb!

As the elevations declined, so did the amount of greenery. Bombing down the Poway Scripps Parkway was a blast until reaching the edge of town and the start of the traffic lights.

With all the climbing, my overall average speed was very low. I was expecting it to climb rapidly on the way back to Solana Beach, but with all the traffic and stop lights, it was hard to get any real momentum.

Shady forest nearing Henshaw Lake

The route took the bike path along highway 56. Upon exiting the path, just before control #6 I came upon Brian McGuire at a stop light just before the AM/PM Market. We rolled in to pick up a receipt and I decided to reload my bottles. This control was only a few miles from the hotel and the end of the first loop, but I decided to do a full reload of my bottles. While we were selecting our drinks, one of the clerks commented to Brian and me, that bikers had nice legs. Then she went on to comment that my legs look kinda girlie! Great, as we left Brian was calling me Girlie-Man.

I rolled into the Holiday Inn, got my brevet card signed and rolled out while Brian and Mike Sturgill were reloading their bikes in the parking lot. I went to my room, put on fresh kit and reloaded my bike. I had expected to complete the first loop of 125 miles in about 8 hours. My Garmin computer indicated over 11,000 feet of climbing, that combined with all the city traffic, put me at 9.5 hours for the first loop!

Henshaw Lake

I rolled out for the second loop which retraced the route back UP the Poway Scripps Parkway. Temperatures were climbing and loop 2, while generally in the mountains south of the first loop, was similar to the first in that the high point of the loop was at about the halfway point.

Near the Control on Mesa Grande

I didn't see any riders until I was about 10 miles from the summit of the climb. The sun was finally starting to set and I saw Brian McGuire up the road. He spotted me and slowed down his pace so I could catch up. It was about 7:30 pm as we neared the summit. We stopped at the information control at the summit of the climb, turned on our lights, and put on layers and reflective gear. We ended riding all the way back to Solana Beach together, its always nice to have a partner on the road after the sun goes down!  As we rolled through the harbor area, my Garmin computer ran out of power (about 20 hours into the ride). At that point it indicated over 8000 feet of climbing on loop 2!

Arriving at Solana Beach, I had my brevet card signed at the Holiday Inn and returned to my room. It was about 1 am, so loop 2 was in the books at about 11.5 hours. I showered, ate some soup Deb procured for me earlier, reloaded the bike, and with a fresh kit, was out the door at 1:30 am. Loop 3 is an out and back along the Pacific Coast Highway to Newport Beach.

Poway Scripps Parkway

Descending on Loop 1

I had not felt felt any drowsiness so far, but stopped in Lucadia for a coffee heavy with sugar. That did the trick most of the way through Oceanside. Just outside of town the route joins the I-5 Interstate for 8 miles. I was starting to get tired and cold, so I stopped at a rest area for a 5 min break before continuing on. After a few more miles of late-night interstate riding, I was happy to be off the highway. Here the route joins a bike path through Camp Pendleton.The fog became quite heavy, and difficult to see to follow the route. The 'bike path' follows a wide road, then a long camping area. By the time I exited the camp and entered San Clemente it was just before 0500 and I was very sleepy.

I saw a Travelodge and decided to check in for a nap. The groggy clerk ( I am sure I woke him up!) gave me a nice discount (since I told him only needed the room for two hours!), I set the alarm for 2 hours, and crashed in the bed! I woke just before the alarm went off and rolled out at 0700. I felt refreshed and after a cup of coffee in the lobby I was back on the bike heading up the PCH!

The nap did the trick, I was able to develop good power and pick up my speed. Traffic was still light and I made reasonable time to the Circle K/Jack in the Box control in Newport.

As the morning wore on, traffic, heat, and a quatering headwind picked up. The PCH is no flat affair, but with my Garmin out of the game, I don't know what the climbing was for this loop. It felt like alot!

Along the PCH heading toward the finish!

There were many other riders on the route, but very few with over three hundred miles in their legs, so I didn't even bother to try and grab a train of riders going past. Rolling through Camp Pendleton in the daylight was very interesting. Rejoining the I-5 at midday on a Sunday, not so much!

Finally I was on the last climb into Solana Beach, and after the requisite stops, detours, and traffic, I rolled into the Holiday Inn  a few minutes after 2 pm with Deb there to cheer me on at the finish!

I signed my brevet cards, deposited them in randonneur room, and departed for the Courtyard. We had a late checkout, so I was able to shower, dress, load the truck, and head back into town for some dinner.

With Deb behind the wheel, and a full stomach, I was out like a light!

375 miles, 20,000+ ft of climbing, 34 hours, and the Super Randonneur Series for 2013 is in the books!

2013 Around the Bend 400km Brevet

Ride Report
March 2, 2013

Tom Baker (center) going over some ride details

A relatively short list of 17 riders signed up for the second running of the Around the Bend 400km Brevet. Carlton van Leuven and I suffered greatly last year on this event and we were both looking forward to a better ride in good weather. Since we had similar time goals for the event we decided to car-pool to Casa Grande. Some of the usual suspects had signed up including Dick Wiss, Roger Peskett, and Mike Enfield. Also, Catherine Shenk from Boulder Colorado was on the start list. Carlton and I hoped a 'sensible' peloton of 4-5 riders would form to share the work and help us beat last year's time.

Descending into Sacaton

After a short pre-ride meeting we rolled out of the Round Trip Bike shop a few minutes after 6am with lights blazing into the predawn darkness. By the time we reached the Casa Grande High School a group of 7 had formed including those noted above and Glenn Albrech from California. We worked well together and maintained a steady pace. The sun cleared the horizon as we descended into Sacaton. The wind started to build from the east, and our pace increased with the wind assist. We reached the first control in Maricopa shortly after it opened at a little before 8. Even that early, the Circle K was hopping and Tom Baker was there to sign our cards and reload our water bottles.

Carlton on the reload

With our larger group it took a little longer for everyone to attend to the details but we were soon on our way on SR238 to Mobile/Gila Bend. Much of the road surface has been improved, but it is a narrow highway with moderate traffic. It has a gentle grade that went unnoticed with our tailwind, until it picked up a degree or two when we entered the Sonoran National Monument.

Near the top the climb, our pace quickened and our group split as we passed the BLM area where we have taken the Corona High School Band kids on their Advanced Biology Survival Weekend for the past several years. It is a beautiful place to camp (permits required) and with the rain this year it was especially green this morning.

Down to 5

Clearing the pass, with a continued tailwind, we motored along the 14 miles of downgrade to Gila Bend at an average speed of 30 mph!. We rode through town, found the welcome sign with the required information for the second control, made a U-turn, noted the time and continued to the Texaco convenience store only a few hundred feet up the road.

Dick Wiss and Roger at the Gila Bend Texaco

This was a great place to stop; full store, ample restrooms, covered picnic tables, and plenty of room for us to spread out. We set about procuring supplies, stripping off layers, and applying sunscreen. I think Dick was wanting to buy one of the Curios on display, but did not have room on his bike! Mike Enfield pulled in a few minutes after we arrived and Tom Baker also arrived to see how we were doing.

Mike Enfield rolled in just a few minutes after we arrived

Catherine on the Gillespie Bridge

I attacked the group to take this picture!

With Mike back in the group, we rolled out into the headwind that we would face most of the way to next control in Palo Verde. Once we hit Old Highway 80, Dick organized us into a very steady rotating double pace line to battle the wind. The pace was very consistent and we made great progress. We did not see Glenn at the control in Gila Bend, he must have stopped somewhere else and made a more efficient stop, because we could see him way up the road. Evetually we caught him and we were back to 7 riders and continued our paceline to the Gillespie Dam Bridge.

The bridge area was greatly improved, and unlike last year, there was no construction or pilot car to deal with. However, there are a bunch of short climbs and rollers between the bridge and the next control in Palo Verde. The hills, warming temperatures, and the wind helped split group again and we were back down to 5.

Tom Baker had the control set up in the shade at the Palo Verde School. It was well stocked and Tom had a few folding chairs which contributed to our leisurely pace in the control.

We enjoyed a nice break in Palo Verde

Mike again rolled in before we left, but he had no intention of joining us when we were ready to go, so we rolled out to brave the Saturday morning traffic of Buckeye Arizona and journey toward Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). NASCAR is in town this weekend, and the Nationwide race was starting just about the time we rolled past. Luckily all the fans were in the race way and there was very little traffic to deal with.

It was starting to get hot, I was down one bottle, and my second was getting warm. We stopped at the Circle K just past PIR to top off, get some ice, drinks, and use the Porta-Potties!. It was very busy because of the race and a mini-traffic jam formed as a road barrier crew was resetting the cones and traffic controls for the PIR outbound traffic.

Carlton mentioned to me that he was glad we stopped, because he felt a little dehydrated, and had blood in his urine! He drank some extra fluids and said he felt better and when we rolled out he was back taking his turns at the front.

The winds seemed to moderate as we traversed the farm country on the west side of town. When we reached 51st avenue, the wind got behind us and our pace picked up again. The 5 of us were moving along again quite briskly. After Carlton finished a pull at the front he suddenly slipped off the back and slowed down, the group sat up as I dropped back to check on him. He was feeling severe pain and really needed to slow down. We knew that Tom had set up a water control only a few miles up the road, so I set an easy pace with Carlton. Dick, Roger, and Catherine also slowed down and waited for us at the water control near the I-10.

Carlton was in no shape to go on (waves of severe pain, blood in urine). In addition to the pain, he said he was having trouble with his vision when the pain became severe. He wanted to go on, but we encouraged him to get checked out before he continued. He called his wife to take him to urgent care. He of course was not happy about a DNF, and insisted we continue with our ride. Once we were sure that Ruthann was on her way, and Carlton promised; 1) not to get back on his bike until they figured out what was wrong, and 2) to keep us up to date with text messages, so we took off. With the sun setting, we picked up a slight tailwind and continued to the Fry's grocery center on the edge of Queen Creek. We figured that would be the last good place to stop and reload before heading back into farm country. And at mile 202, it could also be possibly the last stop we would need to make. The grocery store was huge and we decided to take our break at the Burger King. We all enjoyed a light snack, and a long break, as we re-donned our reflective gear and added layers. Carlton sent a text, he was at urgent care, 6th in line to see the doctor!

We rolled out onto the rough farm roads, made more difficult in the darkness, and the passing diesel 'dually' pickup trucks. Most of which, had drivers/passengers that were convinced that we should not be on the road, and felt compelled to tell us so. A few more miles up the road we again caught Glenn and we were back to a group of 5!

We rolled through Coolidge and since no one needed to refill bottles with the cool night air we pressed on toward the finish. With 18 miles to go, our pace again quickened, and after a couple of nearly missed turns and the slight upgrade into Casa Grande, we were back to a group of 4. We rolled into the parking lot of the Round Trip Bike Shop at 9:50. A great time, especially with our 'medical' break and leisurely control stops. As we were loading up, Tom Baker appeared and checked us in and collected our brevet cards so we didn't need to go to the Denny's to turn them in.

The news from Carlton good, He was released from urgent care (suspected infection). Tom took our 'finish line' pictures and I drove Carlton's van back to his house. The rest of the crew retired to Denny's with Tom for a post-ride meal.

We completed the ride under 16 hours, which was the goal Carlton and I had both set. Even with our long control stops, the strength of our group combined with sharing the work at consistent pacing kept our moving speed well above 18 miles an hour for the whole day. It was a pleasure to spend the day with such great people and skilled riders. We were really missing Carlton at the finish, but he had sent several text message updates, and we were relieved he was doing better. By the time I got to his house, the pain was gone and he was already planning his follow-up doctor visits...and his next ride!

Steve Atkins, Roger Peskett, Catherine Shenk, Dick Wiss
All smiles at the Finish!

Gerry Elam has a nice blog post with his perspective of the ride. Carlton van Leuven also has a blog post with more photos and his recap of the the ride.