Death Valley Double Century, October 30th

[znfdl]

Just curious if any solinstas will be doing the ride.

I hope to be starting in the second wave.

[RudAwkning]

Just curious if any solinstas will be doing the ride.

I hope to be starting in the second wave.

I'm there! Cashed in my free ride for staffing at the Spring Double. I'll be doing it on the fixie again. This will be fixed gear double number 4 for the year (5 if you count my Fleche). There will be at least 7 of us idiots out there.

I'm not going to reprise last year's shennanigans. I left in wave 2 and bridged to wave 1 by the 60 mile mark. 3 miles later, both thighs double cramped. I never recovered. I ended up having to walk 3 miles of Mud Canyon. Made the cutoff by 7 minutes!!!

I want to climb to the top of Hell's Gate the next day, so my plan is to ride my own ride and finish with gas in the tank.....oh yeah, and beat last year's time :D

[znfdl]

Rud:

Would like to meet up with some fellow salonistas..... I should be ariving early on the 29th.

[sneedle3]

I'm going to try to be there too. Spoke with Chris about it last night.

Wave 2 is fine by me.

Scott

[RudAwkning]

Excellent. Looking forward to seeing you two in Death Valley. Between all of my double/rando/ultra buddies in attendance, it's gonna be like a big party down there! :D

[znfdl]

It will be nice to ride with someone, as the last time that I did DVD, I went out with the first wave and ended up riding by myself.

[sneedle3]

...But around Mile 165 or so it's amusing to find oneself arguing with oneself. And answering.

Riding alone is only a function/presumption of mental stability.

Scott

[Michael B]

I too shall be there. Not sure if Jason included me in the count of 7 idiots on fixed gears, if not then make it 8 idiots on fixed gears. Looking forward to this ride with all my pals, new and old!

[RudAwkning]

I too shall be there. Not sure if Jason included me in the count of 7 idiots on fixed gears, if not then make it 8 idiots on fixed gears. Looking forward to this ride with all my pals, new and old!

You were fence sitting, but I knew you'd cave so I counted you.

[anomaly]

Will be starting in the second wave, how bad is Hells Gate after that long in the saddle?

[RudAwkning]

Will be starting in the second wave, how bad is Hells Gate after that long in the saddle?

The climb to Hell's Gate is about 2300' in 7.2 miles. About the equivalent of riding to the saddle of Mount Diablo. It's a tough climb. Especially at that point in the ride. At mile 170, you're pretty tired already. Thankfully you have the huge descent from Ubehebe to recover. Just try not to burn your legs out on the last 5 miles of flat/rolling to the base of the climb.

I'd guesstimate the climb to be an average of 6-7%. But it feels like 12! :D

[anomaly]

I'm still going to this, I have no idea why, I fear it will bludgeon me to death.

[znfdl]

I have had a change in plans due to an incredible work schedule. I am emotionally and physically exhausted, so I decided to bag the ride and after flying into Las Vegas my wife and I will be head east, to Bryce and Zion to sleep (a lot) and do some hiking. Hope you all have a great time.

[anomaly]

I think you've got a better plan than I do for Saturday =)

[RudAwkning]

Just a few days away! I'm driving down on Friday morning. Will be at the ranch by between 2 and 3. Will reg at 6ish and then eat.

[anomaly]

Zach, Vitaly and I are leaving at 9:30 tomorrow so we won't be there until a bit after you. I'm sure we will see you at dinner.

[JackB]

Rain wind and 80 degrees for Saturday. That's why Death Valley is such a epic place to ride. Good luck to everyone!