Solo Ride "Sanborn" (35 Miles) - 02/08/04
Home - Stevens Cyn - Mt Eden - Pierce - Hwy 9 (to the top) -
Back same way, with a detour up Sanborn & back (past the park)
Time : 2:59:42
Mileage : 35.1 Miles (Klimb : 35.5)
Speed : 11.72 mph
Climbing : 3,950 ft
Feet per mile : 112.54 ft/mile
Wght : 153.5
Very good ride. Very cold sunny weather. Snail pace, very confortable.
First time on Sanborn, which has a few steep moments.
Midway through the ride, right knee felt painless !
But ironically, left knee started hurting, roughly in the same place.
Applied Arth-Rx to left knee also, but not sure is that's a good thing.
Recovery Ride "Uvas" (45 Miles) - 02/15/04
Mc Kean (starting @ Almaden) - Uvas - Watsonville - Redwood Retreat
to Mt Madonna - back via Sycamore - Oak Glen
Time : 2:55:36
Mileage : 44.3 Miles
Speed : 15.14 mph
Wght : 152.5
Left knee a bit painful, although got a little better late in the ride.
Pain at the knee cap, and to the right side (one spot is sensitive to
pressure). Use Flexall and ice.
Took advantage of a clearing in the weather, but not sure if it was the
right decision to ride. Witnessed a cyclist/motorist altercation.
Solo Ride "Mess Up" (85 Miles) - 03/20/04
Home - Bernardo - Foothill - Alpine - Portola - Mtn Home - Woodside -
Kings Mtn - Skyline N. - Down 92 E. - 35 N. to Golf Course & back -
Canada - Olive Hill to Kings - Rear speed cable broke bottom of Kings -
Turned back to Woodside - Down Woodside Rd - El Camino to Chain Reaction
(able to repair) - Up Jefferson - Canada - Olive Hill - Rear flat at the
bottom of Kings (repair) - Stop at Hudart Park since rear tire is leaky -
Repair a second time - Back via Sand Hill - Foothill -
Time : 6:00:28 (total : 7:30:52)
Mileage : 85.6 Miles
Speed : 14.25 mph
Wght : 153
Very bad ride, although made the most of it in the end, and nearly met
my mileage goal. Very surprised and affected by the cold temperatures
in the morning (left @ 5:30). Hands freezing with no gloves, until Kings.
Knee pretty bad. Started feeling good at Golf Course, and felt like 2nd
Kings was going to be good, but then cable broke. First called Cecile
from Woodside, but because she wasn't there, decided to go down to Chain
Reaction in Redwood City (mostly downhill). After repair, was determined
to complete the ride as planned, but the flat hit at bottom of Kings.
Unable to fully repair, and went home with a slow leak (had to pump air
at regular intervals). In addition, towards the end of the ride, my front
lamp fell and was lost.
Knee a little better after the first 50 miles, but still very tentative.
Beautiful warm weather after the morning chill.
Multiple icings, generally 10-15', after the ride (this will be strategy
from now on).
Solo Ride (110 Miles) - 03/27/04
Home - Bernardo - Foothill - E. Alpine to top & back - Portola = 1:51:36
Old La Honda = 0:30:48
Skyline - Down E. 84 - Woodside - Mtn Home - Portola - Down E. Alpine -
Foothill - Stevens Cyn - Mt Eden - Pierce = 2:11:00
Hwy 9 = 0:51:21
Skyline N. - E. 84 - Woodside - Whiskey Hill -
Sand Hill - Foothill = 2:02:01
Time : 7:26:47 (total : 7:46:33)
Mileage : 102.7 Miles (Klimb : 108.4 Miles)
Speed : 14.56 mph
Climbing : 7,390 ft.
Feet per Mile : 68.17 ft / mile
Wght : 152
Both knees intermittently painful, particularly on the flat, but generally ok. Overcast weather with some rain, particularly in the first part of the ride. Felt a bit tired at the start of 9, but otherwise ok.
Tierra Bella 200k (125 Miles) - 04/03/04
General route : Uvas loop - through Gilroy - Roop / Canada -
Going N. through bike trail - Metcalf - San Felipe - Uvas again.
Time : 8:05:41 (total 8:36:43)
Mileage : 126.3 Miles (official 125.2)
Speed : 15.6 mph
Climbing : 5340 ft
Feet per mile : 45.65 ft / mile
Wght : 151
Good ride from a training standpoint, but the route ended up being a disappointment (long flat boring transition periods). Felt generally good (although knee tentative) except on Metcalf around mile 80, a brutally steep & hot short climb (took it very slow). Actually felt my pace on the flat was ok (without pushing), but probably lost on average speed up Metcalf. Good weather, sunny and not too warm. Chain skipping on lower gear again, very annoying up Metcalf.
Solo Ride (105 Miles) - 04/10/04
Home - Fremont - Foothill - E. Alpine to Portola - back via arastradero -
Stevens cyn - Pierce = 2:19:11
Hwy 9 = 0:43:52
Down 9 W. - 236 through Big Basin to Boulder Creek = 1:21:29
Bear Creek Road = 0:53:31
Down Bear Creek Road to Hwy 17 = 0:10:40
Black Road = 0:45:14
Skyline - Down 9 - Back via Pierce = 1:25:28
Time : 7:39:28 (total 8:21:32)
Mileage : 103 Miles (Klimb : 106.8)
Speed : 13.95 mph
Climbing : 9,720 ft
Feet per mile : 91.01 ft / mile
Wght : 151.5
RHR : 46.12 bpm
Hooked up with Steve & Jaime, although struggled to get there on time. They were a little too fast for me, esp. on hwy 9 and on 236, but then Jaime was behind on Bear Creek Road. I left them at the top to climb Black. Overall a very good ride, although feeling a bit tired after insomnia. Careful not to push the pace. Great weather, hot towards the end. Took Black very slowly but managed it ok, although a little hard time recovering from it on Skyline. After stopping briefly at the top of 9 and descending, felt rejuvenated though.
Tempo Ride (30 Miles) - 04/15/04
Home - Bernardo - Homestead - Foothill - Moody = 0:43:29
Moody - Page Mill to Gate 4 = 0:22:36
Gate 4 to Los Trancos = 0:13:57
Back home = 0:39:12
Time : 1:59:13
Mileage : 27.8 Miles
Speed : 14 mph
Wght : 151
Easy pace on the warmup, but great pace up Page Mill, at a very
manageable effort level. Sudden improvement in speed this week, not
far from my 2002 level.
Cool overcast weather but no rain, actually quite nice.
Solo Ride "Smith Grade" (155 Miles) - 04/24/04
Home - Fremont - Foothill - Alpine - Portola - Whiskey Hill - Woodside
to Kings = 1:26:21
Kings Mountain = 0:35:15
Skyline N. - Down 92 E. - Canada - Mtn Home - Portola - Alpine -
Arastradero = 1:23:13
Page Mill to Gate 5 = 0:34:12
Gate 5 to Los Trancos = 0:15:12
Down Alpine - Pescadero rd - Colverdale - Gazos Creek - Hwy1
to Davenport = 2:34:53
Bonny Doon = 0:26:13
Smith Grade - Empire Grade - Down Empire/Felton = 1:07:05
E. Zayante = 1:10:17
Skyline - Down 9 / Redwood Gulch & back = 1:44:07
Time : 11:16:41 (Total : 12:51:42)
Mileage : 153.6 miles (Klimb : 155.1)
Speed : 13.75 mph
Climbing : 13,230 ft
Feet per Mile : 85.3 ft / mile
Wght : 151
Very hard ride, probably longest solo ride ever.
Fantastic sunny weather. First time using E-caps / Sustained Endurance.
Started at 4:45 at night. Postponed hitting Kings until daylight (around
6:00). Pretty strong pace on Kings, Canada etc to Davenport (too strong?).
Headed to Half Moon Bay but change of plans due to fog. Cell phone dropped
down 92. Everything fine up to Davenport (avg speed ~ 15mph).
Stopped for Tuna Sandwich & Chocolate Protein Drink in Davenport.
Bonny Doon not too bad, although sweat in the eye problem (have to solve
that!), but then hard time on Smith Grade / Empire Grade, to the point of
stopping briefly on Empire. Another stop at the Gas Station in Felton,
drinking diet coke and ate Power Bar. E. Zayante slow but controlled,
actually no that bad, but had to rest a while again near the top,
feeling really wasted. Called Cecile. A guy stops for instructions to
Santa Cruz, then gives me two cans of Coke. Force myself to eat fig bars.
Then the return through Skyline actually feeling really good again.
What a ride !
Tempo Ride "Los Trancos/Ramona Repeats" (25 Miles) - 04/29/04
Woodside - Whiskey Hill - Portola - down E. Alpine = 0:32:23
Los Trancos / Ramona / Vista Verde = 0:19:28
Down = 0:15:16
Los Trancos / Ramona / Vista Verde = 0:20:07
Back via Joaquin - Alpine - Willowbrook - Mtn Home = 0:28:07
Time : 1:55:22
Mileage : 25.4 Miles
Speed : 13.21 mph
Wght : 149.5
Tough ride, super successful. Trying to find the most efficient
way to climb such a steep grade.
Single complaint : Should have been wearing knee warmers
(deceived by general warm weather and forecast, but was
actually a bit chilly in the morning).
Solo Ride "Mt Ham" (85 Miles) - 05/01/04
Mt Hamilton I = 0:42:50 (descent 0:04:49)
Mt Hamilton II = 0:21:59 (descent 0:02:39)
Mt Hamilton III = 0:51:23 (total 2:03:41)
San Antonio Valley Rd - Mines Rd to Mile 25 = 1:32:13
Back = 1:11:58
E. Mt Hamilton = 0:48:09
Back Down = 1:00:26
Time : 6:36:28 (total 6:53:17)
Mileage : 85 Miles (road signage = 88 miles (19*2 + 25*2))
Speed : 13.32 mph
Estimated Climbing : 10,238 (116.34 * 88)
Feet per Mile : 116.34 ft. / mile (9,540 ft over 82 miles)
Wght : 150.5
Started feeling incredibly fresh, easy & pleasant, just at dawn.
Felt this was best ride this year. Beautiful views of the bay,
effortless pace. Passed a parked car with couple making love
on the way up. Also surprised wild turkeys. Found water at the top.
Kept going still feeling fantastic, but Junction shop was closed.
Decided to push to mile 25, hoping would open on the way back but
still closed. Saw a really big snake spread across the road.
Very hot weather, totally exposed to the sun. Riding 50 miles with
no opportunity to refill, and finishing on E. Hamilton climb. The
climb was ok until the final stretch where clearly feeling dehydrated.
Passed by a Kaiser guy (who I had kept behind so far) who offered
some water, but I was almost at the top.
Came out of the ride with minor sunburns (no sunscreen) and renewed
knee pain. But thinking this a fantastic training ground, as long as
we can keep properly hydrated.
Bandana seemed to efficiently keep sweat out of my eyes.
Clearly overate later in the day, particularly dinner.
Central Coast Double Century (210 Miles) - 05/08/04
California Triple Crown #1
Rest Stop 1 (Mile 30.7) = 2:05:40
Rest Stop 2 (Mile 66.8) = 2:03:07
Rest Stop 3 (Mile 87.2) = 1:17:45
Water Stop Top of climb = 1:10:13
Rest Stop 4 (Mile 113.3, Lunch) = 0:59:54
Rest Stop 5 (Mile 145.5) = 2:03:57
Rest Stop 6 (Mile 179.2) = 2:13:07
Finish = 1:58:01
Time : 13:51:46
Total Time ~: 14:50 (5:40 to 20:30)
Mileage : 207 Miles (Official : 209.5)
Speed : 15.11 mph
Climbing : 13,200 ft
Feet per Mile : 63 ft / mile
Wght : 150
Official result :
> 163 Registered, ?? riders started, 127 Finished.
> 56 Philippe Gluckman 2038 14:57
Fantastic ride ! At no point did I feel that I was really struggling.
Started with morning clouds, knee feeling very tentative, occasional
twitches.
A few early climbs (relatively short) went well, then treacherous descent
to the ocean. By then clear skies, very pleasant temperature, not too hot.
The stretch of Hwy 1 from Cambria past Hearst Castle is breathtaking,
bringing tears to my eyes. At one point along the coast, the music from
Lawrence of Arabia came to my mind, and I started weeping incontrollably.
Then a great climb on Nacimiento road, very exposed, shoots up with
incredible views of the ocean. Towards the end of that climb is the
only part where I struggle a little, but make it in control to the top.
Then through the military base to lunch.
On the following downhills at one point, swerved to avoid a snake,
and immediately noticed two guys right behind me, yelled "watch out!",
but they almost rolled over it. Saw another snake later.
Nice small climbs in the second part of the ride. Feeling overall good,
except for a small stretch of strong headwind. Also, towards the end,
started feeling strong pains in both toes, particularly left. Quite
bothersome over the last 20 miles. Finished just as night was setting in.
Tempo Ride "Montebello Repeats" (45 Miles) - 05/15/04
Home to Montebello = 0:28:16
Montebello : Bottom to School = 0:19:56
Montebello : School to Swiss Creek = 0:05:02
Montebello : Swiss Creek to top = 0:19:18
(Total = 0:44:16)
Down = 0:15:21
Montebello : Bottom to School = 0:19:13
Montebello : School to Swiss Creek = 0:05:03
Montebello : Swiss Creek to top = 0:19:01
(Total = 0:43:17)
Down = 0:13:49
Montebello : Bottom to School = 0:18:26
Montebello : School to Swiss Creek = 0:05:01
Montebello : Swiss Creek to top = 0:19:15
(Total = 0:42:42)
Down and back = 0:27:50
Time : 3:35:30
Mileage : 44.2 Miles
Speed : 12.3 mph
Climbing : 6650 ft (560 + (2030*3))
Feet per Mile : 150.45 ft / mile
Wght : 150
Hard pace on all repeats, but still manageable. Left knee a bit painful.
Good effort. Slow leak on front tire (didn't repair).
Friend & Family screening of Shrek2.
Tempo Ride "Ramona" (20 Miles) - 05/18/04
Woodside - Whiskey Hill - Portola - Down E. Alpine = 0:31:32
Los Trancos / Ramona / Vista Verde = 0:19:00
Down Old Spanish Trail/Los Trancos - Up Ramona -
Back via Alpine = 0:45:26
Time : 1:35:58
Mileage : 21.4 Miles
Speed : 13.38 mph
Wght : 149
Good session. Good pace (2nd best time) up the climb at a manageable effort level. Some knee pain.
Planet Ultra : Eastern Sierra Double Century,
"Chant du Rossignol" (200 Miles) - 05/22/04
California Triple Crown #2
Rest Stop 1 (mile 29.6) = 1:37:34
Rest Stop 2 (mile 48.7) = 1:37:33
Rest Stop 3 (mile 71.5) = 1:34:59
Rest Stop 4 (lunch; mile 104.5) = 1:48:03
Rest Stop 5 (mile 130.0) = 1:47:51
Rest Stop 6 (mile 158.9) = 1:24:06
Finish (mile 192.7) = 1:50:57
Time : 11:41:06
Total Time : 12:16:24
Mileage : 197.1 Miles (official : 192.7; seemed off during the ride)
Speed : 16.87 mph
Climbing : 10,200 ft
Climb per Mile : 51.75 ft / mile
Wght : 149
Official : 41. Gluckman Philippe Sunnyvale CA 12:17
(250 starters, 219 official finishers)
Miraculous ride ! Another fabulous day with Planet Ultra !
Great fast pace throughout, and yet never struggled.
Perfect weather, clear and cool throughout (didn't drop knee warmers
before lunch). Never used anything below the 24'.
After a brisk warmup, took off in the first climb, and never slowed down.
Passed a few guys in FC508 attire who said "there's a real climber".
Amazingly fast pace in the June Lake Loop. Led a whole group of riders.
Slowed a little just before lunch. Then pushed again, through a moderate
climb and into an amazing 45 mph descent. Warned that the final 34 miles
would be flat and windy, but wasn't so bad and maintained a good pace
even on the flat. Finished yelling. Actually surprised by my time at the end
(was hoping to finish barely under 13 hrs).
The ride is awesomely beautiful and diverse. Alternates desert and high
mountain. Was really awed to tears by June Lake, and then the desert
landscape around Mono Lake. Then a climb into a strange grey barren land
with few trees, and then an incredible fast descent.
Met Chris again (from Heartbreak) who has done PBP. Also, a couple from
Palo Alto, who know Lyresa. They advise me to put lower gears for the
Terrible Two.
A bit of pain in the back, particularly towards the end, due to long
flat stretches in croutched position. Some foot pain towards the end
too, but not as bad as on the CCD. New shoes a definite improvement.
Learned two things on the flat : Breath rapidly (if you follow inclination
to breath slow, muscles tense up after a while), and don't sit back on the
saddle.
Couldn't sleep at night. Still very excited. Around 10pm,
took my pulse : 90 bpm !
Mostly to Igor Stravinsky's "Le Chant du Rossignol".
Recovery Ride "Back Pain" (50 Miles) - 05/29/04
Home - Fremont - Foothill - Sand Hill - Woodside = 1:10:18
Kings Mountain = 0:39:24
Skyline N. - Down 84 - Portola = 0:34:57
Old La Honda = 0:29:19
Down - Portola - E. Alpine - Arastradero - Purissima etc = 1:07:31
Time : 4:02:01
Mileage : 52.9 Miles
Speed : 13.11 mph
Wght : 148
Super slow snail pace effortless ride. Overtraining exhaustion feeling better, but back is painful, particularly on the later part of the climbs. Ice.
Solo Long Hike "Black Mountain Tragedy" (22 Miles) - 06/12/04
Mora - Chamise Trail - Black Mtn Trail - Left on Montebello
to the paved section - Back same way
Time : 6:43:15
Pace : 18'00" / mile
ER Mileage : 22.4 Miles
Wght : 147.5
The subtitle of this may sound cheesy, but it does reflect the facts :
I started early in the morning at Mora.
Started climbing the Chamise trail,
with noone in sight. At one point, saw ahead of me on the trail what
I took to be a Mountain Lion. It was low on its legs, and had a distinctive
brown color. It crossed the trail, paused a moment there, looked at me,
and disappeared into the bush.
It was too far for me to be threatening (or for me to confirm its identity),
but after all I was all alone without even a stick to defend myself, so I
decided to head back, either go on more popular trails, or wait a little for
other hikers to open the way. This eventually happened : As I was
approaching the Rogue Valley intersection, a group of about 8 Indian hikers
passed me.
I turned back again, followed them and resumed the climb.
They divided into sub-groups, and
marched, chatting happily. I eventually passed them and was alone again as
I started the Black Mtn climb, encoutering a few isolated joggers.
I satisfied natural needs on the Hidden Villa Trail, during
which some of the indians caught up, heading up Black Mountain. I quicly
overtook them again to be pretty much alone on the trail.
I reached the top of Black Mtn and decided to head south on Montebello,
to see if I could reach the paved portion (which I did), to understand
better how these trails connect together. I had Stravinsky's
Symphony of Psalms
very much in my head. Alone up there, I was talking pretty loud, partly to
scare the wildlife away, partly because I was in that kind of a mood.
(I was trying to shoo away potential mountain lions with three words of
chinese).
My back, although painful, felt
generally encouraging, almost painless at time. I was starting to
wonder if this was the beginning of the "miracle" for the Terrible Two.
I turned back same way, and started the steep descent.
On the narrower part of the trail, (between Hidden Villa & the top),
one of the Indian women from the morning stopped me.
She was holding her cell phone,
and explained that a man from their party had lost consciousness. They had
called 911 on their cells and were waiting for help. I quickly reached the
scene of the incident : The man was laying on his back, with two men
(a runner and an older asian man) doing CPR. The lying man's belly was
partly exposed, it looked like a small balloon and I wondered if it was
bloated for some reason. There were odd noises from his mouth as the other
paused blowing air into him, somewhat like a deflating balloon held tight.
There wasn't much for me to do, other than give water to the guy doing the
CPR. It was unclear whether help was coming from the top or the bottom.
I offered to continue the descent to meet the rescue team. On the way down,
I saw a helicopter, waved to it, but it disappeared near Hidden Villa.
I could hear voices from the top and
assumed that help had come down from Montebello. A little later, there was
a big snake lying across the trail. I tried to scare it away but it wouldn't
budge at all. I threw rocks at it but that still didn't do it. I finally
managed to hit him a couple times with the rocks, and it finally decided to
hide in the bush. It wasn't a rattlesnake though.
I came across Paramedics, first a woman in red uniform from Stanford.
A jogger (that I had crossed earlier) was helping. He asked me to carry
up a heavy metal box
(probably an electroencephalogram) which I did. I was able to go back up
pretty quickly, and found that a ranger had joined the group. He saw my
equipment and said he wasn't qualified to operate it. The Stanford
Paramedics arrived shortly after, two women in red uniform. First,
they asked us to move the man more into the shade.
Then, they started some heavy duty ressucitation. They used my sweater
to cover the man's face. They were three working on him, and at times asked
us to jot numbers on a notepad.
They asked a few questions. The Marathon runner who had done most of
the CPR
said he must have been there for about an hour and a half. He had never done
CPR before. The ranger asked us to stay for further assistance.
Eventually, more Paramedics came, and more of the Indian party
too. The Paramedics brought further equipment, particularly a stretcher
with a big wheel which they then proceeded to remove. One of the older
indians sat close to the man.
The paramedics were trying to explain the situation to him. I could
vaguely overhear "his heart is not responding to treatment..."
Apparently, the
direct family was waiting at Rhus Ridge below, and kept informed by phone.
Eventually, the paramedics stopped their activity. One of them talked to the
older indian man : "Sir, we've had to cease all ressucitation effort." The
old man wouldn't understand : "You mean you're now going to take him to the
hospital ?" But the paramedic had to explain that no, there was no more
anyone could do.
I had to turn away, overcome by the emotion of the moment. The
Paramedic went on to explain that the coroner would examin the body to
determin the exact cause of death, although sometimes that remains unknown.
Eventually, reality sunk in, and the man started sobbing loudly. He adjusted
his friends right arm, as it had been laying at an awkward angle.
The deceased was then covered by a tarp. Accidentally, something dropped
off the trail and rolled downhill. For a second I wondered if it was the
body, but
it turned out to be one of the paramedics' bags. It went down pretty far
and out of site, and one of the guys went
for it, following the bed of a dried creek.
I gave food and water to the runner, and let him use my cell phone (coverage
was sporadic, but better than nothing). We were now wondering if we could
leave. Eventually they said they didn't need further help. I think they were
going to roll the body in the stretcher up the hill to MonteBello.
We both gave our names and addresses.
But then my sweater was missing. One of the paramedics looked for it on the
dead man. Then some of the indians were coming back up the trail with the
sweater.
They thanked us profusely, but all we could say was how sorry we felt.
I then resumed the descent. Shortly before Rhus Ridge, I crossed a woman,
followed shortly by a running teen, who asked me if I had seen her.
Probably the wife of the deceased ...
Recovery/Rampup Ride "Westridge" (30 Miles) - 06/15/04
Home - Fremont - Foothill - Arastradero - Down E. Alpine -
Westridge - Portola Valley - Mtn Home - Canada - Jefferson -
Maple to PDI.
Time : 1:51:07
Mileage : 28.25 Miles
Speed : 15.25 mph
Wght : 147
Is this the miracle I've been hoping for ?
Unlike last week, riding is starting to feel good.
There is no longer that buildup of tension and pain. My back and left
hip are painful still, but if anything easy riding seems to make a little
better, by relaxing things a bit.
I had to commute on the bike today, and although I could have arranged
for someone to drive me to work, I took it as a sign of god pushing me to
ride. Of course, I don't actually believe that ........ or
don't I ?
In superstition, I'm wearing my Knoxville Jersey instead of the Triple
Crown. It reminds me of my first double century, how I had lost all hope
just before the ride because of back problems like now, and how it turned
out to be one of my most successful rides ever. And here comes that waltz
from Tchaikovsky's 4th again, spinning in my head as it did at Knoxville.
I guess I'm praying for a similar miracle. For the Terrible Two, I'm
considering wearing my old Big Mat
Jersey, which I was wearing at Death Valley for my first Triple Crown.
Very easy pace. Nearly rolled on a snake once again on Arastradero.
Decided to do Westridge, to test the waters on a short steep climb.
Passed essentially on the 28'. Feeling a bit out of breath of course,
normal after inactivity, but overall successful.
As usual, hated the trafic on the lower part of Jefferson. I wouldn't
commute often like this !
Recovery/Rampup Ride "Mora" (45 Miles) - 06/17/04
Home - Foothill - Arastradero - Portola - Mtn Home - 84 - Tripp -
Kings Mtn - Turn back above Huddart Prk - Back same way to Arastradero -
Purissima - Viscaino - Ascencion/Anacapa - Concepcion - Robleda -
Foothill - Mora to the top & back - Back home.
Time : 3:12:16
Mileage : 46 Miles
Speed : 14.35 mph
Wght : 148
Snail-pace, totally effortless. But it's a mixed bag :
I felt once again that back tension building up and getting painful
going up Kings, so I turned back before it got too bad. Surprisingly,
the much steeper short climbs felt a lot better (Viscaino, Anacapa &
Mora). I seem unable to push much from the saddle, but standing up
feels pretty good. Strategy for the Terrible Two : From the saddle, put in
low gears and spin, but stand up as much as possible. Can I keep that up
after nearly a month layoff ?
Santa Rosa Cycling Club : The Terrible Two (200 Miles) - 06/19/04
California Triple Crown #3
"With such a triumphant effort of body, mind, heart, and spirit you are
truly a champion.
Sometimes it isn't our easiest moments or highest
achievements which define us, it is our most challenging and difficult."
- Richard Anderson, in an email to me after the Terrible Two.
Rest Stop 1, Calistoga (Mile 51) : 3:03:19
Rest Stop 2, Geysers (Mile 81) : 2:35:55
Rest Stop 3 (Lunch), Lake Sonoma (Mile 109) : 1:35:39
Additional Rest Stop, Top of Skaggs I (Mile N/A) : 1:09:27
Rest Stop 4, Camp Gualala (Mile 137) : 1:18:04
Rest Stop 5, Fort Ross (Mile 161) : 1:46:01
Rest Stop 6, Monte Rio (Mile 183) : 1:46:43
Finish (Mile 200) : 1:11:07
Time : 14:26:20
Total Time : 15:33:15
Speed : 13.85 mph
Climbing : 16,000 ft
Feet per Mile : 80 ft / mile
Wght : 147.5
Official Results :
266 official starters (266 bikes, 272 riders...6 tandems)
216 official finishers
203 by the 10:00 pm "I Did It!" cut-off (76%).
156. Philippe Gluckman, 39, Sunnyvale 15:35
The Terrible Two is regarded by many as the hardest single day event
in the nation. I will say it felt true to its reputation. This ride
dwarfs anything I've done. The climbs are absurdly steep, relentless.
Never on a ride have I felt such low confidence that I would finish.
That I did manage to complete it (and well within the time limit)
felt nothing short of a miracle to me. I had a very unusual ride in that
the first half was miserable, but things picked up as the ride progressed.
About a month ago, I made the mistake of really pushing the pace on
the Eastern Sierra Double. While that ride was awesome, it ended up
illustrating the notion that you should always keep in mind what your
key events are, and not waste yourself on the other ones. My lower
back flared up after Eastern Sierra (much like two years ago), and
I was virtually off the bike for several weeks.
Last week, although my back was still quite painful, I tested the
waters a couple times, thinking that I'd try ramping up mileage at
the last minute as a last chance to participate in the Terrrible 2
(A sort of inverted taper). The first ride was ok, but the second
one enhanced the pain. The Terrible Two felt out of reach at that point,
like in the previous 2 years. But to reverse the curse, I decided
to at least go to the start, and maybe volunteer to help out on the
ride if things still didn't feel right. The drive to Santa Rosa was
awful (the last thing you want with back pain is to spend 4 hours
stuck in traffic). That night, I was awaken several times by pain,
and decided I was just going to drive back home the following day.
But in the morning, I finally decided to give it a shot. At least
I might see what part of the ride looks like, instead of brooding
alone (as in the last couple years).
I was extremely tense, very concentrated, determined to take this
as far as I could reasonnably go. I was relieved to pass the 1st climb
with no particular problem. But the tension would not go away. My whole
body felt weary and tired. Rarely have I ridden with such lack of pleasure.
Probably the worst time I remember spending on a bike.
On the Geysers, a double summit climb that finishes around mile 80,
is where things went really wrong. This is a wide road entirely exposed
to the sun, consistently steep with areas at 20%. I took a brief rest
in between the two parts of the climb to get water from a Sag Vehicle.
When I resumed climbing, the slope felt steeper still. Gallons of
sweat poured into my eyes and I was nearly blinded, unable to open
my eyes. I was getting dizzy, unable to stand on the bike, not knowing
how to make it up the steep grade (Thank God for the lower gears !!).
I very nearly dropped out.
It felt so hopeless. Things just weren't coming together at all.
Not only would I not make it up this climb, but this bode horribly
for the even harder climbs coming up later in the ride.
It seemed so easy to just turn back and roll confortably downhill
to the Sag Vehicle which seemed to be waiting for me at the bottom.
I could see myself turning the handlebar and putting an end to this
misery. I'm frankly not sure why I didn't actually quit. It was an
extremely close call.
But I did manage it to the rest stop at the top. I only drink Coca
Cola in emergency situations like this. It helped, as did the long
following descent. Now I was hopeful I'd make it to Lunch and DNF
there. At that point, I was NOT hoping to finish. I was also very
worried that I wouldn't reach the stop within cutoff, and decided
to let that determin if I'd continue or not. (As it turns out, I
was confortably ahead of cutoff, but I didn't find that out until
the end ...)
The second half of the Terrible Two is notoriously harder than the first.
Skaggs Springs, which is a long series of climbs that start immediately
after the lunch stop, is considered the hardest part of the ride. This
is also where the heat can get intolerable (it didn't this year).
I felt a little better after a quick lunch, and decided to go "explore"
Skaggs, to be better prepared for future attempts.
The climb staircases for a while, with steep sections followed by brief
descents. It's entirely exposed to the sun. But as the road progresses,
the climbs get longer and impossibly steep. I was surprised to see
experienced riders walking their bikes up the most brutal sections,
others meandering from one side of the road to the other to not hit
the full grade (I did this too at one point).
I was almost surprised to hit the top. For the first time of the day,
I wondered if I might make it after all. But there were still two big
obstacles ahead of me : The Rancheria Climb, and Fort Ross.
The Rancheria climb ("the wall") is short, but considered the steepest
of the day. It is dreaded by most riders. Lyresa, my friend who did the ride
last year, said she'd walk up this year, because it would probably
be faster that way (she didn't actually do that).
I was preparing for the worst, another open wide road that would shoot
straight up like the others had so far, but instead found a narrow little
road that snaked through the woods. And this is where the miracle happened
for me : I simply shot up the dreaded wall, with little effort. Finally
things were falling into place. My back was more relaxed and I could actually
climb confortably ! The Terrible Two suddenly felt in reach.
But I wasn't going to let my concentration fail before the last serious
obstacle of the day : Fort Ross. After a beautiful stretch along the ocean,
Fort Ross is the last hard climb, around mile 160. Like the others, it has
brutally steep stretches, but like Rancheria, it's a shaded narrow road that
makes its way up the woods. I was feeling better and better, confortably
making my way up, maybe even enjoying myself for the first time of the day.
I now realized that I was about to complete the Terrible Two.
And with that come all the emotions that I have so repressed throughout
the day. Near the top of the Fort Ross descent, a Sag Vehicle encourages
me with cowbells, and I cry.
Later, as night is settling in, I am so close.
The final turn. The school
again, garlands of light, cowbells to greet the riders, applause
and encouragement. I have
dreamt about this moment for three years, with rare obsession.
My emotions culminate. I embarassingly weep like
a child (much like after my marathon), to the point where I have to hide
behind my car for a while. I eventually recover, buy the exclusive and
prestigious Terrible Two Jersey. It's silly how many times I have dreamt of
wearing it on the road, watching those rare other riders with envy.
My friend Lyresa joins a little later. Mutual congratulations, we've both
completed the notorious event within the time limit, we get our silly but
coveted "I did it!" T-Shirt.
We agree we won't do
a ride this hard ever again. Then we both laugh :
"So see you next year !"
Recovery Ride "Hicks / Loma Almaden" (30 Miles) - 06/26/04
Start on Camden - Hicks - Alamitos - Almaden Rd to Mc Kean -
Back same way, with the addition of Loma Almaden to the gate.
Time : 2:22:11
Mileage : 28 Miles
Speed : 11.82 mph
Wght : 147
Was planning on an easy recovery ride on Uvas, but tried out Hicks as
a last minute inspiration. Gorgeous scenery. Kept the pace extremely
slow. Hicks has some steep climbing, particularly on the North side.
Added Loma Almaden on the way back, also a very challenging climb,
with great views of Mt Umunhum. Although I tried to stay effortless,
I'm not sure what this will do to my back. Climbing actually felt very
good at first, but a bit painful later in the ride.
Would love to make these roads part of a much longer ride in the
future,
but unsure what the distance would be and where to get water along the way.
Recovery Ride "Los Altos Hills, Part I" (40 Miles) - 06/27/04
Home - Fremont - Foothill - Sand Hill - Manzanita - Mtn Home -
Portola - Westridge - Alpine - Arastradero - Purissima - Elena -
Taafe - Altamont - Moody - El Monte - Summerhill - Magdalena (to the top) -
Camino Hermoso - Ravensbury (to Rancho San Antonio; back down) -
Down W. Loyola - Eastbrook - Up Mora (to Rancho San Antonio, back down) -
back home via Fremont -
Time : 2:52:12
Mileage : 40.3 Miles
Speed : 14.04 mph
Wght : 147.5
Started out committed to a very easy ride. But strong burning pain in my
back on Manzanita so turned back. Things got gradually better though and
decided to lengthen the ride by exploring parts of Los Altos Hills,
particularly the area between Madgalena & Mora (this is a first).
Very nice little climbs. Climbing, especially
off the saddle, doesn't feel that bad. Note alternate routes to climbing
Magdalena would be Ravensbury or Camino Hermoso. Also, W. Loyola would be
a nice short climb. Part of Mora is very steep. Good ride overall.
Much less vigilant about nutrition. Worried about potential upcoming
weight gain. Wouldn't want to go over 150.
Solo Ride "Los Altos Hills, Part II" (50 Miles) - 07/02/04
Home - Bernardo - Fremont - Foothill - Alpine = 0:50:08
E. Alpine = 0:17:51
Joaquin = 0:04:32
Old Spanish Trail - Los Trancos - Alpine - Arastradero = 0:19:54
Page Mill (up to end of climb above Moody) = 0:19:01
Down Moody - Foothill - up Mora - Eastbrook = 0:24:37
W. Loyola (Eastbrook to Rolly) = 0:05:15
W. Loyola - Down Ravensbury = 0:03:10
Camino Hermoso (climb) = 0:03:34
Camino Hermoso - Down W. Loyola - Eastbrook - Down Mora -
Foothill - Homestead - Wolfe - Fremont - Benardo to home = 0:38:29
Time : 3:06:31
Mileage : 47.5 Miles
Speed : 15.28 mph
Wght : 147.5
Forced the pace too much, especially on Alpine/Joaquin. Felt sharp
back/hip pain on Page Mill. But then better again on the flat, and
ok on Los Altos Hills. Felt like extending the ride with easy detour
in city streets. Flat feels better than climbing today.
W. Loyola is an easy climb, Camino Hermoso is steeper but short.
These roads would be great for interval training close to home.
Solo Ride "Hicks / Loma Almaden : To Uvas & Back" (100 Miles) - 07/03/04
Home - Stevens Cyn - Mt Eden - Pierce - down Hwy 9 to Saratoga = 0:54:10
Hwy 9 to Los Gatos = 0:17:03
Los Gatos - Kennedy - Shannon - Hicks = 0:29:22
Hicks (Northern Climb) = 0:15:33
Hicks - Alamitos - Almaden - Mc Kean = 0:56:34
Oak Glen - Sycamore - Back via Uvas = 1:04:04
Mc Kean - Almaden - Alamitos = 0:54:52
Hicks (Southern Climb) = 0:17:06
Loma Almaden = 0:19:52
Hicks - Shannon - Kennedy - Los Gatos = 0:46:12
Hwy 9 to Saratoga = 0:20:32
Hwy 9 - Pierce - Mt Eden - back home = 0:50:32
Time : 7:36:17
Mileage : 102.25 Miles
Speed : 13.75 mph
Wght : 148
This is a challenging ride, mostly because past Los Gatos, there is no
food at all, barely any water, and little shade.
Also, there aren't that many climbs, but what's there is difficult, very
steep, very hot, exposed to the sun (Hicks & Loma Almaden).
I stopped in Los Gatos both ways, and carried a small additional water
bottle in my back pocket. Mostly used Sustained Energy /E-Caps
(+ 2 cliff bars, some fig bars and an ice-cream in Los Gatos on the way
back) which worked amazingly well. I did find water in New Almaden (hadn't
noticed it on my previous ride).
I had decided not to ride at all for a while to let my back recover,
but couldn't resist the urge. My back is painful, with intermittent burning
pain, sometime in the hip. It started getting a little better in the second
part of the ride on the flat (very slow pace), but then flared up in a big
way on Loma Almaden, which I decided to do as a bonus climb. The heat there
got intense, and of course it's very steep, but other than my back I seemed
to manage it (with about 80 miles in my legs).
I met a rider on the way back at the water stop in New Almaden who said
there's also water at Cazadero Park on Uvas, but confirmed there's no
food anywhere.
Sunny hot weather, very hot on Loma Almaden.
Poor sleep that night. Back is painful. Feeling hot and sweaty,
drank huge quantities throughout the night.
Solo Long Hike "Skyline Ridge, Part I" (17 Miles) - 07/10/04
Parking @ top of W. Alpine - Ridge Trail N. - Ancient Oaks Trail -
Hawk Trail - Ridge Trail to Rapley Ranch Road - Back on Ridge Trail
via Borel Hill to Alpine - Then head South on Ridge Trail through
Alpine Pond - Horseshoe Lake - Turned back shortly after Christmas
Tree Farm - Back using Alternate Ridge Trail, which is a little shorter
but not nearly as nice.
Time : 5:16:25
Estimated Mileage : 17.5 Miles
Wght : 149.5
This is in an effort to stay off the bike to let my back recover.
Normally, I should be at the Death Ride, but decided to sit it out.
Good hike overall. Saw a beautiful deer with big antlers, and many
rabbits.
Sunny warm weather, but not excessively hot.
Back is painful but not horrible.
Solo Long Hike "Skyline Ridge, Part II" (21 Miles) - 07/11/04
Skyline Ridge OSP (Horseshoe Lake) - Ridge Trail S. : Through Long Ridge,
Peters Creek Trail, Ward Road, Hickory Oaks Trail, Saratoga Gap Trail to
Saratoga Gap - Back to Charcoal Road - Down Table Mountain Cutoff & Trail -
Canyon Trail - Quick Detour on Grizzly Flat Trail - Canyon Trail - Stevens
Creek Nature Trail - White Oak Trail.
Time : 6:24:00
Estimated Mileage : 21.3 Miles
Wght : 149.5
Picked up where I left off yesterday. Quite a few Mountain Bikers from Long
Ridge to Saratoga Gap, but was pretty much alone for the second part of the
hike. Table Mountain is a remote, strenuous and exciting trail, with noone
at all, and surprising scenery. I definitely felt the Adrenaline in that
part of the hike, not seeing anyone in this foreboding environment.
Parts of Long Ridge are also very beautiful, with views of the Santa
Cruz Mountains all the way to the Ocean.
Back is not good though. Probably time to get some serious extended
total rest.
Solo Ride "Alum Rock" (100 Miles) - 07/17/04
Home - Fremont - Foothill - Sand Hill - Portola Valley - Down E. Alpine -
back via Foothill - Stevens Creek Blvd - Bubb = 2:02:46
Regnart, past Fremont Older Space Preserve (climb) = 0:11:48
Down - Bubb - Rainbow - S. Stelling = 0:09:54
Prospect, to Fremont Older Space Preserve (climb) = 0:07:46
Down - Sunnyvale Saratoga, to Saratoga and back - De Anza - Mathilda -
Central Expwy, to Trimble and back - San Tomas / Montague Expwy -
Landess - Piedmont = 1:35:06
Penitentia Creek, into Alum Rock Park = 0:13:52
Misc. Alum Rock = 0:13:47
Mt Hamilton, good part of 1st climb (turned back) = 0:18:35
Down - Crothers - Misc streets - Alum Rock - Penitentia Creek -
Landess - Montague - Central - Mary - Home = 1:20:32
Time : 6:14:17
Mileage : 100.5 Miles
Speed : 16.11 mph
Wght : 149.5
This ride was totally improvised, not planned at all.
I had set out to do 1 or 2 hrs of easy riding,
but as things felt pretty good, I kept extending.
After an easy warmup on the classic Portola Loop,
I first explored the short climbs leading to Fremont Older
Space Preserve : Regnart actually has a very steep section, Prospect much
easier. Flat riding feels ok on my back and hip, but climbing hurts pretty
consistently. I then turned towards Saratoga with the idea of going
to Los Gatos. But actually decided for something new, and headed for
Central Exprwy, grabbing a Lox Bagel and water on the way
(this was to be my only food other than the fig bars I had in my pockets).
Then, heading back on Central, still feeling good on the flat,
I got curious, and wondered if I could find a way to connect
to San Jose/Milpitas, to find a way to ride to the Eastern hills.
Once there, I really enjoyed exploring Alum Rock park, and definitely found
a convenient connection to Sierra Rd and Mt Hamilton. Because I felt so good,
I decided to attempt Mt Ham, but after a few minutes of climbing my back
started hurting again, so I cautiously turned back
(I was also pushing a higher gear than I should).
Because this was unplanned,
I had neither sunblock nor sunglasses, so I ended
up a little burnt. Also, I had stupidly brought my car key instead of house
key, so I had to climb through Jeremie's open window to get back home ...
Note that from this approach Crothers would be an alternate climb
to the lower part of Mt Ham (although the road is officially closed).
Alum Rock Av. is also closed in Alum Rock Park, but it's ok to go through.
Solo Hike / Uphill Running "Alberich" (10 Miles) - 07/25/04
Fremont Older Space Preserve / Stevens Creek Park -
Prospect Rd - Cora Older Trail - Hayfield Trail - Coyote Ridge Trail (N) -
Stevens Creek / Tony Look Trail - Maisie's Peak - Garrod Farms - Nob Hill -
Toyon Trail - Hunter's Point - Back to Prospect Rd.
Time : 3:01:11
Estimated Mileage : 10 ER Miles
Wght : 150
Here's something new : Go on a hike, but run up all the hills, no matter
how long or how steep.
Didn't ride due to how awful my back was yesterday, did this instead,
in the afternoon.
Good exposure to hot weather. Back pretty good, seems to function well
once (very) warm, but gets painful again later at night.
Nice hike. Saw turtles in Stevens Creek Reservoir. Stupidly got a bit
sunburnt again (don't neglect sunscreen !!!). This route would be even
more challenging in reverse, I think.
Had excerpts from Rheingold in my head, particularly as Alberich
chases the Rheintochter, as well as parts of Tristan.
Solo Hike "Mars, the Bringer of War"
(11 Miles) - 09/12/04
Angeles National Forest -
Pacific Crest trail, Waterman trail
Time : 3:17:44
Estimated Mileage : 11 Miles
Wght : 152
Was very tired after having spent a late night @ Matthieu's. Barely slept.
But in the morning, pushed hard weight lifting, than good
crosstrainer session at the Graciela Hotel.
Then as we freed up from color timing in the afternoon, decided to
take the car (a convertible black mustang) and explore the Angeles
Crest Hwy. Hoping to make into the desert.
Quickly reached the Angeles National Forest, with landscapes
reminiscent of the socal Planet Ultra rides. Saw a "Pacific Crest Trail"
sign and decided to stop there, but most of it ended up backing up and
generally following the road.
Then headed out on the Waterman Trail, beautiful, with characteristic round
white rocks and vegetation. Met few people along the way. Some warned me of
a rattlesnake further up the trail, but never saw it. (They were somehow
worried I would hurt the snake). Eventually had to
turn back, because didn't want to get caught by nightfall,
and didn't want to overdo the effort (still recovering from back pains
and relative inactivity).
Returned at sunset, with fantastic colors all over the mountain, first
orange/blue, then pink/purple. Marvelled at the incredible saturation.
Driving back, heard a good program on the radio comparing three
different recordings of Gustav Holst's "The Planets" (which I'd never
heard before). Turns out to be a nice minor work.
Later that night felt very sore, and woke up extremely foggy.
Cancelled further plans to explore the Angeles Natl Forest that morning.
Thought it might
be due to the effort, but surprised that it would hit so soon
(normally takes a few days). As it turns out, in the following days, I was
to develop a viral infection, with strong fevers, the first in a long time.