Mt. Locke Hill Climb

Mt. Locke Hill Climb

Fort Davis, Texas

September 22, 2019

The objective is to get from the clump of trees just ahead to the top of the mountain off to the right, as fast as you can.

Knowing that there was no way I was going to turn loose of the handle bar while "racing," Christine and I went Saturday afternoon to take pictures of the upcoming hill climb on Sunday morning.  I will intersperse the Saturday pictures with the Sunday pictures hoping that it will make sense. So, above is the registration area for the race.

Marlon at the registration area. Note the moisture, Saturday night the area had a 4" rain which plays into the story.

Christine is ready to go with a full charge on her battery. Both of us have e-bikes so we get permission to ride and also declare our bikes at registration. We can ride but can't place in the event. No problem, we just ride for the enjoyment of the torture. 

Me. Ready for the challenge of the 6 mile climb.

Make ready area. If you get there early enough, one can park in a nice parking area. Otherwise, bar ditch parking is required. Not all that bad on "normal" race days but after a 4" rain the ground can be a little wet.

Sixty one of us (7 female, 54 male) lined up for the mass start. This year we were to be timed by chip, but there were still human timers to back up the instruments. At the pre-race briefing, we were warned that the previous night's rainfall had caused rock and mud falls along the route...so be careful. Some of the volunteers were working to clear some of the more dangerous places before we got there. Thanks.

We started on a slight incline and immediately were rewarded by a decline.

For the first timer the thought was probably the hill climb was hyped too much; this is a breeze.

Suddenly, it was hello, what is this?

We had already hit some steep inclines but these switchbacks were not only steep, but seemed to go on for miles. (I was still in the lead so the pictures without riders up ahead was accurate).

Just a little scenery for a break in intensity. On the switchbacks I forgot my breathing technique and started gasping in gulps of air.

By the time I got to the turn to go up to the McDonald Observatory, I remembered to control my breathing with the count of two in, and count of three out. I glanced at my trip time as I hit the turn off and I was at 18 minutes. 

The visitor's center marks the start area of the 1 1/2 mile racers and marks the start of the roughest part of the ride.

Keep your eyes on the goal. The observatories mark the end of the race. However, a slight detail, the observatories mark the highest point in the area, and, the previous day I had to use the zoom lens to get this shot. 

 The road from the visitors' center to the curve in the distance is the last opportunity to catch one's breath.

 Right after the upcoming curve, I shifted to my small chain ring as I have been here before.

 This and the next pictures are the sight one sees after the above mentioned curve. 

 The grades range from 13 to 17 percent.

 And we feel every percent.

 A back shot taken the previous day. I think this is the 17 percent grade.

Another shot that I took the previous day turned out to be deja vu. Just before I reached the place where the spectators were, I saw another tarantula in the road. I swerved just enough to miss him by about two inches. Hind sight, if I had gotten close enough for him to jump at me, I may have had a much better time. 

 Finish line is just at the end of the curve.

The same spot on race day. The spectators and riders who had finished the 1 1/2 mile climb were cheering encouragement which was really appreciated at this point. 

It is amazing to watch riders struggling up the grade until they hear the cheers and encouragement of being told that the finish line is just up the way. You see a sudden burst of energy and many can still get out of the saddle and "sprint".

I may have finished first, but I don't count. This is the winner!!! Time: 27:47.

I have to add that Christine was the second rider to finish but she also doesn't count (doesn't matter because we have a blast), so Manu Fresno above was still the 1st place winner.

Riders come up in small groups or solo.

Kevin finishing.

Marlon being encouraged by Brian.

As far as I know, all 61 riders finished the race. An outstanding feat as, trust me, it is a tough climb.

 And the celebrations begin. San Angelo riders line up for the victory picture. 

We are also rewarded with these views from the top.

Vistas such as these are why we love Ft. Davis.

 We moved down to the visitors' center for awards and "beanie" hand out. Lined up are the winners of the 1 1/2 mile race. Brian, 1st place. Forgot how many 1st places it makes for him but a lot. Third place was Joe, another San Angelo rider. Congratulations!! Way to go San Angelo.

Winners of the 6 mile race. Tough riders. All three broke the 30 minute barrier.

 Female winners of the 6 mile race. All had real good times but didn't break the 30 minute barrier.

Beanie time.

All racers are rewarded with a Mt. Locke beanie. In closing, we had a great time and are looking forward to next year. And, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Christine came in just two minutes behind me with a 26 minute finish. Good going Christine even if it didn't count. (Editor's note: "Thank you, Dear!")