Fort Davis Cyclefest

Fort Davis Cyclefest

September 19, 2015

Fort Davis, Texas

 Line up was at the Prude Ranch, or, from your hotel. I chose the hotel start line. Right out of Fort Davis one embarks upon a long relatively straight ride. The road is a false flat. For the first 10 miles, the road is from 1-3%, and of course this particular day the wind was in your face. As a matter of fact, it was in our face most of the day, but I will have more to say about that later.

 I had started a little earlier than the ones from Prude Ranch, but guess who pulled up at rest stop 1 right behind me? Brian who had started at the Prude Ranch. I could already tell, don't look at your odometer or average. It doesn't take a Garmin to let you know you are slow. 

 More of the "flat" road but one can start seeing the target off in the distance.

Slowly, (no pun intended), the views become more scenic.

Not a rest stop, just riders stopping to enjoy the red granite outcrop.

The mountains are getting closer.

 Rest stop 2. What is missing from the above photos are a nice long downhill, and two porta-potties in the middle of nowhere that were supposed to be at this rest stop. Some of us saw the lonesome porta-potties and of course stopped. Others, (most), ASSUMED that this rest stop would have the porta-potties. Luckily, there were some cement barriers for road construction that provided some privacy for the surprised riders.

 Rain had been predicted. I went through a sprinkle. Tony said he got soaked in a shower. However, for the most part, our greatest environmental struggle was with the wind. 

 Twice along this stretch, I stopped pedaling and was rapidly pushed to a halt by the wind. Had to keep pedaling even on small declines.

Slowly coming upon the start of the incline for Bear Mountain. In the foreground is still evidence of the wildfires of some years back.

 One may get the idea that the approach to Bear Mountain is a decline. That is not the case, it is just easier to take a picture when approaching a slope.

 Jeffri at rest stop 3. Saw Tooth Mt. in the background.

Part of the San Angelo "gang". Christine, Jeffri, Roy, and Robbie. Tony, Brian, Marlon, Hector and group are probably at rest stop 5.

Rick had agreed to be a volunteer for the ride and was one of the much appreciated SAG crew. The rest stop was at the spot that we had always referred to as the unofficial rest stop. It just had picnic tables but most of us would stop and catch our breath before the final mile and a half of Bear Mountain. It was another case of the porta-potties being placed at the wrong location, so the ride directors adjusted and had the rest stop here.  

 This and the next few pictures are where the Bear Mountain rest stop is usually located.

 For people who have ridden the Fort Davis Cyclefest, they will have noted that there was a big skip in the ride from the rest stop to this location. That is because I had both hands on the handle bars struggling to get up Bear Mountain. Maybe I can demonstrate in a later posting using the GoPro.

 One of the rewards of climbing Bear Mountain--you get to go downhill for a while.

 Joy ride over. There has been a big skip again in the ride. Above is part of the Fisher Hill climb. A real toughie with winding inclines, and as you make another curve, more inclines. 

 EVENTUALLY, one is rewarded by another downhill adventure.

After struggling through a series of good rollers--the light at the end of the tunnel. When one can spot McDonald Observatory, Prude Ranch is only about 13-15 miles out.

 The McDonald Observatory sign marks the beginning of another long, steep decline. It is one of the most talked about declines of the ride.

 While we are having fun on the downhill, the reverse (uphill) is what the Sunday Mt. Locke racers must contend with in their 7 1/2 mile race.

 Don't come around the corner too fast. The barrier will not stop you.

Hard to see but at the bottom of this slope is another hair pin turn. But what makes it interesting and dangerous is the rock wall at the turn. Even the bravest brake before this turn.

Brave. I forgot to mention that I brake all the way down. I have been cautioned that the wheel rim can get so hot that I could blow my tires. I guess I could unclip and just drag my feet--nah.

 The good downhill over, one is just thinking of ending the ride. However, there is one more hill called Heartbreak Hill. After all the climbing that a rider has been doing throughout the day, the last thing you want is another hill. At a distance it always looks innocent. However, it peaks at 9%.

 Fortunately, the reciprocal of an uphill is a downhill.

And the finish line where delicious hamburgers and specialty beer awaited us.

 Prude Ranch. Finish line for most people. However, I had mentioned that I started from the hotel in town. That meant I had 5 more miles to get the car and come back for Christine.

Going back to town from the Ranch is a nice ride.

 Mostly downhill and very scenic.

 Early in the morning, the ride into town can get a little chilly as the sun is just barely up and the canyon is in the shadows. 

After a relaxing ride, off to the right is the outcropping overlooking the Fort Davis National Park. 

 

And the historic Limpia Hotel where we stay. But it was time to go back to the Prude Ranch to pick up Christine and eat my hamburger.

  

One could tell this shot was taken AFTER the hamburgers as we are all smiles. A happy ending to a challenging ride. (Robbie, Tony, Brian, Roy, Christine, Jeffri, and Rick).

 



Seven Sisters and Allen Lane

 Seven Sisters

Allen Lane

Saturday September 5, 2015

Both Seven Sisters and Allen Lane are favorites (along with Burma Road and Susan Peak) to practice hill climbs. And it was getting time to start working on hills for the Fort Davis Cyclefest coming up September 19.

Lining up for the ride were Rick, Loyd, Robbie, Christine, Clay, Brian, David, Roy, Jeffri, and Phil. Joining us right after the picture were Stephen and Dorothy. 

 First hill of the Seven Sisters. Kind of bad when the first sister tired me out--only six more sisters and Allen Lane to go. No problem, just 39 more miles.

 Robbie and Dorothy at the junction of 277 and Knickerbocker Road. They planned on turning around at this point--right after our group picture below.

 All accounted for: Rick, Loyd, Stephen, Brian (the helmet behind Stephen), Christine, Phil, David, Jeffri, Clay, Robbie, and Dorothy. 

 First hill of Allen Lane. It stretches for about a mile starting off level, 1%, 2%, 3, 4, and tops at 9%.
It just so happens I have a video below of "Warm-Up Hill".

The first video I prepared was 9 1/2 minutes and my editor slept through 8.5 minutes. So here is 1 minute for her.

 From the top of "warm-up hill", one can glance at a preview of coming attractions. I call the first hill warm up hill as upon reaching the top, one sees there are a long string of ribbons. The series of hills range from 8-13%, so the first one is just a "warm-up".

 I frequently complain about the camera's not giving justice to the inclines. This is one that tops at 13% but in the picture it looks like a speed bump.

Ah. Upon return from Allen Lane, rest stop at Tres Amigos in Christoval. Replenish liquids. Have a treat (mine was a Payday). Too late I spotted one of the riders with an ice cream sandwich. Maybe next time.

The long stretch (about 10 miles) of Seven Sisters. Named for seven very similar hills (about 6% grade each).

Finish line at the "town" of Knickerbocker. Great ride. Great group of riders. Great hill practice. Nap time.

Hotter'n Hell Hundred

 Hotter'n Hell Hundred

August 29, 2015

Wichita Falls, Texas

 Almost 11,000 riders participated in this famous endurance ride. Behind the flags is the MPEC building where one picks up the registration packet and is engulfed in a biker's fantasy. Vendors had on hand just about any cycling accessories that a biker could possibly want, need, or just get an extra something to have on hand.  And if hungry or thirsty that could be satisfied in the building also.

However, a group of us from San Angelo chose the spaghetti dinner over in the coliseum. Shown from left to right are Mel, Jerry, Jeffri, Christine, myself, and Brian. Liquids included water, tea, and not so secret free beer. Christine satisfied all of her carb needs. Jeffri was kind enough to give me some extra cookies so I replenished the sugar for my legs to burn on the big ride.  

 Before heading off to the hotel to switch tires that I bought inside the MPEC (yes, it was a need, not a want), we watched the criterion race taking place right outside the MPEC and Coliseum. 

 Most would ride the 100 mile race the next day. Hope they had their quota of carbs and sugar also.

Early Saturday morning rolled around and the line-up began. 

 Although I mentioned that 11,000 would ride, the number of participants was down in comparison to past years when 12,000-14,000 would try their luck.

Day break began to lighten the sky. Still not time to take off.  

 A chance meeting enabled us to talk with Mike who used to be from San Angelo. Of the thousands of parking places, Mike was about two cars from us as we were unloading. Good seeing you again, Mike. 

 Tony, from San Angelo, rolled up getting in line with the 100K riders.

 Also in the 100K line up was Jerry.  

 Sunrise. About time for roll out.

 Christine was all smiles. I think she had a premonition that she was going to beat me to the finish line this day. 

 As Christine was taking my picture for posterity, she said the low battery light was blinking on my camera. NO! We were still at the start and I had charged the battery fully just before we left home the previous day. I was going to have to be judicious in my picture taking. After the fact, Jerry took some nice pictures on the ride and forwarded some to me.

 Jerry was riding the 100K and Christine and I were doing the 50 miler. As such, Jerry's pictures will be on the 65 mile route. Eventually the two routes merged so there will be a little continuity.

 This "mob" is at Rest Stop 2 on the 100K route. I would have liked to have been there, too, but I couldn't ride two courses. (Inside joke for the San Angelo riders).  

On a more serious note, see the pack on the far right starting to go down hill? There is an accident almost every year as the crowd goes too fast and someone clips a wheel. Jerry reported that this year a lady was pretty banged up but conscious.



Now this is a nice spread of riders.

 Rest Stop 2 for the 50 milers, 30 miles into the ride. It is rest stop 4 (40 miles) for the 100K riders. The two routes merged at this point.  

 Rest stop at the "top" of the hill. To get here was a good two mile climb into the wind. The water mister, ice cold rags, and chocolate chip cookies were a welcome reward. They had some of the best pickle juice also. Not sure of the brand but it was good, especially over ice.

 Among the many highlights of the 100k and 50 mile routes was the ride through Sheppard Air Force Base. On the right is an old B-59.

 Various air planes and jets are lined up on display for the visitors. Pilots give up their time to stand there all day for photo shots and to answer questions. The editor's favorite is the A-10 (Warthog) bedecked in its traditional tiger teeth paint.)

 This is the versatile C-130 transport plane.

 Airmen formed sort of a gauntlet, but enthusiastically cheered each rider through. Their hospitality was greatly appreciated and we wish them the best. 

 After Sheppard came the finish line. Even doing just 50 miles, the end was a welcome sight, as the heat was nearing the upper 90's. We first rode the HHH in '07; this was the first year the temperature did not exceed 100 degrees. Even so, 125 to 150 riders were taken to the main medical tent, 15 were admitted to hospitals suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but four riders suffered from over hydration.

 

 Christine and Brian with their medals. We enjoyed another great HHH. But the real reason for the smiles was that just behind them was the beer tent (no thought of over hydration was given). Now begins the training for next year's HHH.

 It has been mentioned before that part of the fun of a tour is seeing new things. For several years a lonely church off the road has intrigued Christine so this time we pulled off to visit. The path to the church was an unpaved road so we figured it was no longer active. 

 St. John Catholic Church was indeed closed and vandals had found the structure and was breaking the stained glass windows among other destructive acts. A real shame as it is now a historical building. Established in 1910, the brick building was built in 1930. St John served the now almost ghost town of Bomarton, population 600 in 1930. Current population is estimated as 23. It would be nice to re-activate the old church, but until then it will stand as a testament of days past.