Livestrong Challenge 2016

AUSTIN, TEXAS

I was hoping not to have a Rudy’s Hangover. Rudy’s is the self-described Worst BBQ in Texas. Our Cyclists Combating Cancer group traditionally meets the day before the challenge and rides to Rudy’s for lunch. We did that yesterday, and now it was the day of reckoning.

It was humid, if not warm, when I lined up in the 100-Mile riders’ coral. Our pre-ride instruction included a doctor who told us that number one, we should have fun, and number two, “be safe.” Interesting. I think safety should always trump fun. But maybe that’s me.

The first 10 miles to Aid Station #1 were one big mass rollout. Police patrolled the many intersections leaving the city, and at most traffic lights, we could roll through. The crowd started to thin out approaching the aid station, but it was mostly one big group ride. At the Aid Station, I pulled in and found a mechanic, who happened to be from Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, which is where I rented my bike. Since I had no pump with me and had the bike since Friday, I knew I would need a little air. He pumped up the tire, refilled a water bottle, and was out of there in three and one-half minutes. I wanted to keep my rest stops short.

I rolled into the second stop for water. This time it was 90 seconds. I went by the third stop, which used to be the cookie stop. I guess it still was. Damn. There was a sign warning riders that the next stop was the cutoff for the 100-mile route at 10:30 a.m. I rolled into Aid Station #4 at 9:50 a.m.

Then it was off to the Wall. Or as it’s called, Devil’s Climb. I was on a rental bike. My guess is that when I rode this route four years ago, my Trek Pilot was fitted with a 30:28 gear ratio. It was difficult, but I don’t remember struggling (like everyone else seemed to be). This bike was set up with a 34:28. I’m older. The ratio is worse. It’s not getting easier.

The climb was hard. Damn hard. More people were walking than riding. My Garmin was set up with a maximum heart rate of 180, and Garmin was going nuts because I was over that (186). I was displaying heart rate and knew that. My legs ached, and my body wanted to quit. But I would keep going.

I pulled into the aid station near the top of the climb (essentially, it was at the top) and talked to the kids from the Texas 4000. This was their aid station, and they were quite helpful. I spent 24 minutes here, which represents half the time I spent in all stops.

The roads from here back to the finish were very “heavy.” Chip and tar, heavy on the chips. Not a smooth surface at all. It’s hard to pedal on this surface, but you must keep moving.

I stopped at each aid station after this. It was hot (90 degrees / 32 ℃), and I needed to keep my fluids topped off. Around Mile 70, we saw the chickens. I think it was an FFA group, and the girl proudly displayed “Blackberry.”

The roll into the finish went well. Ninety-nine miles went OK, but that last mile forced me to think why am I here? Why am I here when Jake and Alex are not? Or Joe Petrucelli? Or Nancy Natoli?

I rode by myself all day. I never hooked up with anyone all day long. It was just a 100-mile solo effort. So I entered the finishing chute and made sure I was alone. I stayed right, for survivors and videoed as I got my yellow rose for they hand out for survivors.

I rode for many today. I did not wear a survivor’s bib. I have transformed so that this ride is not about me – it’s about others. I’m thinking this was my last time. If this were only for me, it may be my last time. But if I ride for others, I may be back.

And if I ride it again, I have to remember, NO RENTAL BIKE. I want my bike, which is geared a little more favorably to the Devil’s Climb.

---

---