Saturday, February 4, 2012

CC training- Blackstar to 4 corners by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details

CC training- Blackstar to 4 corners by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details

My toughest ride so far! 7188 feet of climbing, 40.3 miles and six hours!

Doug, Derek and I started at Blackstar to Main Divide and down Motorway. I have not ridden any of this before. Blackstar was fairly easy, but the steep climbs on Main Divide had me tempted to walk a few, but I did not.
I just kept it in a spinning gear and kept on going. Motorway was rocky and technical in spots, but not nearly as bad as I had expected. Momentum is your friend, I need to remember in rocky sections. The exposure was a little scary at first, just don't look off the cliff! ;-)
Derek's cable broke and both my riding buddies ran out of water. Once we started climbing Maple Springs I think they wanted to go back. I offered some water to Doug and ask him to please let me try and make to four corners, of course, he did!

But then as the climbing got harder and it was getting late and cold and no water, I ask Doug how much farther? He said "two long switch backs" lol -- what? very long ! lol - it was 8 miles up to four corners and four wheel trucks and motorcycles makes you a little nervous that they may not see you. It was really cold coming down, but I am so glad I made it. This was the hardest ride I have ever done to date!
Another 1000 feet or so and I would have completed all the climbing for Counting Coup - but it was too late in the day to attempt that.
It's a long drive to Orange County to pre-ride these trails and it has been a very long day.

Tomorrow is the first time I have a deposition on Sunday in 20 years! go figure! 8:00 a.m. depo of a urologist!
Hope I have a few brain cells in the morning.

It was really nice to have Derek back from Scotland and get him riding! I think I surprised him today, and he was impressed at how much my coach has helped me progress in my climbing skills and endurance.
I owe so much to Lou and Doug for their support. Doug really keeps me on my toes and he always stays just far enough in front to keep me challenged!

Also looking at my red cap on my bike that says, "Easier than Cancer" helps a lot. When I start to get tired and the going is tough, I can reflect back to being in the hospital for my second bone marrow transplant! Now nothing will ever be more challenging than fighting that chemo and cancer and I remember not having an esophagus lining and could not even swallow my own saliva - the pain was horrible. I could not eat anything but Ensure for nearly a year! Seeing those cans still freaks me out in the stores.

So to be able to climb steep mountain bike trails is really a true gift! And having friends like Doug and Derek hanging with me and a SUPER COACH is even a bigger miracle! I am so grateful and so tired.
I will put some photos up tomorrow when Derek and Doug send them to me!
7000 feet of climbing! WOW - NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR ME!

Peace and miracles.
Cheryl

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