Blackstar Motorway - Wind gusts forced a lot of walking - 5500 feet - 4 hours - 30 miles - thanking my heroes

We left Santa Monica at 7:15 a.m. this morning for another counting coup training ride in Orange.   Everything started off perfectly, until we got to Main Divide and the wind picked up.  Doug had told me that the forecast was 60 mph winds, and, unfortunately, he is rarely wrong!   It made the climbing tough and very scary in certain areas.  We stropped several times and considering turning around.  I have been blown off my bike twice before, both on the road, but I HATE the wind.  I even had to walk a few downhill sections because it was just too dangerous.   One time I looked back and a wind gust had literally stopped Doug, via his helmet!  His helmet would have flown off it was not strapped down.  Derek was super strong today and way ahead of us all day.  The wind does not seem to stop that goat!  The wind just sucked all my energy.  I road all of Motorway and pleased with being able to clean it all , minus a stab from a cactus and Derek helping me some rocky do overs!  But I found my arms and legs getting very tired on that section.  It's steep and rocky and getting too much speed could be???  well, I won't go there - this section can hurt you!   Also, having my seat all the way dropped was a mistake - then you cannot hug the seat between your legs for a little resting, even though you are standing.  

At the bottom of Motorway, I was determined to head up Maple Springs, but I just did not get too far and my legs were burning and left hamstring cramping.  I cannot give enough thanks to Doug and Derek for supporting me through this.  This is a tough race and I sure hope I am ready on April 7th.   This is one of the four most difficult mountain bike endurance in America someone told Derek today hiking ?  But this is surely one of the toughest things I have ever attempted to do. 

HR about 182 here



Afer the ride we enjoyed some salami, eggs, bagels, oranges and laughs back at the car!

Time for bed -

Oh, and if you read this, would you mind hitting the comment button and saying something so I know someone is reading ?

;-)))

Special thanks to all my heroes and Angels for pushing me them a tough, but awesome and rewarding day and life-time expereince.

The most important person in my life, my daughter Danielle! MOM -My Awesome COACH LOU KOBIN! DOUG, DEREK

Allen Tilley ( fallen Angel) Amy (Bill W.)  Colette McFadden, Liz, Jeanine, Lauren, Sarah, A.J., Kimmi, Sponsor, Maria, Sister Debbie, Brother Bruce!

All my doctors who donated their time and chemo to save my life!