One mountain, one objective

This post originally appeared last year on my personal blog. As some may (or may not) know, I try to “peak” for a ride called Climb to Kaiser. I first did it in 1984. It took another 20 years for me to return and experience the carnage in the Sierras. Ever since, I’ve tried to include the event as one of my objectives. Last year’s C2K holds the dubious honor as the most difficult day I’ve ever experienced on a bike. My goal for 2010 is simple: Erase the memories of 2009. Here are thoughts from nearly a year ago.

Climb to Kaiser is (7 weeks away). If all goes to plan, I’ll be on Big Creek Road climbing 2,000 feet in 4 miles before Huntington Lake and a short break. From there, it’s up to Kaiser Pass and its 9,200-foot summit, then a massive descent and flat passage through hell. The ride is an annual way to remind myself how lucky I am to pedal. To be in the mountains is to witness beauty, to share in the struggle. To come back to civilization is to have convenience. As we dig to make the goal to the top, we’re all insignificant on the mountain. The mountain doesn’t move for anyone. And each year, it seems bigger than we remembered it. Climbing high mountains on a bike is a high calling. I hear it in the distance. And I’m drawn to it.

I am the walrus, Hoodoo-da-doo Ever ridden 519 miles in 2 days or less? Me neither. But I have ridden with a strong cyclist from San Diego who will be tackling this feat this weekend in Utah. Oh, and a minor detail: 30,000 feet of climbing awaits. Let’s put that into perspective. The Race Across...
How to drop 4kg Would you attempt Mont Ventoux or Alpe d’Huez with a bowling ball stuffed in your jersey’s back pocket? I didn’t think so. Neither would I. The thought makes my kneecaps ache. Lumbar vertabrae, too. The painful reality of extra weight at the start of the year prompted Project 1 Stone....
Recovery I’m flying. I’m invincible. I’m stronger than ever. New personal best on the way, for sure. Possible sub-10 hours on one of the 10 toughest rides in America, Climb to Kaiser. It’s what I’ve worked for in 2009. More than 3,800 miles and a quarter million feet of climbing all...
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New roads Riding the same routes too many times can turn any chance for exploration into the routine. If you’ve memorized the number of traffic signals on your favorite loop, it’s time to rethink “the program.” Roads less traveled are the perfect elixir for cycling rejuvenation. Do you need new paths, training...