This was one of my first bike stories I started to write and capture my memories. If you have read the later years you will notice I have adopted a style, my style, after figuring out how to write my journals for me to remember in my later years.
Greeting Goofball-ers’
“Is this guy good or what?”In case you are joining me for the first time I want to welcome you to a story that is true to my heart. For you veteran readers, enjoy another year with me. This is the third year and the third story that I have written about my adventures with The Courage Classic Tour. I hope you have some time to sit and enjoy my story. Grab a drink or whatever your fancy and let me bring you into a world, my world, of bike riding.
Heat
July 15, 2000
Thump (pause) Thump
Thump (pause) thump (pause) thump.
I could hear my heartbeat, but very shallow and slow this morning up in Leadville, CO. Standing at the starting with my Motobecane and my parents watching me start The Courage Classic 2000 was a good feeling. Maybe a good feeling is not what I exactly meant, but a nice feeling. Can you believe the is the third year that I am standing in the morning light with my bike high up in the Rocky Mountains beginning the heart of my endeavor. The heart of my endeavor meaning the Courage Classic Tour.
This year I did not spend the night in Leadville in my Camero, but decided to sleep at home then leave early in the morning to Leadville. I basically left Denver 5:00 in the morning with my parents driving this time. I was not alone.
We arrived in Leadville about 7:30. My Dad helped me unload at the Leadville high school and helped me carry my camping gear to the Ryder moving Trucks. My mom stayed at their truck until my dad finished carrying my gear.
I asked for a camping gear tag and got some flak. Flak is not what I wanted. I was about to argue, then I just stopped. ::smiling:: Yes, I can shut up. I went inside the high school and began the registration process.
All riders are required to watch a safety video on biking. Very helpful to the newbies, but a nuisance for us seasoned riders. Once the video is finished you get a piece of paper indicating that you watched the video and then you are able to start the registration process. Very straight forward - sign a waiver, then give the required donation before you can ride. Next you get you maps, general information and bag of goodies. Then, the last table - the returning riders gifts (Courage Classic Logos) and T-shirts. Since I am a returning rider for the third year in a row I get a hat and water bottle, plus the T-shirt of course. Next year I get a biking jersey - yah hoo. Not just a biking jersey, but a jersey indicating that I am a fourth year rider. I am so looking for to that.
Finally, I left registration and headed up back to the table where I started the morning on a bad mood. I said give me my tag ::stern look:: then gave up my bags. My dad and mom were there and I saw the truck was still parked in the offloading area only. I told him to go ahead and park and I will not leave. Me and my mom walked around the high school and that is where the action was. The starting area was still packed with riders, but most of them left at 7:00. The time was about 8:00 and I still had to try and eat something. I had a yellow frosted twinkee in Silverthorne, CO, but bleach!
Before going to breakfast, I needed to change into my biking shorts, so I headed to the port-o-potties. Thankfully the Courage Classic is not discriminating like the MS 150 was the prior week.
Flashback - A week before this tour I did the MS 150 tour and that was the first time I saw port-o-pottie discrimination. If you raised a lot money for the MS you got special privileges. One of the special privileges I was annoyed with was the MS 150 use of port-o-potties for the high rollers. Only the high roller riders were allow to use those high roller port-o-potties. I do not know the ratio of high roller riders to non-high roller riders, such as myself, but the ratio has to be low. After getting annoyed with not being able to use those special port-o-potties - I thought more about it. ::laughing:: How much sweeter can you make a port-o-potty? Yes, there were hardly any lines at any of them, but that’s the only major advantage. Maybe there was Charmin instead of Scott toilet paper. Maybe there was pourporri? I do not know. Oh well. ::shrugging:: My loss ::smiling::
So, as I was standing in line with other riders using the restroom - I heard my name being shouted. I heard my name, but I actually did not think I was the Daryl being mentioned. I looked around just to be sure, then I heard and saw the shouter from the other port-o-potty line. ::huge smile:: I really smiled and that just lifted the bad mood from me entirely. Deathrider and the One-Arm Bandit were just opposite of me. Another year gone by, but old friends never-the-less. I am not sure what a friend really consistutes. But, my definition between me, Dan, and Dave we are old friends.
Granted, this is the only time that I see those two friends I feel like I knew them all my life. Two year back when Dan first talked to me on my Motobecane, which I only called “her” my bike, I knew that I met someone who had character. Last year, I kept an eye for them and then I saw them at lunch on the first day. This year I saw them before starting The Courage Classic.
Who is Dan? Dan. Dan is who I might be in the coming years. Married with two daughters (one who is on her third marriage) and late thirties. Dan has attitude, charisma and not bashful about striking up a conversation with anyone. He definitely has stories to tell and makes you laugh. He also has a deep laugh which is unique. Athletically, he is better than me, but this year I was able to compete. I was able to see that we both started at the bottom of Vail Pass in Vail and when I got to a certain point I see I was only 17 riders behind him. I was behind and I could see the yellow jersey in my sight and I kept that as my goal to catch up to him.
Who is Dave? I know very little about him. Dave inspired me in a way I can not explain the first year I saw him. Why? He only has one arm - hence, why he is the One-Arm Bandit. When I saw him the first year - I was stunned. Handicapped, but far from sitting back and watching life go past. Last year, I saw him riding... oops he rode past me while we both were climbing Loveland Pass. Dave’s legs were spinning those Mountain Bike pedals like the devil was on his ass. Yes, he past me. I think, that is reason why I trained so hard this year. ::laughing:: And I found out that he is a smoker - a chain smoker is what Dan said.
I got done changing then saw both of my parents waiting for me. I lead them to the breakfast tent and I grabbed some oatmeal and juice. We talked very briefly then we all headed to the starting line. I got several pictures of me at the starting line. Did I say the morning was just so-so? Well, surprisingly enough my attitude changed around in thirty minutes or so. I bid my dad and mom goodbye and meet me here in 3 days around noon.
::shaking head in disgust:: I forgot my walkman batteries in my dad’s truck and I had no batteries in my walkman. I could not believe. I have many miles in front in me and no tunes. My concentration was now going to be on edge. In my training I always, always listen to music. Yes, sometimes the music is too much and I will turn off the tunes, but only for a bit. I was bothered, but what still bothered me was trying to make up time to get to the 10:00 deadline to take the century option. I had the will, but time was very short. Funny thing was if I did not make the cutoff I was not going to pissed off. The time with my parents I had the more matter more than me bragging. Yes, I know that might surprise some of you readers, but yes sometimes I do care about something more than my biking.
Three years in a row and I still feel exhilarated about biking from the starting line. I am on an adventure and I am out to prove to myself that I have what it takes to climb the Rocky Mountains. I was about 3 miles out and I heard a voice from the past. ::smiling:: Well, ok maybe only a week ago. I heard her from behind me and ask if I was the same person who “did not want to be a pie” at the MS150. I turned my head around and saw Laura. What are the chances of seeing Laura again. We chatted for a few then I let, yes I let, her go in front of me. I was still trying to find my rhythm.
Mile 10 - Tennessee Pass - Took me ten miles to find my groove. I headed to the port-o-potties and ran into Laura once again. I walked tall with Watto on top of helmet and embellished the looks and pointing. Sometimes I need an ego boost for me to do what I do best. Spotlight is one of the things I crave when I am riding. I want to be remembered. I took off my windbreaker and then proceeded to make up lost time.
The great thing about today was that this year I was going the opposite way from the past two years. Instead of going south on highway 24 I was going north. North and basically downhill all the way to the town of Minturn, near Vail. Being at 10,404 feet the weather was cool, but the sun was out and shining. I got into the hardest gear and got rolling. Being on of the last riders out this morning there was not too many riders. That helped me. I gave myself a good focus. I focused on catching the rider in front of me. Nothing like internal competition with myself.
As I was descending down Tennessee Pass I found out that I had no brakes. ::laughing now:: I had an “Oh I am fucked” looked on my face. I was going 30 mph plus downhill and I no brakes. ::laughing:: I got over that situation real quick and focused on the turns and road. Funny how aware I became to me riding with no brakes down Tennessee Pass and I still had Battle Mountain ahead.
Mile 19 - Camp Hale - Aid Station - I said ::gruffly:: “C-ya” to the Aid station and kept on biking. I had some water and I still was behind schedule.
Mile 22 - The base of Battle Mountain. I was ready to tackle the beast. Well, not much of a beast, but enough to make beginner bikers make a frown on their face. ::smiling:: Oh yeah, I was going to climb the south side of Battle Mountain and I was going to show my stuff. I got into gear, yes literally, and proceeded the climb. I sort of imaged the Mountain like my climb on Tour Diablo and climbing out of Devil’s Gulch. I did good. Only one rider passed me to the top, otherwise I was hitting dingers out of the ballpark.
Mile 25 - Top of Battle Mountain - I reached the top, but again I did not stop. There is a view, but I never have and probably never will stop at the peak of Battle Mountain. Time to face my fear. My fear of crashing. again. This time I was going downhill and I was going down fast and with no brakes. I knew there was two sharp hairpins and I would have to be Fred Flinstone in his rock car. ::edgy:: Not shaking or worried, but edgy. I did want to crash again like I did in April of this year. No, and I mean no, riders passed me going downhill. I was holding onto my bike with some focus. Rough roads. I kept on looking behind me to see if any vehicles were close behind me. None.
Mile 30 - Minturn - I rode through town and I was looking at all the bars I saw. Nothing. I slowed my paced down and realized I did not make the deadline for the century option. I was about 30 minutes pass the deadline. I stopped at the junction and looked at the century option. I asked the guy who was directing us riders if we could still try to do the option. He took a good look at me and said yes, but the Aid Station would most likely be closed before I reached them. I cogitated for a few minutes. Do I want to risk the chance of reaching a closed Aid Station? Was going the extra distance important for me? Why? Why not? I looked so long at the century route and let out a deep breath and headed East onto the normal route toward lunch and the finish line. ::head still high:: I was not ashamed for not reaching or doing the option route, but disappointed. Biking through Vail was nice. I was once again passing all the riders that I passed coming down Battle Mountain and Tennessee Pass.
Mile 37 - Lunch Station - The sun was out and shining and I saw riders everywhere. I grabbed some lunch (potato chips, sandwich and 2 cans of Coca-Cola) Yes, I asked if I could have two cans of Coca Cola. ::smiling:: Got the chance to talk to a fairly good-looking woman. I scanned the crowd of bikers and recognized no one. I looked for a familiar face or sunglasses, but nothing. I saw a rider who was sitting alone and invited myself next to him.
Not a funny thing, but being on the Courage Classic for Children’s Hospital makes me feel like I have a second family. I and not shy about talking to anyone or being afraid of anyone. I can strike up a conversation with no one I know and talk to them like I knew them for years. I have met new people every year and this year is no exception. His name was John and he is a teacher up in Fort Collins and his wife is a volunteer for the Courage Classic. Me and John chatted for a few and then I spotted Dan and Dave once again. I waved them over and we sat and chatted also.
Dan and Dave had no desire to take the option route. They were just biking. I do not know how I got ahead of them, but somehow I did. I think that me, Dan and Dave talked for about 30 minutes. We mostly talked about our accomplishments and what we were going to do for the rest of the year and the next year. I also learned the name of guy that was in a photograph that the four of us had together last year. Pat. I never knew his name. I ate pretty good and drank my fill. We all departed and headed for “her”.
“She” was waiting for us and damn if I was going to let her get me off my bike. “She” is Vail Pass. There was only one section of Vail Pass I was concern with. A steep incline about 50 yards long, I think. I paced myself from lunch for about 3 miles then Dan and Dave showed up. I bike with Dan for a bit then I dropped back and biked with Dave. When I dropped back Dan took off. ::laughing:: I could not believe what he did. I asked Dan if this was normal. Yes. I said later to Dan and gave myself a challenge. To catch up to Dan. Possible, but very unlikely. I kept his Jersey in sight and I kept up a very nice pace. My lunch that I just ate did not seem a factor for me.
I was truly amazed on how many riders and how good I was mountain climbing. This best shape for me ever and I saw the possibilities for next year. I was starting to lose sight of Dan, but I still kept passing riders. I passed a water station. I did not need the water, but fresh water would of been nice. I then saw a photographer. ::smiling:: Yes, I had to look good. =) I saw one rider in front of me and I did not want him and me to be in same photo. I dropped into a lower gear and pedal with authority. I passed the rider in plenty of time and got my picture taken of me. ::laughing:: oh yeah. (a week later I found out that Dan was only 17 riders ahead of me)
Still climbing the Pass. From Vail to the top of Vail Pass is roughly 20 miles long. I reached the part where I was concerned. I dropped into an easier gear ratio and started the climb. I felt good. No thought of getting defeated on this part. I passed a couple of people walking their bikes and a couple on their bikes, but no one passed me. ::humble look:: I did have somebody follow me for a few, but I shook him loose. I then reached a part where about 20 to 30 riders were climbing in a group. Oh yeah! I dropped a gear to a bit harder ratio and made my move. ::content look:: I passed them like they were standing still. What a feeling. No one was even trying to make a move behind me. I attacked that stretch of bike path with all those riders with finesse. And you should of heard me talking and yelling - “On your left” and “On your Lefts”. I had to plural left even though not PC. ::smiling::
Mile 52 - Black Lakes - Aid Station - I came to this Aid Station on a full sprint. I decided to practice my finishing sprint for Monday. No one was close to matching my sprint. Actually, I bet no one cared to do so. For all I know, they think I might be a pedaling fool. with some toy tape to the top of his helmet. ::laughing:: Oh let them laugh, but it is I who is laughing last and in front. There was no question to what I needed to do next. I headed over to the bike repair tent and got my brakes fixed. They look at my bike and then looked at me and gave me the “what the hell” look. I did not have to say a thing - I smiled... well I think I had a smirk and shrugged my shoulders. Motobecane got her brakes fixed and we were ready to coast down to the finish line. The reason why I had to get the brakes fixed was I going downhill from Vail Pass to Copper Mountain on a bike path. The bike path has many turns and acting like Fred Flinstone around every turn would not be good for the soul....::smiling:: oops sole.
Descending was alright. Nothing to report. Nice scenery.
Mile 57 - Copper Mountain - Finish Line - I passed under the finish line. My time was awesome.
I checked with the info booth and asked if the campsite was in the same spot as last year. Yep. I went to campsite and saw my spot from last year. Unoccupied. ::raising hands in victory:: I dragged my camping gear (two waterbed comforters, pillow, and waterbed liner) and was once again set up in under two minutes. Three years straight - I am P-R-O-U-D (Damn Straight) to say I was the only one who slept without a tent. ::laughing::
Tonight was the 11th Anniversary Dinner Party for The Courage Classic Tour. Every registered bicyclist was invited to the dinner and the feature of the menu was Salmon. I showered and then headed for dinner at the lodge.
I was alone going to dinner and was alone for a few minutes at the table I chose. Soon, I had other people join me - Brad, Lisa, Kristine, John, John’s wife. I got to Dinner about 4:30 and I did not leave dinner until 9 that evening. We all exchanged stories with each other and learned more about each other. Brad was a firefighter, Lisa is a student in Fort Collins, but lives in New York, Kristine works p/t at Children’s Hospital & actually lives about two miles from me in Littleton, and John is the same John I met at lunch from Fort Collins. Go figure. His wife was actually the first one at the table and then by chance John was her husband. What are the odds.
We also talked about the riders who took the century option today. Apparently, the afternoon showers came in and caused havoc. Hypothermia and extreme lightening strikes halted the century riders. Some of them had to be SAGged to the finish line. I guess I should count myself lucky. I could of been the one being SAGged or the one wrapped in towels and blankets fighting off hypothermia. ::relieved look::
Me, Brad and Lisa were camping so we were waiting the rain out. The rain started falling about 3 that afternoon and did not let up until 8:30 that evening. Kristine had a condo and she actually invited all of us to sleep with her ::shaking head no:: no not like that. She had some room - two extra beds and couches and room and only herself in the condo. I declined politely. even though I wanted to be dry. My thing with The Courage Classic is that camping without a tent is an honor for me - stupid, but I am the only one who does. As I explained to Brad, I was like a taco. ::grin:: To sleep like that is something that is a part of me and something I can remember and why I enjoy doing the Courage Classic.
9:30 PM - The Chapel - I already had my sleeping outfit on - Jeans, Sweatshirt, biking gloves and ski cap. I nestled in my makeshift tent and closed my eyes. I was wondering how Natalie Merchant concert was in Winter Park this evening. I so wanted to go, but my duty is to the Courage Classic. Natalie is my favorite singer and I would do anything for her, but not this time. I had to do century tomorrow and a late night with Natalie could ruin my chances. I missed the century today, but I could not, I repeat, could not missed doing a century tomorrow. I fell asleep with a tune of Natalie in my head since I had no batteries for my Walkman, and that was that for the day
End of Day One.
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w-i-t-h-u-t-m-o-s-t-s-i-n-c-e-r-i-t-y
Daryl
aka CalSeti
Greeting Goofball-ers’
In case you are joining me for the first time I want to welcome you to a story that is true to my heart. For you veteran readers, enjoy another year with me. This is the third year and the third story that I have written about my adventures with The Courage Classic Tour. I hope you have some time to sit and enjoy my story. Grab a drink or whatever your fancy and let me bring you into a world, my world, of bike riding.
July 16, 2000
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Waking up is hard for me to do when I am sleeping outdoors and roughing like the way I choose during the Courage Classic. I really did not want to get up and basically get undress to ride. ::shaking head:: Everything was wet. Luckily my bike seat was covered with a plastic grocery bag so it would not get wet. I changed quickly, chattered myself to a more awake status and got my bike rolling up to the start/finish line.
As my daily yearly ritual, I went to stretch in silence and contemplate the canyon of cold to Frisco. I loathe the canyon. because the ride is all downhill in the morning and it is cold. And if there is any sort of breeze you can feel the cold to your bones.
Many thoughts were already in the noggin. I have to do the century option - no if, ands, or buts. I looked at the map prior to coming up to the Tour, but I still can not get the image of how far Fairplay is away from Copper Mountain and then I have Hoosier Pass to to climb twice. Once going to Fairplay and then coming back to Copper Mountain. I am not sure if I have done that before. “That” meaning going up a mountain then going down the other side then going back the same way up and over. I had to be strong, but also not even let the idea of being SAGged enter my mind.
The morning was overcast and riders were already leaving one after another. I got my water bottles filled, checked everything, adjusted Watto on top of my helmet and started the day. Roads were wet and so was the bike path. I did not start with a pack of riders just a few of us spaced out a bit. I soon started the descent into the canyon.
Not bad at all. Even though the morning was overcast and the ground was wet, to be blunt, the ground was soaked from all the rain from the day and night before I was not cold, cold. Just cold. I was grinning and bearing.
Mile 7 - The first rest stop - I was wide awake know. Amazing how fast I can wake up when going through the canyon of cold. I immediately made a bee line to the snack table and grabbed a handful of oranges and some raisins. I munched and ate, but not with any vigor or thought. I am not on the meal plan so I was unable to attend the breakfast this morning. Of course, I could of paid for the meal, but I think you know me by now. Not. I know how to rough and hang tough ::grin:: I really did not hang out too long.
Mile 8 - Started the climb up to Breckenridge. This is a pretty long climb about 8 miles long. Gradual, but a climb never-the-less. The sun was starting to peak through the clouds, but more clouds threaten to cloud up the sun. Wind was also picking up a bit blowing north as we rode south. Once again, I sort of rode alone. No one to follow or no one was following me. I was passing riders, but a few riders were also passing me. I was being cautious of my energy since I knew I had the century option to do.
Mile 16 - Breckenridge - Aid station - ::smiling:: This is my aid station. This is where my Credit Union is going to be helping out. I saw one the people I knew working behind the snacks. I said hi and bye real quick. Grabbed some more oranges and some of that ::shaking head:: yummy goo. The Aid station was pretty busy. I took off my jacket and got ready to go for the option. From Breckenridge the riders have the choice to do the option until 9:30 or go ahead and head back down the road to Swan Mountain.
Mile 18 - Outside Breckenridge - I have to admit there were quite a few riders going on the option. According to the map I got, Breckenridge is at 9,603’ ft and to the top of Hoosier Pass is around 11,500’ ft. The funny thing that I noticed on the map is that the steepness of the route is basically the same on both sides of Hoosier Pass. With that in mind I made sure I keep track of how steep the road was and how long. Reason being that in case what I rode up was too much, then I can decide to only go the top and then head back to Breckenridge without going to Fairplay. Yes, I was already thinking that way, but I did not want that to happen.
Mile 24 - Side of mountain - This is where the steep climb began. I was doing ok so far. The sun was gone and replaced by the clouds. Riding up the mountain you can occasionally smell someone burning wood. A nice smell of someone probably having a nice fire going and warming up the room and me - I am cold, but warm in my heart. Silly ::laughing:: but, yes, I was warm in the heart. Just feeling good overall. So far, the Courage Classic has treated me well. On the way to the top I passed a group of riders, not part of the tour, but actually on their own - crossing America.
They looked no different from me, EXCEPT on how much gear was on their bike and on some of the other bikes they were pulling little bike trailers. These trailers were loaded with stuff. I could not imagine riding with that gear to the top of any mountain pass. Most of them were barely pedaling, but pedaling they were. I was not in awe, but I was impressed. I have thought about doing a ride across America, but not actually thought, thought about doing. These riders looked no different from me. No super looking calves, or rough looking bunch, but people like me or even yuppish looking.
I also saw a couple of week old aid stations from the Red Zinger race. One of these days I might do that race. I think I read or heard the prize is $ 5,000.00. Damn, this race seems grueling to me. All in one day and strict time cut-off. I do not know much, but email me about it and I can tell you what I know. Ask me about how they eat - ::stunned look:: I was very fucking awed. No guts no glory. Or maybe You snooze you lose. Enough of the Zinger and back to the Courage Classic.
Mile 27 - Top of Hoosier Pass - What a view and also cold. I put back on my jacket and looked around. A good hard look. I could not believe where I was. A new pass for the Courage Classic and she was a beautiful sight to behold. To the Southeast, you could make out the central plains and then to the northwest were more mountains. I could see the sun shining down on the plains. Meanwhile, still overcast up on top of the pass. I grabbed some fig newton bars and water.
I stayed for a few minutes. ::thinking:: Yes, or no? Coasting back to Breckenridge would be nice, but going to Fairplay would be nicer.
Mile 39 - Fairplay - ::nodding up and down:: The sun was out and the wind a blowin a bit, but other than that nice weather indeed. Warm. Oh yes, who is the man!? ::standing tall:: Who ist da Man! ::laughing:: I was here in Fairplay and standing in dog shit! ::laughing:: Yes! Standing in some warm mushy dogshit! LOL. ::bent over laughing:: I could not believe this. Believe me I acted cool. No one was really around so no one noticed what I did. And then the smell came into my nose. Shit. That is what I was in and that is what I was definitely smelling. ::trying to control my laughter:: The smell was bad. I walked away from the mess and scraped my sole across the grass and wiped my feet back and forth. I think I did a pretty good job. Although it took a few wipes across the grass to get the “stuff” off and then I headed back to the aid area. I grabbed a couple of peanut butter sandwiches and filled my empty water bottles and found a little spot to eat and drink.
::laughing:: Then, I started to laugh hard quietly. A little girl was near my unfortunate misstep and smelled the shit. “Mommy mommy I smell do-do.” ::laughing hard:: too funny. funny. “It stinks Mommy” “euw” LOL. I had to look away, but I could hear the little girl still talking about the “do-do” Then, the mom smelled it cause I heard her also. I was dying there. I got up and dumped the rest of the sandwich got on my bike and laughed myself out of Fairplay. LOL. I think that is the only thing that I will ever remember of Fairplay, besides the option of the Century. ::wiping brow:: Damn, still funny to me. I was not even mad for stepping in the “do-do.”
Mile 43 - a small town - Making the climb back up Hoosier Pass. Heading back up to the top I only saw a few riders heading down to Fairplay. I also saw the riders across America group. All that weight was paying off. Flying down the mountain, but not too fast.
Mile 51 - Top of Hoosier Pass - I liked coming up this side of the mountain. Nice and even, or gradually climb from the bottom. Actually I thought the route was short, but I know that was all in my head. Didn’t stay at the top, but continued down the hill to Breckenridge. I rode down with concentration and some fancy riding on the curves.
Mile 62 - Breckenridge - I was all alone and I was not sure I was on the route. I was riding through town which was a buzz with people and crowded with traffic. I kept following Hwy. 9 and then I saw a couple of riders and I felt at ease once again. What a mess Breckenridge was in the afternoon on a Sunday.
Mile 67 - Swan Mountain Road - Sun still shining bright and I stopped at the Aid station at the base of Swan Mountain. Slim pickings of snacks since I was one of the last 10 riders to pass through. With Swan Mountain in front of me, I had about a 2 mile climb of steep riding.
Mile 69 - Top of Swan Mountain - Not too tough. That was the last tough climb and the rest of the miles were going to be cake.
Mile 71 - Bottom of Swan Mountain - A bit downhill then a bit uphill to Keystone.
Mile 74 - On bike path - Everywhere I looked there were water puddles. Did it rain? Or the sun never did come out until now? ::shaking head:: Oh well. I got my picture taken once again.
Mile 76 - Keystone - Lunch - A few riders and a few folks. Still plenty of lunch for us long distance riders. I had a couple cans of coke and a big lunch. I sat and ate on the bench near the ski train stop. Enjoying the sun and thinking how proud I did Hoosier pass twice. Up and over and back and over. Everything from here on out is basically downhill and flat until I get to the canyon from this morning. Then, I heard from a Volunteer that, it has been raining all day here and the sunny just broke through the clouds over an hour ago. I was lucky, she said, to have done the Century route. ::grinning::
Mile 90 - Outside Frisco - Not really much to tell. I had the bike paths to myself except to the regular everyday people and/or tourist. Still a sunny day.
Mile 100 - Copper Mountain - Finished and I did what I expected to do. A 100 mile century in the Rocky Mountains. ::standing tall:: Oh yes, I now have more things to boost my ego and brag about. I felt good and nothing better I was looking forward to a hot shower.
I had just reached my campsite near the chapel and then I saw Lisa or she saw me. Not sure who saw each other first. She had her foot cast on. She had finished up a while ago and her foot was starting to bother her so she had to put the cast on. I can not remember why she was wearing the cast though. Talked for a few minutes then said good luck to each other and she said congratulations on doing the Century. I saw the thanks in her words and said good-bye til the next time or next year.
After cleaning up, I headed to the Copper Commons and looked around a bit for a place to eat. Then, I remember I had to have a drink to the King. Sure enough the King was still in the same place. I ordered a Dos Equois,a meal and paid tribute to my yearly custom. Shitty service this year and the bar waitress sucked big time. No tip from me, I gave it to her relief. Meanwhile, the rain was falling outside.
I left about an hour later still raining and I headed back to my area. I crawled quickly into my taco and laid there for while. You know the sound of raining falling outside your window? Nice sound. Right? Well, rain falling on your waterbed liner makes an awful sound. Time was only 5 PM and I was not ready to go to bed yet. I got up, made sure that no rain would seep into my sleeping taco and left for the Copper hotel. I then saw Dan and Dave having a drink at one of the bars. I said hi. We talked for a few, then we all decided to go somewhere and get something to eat and drink! One place was too pricy eat at. Then, the other was too packed, so, we then went to a small place, bar, and got something to eat there. Nice place so to speak.
Me, Dan, and Dave talked throughout dinner and learned more about each other. Can you believe that Dave is a smoker. A heavy smoker at that. I was blown away. I guess he even hides his smoking while at the Courage Classic. ::laughing:: I just couldn’t believe that. The last thing we talked about was next year’s Courage Classic. Dan said he most likely will not be doing the tour next year, because he wants to another tour and that means money is going to be tight. I am pretty sure Dave will go with Dan. I said I will be back for another year. I have to get me a free bike jersey next year. ::holding arms high:: Woo hoo. I do hope to see them again next year, because if I don’t I will miss them. Miss them a lot. Granted, I only get to see them three days a year, but I feel that I have a strong bond of friendship with them. They are part of the reason why I like doing the Courage Classic. Serious riders, but definitely not stiff serious. They know how to have fun and could care less what other people are doing, in a manner of speaking. You might someday read this email and if you do. Thank you for all the memories you have given me and thank you for listening. And thank you for letting me find out that I do not have to be trying to get across the finish line first. One of these time I will do the beer stops with you =).
As I was getting ready to go to bed. I hear someone lifting my waterbed liner. There was Brad, just checking to see if I was Ok and basically to make sure that I was doing ok. I said you bet. ::thumbs sorta high:: Actually, I was beginning to hate all this steady rain. Just rain. Never in the past three years have I encountered so much rain. Brad said goodnight and so did I.
Not much of a night, but I sure did sleep through the rain this time.
End of Day Two.
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w-i-t-h-u-t-m-o-s-t-s-i-n-c-e-r-i-t-y
Daryl
aka CalSeti
Greeting Goofball-ers’
In case you are joining me for the first time I want to welcome you to a story that is true to my heart. For you veteran readers, enjoy another year with me. This is the third year and the third story that I have written about my adventures with The Courage Classic Tour. I hope you have some time to sit and enjoy my story. Grab a drink or whatever your fancy and let me bring you into a world, my world, of bike riding.
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July 17, 2000
Darn was I cold this morning. I was not chilled to the bone, but I was cold. I guess maybe from all the rain and wet ground and grass. I sorta dragged myself out of my “taco” and hurried up to get changed. I was not the first one packed this morning this year, but I was the fastest one again, to get packed. Oh yeah. Under a minute, watched my blinking digital clock while I packed. Boom! The sun was shining, but unfortunately the sun was not yet shining into the Valley. When you looked up you can see the light and I knew that I could feel the warm of the sun on my legs. I had a goal to leave at 8 AM, but I left the starting line at 7:45 AM. I could not wait any longer. I had to get the blood pumping in veins.
Mile 0 - Copper Commons - Today is going to be the easiest day of the whole tour. One mountain pass and a little jaunt around Turquoise Lake. I had a jacket on, and I left my bicycle pants with my biking gear. Little did I know that was the mistake that nearly cost me big time. I would regret that decision until my parents arrived at the finish line.
Mile 4 - Aid Station - Freemont Pass-Bottom - A lot of traffic this morning, but I did not let that stop me and guess what?! I got my veins working and my objectives came to light. I was going to kick ass and some pretty ass at that on this beautiful morning. I grabbed a couple of oranges, ate quickly and left to tackle Freemont Pass.
I was a fucking machine going up the mountain. I was passing riders and sparing no expense to me savoring my energy. Forty Five miles for is nothing and I had no worry about conserving strength. And I did not. Eventually, I caught up to a rider who was doing the same as what I was doing. I kept pace with him, but made no move to pass him. I wanted to see what he was made of and to see if he was going to toy with me. Well, to say the least, I knocked that dinger out of the park. When I past him, he had to get off his bike and catch his breath. ::deep laughter:: hah hah hah. I am the man! After I left him no one came close to matching my pace. The sun was shining, but now the clouds had started to come out from nowhere and starting to build up. Already, I could not believe this.
Mile 11 - Freemont Pass - (11,318’) Getting windy and then to the southwest I could see some rain clouds. I did not pay no mind, because it was still early morning and the rain usually does not come until the afternoon. I got my picture taken near the top of Freemont pass. Once again I made sure no one stole my thunder. Only enough room on a picture for a rider like me. ::huge grin::
Mile 26 - Leadville - The sun was gone once again, the sky was overcast and the wind was picking up some gust. The field in front and behind me was pretty thin. Coming down the south side of Freemont pass was uneventful. I was just concentrating on not wrecking and going as fast as I can.
Mile 27 - Turquoise Lake Option - Yep, I took the option. Not even a question about not taking the option. Also, Brad had just passed me while going to one of the many little hills around the lake. He said hi and bye and see ya later.
Mile 32 - One of the top little summits around Turquoise Lake. I really do not think about how big Turquoise Lake is, until I start riding around her. The weather took a turn for the worst. The sun was peeking through the cloud cover, but I saw the rain clouds coming over the mountain just west of the Lake. Ugly.
Mile 35 - Bousted Tunnel - Aid Station - The wind was blowing and sun was still peeking out from the clouds. I stayed at the aid station for about 5 minutes or so. I had nowhere to be and I was shooting the breeze with 6 other riders. Then the rain clouds were directly over us. Time to pack it up and get our asses in gear.
Mile 42 - The Sprint - This is the part I enjoy the most on the tour. This is where I show off to myself and see how all my bike training did for me. ::smiling:: Oh yeah, I drop a couple of gears, reached a bit inside of myself and got my legs to pump those pedals. not much of a group, but I did manage to pass about 16 riders or so and a tandem.
Mile 44 - The rain begins to fall - ::laughing:: I was actually laughing out loud. I beat the rain, the tour, the riders, and the thing I love doing the most.
Mile 45 - Leadville High School - Three days later and I am home again. I was looking for my parents, but I did not think that they would be there, since I told them I should be at the finish line at 12:00 or 1:00. I was early. I crossed the finish line for the third time and received my medal. My beautiful medal.
I dropped my bike off the near the finish line and went to grab some BBQ. And BBQ I did grab. I loaded up on everything. Chips, beans, hot dogs, hamburger, Ice cream, pop, and salt & pepper. The wind was blowing and the rain was falling. I was getting cold and there was nothing I could do about it. I went to one of the two tents and picked an area near some people. I was starting to shiver and I needed some warmth.
I ate while I saw the other riders come across the finish line and to the tent. The rain was getting worst and the wind was blowing the rain into the tent. The weather was getting chilly. The tent was getting packed and everyone was close together trying to get warm. There was the woman next to me who we both put our leg together to feed off each other’s body heat. I saw other riders changing into sweaters. Meanwhile, I had a light windbreaker and my biking shorts on. I was still keeping an eye out for my parents while I ate my lunch.
I heard other riders talking about riders getting SAGged to the finish line. Team Courage eventually showed up. Twice in two years ::smug shivering look:: I beat them. Of course, my thoughts are to the riders who are currently on the option around Turquoise Lake. I could not imagine what they are going through. The rain was falling heavy and steady and the wind was blowing. I wonder if some of them had to be SAGged against their wills?
::Standing tall and alone:: Even with this woman’s leg pressing against my leg, I was still alone. Among the throngs of riders I still could not help to believe that I was alone. This sort of alone was not bad, but a good alone. I share my victories, but rarely do I share my victories right there with someone. A personal victory for me is a personal victory just for me. I know that might sound conceited, but you have to understand me how much that victory means for me. I will eventually share my victory as I do now, but only until I savor every bit.
I saw my dad, and I flagged him down. Meanwhile, my teeth were chattering away. I could not stop. I was cold. I grabbed my bike and misc. stuff and we headed to the yellow Ryder moving vans where my camping gear was waiting for me. I got a few finishing pictures of me then I quickly got into my parent’s truck. I turned the heat up and put a blanket over my legs. ::shivering:: I really was cold. I eventually stopped shivering when we got to Silverthorne. I do not realize how close to hypothermia I might of been. Close Baby, close.
Three years in a row and I am already for the fourth year. And this time I qualify for a free bike jersey with a special logo indicating a fourth year rider. I did not see Dan or Dave at the finish and I do not think that I will see them for two years unless we happen to run into each other on another bike tour. This time I did not look back at Leadville or the starting line. Mainly, I was shivering cold, but also I think this is the last time I come to Leadville. I am sure that they will have to move the tour since they did not sell out this time. If I do get the chance to come back to Leadville, I will be a happy camper and return to the area where my birth of a cyclist began.
I have one last tour to entertain you readers with, The Moonlight Classic. I finish up the bike season with a midnight ride. I am still able to accept any more pledges for the Courage Classic until August 5, 2000. I am only making this tour story available to people who pledge. I have entertain you readers with quite of few stories this year for free. Unfortunately, I had to make a decision for me and to make some pledge money for the Children’s Hospital. So, thank you for your donation. Stay tuned until next year. Eventually, I will let the people who did not pledge any monies read this, but not until later.
w-i-t-h-u-t-m-o-s-t-s-i-n-c-e-r-i-t-y
Daryl
aka CalSeti
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
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