It has been well over a month since we rode the Santa Fe Century. Yesterday, we completed our lesser known but equally inspiring and aspiring Tour for Cancer Century here in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. So, it is time to catch up.
After a week of cycling in Northern New Mexico in preparation for the Century,
I drove down to pick up my race packet on Saturday evening, the night before. My confirmation number was 497. But 497 was nowhere to be found, so one of the fuzzy faced veteran organizers pulled out number 2800.
So, I’d guess that at least 2,000 riders rolled off the line at Saint Vincent’s Hospital on Sunday morning.
We worked our way along Zia Road towards the Turquoise Trail (Route 14) which winds its way through the Ortiz Mountains and the eastern slope of Sandia Mountain to Albuquerque.
The wind was out of the northwest as we glided south along Route 14 through the Ortiz and the old mining town of Madrid (pronounced Mad Rid). This is the colorful hippie art colony which captivated the producers of Wild Hogs starring John Travolta. Today the Harley’s were in the minority as we peddle pushers rolled through.
The climbs through the Ortiz are long and steady, and the road surface was in excellent condition. The Turquoise Trail is a vastly more scenic and relaxed way to travel between Santa Fe and Albuquerque if you have the time. And we had all day to enjoy the views as we rolled happily along at 26 mph. More than once, I was awakened from my mellow zone by a tandem flying by with eight or so bikes on its wheel.
Just south of Golden, we turned left on Route 344 and proceeded to chug up the biggest bump in the road. Heartbreak Hill kicks to 19% after a mile approach. I stopped at the top to visit with local Firemen supporting our tour and watched my fellow riders zigging and zagging up the steep grade. One gentleman protested that he was trying to save his knees. I pointed down at my 32 tooth cog and suggested he “get one of these.”
I brought my Salsa Las Cruces cyclocross bike out to New Mexico specifically because it is better geared, tougher, and aesthetically more suited to the Southwest than my Trek 2100. My dear old knees thanked me for it.
Once over the Heartbreak, Route 334 winds its way down through the pinon and juniper trees into the flatlands. It jogs back west to Cedar Grove and drops down to Route 472. From there we headed dead east on the flats over to Route 41. This is sparse ranch country on a broad plateau. In spite of incessant cranking, there were few vehicles and many opportunities to draft behind other riders.
On our way north from Stanley to Galisteo, the snow capped Sangre de Cristo mountains rose up. In the distant Northwest, the Jemez Mountains were majestically framed by dark rocky mesas in the foreground. Such vistas are the reason this Century ride is so special.
In the midst of all this grand scenery, the village of Galisteo was a welcomed rest stop after four hours in the saddle. In contrast to the tin roofed frame bungalows in Madrid, Galisteo is a typical New Mexican settlement where adobe abounds. It is soft and friendly with art galleries and a very nice bed & breakfast. I vote this best rest stop.
We rode north of Galisteo to Lamy and turned left on Route 285. After a long climb up through the huge Eldorado development to Interstate 25, we commenced the most uninspiring section of this Century. We rolled along a very wide shoulder on I-25 with cars pulling campers and boats and trucks roaring past. It was time to tune it all out and hammer back to the finish at Saint Vincent’s Hospital.
The Santa Fe Century was the grand finale to a beautiful week of cycling in Northern New Mexico. Santa Fe is a bike friendly town, and for the most part, the residents are courteous towards peddling turistas.
Early on Monday morning after a great big juicy steak at the Bull Ring (courtesy of darling daughter, Katie), we hopped in the Passat Wagen and drove straight through to the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. It took me three days to recover.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Via Cundiyo My Darling
Last May, we rode a very smart looking Eddy Merckx carbon fiber bike up to the serene El Sanctuario de Chimayo northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. (See Pilgrimage to El Sanctuario de Chimayo.) This year we were back in Santa Fe in preparation for their famous Century ride.
We arrived on Mothers’ Day Sunday and spent the afternoon visiting with mia madre, Dorise, e figlia, Katie. It was a day of celebration and acclimatization. The altitude in Santa Fe is 7,000 feet, and during the first couple days in the high country, one must demonstrate a certain amount of respect.
On Monday, Katie and her friend, Scott, treated me to a hike up the mountain trail above Rio En Medio in the high hills above Tesuque. Kate and Scott do a lot of hiking and snow shoeing in the mountains, so ole Dad tagged along pacing himself, enjoying the streams n waterfalls, and hoping the hike would benefit his days in the saddle.
On Tuesday, dad was back on the bike heading up the long hill from Nambe to Chimayo. But this time, instead of turning left down to Chimayo, I continued up NM 503. The road climbs in fits and spurts towards 7,000 feet and descends into a beautiful valley and the hamlet of Cundiyo. Then it’s back up 400 feet out of the valley. Once over the top gorgeous views spread forth in every direction before you scream down a series of switch backs into Rio Chiquito. I could smell the brakes burning in protest as I hung on for life, limb, and skin.
At Rio Chiquito, 503 joins up with Route 76 between Espanola and the hill towns along the High Road to Taos. As I circled back through Chimayo, I vowed to be a man and return to the big climb out of Rio Chiquito to Cundiyo.
New Mexico was bone dry from little or no spring rain when I arrived. But Wednesday showed the promise of precipitation in the west over Los Alamos and the Jemez Mountains. I set off towards the grey clouds and Los Alamos in hopes of riding a 30 mile loop around White Rock and Bandelier National Monument. You can begin this ride in Los Alamos or turn off NM 502 on Route 4 and park on the wide shoulder near the intersection of Route 4 and East Jemez Road.
The route rolls easily over to White Rock. Then you descend lazily to 6,200 feet and gradually climb back past the entrance to Bandelier about 12 miles to 8,000 feet before returning Los Alamos on Route 501. Just past Bandelier, it began to rain. Ahhh! Damn!
Oh well, it was still a great ride in spite of wet socks, etc. Too bad we couldn’t enjoy the scenery from Bandelier to Los Alamos.
The rain increased steadily from Wednesday night into Thursday. My legs welcomed a break, and we used the time to recon the Century Route. The thirsty desert came alive in the blessed moisture, and our dry dusty Tano Trail turned a quagmire in the steady rain.
Friday dawned blue, as the desert spilled forth fresh fragrance. It was time to become a man. We pursued a rite of passage reversing Tuesday’s ride in order to face the climb from Rio Chiquito to Cundiyo.
I again parked in Nambe just up 503 from the main highway between Santa Fe and Espanola. We began with a very smooth gradual climb from 5,800 up to 6,200 feet before dropping into Chimayo. El Sanctuario was full of tourists, so I continued up the road to Route 76 and turned right towards Truchas.
My plan was to loop back up on 503 at Rio Chiquito. But my legs felt fresh as the desert flora, and Truchas lay only 6 miles up the road. Actually, it was 6 miles and nearly 2,000 feet, as Route 76 rises in little fits and big spurts. For the most part, the local traffic gave me a wide berth as I trudged for Truchas.
This legendary Spanish settlement and Hollywood movie set perches on a high plateau beneath the tallest mountain in New Mexico. It is a safe haven for the decedents of the penitential Spanish conquistadors and a small colony of artists. Anna Kerin’s gallery is located in an old Spanish chapel just above the main part of town.
I walked into the old chapel and chatted with Craig Scogin who taught photography at the Art Institute in Atlanta. His work was exquisite (www.desertlens.livejournal.com) and another artist displayed very cool bells fashioned from old gas cylinders.
Riding down off the Truchas plateau is long and fast with the wind rushing through Frank Weldele’s custom fitted ear plugs. I smoked brakes on the approach to Rio Chiquito and turned left on 503. Suddenly it was wonderfully quiet and peaceful, time to collect myself for the knee buckler of the day. According to the GPS, the climb is a third of a mile culminating at 18%.
Now, we have the firm of Binkley, Gras, and Rawlins here in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois…..but not at 7,000 feet. It was a delirious thrill to master this climb, and be rewarded with a splendid aroma in the valley cradling Cundiyo.
Two 16% spikes out of Cundiyo, and I sailed down to Nambe ready for Sunday’s challenge on the Santa Fe Century.
We arrived on Mothers’ Day Sunday and spent the afternoon visiting with mia madre, Dorise, e figlia, Katie. It was a day of celebration and acclimatization. The altitude in Santa Fe is 7,000 feet, and during the first couple days in the high country, one must demonstrate a certain amount of respect.
On Monday, Katie and her friend, Scott, treated me to a hike up the mountain trail above Rio En Medio in the high hills above Tesuque. Kate and Scott do a lot of hiking and snow shoeing in the mountains, so ole Dad tagged along pacing himself, enjoying the streams n waterfalls, and hoping the hike would benefit his days in the saddle.
On Tuesday, dad was back on the bike heading up the long hill from Nambe to Chimayo. But this time, instead of turning left down to Chimayo, I continued up NM 503. The road climbs in fits and spurts towards 7,000 feet and descends into a beautiful valley and the hamlet of Cundiyo. Then it’s back up 400 feet out of the valley. Once over the top gorgeous views spread forth in every direction before you scream down a series of switch backs into Rio Chiquito. I could smell the brakes burning in protest as I hung on for life, limb, and skin.
At Rio Chiquito, 503 joins up with Route 76 between Espanola and the hill towns along the High Road to Taos. As I circled back through Chimayo, I vowed to be a man and return to the big climb out of Rio Chiquito to Cundiyo.
New Mexico was bone dry from little or no spring rain when I arrived. But Wednesday showed the promise of precipitation in the west over Los Alamos and the Jemez Mountains. I set off towards the grey clouds and Los Alamos in hopes of riding a 30 mile loop around White Rock and Bandelier National Monument. You can begin this ride in Los Alamos or turn off NM 502 on Route 4 and park on the wide shoulder near the intersection of Route 4 and East Jemez Road.
The route rolls easily over to White Rock. Then you descend lazily to 6,200 feet and gradually climb back past the entrance to Bandelier about 12 miles to 8,000 feet before returning Los Alamos on Route 501. Just past Bandelier, it began to rain. Ahhh! Damn!
Oh well, it was still a great ride in spite of wet socks, etc. Too bad we couldn’t enjoy the scenery from Bandelier to Los Alamos.
The rain increased steadily from Wednesday night into Thursday. My legs welcomed a break, and we used the time to recon the Century Route. The thirsty desert came alive in the blessed moisture, and our dry dusty Tano Trail turned a quagmire in the steady rain.
Friday dawned blue, as the desert spilled forth fresh fragrance. It was time to become a man. We pursued a rite of passage reversing Tuesday’s ride in order to face the climb from Rio Chiquito to Cundiyo.
I again parked in Nambe just up 503 from the main highway between Santa Fe and Espanola. We began with a very smooth gradual climb from 5,800 up to 6,200 feet before dropping into Chimayo. El Sanctuario was full of tourists, so I continued up the road to Route 76 and turned right towards Truchas.
My plan was to loop back up on 503 at Rio Chiquito. But my legs felt fresh as the desert flora, and Truchas lay only 6 miles up the road. Actually, it was 6 miles and nearly 2,000 feet, as Route 76 rises in little fits and big spurts. For the most part, the local traffic gave me a wide berth as I trudged for Truchas.
This legendary Spanish settlement and Hollywood movie set perches on a high plateau beneath the tallest mountain in New Mexico. It is a safe haven for the decedents of the penitential Spanish conquistadors and a small colony of artists. Anna Kerin’s gallery is located in an old Spanish chapel just above the main part of town.
I walked into the old chapel and chatted with Craig Scogin who taught photography at the Art Institute in Atlanta. His work was exquisite (www.desertlens.livejournal.com) and another artist displayed very cool bells fashioned from old gas cylinders.
Riding down off the Truchas plateau is long and fast with the wind rushing through Frank Weldele’s custom fitted ear plugs. I smoked brakes on the approach to Rio Chiquito and turned left on 503. Suddenly it was wonderfully quiet and peaceful, time to collect myself for the knee buckler of the day. According to the GPS, the climb is a third of a mile culminating at 18%.
Now, we have the firm of Binkley, Gras, and Rawlins here in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois…..but not at 7,000 feet. It was a delirious thrill to master this climb, and be rewarded with a splendid aroma in the valley cradling Cundiyo.
Two 16% spikes out of Cundiyo, and I sailed down to Nambe ready for Sunday’s challenge on the Santa Fe Century.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Jilly Does Da Mud
Dis is da mud Jilly will be runnin in on April 19th. Minnesota's version of April snow.
Good luck, Jillyfish!! Wear some old beat up shoes!
Good luck, Jillyfish!! Wear some old beat up shoes!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Ahead of the Season
Thanks to Carl "Chuck" Beichel for sharing last Saturday's ride to Monroe.
Saturday at 11:30 a.m. four hungry, cold “Chain Link Cyclists”walked through the door of Baumgartner’s, one of the must stops when visiting Monroe, Wisconsin. Chuck Beichel, Mike Perry, Dennis Robinson, and Chuck Garrett had just struggled their way through snow-pocked hills against a cold northeasterly to reach their goal: Baumgartner’s with its delicious bratwurst, cheese sandwiches and hot soups. They quickly stripped off their damp outerwear and got down to business. The food was great and the service quick. Beer sounded tempting, but the boys figured it wouldn’t serve them well for the 26 mile return trip. They guzzled water instead, for during the 32 degree trip they hadn’t consumed much.
The Chain Linkers had left Freeport at 9 a.m. and had taken the eastern route up Henderson, Bolender, and Schueyville Roads. Nothing but cloudy weather, hills, and cold hindered their progress until they found themselves winding through the wood that surrounds the intersection of the road and the Jane Addams-Badger State Trail. Two large patches of ice forced them to dismount and “skate” their way forward. Then, with a little friendly sunlight they rolled into Monroe and their goal.
At noon, as the Linkers redressed themselves in the outerwear, they looked forward to the helpful sunny sky and the encouraging northeasterly wind. They were delighted as the wind pushed them down the western route: County P, County HK, Hulbert, Damascus, Scioto Mills, Winneshiek and home. But being Ahead of the Season takes its toll. Fatigue and muscle ache set in. This was the first ride of the season for Lightning P-38 rider, Garrett, and Perry was on his new Bachetta for the first time! Riding his Trek Pilot, Beichel was struggling with neck and shoulder discomfort. However, the highly conditioned, competitive Robinson raced off easily in his typical fashion and left his fellow Linkers to their work. The three others slowed to a comfortable pace and arrived in Freeport at about 2:40 p.m. Goal achieved! The Chain Linkers wondered whether any club members had made this 55 mile trip earlier than March 15, the Ides of March. Certainly it was a ride far Ahead of the Season.
Saturday at 11:30 a.m. four hungry, cold “Chain Link Cyclists”walked through the door of Baumgartner’s, one of the must stops when visiting Monroe, Wisconsin. Chuck Beichel, Mike Perry, Dennis Robinson, and Chuck Garrett had just struggled their way through snow-pocked hills against a cold northeasterly to reach their goal: Baumgartner’s with its delicious bratwurst, cheese sandwiches and hot soups. They quickly stripped off their damp outerwear and got down to business. The food was great and the service quick. Beer sounded tempting, but the boys figured it wouldn’t serve them well for the 26 mile return trip. They guzzled water instead, for during the 32 degree trip they hadn’t consumed much.
The Chain Linkers had left Freeport at 9 a.m. and had taken the eastern route up Henderson, Bolender, and Schueyville Roads. Nothing but cloudy weather, hills, and cold hindered their progress until they found themselves winding through the wood that surrounds the intersection of the road and the Jane Addams-Badger State Trail. Two large patches of ice forced them to dismount and “skate” their way forward. Then, with a little friendly sunlight they rolled into Monroe and their goal.
At noon, as the Linkers redressed themselves in the outerwear, they looked forward to the helpful sunny sky and the encouraging northeasterly wind. They were delighted as the wind pushed them down the western route: County P, County HK, Hulbert, Damascus, Scioto Mills, Winneshiek and home. But being Ahead of the Season takes its toll. Fatigue and muscle ache set in. This was the first ride of the season for Lightning P-38 rider, Garrett, and Perry was on his new Bachetta for the first time! Riding his Trek Pilot, Beichel was struggling with neck and shoulder discomfort. However, the highly conditioned, competitive Robinson raced off easily in his typical fashion and left his fellow Linkers to their work. The three others slowed to a comfortable pace and arrived in Freeport at about 2:40 p.m. Goal achieved! The Chain Linkers wondered whether any club members had made this 55 mile trip earlier than March 15, the Ides of March. Certainly it was a ride far Ahead of the Season.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Cycle Antarctica
We had yet another Sunday among the drifts, as Andrew, Chuck, and Dave turned out at Highland College. This winter, any day you can get out on your bike is a special day. So the three amigos headed west up Saben Church Road on a favorite 30 mile loop
At points along the route, Andrew managed to snap a few photos to commemorate the ride.
This winter, we've been doing more drinking than riding. Our Thursday afternoons have been spent at local watering holes as we bemoan the continuing cold and snowy weather. Thankfully the Guinness at the Fieldstone and Eilerts has brightened our spirits.
At points along the route, Andrew managed to snap a few photos to commemorate the ride.
This winter, we've been doing more drinking than riding. Our Thursday afternoons have been spent at local watering holes as we bemoan the continuing cold and snowy weather. Thankfully the Guinness at the Fieldstone and Eilerts has brightened our spirits.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Team Freeport Attacks Tour of California
Led by our own Bill Leibman, Team Freeport went on the attack at the opening of the opening of the Tour of California.
Bill's son Chris lives in Palo Alto, which hosted the prologue this year. He managed to get his father and brother, Adam, into a charity event that ran just prior to the real race featuring the top US and European racing teams.
Rumor has it that Austana and Slipstream riders were distinctly agitated when they saw the Leibman boys go off the start. No professional wants to be upstaged by proletariats.
Click on the link below for news coverage of the prologue before the prologue. Team Freeport is about 10 minutes into the video clip and you can skip to that point once it loads – make sure your sound is on.
http://cbs5.com/video/?id=31332@kpix.dayport.com
Bill's son Chris lives in Palo Alto, which hosted the prologue this year. He managed to get his father and brother, Adam, into a charity event that ran just prior to the real race featuring the top US and European racing teams.
Rumor has it that Austana and Slipstream riders were distinctly agitated when they saw the Leibman boys go off the start. No professional wants to be upstaged by proletariats.
Click on the link below for news coverage of the prologue before the prologue. Team Freeport is about 10 minutes into the video clip and you can skip to that point once it loads – make sure your sound is on.
http://cbs5.com/video/?id=31332@kpix.dayport.com
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Sloppy Super Sunday
Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and for extra February fun, we planned a bicycle ride. After all, we had a new fender to try out, and the weatherman promised a sunny Sunday.
The weatherman turned on us, but we had our fender and the fresh air beckoned, so off we went to meet whomever at Highland College. That turned out to be none other than Andrew Soria, our intrepid cycling commuter. I was delighted to have Andrew’s company and not at all surprised to see him turn out on a day like today.
We headed west on Pearl City Road and angled down through Owl’s Glen to Loran Road. Though it was 25 degrees, the tailwind made for a very comfortable ride. Andrew is always one for good conversation, and he’ll ride any pace you please.
We followed Loran past Route 73 west up to Lott Road then turned south. Now the hills and wind made their presence felt. Turning back east on Saben Church Road, Andrew was ready to don his balaclava. Unfortunately my soft little Smartwool was home, but I had plastered my puss with olive oil testing an old Italian secret on cold weather skin protection.
Cycling alone in weather like this is a real pain and a bit foolish. Andrew and I switched off the front making a lousy situation tolerable. Our buddy system confirmed that any day riding outdoors beats riding inside on a trainer. Even spin class took a back seat to winter riding on this sloppy Super Bowl Sunday.
Thanks for the companionship, Andrew.
The weatherman turned on us, but we had our fender and the fresh air beckoned, so off we went to meet whomever at Highland College. That turned out to be none other than Andrew Soria, our intrepid cycling commuter. I was delighted to have Andrew’s company and not at all surprised to see him turn out on a day like today.
We headed west on Pearl City Road and angled down through Owl’s Glen to Loran Road. Though it was 25 degrees, the tailwind made for a very comfortable ride. Andrew is always one for good conversation, and he’ll ride any pace you please.
We followed Loran past Route 73 west up to Lott Road then turned south. Now the hills and wind made their presence felt. Turning back east on Saben Church Road, Andrew was ready to don his balaclava. Unfortunately my soft little Smartwool was home, but I had plastered my puss with olive oil testing an old Italian secret on cold weather skin protection.
Cycling alone in weather like this is a real pain and a bit foolish. Andrew and I switched off the front making a lousy situation tolerable. Our buddy system confirmed that any day riding outdoors beats riding inside on a trainer. Even spin class took a back seat to winter riding on this sloppy Super Bowl Sunday.
Thanks for the companionship, Andrew.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jillyphant's Winter Woes
We all have our woes in winter and especially when we are laid up with a cold or an ailment when we could be out in the winter sunshine on our bicycles. Here's a tale of winter woe from our own ChainLinkCyclists club president, Jill Whiting. Given the lousy road conditions of late, this is probably the best time to be off the bike.
"I am injured right now and so depressed. How did I get injured?? Would like to come up w/ a better story (climbing Nepal, on a polar bear expedition, even cleaning the bathroom) …but the real story – sitting in a car (for waaaay too long!) . I am ALWAYS telling KB my body has a tough time in a car – now I am really gonna be adamant about car rides. Started with a big bump on the back of my knee (I diagnosed myself (how’s that for scary!) with a bakers cyst….but then my whole knee blew up….now it’s my calf – elephant leg! And I’m getting a “cankle”! Sooooo painful. The doc checked that it wasn’t a blood clot (wasn’t) – but then just blew me off. So I called to go back (tomorrow 9:45 am) and I’m going to be much more aggressive. I’m hiking Grand Canyon in 3 months. I need my leg back!
Oh well, thanks for letting me whine (like you had a choice!)"
~ Jillyphant
"I am injured right now and so depressed. How did I get injured?? Would like to come up w/ a better story (climbing Nepal, on a polar bear expedition, even cleaning the bathroom) …but the real story – sitting in a car (for waaaay too long!) . I am ALWAYS telling KB my body has a tough time in a car – now I am really gonna be adamant about car rides. Started with a big bump on the back of my knee (I diagnosed myself (how’s that for scary!) with a bakers cyst….but then my whole knee blew up….now it’s my calf – elephant leg! And I’m getting a “cankle”! Sooooo painful. The doc checked that it wasn’t a blood clot (wasn’t) – but then just blew me off. So I called to go back (tomorrow 9:45 am) and I’m going to be much more aggressive. I’m hiking Grand Canyon in 3 months. I need my leg back!
Oh well, thanks for letting me whine (like you had a choice!)"
~ Jillyphant
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