I guess you could say Sunday, February 8th, was our first official “big outing” of the year.
January was pure winter freeze your face off with no hope of any window of opportunity to ride a bicycle out-of-doors. Thankfully, February opened with the promise of better cycling days to come. A few of the intrepid Andrew “Diet right” wannabees were ready and chompin at the peddles during the first week. Then came Saturday the 7th, and then Sunday at the ole HCC rendezvous!
We were the ChainLink Eleven -- Dennis, Bill, Marsha (We believe that was you underneath the black mask.), Steve, Bill, Paul, Richard, Dave, Chuck, Mike and Andrew with camera in tow for the group photo. Nice pic of the goofy cyclocross snow pile climber, Andrew.
We rolled out a nice leisurely early season pace down Pearl City Road to Van Brocklin. Once around the corner, friendly Sunday riders started falling off the back when a frisky fella on a recumbent challenged a couple uprights. Was that really a head wind? I was too busy gasping for air.
Our ChainLink Eleven cleaned Casey’s General Store out of all their coffee, cocoa, and other human propellants for the return trip. Now we really relished the wind at our backs. Marsha (Our Masked Lady) pulled us back to Freeport in good fashion.
Ahhh, Spring is just around the corner. Maybe.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Glories of Gravel and Old Steel Bridges
We are blessed with an abundance of paved scenic cycling roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. Many stretch south and west from the village of Stockton through Massbach, Mount Carroll, Savanna, and Hanover. They also extend west northwest through Woodbine, Schapville, Elizabeth, and Galena.
Stockton has been home base for my favorite playground this season as we continue to explore challenging roads in the company of fabulous scenery.
I had been riding my Salsa Las Cruces cyclocross bicycle on road tires, although this versatile bike’s standard kit calls for narrow knobby off road tires. In autumn color with the 2008 season drawing to a close, I felt it was time to strap on the knobbies and explore the roads less traveled.
On a mild November Saturday, we started in Stockton from Northwest Eyecare’s Clinic and rolled west to Golf Road and south to Center Road. Center goes gravel just past the north junction of Massbach Road. It wasn’t long before we’re in “driftless” country untouched by ice age glaciers and graced in bucolic splendor.
Before Woodbine, we turned southeast on Eden Road for a climb up Baugh Road. This road is a gem you won’t visit on road tires. Still with knobbies, the Salsa was challenged up steep gravel.
A cyclocross bicycle combines the lightness of a sporty road bike and approaches the terrain versatility of a mountain bike. The drop handlebars provide more comfortable hand positions, and the drivetrain is geared to gobble hills. My Salsa was built up by Ron Mattson at Freeport Bicycle Company who finished it off with beautiful set of tough DT Swiss wheels.
Riding in the forest along Baugh Road, you are treated to long views through the trees on either side. At the intersection of Baugh and Brown Roads, a grand panorama spreads out ahead. When riding over these ridgelines, The Cream’s Jack Bruce sings in my head, “She’s gone, but I don’t worry, cause I’m sittin on top of the world.”
We turned south on Brown Road then slid off the high ridge to Bethel Road and west into the valley. This is a long glide followed by a steady peddle up to Terrapin Ridge. My large chain ring has 48 teeth and mates well to long easy grades like this. But there’s feisty finale on the approach to Route 20 compelling Las Cruces’ lowest gear.
Once across busy Route 20, and over Terrapin Ridge, you’ll scream down Becker Road into the Apple River valley. Like the run up, the steep descent soon moderates and you'll cruise easily into the woods before arriving at Apple River Road. Here, we'll turn west up to Elizabeth over a crescendo of rollers.
The most direct way through Elizabeth is to turn right on Route 20, and follow that around the corner. Route 20 forks to the left, ride straight ahead on Main Street down Georgetown Road.
Georgetown Road shortcuts across Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and intersects with Longhollow Road. Along the way, you’ll traverse the Apple River on a rickety old “Pony Truss” steel bridge. This is one of the few remaining steel spans over the Apple River. It was built around 1890 to a length of 200 feet and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Sadly, this span is endangered, and its condition is ranked by Bridgehunter.com as follows: “Inspection (as of 03/2008) -- Deck condition rating: Fair (5 out of 9)--Superstructure condition rating: Critical (2 out of 9) -- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9) --Appraisal: Structurally deficient -- Sufficiency rating: 14.6 (out of 100)”
We were cautious not to catch a tire in the split planks and avoid being pitched into the Apple River. Once across, we exhaled a sigh and headed out of the valley over Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and down Longhollow.
Just before the Equestrian Center, we turned right on Clark lane which climbs in spurts to a high ridge at the eastern edge of the Galena Territories. Clark Road continues over to Rawlins Road, but we turned right on Wachter Road and left on Morley Road to bypass the huge climb up Rawlins to Elizabeth Scales Mound.
Often, we have returned to Stockton across the ridge through Schapville. But today, our knobbies pointed Las Cruces down Menzemer Road in search of more gravel.
On our decent beneath Schapville, we followed Menzemer to Hoffman Road. Continuing south and east to Grebner Road we rolled south across a wide concrete deck which until recently was an old steel trussed bridge spanning the Apple River. Surely, as funding permits, these old bridges will disappear forever.
Back in the Vallee de la Pomme Riviere, we turned left on Apple River Road east into the gravel towards our second old bridge crossing. This 143 footer was also built in 1890 and is classified as a “Through Truss” design. Bridgehunter.com says the May 2006 inspection yielded similar dismal results. “Deck condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Superstructure condition rating: Serious (3 out of 9)-- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Appraisal: Structurally deficient-- Sufficiency rating: 18.4 (out of 100).”
Before these old steel bridges head to the scrap yard, we’ll cross ourselves, light a candle to the Blessed Virgin, and ride happily over these delightful old spans.
Once over Old Steel, you may turn left and continue up Apple River Road to Scout Camp Road. But in search of new gravel, we went right on Welsh Road following that over to Scout Camp. From here, we jogged north on Scout Camp and continued east into a pretty valley on Welsh Road. Eventually, you emerge to a Tee at Logemann. Avoiding Route 20, turn left on Logemann and right on Townline back to Canyon Park Road. From there, it’s south to Binkley and over the Big Binkley Bonk back to Stockton.
Bridges, a Bonk, and a whole lot of gravel along the way. A cyclocross bike is a huge kick to ride as you explore the really rural roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. We increased our repertoire of routes and improved our riding skills. The Salsa Las Cruces has been a Really Outstanding Investment.
Stockton has been home base for my favorite playground this season as we continue to explore challenging roads in the company of fabulous scenery.
I had been riding my Salsa Las Cruces cyclocross bicycle on road tires, although this versatile bike’s standard kit calls for narrow knobby off road tires. In autumn color with the 2008 season drawing to a close, I felt it was time to strap on the knobbies and explore the roads less traveled.
On a mild November Saturday, we started in Stockton from Northwest Eyecare’s Clinic and rolled west to Golf Road and south to Center Road. Center goes gravel just past the north junction of Massbach Road. It wasn’t long before we’re in “driftless” country untouched by ice age glaciers and graced in bucolic splendor.
Before Woodbine, we turned southeast on Eden Road for a climb up Baugh Road. This road is a gem you won’t visit on road tires. Still with knobbies, the Salsa was challenged up steep gravel.
A cyclocross bicycle combines the lightness of a sporty road bike and approaches the terrain versatility of a mountain bike. The drop handlebars provide more comfortable hand positions, and the drivetrain is geared to gobble hills. My Salsa was built up by Ron Mattson at Freeport Bicycle Company who finished it off with beautiful set of tough DT Swiss wheels.
Riding in the forest along Baugh Road, you are treated to long views through the trees on either side. At the intersection of Baugh and Brown Roads, a grand panorama spreads out ahead. When riding over these ridgelines, The Cream’s Jack Bruce sings in my head, “She’s gone, but I don’t worry, cause I’m sittin on top of the world.”
We turned south on Brown Road then slid off the high ridge to Bethel Road and west into the valley. This is a long glide followed by a steady peddle up to Terrapin Ridge. My large chain ring has 48 teeth and mates well to long easy grades like this. But there’s feisty finale on the approach to Route 20 compelling Las Cruces’ lowest gear.
Once across busy Route 20, and over Terrapin Ridge, you’ll scream down Becker Road into the Apple River valley. Like the run up, the steep descent soon moderates and you'll cruise easily into the woods before arriving at Apple River Road. Here, we'll turn west up to Elizabeth over a crescendo of rollers.
The most direct way through Elizabeth is to turn right on Route 20, and follow that around the corner. Route 20 forks to the left, ride straight ahead on Main Street down Georgetown Road.
Georgetown Road shortcuts across Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and intersects with Longhollow Road. Along the way, you’ll traverse the Apple River on a rickety old “Pony Truss” steel bridge. This is one of the few remaining steel spans over the Apple River. It was built around 1890 to a length of 200 feet and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Sadly, this span is endangered, and its condition is ranked by Bridgehunter.com as follows: “Inspection (as of 03/2008) -- Deck condition rating: Fair (5 out of 9)--Superstructure condition rating: Critical (2 out of 9) -- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9) --Appraisal: Structurally deficient -- Sufficiency rating: 14.6 (out of 100)”
We were cautious not to catch a tire in the split planks and avoid being pitched into the Apple River. Once across, we exhaled a sigh and headed out of the valley over Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and down Longhollow.
Just before the Equestrian Center, we turned right on Clark lane which climbs in spurts to a high ridge at the eastern edge of the Galena Territories. Clark Road continues over to Rawlins Road, but we turned right on Wachter Road and left on Morley Road to bypass the huge climb up Rawlins to Elizabeth Scales Mound.
Often, we have returned to Stockton across the ridge through Schapville. But today, our knobbies pointed Las Cruces down Menzemer Road in search of more gravel.
On our decent beneath Schapville, we followed Menzemer to Hoffman Road. Continuing south and east to Grebner Road we rolled south across a wide concrete deck which until recently was an old steel trussed bridge spanning the Apple River. Surely, as funding permits, these old bridges will disappear forever.
Back in the Vallee de la Pomme Riviere, we turned left on Apple River Road east into the gravel towards our second old bridge crossing. This 143 footer was also built in 1890 and is classified as a “Through Truss” design. Bridgehunter.com says the May 2006 inspection yielded similar dismal results. “Deck condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Superstructure condition rating: Serious (3 out of 9)-- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Appraisal: Structurally deficient-- Sufficiency rating: 18.4 (out of 100).”
Before these old steel bridges head to the scrap yard, we’ll cross ourselves, light a candle to the Blessed Virgin, and ride happily over these delightful old spans.
Once over Old Steel, you may turn left and continue up Apple River Road to Scout Camp Road. But in search of new gravel, we went right on Welsh Road following that over to Scout Camp. From here, we jogged north on Scout Camp and continued east into a pretty valley on Welsh Road. Eventually, you emerge to a Tee at Logemann. Avoiding Route 20, turn left on Logemann and right on Townline back to Canyon Park Road. From there, it’s south to Binkley and over the Big Binkley Bonk back to Stockton.
Bridges, a Bonk, and a whole lot of gravel along the way. A cyclocross bike is a huge kick to ride as you explore the really rural roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. We increased our repertoire of routes and improved our riding skills. The Salsa Las Cruces has been a Really Outstanding Investment.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Santa Fe Century
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.
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, 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.
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