Death Ride 2009 Report

The Death Ride is over...at least for this year. We had new participants to the ride - Anklai, Jed, Niel and Cici. This was Cici's first major long ride with major climbs and descents. JohnnyBoy drove Cici & I down to Markleeville for the start of the ride. Niel, Jed & Anklai started from the campground.

On the 1st climb up Monitor, near the top, Anklai & Jed caught up with me and we regrouped at the top of Monitor. They proceeded down the backside of monitor while I waited a bit for Cici. She never showed up; so I proceeded down the backside of monitor for pass number 2. The descent down Monitor is always a thrill. I hit 52 mph! The bike wanted to go faster, but I figured that was already fast enough. Down at the bottom, I scanned the row of bikes looking for Cici and could not find her. So off I went up the backside of Monitor. Two miles into the climb, I see her descending. Since this was Cici's first ride that involved major climbs and descents, I made it a point to be with her for the duration of the ride so I turned around and descended to regroup with her. During my descent I caught a glimpse of Niel heading back up Monitor. I regrouped with Cici, and we are off to Ebbetts.

While ascending Ebbetts, I see Anklai and Niel about half way up Ebbetts. Niel sheds his camelback and gives it to Anklai to bring down. We regroup at the top of Ebbetts & take a few pics. Cici has accomplished her goal of 3 passes, Niel & I coaxed her into going for 4 since she's already there. She agrees, and we proceed down to the Hermit Valley for the 4th pass. Niel immediately turns around, after receiving his 4th pass sticker, on his way to his last pass. Cici and I take a break; then march on to climb back up Ebbetts. Cici is pretty much near her limit. Hints of cramps are starting to show and she is forced to stop and rest. She is a trooper and makes it up to the top of Ebbetts where I have a cold V8 waiting for her and treat her to a massage. Since there was no line for the massage table, I decided that I could use one too!

We make it back to Markleeville where we are greeted by our cheering family and treated to some ice cream!

Congratulations to Anklai, Jed & Niel for doing 5 passes and to Cici for surpassing her original goal of 3 by adding 1 more!

Ready to go!

Jed & Anklai at Monitor

BobbyG & Anklai at Monitor

I finally found Cici!

Niel at the first water stop of Ebbetts

Cici at the top of Ebbetts

BobbyG at the backside of Ebbetts

After Cici was done...I couldn't resist!

Hmmmm....next years entry?