I think this was the second bike journal that I wrote for myself. Sort of written in one long paragraph, but still captures the heart of my writing that has evolved throughout the years.
Greetings Goofball-ers’ & Friends
Introduction
One tour finished and many tours yet to complete. This past Sunday, June 13 was Tour Diablo - a ride for the American Diabetes Association. The ride I chose was 75 miles (well actually 78.5 miles) long. There was the 25 and 50 mile route, but shit - that's an appetizer for me. Before I begin, I want to say thanks to Jeebus 2 and an old AOL-er, TerrBear55, including their two daughters, one son, two cats, one hamster and many of the the "Miller" moths around the house for their hospitality on the weekend of Tour Diablo. I was fed, provided shelter and slept in the highest bed I have ever been in, I think. =) I had a wonderful time catching up with what's been going on in our lives and to see, really see, Loveland, CO.
Sunday, July 13, 1999 Loveland, Colorado - Elevation ?,??0
"Walk in the Park"
Alien
Note: Before reading further readers - No disrespect is intended to any religious parties. My apologies to anyone who is offended. Remember you do not have to read anything you do not want to. All views expressed are mine. Thank you.
Now getting back to the story, Tour Diablo was only a day long event and the Start / Finish line was located in Loveland, CO. My route included a "nice" climb up to Estes Park and back. The morning was overcast and a bit windy and yes - a little cool. I think I might of also set a world's record ::evil grin:: What's that you wonder? My nipples were hard for about 6 hours straight, I think. =) Would that not constitute a world's record?! Or does some Goofball-er have a better record? Alright, well I began my ride with the music I began with in the Courage Classic Tour last year - A little Titanic, Squirrel Nut Zippers, WASP, Natalie Merchant, etc. I estimated I saw about 100 of us riders, but on the 75 miles route I think I only saw 20 to 30 riders and about half of them past me. I kept a steady pace then kicked into gear when I began the climb to Estes Park. Our route took us on the back roads and through a part called the Devil's Gulch. With the name Devil's Gulch - yes I expected something rough. In the beginning of Devil's Gulch I thought to myself this is "a walk in the park", but then I past this very small town called Glen Haven and rode around this turn and 'lo & behold I saw why and how the Devil's Gulch got the name. I saw a hill climb which I knew had to have taken some souls (riders) off their bike and made them walk to the top, or maybe in a religious way, made them walk to Heaven instead of riding to Heaven. Note: No disrespect to anyone and my apologies if I offended anyone to my own references. The climb was practically straight up and the grade had to be at least 15 % - there were to two switchbacks, but the switchbacks were only 15 yards long - not much of a break. I estimate the climb was a mile and a half to two miles long and yes the climb to the top was well rewarded with a view of the Colorado Mountains looking down upon Estes Park in the distance and snow here and there. I nearly gave up and got off my bike twice on the Devil's Gulch climb, but I fucking kept cranking the pedals and overcame Diablo and the "hell" of his Gulch. Well, after that climb was a 5 mile ride to Estes Park and I finally saw the Stanley Overlook Hotel. I could not enjoy the Hotel as much as I wanted to, but to actually see the Hotel in person was incredible for me. All my life I wanted to see the Stanley Hotel and yet, I only viewed the Stanley for as long as a minute then I turned my back on the Hotel and headed down to Loveland. I thought I would be able to coast all the way down, but a head wind was blowing up from the Eastern Plains into the Mountains and I practically had to pedal down the mountain. By the time I got to the bottom of the mountain I had traveled 66 miles and had 12 miles to go. Mostly flat, but a little hill (5 or 6 miles long) I knew I had to get over. I still had the strength, but getting dehydrated. I managed, but about five riders rode past me in those 12 miles. I got to the city limits of Loveland and I rode "like a bat out of hell" and sprinted, cause I knew there was a barbecue waiting at the finish line. Ok 6 hours and 20 minutes later I crossed the Start / Finish line. No one was there to clap or say good job or anything of the sort. I dropped some of my biking gear off at the car and then went over to the barbecue. No line I saw ::smile:: and asked what they had to offer. Hamburger and Chicken. I repeated what I heard in disbelief and added "that's it?!!!!?!?!?" She nodded yes and then I shook my head and said give me two hamburgers. She said no. ::disbelief look:: I said what !?!??! I got.... er was getting mad.... I rode 78.5 miles and all I get is one hamburger (Note: this Hamburger was also sad looking - about the size and look of a McDonald's Hamburger, but with only Mustard packets, Ketchup packets and grilled onions if you wanted some - no lettuce, pickles, red onions) and, of course, all the chips I can eat (At least the Lays Brand) . Ooooohhhhh ::a mean ohhhh & peeved look:: I was wise though, I hope, and kept my mouth shut even though I wanted to complain while I danced and jived my anger. I raised $100.00 well actually I paid $100.00 total (donations) to Diabetes and what I wanted was a barbecue encompasses - not just one hamburger. I accomplished what I wanted to, but greatly disappointed in the barbecue. This may seems something small, trivial, but it is important for many of us long distance riders to replenish the nutrients / calories within an hour of a ride and a hamburger only replenishes a very small portion of what was "burned" on our ride. All in all, I am glad I did Tour Diablo and I want all of you to know I did the Tour for me, but also for Songbunny. I know very little about Diabetes, but if you have questions I can give you general info & web Site Info, but Songbunny, I think, knows a whole lot more than I know. If you wish to donate you may still do so. Email me personally and I will give you the details.
Author's Note
January 10, 2001 - Looking back at this particular tour this was the first time I was peeved at a bike tour. As you have read by now, I hope, I was furious at the BBQ. One single hamburger. Gosh. Even thinking about it now I am getting pissed off again. Let me leave that alone - case closed. Other than that I am glad I got to ride in a first annual bike tour. I am going to try to stay with this tour year after year. A pleasant ride and I also get to visit my friends up thar yonder. Loveland seemed to me a peaceful town with a nice view of the Mountains and the Eastern Plains. The route was fabulous. I enjoyed the bike climb up into the Mountains from Loveland. The thing that I remember the most and also enjoyed was the climb out of Devil's Gulch. What a climb and I DID NOT EVEN GET OFF MY BIKE. I was in awe when I saw the climb and I immediately knew I had been challenged by the biking gods. Barely pedaling up the steep grade, but vowing not to get off and walk my bike. I would contemplate getting off, then I would will myself another turn of the pedals. I also remember a couple of ladies about 50 yards or so from the top saying that I was almost to the top and giving out congrat's and thank you's. When I got to the top, I then realized that I was in the second gear ring instead of the first gear ring. Yes, I had easier gears to use, but I already thought I was in the easiest gear. Nevertheless, I made the climb and that is what counts in my book. As a reward for myself for that climb - I bought my favorite cycling jersey to date. A yellow jersey with flames on the front sides, then a big red drawing of the head of "Diablo" on the back of the jersey. Absolutely my favorite jersey. Many people give me great comments on my jersey and actually respect me. Of course, that could be all my imagination. All I can say is that I have a very limited edition jersey. Enough said!
Thanks for listening and ,of course, until the next time....
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
