September 9-12 Last Chance 1200 - Day 4

Ride Day 4:
Byers CO - Boulder CO - 104 Miles
Profile:
Climbing: 1,844 Feet
Descending: 1,562 Feet

I arose at 3:00AM and dressed with my warmest clothes and full finger gloves as it was pretty cold. I left with two other riders, Robert Bruce and Robert Pogorelz. My right knee was very painful and it was hard to pedal. I was thinking that another 103 miles was going to be difficult. After seven or eight miles, the Aleve pain killer was kicking in and the knee was settling down as I was able to pedal again. Of course I lost contact with the Roberts and they were gone.

This last section had 33 turns that I had to make to reach the final checkpoint at John Lee Ellis’ house. I had the map out and was trying to pay close attention. I had enlarged the cue-sheet but my eyes would still not focus and I could barely read the turns.

Upon reaching Keeneburg, mile 691 I passed the two Roberts bicycles as well as a third one at a café. I reached Plattville the penultimate checkpoint with the Roberts close behind. I stopped for some solid food with Randy and Dave. Again it was a gas station burrito. Strange enough, these rolled up gems had been working well for me.

I headed out knowing the Roberts would be passing me soon enough. I headed west into a light rain for the three and a half miles to Road 19 and turned right. I continued until the road came to a “T” intersection. This was not correct. The directions said go five miles to Road 19. This was not five miles and this was not Road 19. I looked at the map again. Shoot! I was supposed to turn left, not right. I turned around and retraced my course until I was back on track. I knew the Roberts had made the correct turn and were several miles ahead of me. Oh well. To be honest I was a bit angry with myself as it was a stupid mistake made with tired eyes.

I finally pulled onto John’s street glad to see Randy, Dave, John Lee and the Roberts there. There were questions as to what happened. I told them my mistake and was just glad to be finished. I handed over my brevet card for the last time.

Before I could even sit down, I had my finisher’s medal draped around my neck and a smile on my face.

Since I like numbers.
754 miles in 81 hours 22 minutes (3 days, 9 hours, 22 minutes)
On bike time: 55 hours 17 minutes (13.64 miles per hour rolling average)
Off bike time: 33 hours 5 minutes (eating, sleeping, eating some more)
Total Climbing: 14,567 Feet


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