2007 Death Ride

Ride Report 7/19/07 – Death Ride 2007 (Markleeville, CA)

You probably could call the Death Ride the Grand Dame of organized rides. For shear one day climbing volume its right up there. I suppose the Climb to Kaiser or the Everest Challenge could be considered comparable, but where else do you have the opportunity to suffer with 3,000 fellow riders. In preparing for this event I combed the web extensively for descriptions and guidance, Volumes have been written, but in the end nothing could of really prepared me for this great experience. I did it with a good friend Hans who in the months leading up to the ride shared many long days with me training and talking about what was to come. He'd done the ride in 2006, but failed to make the cut-off time for the final climb. This year he was determined to go all the way as was I.

Our plan was to start riding around 5:30 am. We crawled out of bed at 4:00 and were on our way to Markleeville around 4:30 am. Of course all 3,000 riders pretty much had the same game plan so when we rolled into the outskirts of town hundreds of cars and trucks were already parked and off loading. We ended up down the hill, just north of Turtle Rock Park where we’d checked in the day before.

I recall the temperature seemed to be in the mid fifties so I had on only a base layer under my jersey and light arm warmers. I knew I could get rid of the stuff at the Monitor rest stop. Since it was still dark we strapped on some lights and were off up the hill around 5:45 am. Riders were swarming onto the road from all directions. It was quite a sight. I was definitely excited and a bit apprehensive about the whole thing.

The ride down through Markleeville to the bottom of Monitor was a mix of free wheeling and some slight climbing. Riders were everywhere, all shapes and sizes. Lot’s of smiling faces and general joking about, stuff you’d expect when embarking on what for most of us would be a challenging and perhaps utterly exhausting day.

We encountered our first cheering section, complete with a cow bell, on the left turn up Monitor. The sun was by this time well above the still hidden horizon so lights were no longer a requirement. The pace up was very relaxed. I wanted to take it easy, but still found myself passing gobs of riders. I’m no Richard Virenque, but the mix at Death Ride is so broad that if you’re in relatively good condition you spend most of your time in the climbing fast lane.

Early on I dropped Hans. He’s a big guy at 6’ 3” and 190 pounds so he takes the climbs at a more gradual pace. Of course he more than makes up for it on the descents where he can clock almost 70 mph without even breaking a sweat.

At points along the climb you could gaze up or down the road and witness this huge, continuous chain of riders in all their multi colored splendor. For a first timer it was really quite a sight. At one point I was suddenly swarmed by what I can only describe as a pack of biker jocks. A Webcor guy was in their mist and for no apparent reason they suddenly book ended me from all sides. One came around on my left and basically cut me off with his back wheel to the point where I had to swerve to avoid a crash. All the while they were just chatting along apparently oblivious to the presence of other riders. I guess the LA freeway mentality is alive and well wherever you go.

Almost before I knew it I was at the top and the first rest stop. I got my first pass sticker and then went to drop off my base layer, arm warmers and light as well as grab a few snacks. The place was pretty much a zoo and next year I will not bother stopping. I then remounted and rode on to the true summit. The road sort of meandered around a bit and then headed down into the valley. So here was my first real big Death Ride descent. I decided to stay conservative. There was lots of down hill and uphill traffic. I was passed several times, but didn’t let it bother me. The view was spectacular and the hill seemed to go on forever.

As I approached the bottom the road enter a kind of a ravine of sorts. You had to slow down as it hair pinned along the side of the hill. One more section of descent and I hit the second rest stop. Another zoo. I had to pee so I stopped and spent time in one of the porta potty lines. I also took the opportunity to grab a few more Clif bars, a banana and some gel as well as top off my water bottles. Again, next year I’ll sufficiently stock up on food to allow me to just turn around and start back up the hill. Not so much for the time wasted, but more to get further ahead of the pack to better enjoy the ride.

Monitor Summit

The climb up the backside of Monitor was interesting. The road going up was obviously packed, but the constant stream of descenders made it unique. At this point in the ride the pack of 3,000 hadn’t really had a chance to spread out, so the road was bustling all around. As with the back side I just paced myself, staying out of the red zone. I passed through the famous running water boy station, but had no need to use their services.

As I approached the summit for the 2^nd time the group was finally starting to thin out. It had taken the two climbs to get us spread out. I stopped to get my 2^nd pass sticker and then headed on to the descent. At the top there were still some riders coming up so I had to keep an eye out. However, on the downhill side I was almost alone. As I reached the steeper section I basically let it all hang out. It was very exhilarating and I enjoyed every moment of it.

At the bottom was the left hand turn that takes you to Ebbet’s. Once again the local cheering section showed their appreciation as I passed by. Now I was basically on the road Hans and I had traversed two days earlier. There’s something about riding a road you’ve traveled before. Being such I was able to meter my effort. The climb brought the pack together, but I found I was able to steadily pass huge numbers of folks. I was close enough to the front by now that I only encounter a handful of descenders on the way up. The temperature was still relatively cool and I was comfortable all the way to the top.

As I reached the summit a received by 3^rd pass sticker and headed down. This time the descent was through a heavily forested area, as opposed to Monitor which was fairly wide open for most of its course. It too was fast, but not as fast as the backside of Monitor. There were quite a few riders coming up. When I reached the bottom I definitely needed to stop and refuel. The temperature was climbing and I was starting to feel the four or so hours it’d already spent on the bike.

After my bottles had been refilled I headed back up. It was definitely getting hot and I probably should have been pounding the liquids. I stayed out of the red zone though and was back at the summit in short order. I stopped only long enough to grab my 4^th pass sticker and down I went. I did not need to stop for anything.

The traffic coming up Ebbet’s was horrendous. I felt sorry for all those poor souls slogging up in the rising heat. There was no way I would be able to enjoy the descent, but I did open things up when it was safe. I wandered in and out of various groups as I wound down the hill. I reached the lunch stop and dismounted. It wasn’t really that crowded and I actually took the opportunity to sit down and enjoy my lunch. A PBJ sandwich, some chips and other stuff I can’t remember. As I looked around, folks were starting to look a tad haggard.

After resting for no more than 20 minutes I went and retrieved my bike and headed down the road to Markleeville. Along the way a fellow rider pulled up next to me for a chat. He’d apparently had some mechanical problems on Monitor and had had to pull out of the ride. I expressed my condolences, but didn’t feel too chatty in that the miles and temperature were starting to hit me.

As I pulled into town a large crowd had gathered and sent up a rousing cheer as I passed by. I couldn’t help myself and sat up to blow my adoring fans a few kisses. I really appreciated the encouragement at this point. Things were definitely starting to deteriorate for me.

After Markleeville there was a set of rollers that ran for several miles before the left onto 88. Along the way I started pouring water over my head. It felt great and gave me a boost. At the turnoff I pulled into Woodfords rest stop. They were offering hose downs and I took them up on it. I also filled up my bottles with ice and water. The run up to Pickett’s Junction was pure hell. The infamous headwind had materialized and the temperature was soaring. I was definitely paying for not eating and drinking sufficiently throughout the day. I was passed several times by riders in far better condition than I. Some looked like they’d just stepped out of the Colorado Cyclists Catalog.

Final Push for Five Summits!

I pulled into Pickett’s and plopped down into a chair under the tents. A wonderful supporter had offered to park my bike and informed me that I had only a few more miles to go. I did a double take. How could I have just a few when I was only 99 miles into a 129 mile ride!?!?? Ahh, the return trip off of Carson back to Turtle Rock consumed the last 19 miles, how could I forget? The realization that the last summit was just miles to go boosted my spirits considerably. I slammed my last Gel shot and hopped back on the bike. More headwinds and then the climb up Carson. At this point I was running on pure determination. I had nothing left, but was thankful I could see my ultimate goal as I slowly worked my way up the incline.

I reached the top triumphant. It felt great. I rolled into the last rest stop and received my 5^th and last summit sticker as well as the five summit pin. The set-up was fantastic with kids running around offering popsicles to all takers. I debated lingering and then decide why not. I took a proffered ice cream bar and enjoyed every bite.

Now the return trip - I had heard that the Carson descent was the fastest and I soon confirmed it. I could have easily hit 60 MPH without even trying, but with the fatigue and ascending riders I felt it was not worth the chance of having something bad happen. I wound my way back down, passing the Pickett Junction rest stop. As I approached the turn off for Markleeville I was actually catching cars and having to slow down.

I made the right turn onto the home stretch. Boy did it hurt and the last climb to Turtle Rock added insult to injury. But I made it! I pulled into the park and found a place to dump my bike. I located the line to sign the five summit banner. What an exhausted crew we were. After I signed I found out that I’d finished will within the first 100, number 88 if I recall the count. Hey, not too bad I thought.

Inside they’d set-up an after ride feast, but I must admit I wasn’t too hungry. I ate a bit and then grabbed my bike to ride back to the car. I changed and then pulled one of the back seats out and set myself up roadside to watch the other riders. Hans rolled up about 3 hours later. We drove over to the park and he too signed the banner, having also completed five summits.

Boy was I sore. My rump felt pretty raw and I was seriously fatigued. Unfortunately the drinks being served had upset Han’s stomach, but by the time we got back to South Lake Tahoe I was starving. He graciously stopped at the local McDs and I loaded up on ¼ pounders with cheese, fries and the biggest orange drink they served. I gorged myself not caring what I was putting into my body. It tasted so good.

Sleep was not a problem that night and in the morning we packed up for the ride back to LA. My first ride behind me, I was very pleased and we both vowed to return next year.

For my first real organized ride, the Death Ride, from an organizational perspective was perfect. The amount of riding may have been ambitious, but I could not argue with the spectacle of the challenge. For next year my goal will be to complete it in less than nine hours and stay fed and hydrated.

Ride Stats

Total Distance: 127 miles

Total on bike time: 9:18

Average speed: 13.6 mph

Maximum speed: 51.5 mph

Total altitude gained: 14714 feet

Average grade: 5%