Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pipeworks Bike Club Rides Shasta Super Century
Recently three of Sacramento Pipeworks bike club's strongest, most intrepid members (Dan Weintraub, Nicole Dolney and Will Harris) rode the grueling Shasta Century. Though not as well known as the notorious Death Ride, Shasta is actually tougher – this Super Century features 16,500' of climbing over 135 miles as well as being a lot prettier, and a better first ride for those who are new to hilly, mega-century rides.
Will writes: "We got underway at 6AM, but 3.2 miles in, the bolt that held my saddle snapped. Nicole and Dan continued while I turned around, hoping to track down the right type of bolt sooner then later. Fortunately, the guy working bike tech support owned the bike shop in town. He drove back to the start, got the bolt from me, drove to his shop, and got back to me w/ a matching bolt. I was back on my bike after about 1.25 hours. I rode up the second climb, went down it, saw Dan and Nicole approaching, and so did it again w/them.
The weather was great--partly cloudy, a smattering of rain (just enough to cool you off), and light winds. Support was first rate, participants all really cool, mellow. And the ride finishes with a 14 mile descent that literally takes you to the place where the whole thing started--truly a great way to end it. The last climb is a long bitch, but with that finish, it makes it a memory pretty quick.
This is a great ride and there are all sorts of options for distances and elevation gains. It truly had a great vibe."
Dan added: "Yes, the ride ends with a 14-mile descent down a steady 6 percent grade. So what, exactly, immediately precedes that wonderful descent? Hint: I was wimpering and near tears at the top.
Actually, the Shasta Century is a fantastic event, with ride options to fit everyone's tastes. We should definitely bring a big Pipeworks group next year."
For more information on the Pipeworks bike club check out the Touchstone Bike Club site and the Touchstone Men's Race team blog. ¶ Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Recently three of Sacramento Pipeworks bike club's strongest, most intrepid members (Dan Weintraub, Nicole Dolney and Will Harris) rode the grueling Shasta Century. Though not as well known as the notorious Death Ride, Shasta is actually tougher – this Super Century features 16,500' of climbing over 135 miles as well as being a lot prettier, and a better first ride for those who are new to hilly, mega-century rides.
Will writes: "We got underway at 6AM, but 3.2 miles in, the bolt that held my saddle snapped. Nicole and Dan continued while I turned around, hoping to track down the right type of bolt sooner then later. Fortunately, the guy working bike tech support owned the bike shop in town. He drove back to the start, got the bolt from me, drove to his shop, and got back to me w/ a matching bolt. I was back on my bike after about 1.25 hours. I rode up the second climb, went down it, saw Dan and Nicole approaching, and so did it again w/them.
The weather was great--partly cloudy, a smattering of rain (just enough to cool you off), and light winds. Support was first rate, participants all really cool, mellow. And the ride finishes with a 14 mile descent that literally takes you to the place where the whole thing started--truly a great way to end it. The last climb is a long bitch, but with that finish, it makes it a memory pretty quick.
This is a great ride and there are all sorts of options for distances and elevation gains. It truly had a great vibe."
Dan added: "Yes, the ride ends with a 14-mile descent down a steady 6 percent grade. So what, exactly, immediately precedes that wonderful descent? Hint: I was wimpering and near tears at the top.
Actually, the Shasta Century is a fantastic event, with ride options to fit everyone's tastes. We should definitely bring a big Pipeworks group next year."
For more information on the Pipeworks bike club check out the Touchstone Bike Club site and the Touchstone Men's Race team blog. ¶ Tuesday, August 04, 2009
