JDM pics and writeup

Nice write up on the Julian Death March, with pics. Thanks again to organizers and volunteers.

Redefining epic

My idea of an epic ride is an all-day outing in the backcountry, something like Tour De Noble [description gps]. Check out bikepacking: multiday, 300+ rides. No support. The ante is upped.

Pulling ahead on downhills: pedal before resting

A downhill after a climb is a great place to recover. But if you're racing to the bottom, it's better to pedal past the top before easing up. The video after the jump demonstrates this in a very controlled setting, with two carts rolling down a pair of smooth ramps - analogous to cyclists coasting down a smooth hill.

Julian Death March results...

are here (preliminary). A little hard to interpret since there were several distance options, but...

There were 78 finishers total. 28 did the full 86 mile course, with Brent Prenzlow winning in 6:25:02. Another 30 or so riders did the 64 mile option, led by Clifford Clermont in 5:09:27.

I did the 64 mile option in 6:12:24, or 6th among those who only did 64 miles. But 11 more riders finished 64 miles before me and went on to ride loop 2. Nice work guys.

First in the women's division was a tie between Heather Ranoa (whose husband Jason runs the SoCal Endurance races at Vail Lake) and Shalyn Gates in 9:36:05.

Julian Death March ride report

"You probably shouldn't ride for the next several days." This was my doctor's advice on Friday, the day before the Julian Death March. Almost two weeks ago, I crashed at Bootleg Canyon, landing with a football-sized rock under my lower back. The soreness hadn't improved since, but riding hadn't made it worse, either. But during the last few days, I'd experienced some mild tingling and weakness in my legs and feet. Diagnosis: soft tissue bruising and swelling. Prescription: rest and steroidal anti-inflammitories (could I get some EPO w/ that?). Does that mean six hours in the saddle is a bad idea?

Sunset at MTRP

Tom pulls a wheelie at the end of a Wed night ride in Mission Trails:

Julian Death March Preview

Back in my college days I took a backpacking trip that started with a boulder and root infested "trail" that went straight uphill into New Hampshire's White Mountains. Ever since climbing hand-over-hand up the Black Angel Trail, I've given more consideration to the meaning of names. So it's with healthy respect that I approach the Julian Death March.