Death Ride - I'm READY

It's been a while since I posted here. Seems like life's been pretty busy in June, what with trying to get ready to go to California for the toughest physical challenge I've ever tackled - well, except for Marine Corps Boot camp back in the summer of '69. A few weeks ago, I headed over to Orondo and did three repeats of Orondo Grade, stopping in Waterville at the Coyote Pass Cafe for refreshments after each climb. They really do make the absolute best bread pudding I've ever eaten, and their coffee is thick, rich and fresh. Who could ask for more. Then, two weeks ago, Mimi and I tackled the Tour de Blast. She did the 55 mile route up to Elk Rock and back and I did the full 85 miles up to Johnson Ridge. That gave me a pretty good feeling as I pushed my heavy Davidson up the mountains. Last weekend, it was off to Mazama with Redmond Cycling Club for about 12,000' of climbing spread over two beautiful days in bright sunny weather. So now, with a mere 10 days to go, I'm ready to go. Over 6,200 miles and almost 285,000' of vertical in 6 months of intense training. If that doesn't prepare me, there is nothing that will. So here's a little poem I wrote this morning, thinking of all the friends I've made in the cycling community who have either done or are doing this ride.

miles and smiles and added climbs
make for the sweetest and best of times.
Tomorrow I leave for Cali for nee eye AAAA
The state where I spent my very first day.

So many long months of training my legs
tree stumps replaced those toothpicky pegs
and now it is south to partake of this ride
but if I fall short, at least I'll have tried.

I've just nine more days to taper my training
The hours til Death Ride are rapidly waning.
I'm feeling the pressure, but know in my heart
That I'll be there early for a five o'clock start.

In jersey resplendent of Marine Corps Pride
I'll shoot out the gate for this Most Awesome Ride
Hoping that all of the rest of you folks
Have a really great time and don't break any spokes.

Ride hard and ride fast and climb strong to the crest
Then repeat this five times 'fore you lay down to rest
Enjoy the descents, but use care as you go
We want you back home in one piece, dontcha know.

Remember to bring plenty of sunblock and gu
keep well hydrated and get food in ya, too.
We'll see you all soon down south in the sun
best luck and good fortune fellow riders, each one.


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SEE YOU GUYS AND GALS ON THE MOUNTAIN