Two Months To Go

I checked the calendar, and it is now less than two months until the cycling event out in Utah.  Based on scheduling and input from others it looks like we are set for two days.  July 2nd and July 3rd.  Two consecutive days of awesome road biking.

This is a self-supported ride event, but as I noted before, we will have a SAG Wagon along for various needs.

July 2nd - Coalville to Park City.  Start at 8:00 a.m.  This is the ride which will start at the LDS Church parking lot in Coalville.  We will ride South, through Francis and turn west toward Heber and Midway.  Once we hit Midway we will head up Empire Pass for the 7.5 mile climb and descend into Park City.  Total mileage will be approximately 55 to 60.

July 3rd - Alpine Loop.  Start at 9:00 a.m.  I've adjusted this ride so we don't have to do two major climbs that would be rather difficult on the day after Empire.  We will start at the top of the Draper/Suncrest pass and drop down into Alpine and begin the climb through the loop road and descend into Provo Canyon and up the South Fork spur canyon to the South Fork Park.  Total mileage will be approximately 40 to 45.

I note here that there is always the chance of inclement weather.  I plan to be really flexible in terms of locations, lengths, and start times for these rides if we encounter issues like high winds, rain, etc.

Now, lets talk about training.  Personally I don't want to be in "suffer" mode the entire ride.  I'm ok with a few short stints in that realm, but if I want to avoid endless misery I need to get on the bike and put in some miles.  I'm no road cycling expert by any means but I've found that, for me, training not only helps develop strong legs and endurance, but it helps me find and develop mental fortitude required to complete these kind of rides.  Mental attitude is just as (or more) important than physical training.

I could go on and on about what I plan to do to get ready for this event, or what you could/should do. But what works for me probably won't work for you.  So I've found a few good video clips that may point you in the right direction and get you started.

Just FYI, the GCN Road Cycling videos (of which there are hundreds) are packed with great info.  But they are also extremely funny, in a British-y subtle humor sort of way.  Enjoy.

I just turned 40.  Depressing, I know.  Melancholy aside, I've decided that this decade will be my best yet.  I think I've finally figured out how to shed a few of the more troublesome character traits I've picked up along the way.  So in celebration of this new decade, Kara will be helping me check a number of things off my bucket list, paying off debt (yes...all of it), and doing some pretty awesome things (check back on the blog for details).

Laugh if you will, but I am only too happy to lay bare my feelings on the subject of my "advancing" age in the interest of honesty.  My point is, I realize I don't have forever to get things done.  I am not invincible - rather, it turns out I am quite "vincible."  I have no time to waste.  But here's the thing, I think it is more fun to be with friends and family while I am doing awesome things.  Plus, Kara doesn't like road cycling.  So here we go....

I'm planning a two or three day road cycling stage ride in Utah this Summer.  It will be on July 2nd and 3rd, and maybe the 4th depending on who wants to join. Wanna come?  I dare you.

Here are the details:

This stage ride will be essentially self supported, but we will have a SAG (Support and Gear) wagon along for feeds, flats, and other support.  You'll have to train and plan for these rides well in advance as there is a lot of climbing involved.

Day 1:
Coalville to Park City.  60 miles.  This ride will include a world class Hors Categorie (HC) climb up Empire Pass from Midway into Park City.  I completed this climb in 2014 and it was one of the absolute highlights of my cycling year.  Of course I did it with fresh legs, so I am excited to make the attempt after riding 40 miles first.

Day 2:
Sandy to South Fork Park via Alpine Loop.  50 miles.  Another difficult climb up through American Fork and dropping into Provo Canyon.

Day 3:  (tentative)
This day could potentially be another awesome climb up to Mount Nebo, or a flat section ride around Utah Lake.  I'm not 100% committed to riding this day yet just because I may want to spend time immersing myself in 4th of July celebration activities.

In any event, the rides will require a lot of advance training and hard work.  But I believe they aren't so difficult that you will find the accomplishment impossible.  Start now because July will come faster than you think.  If you want to do this, let me know and I'll put you down as a commitment.  If you are thinking about it, send me an email or text so I can begin harassing you about how you should commit.