Ron Himschoot, one of the three riders to finish the inaugural Last Chance (2001), and an Ultra-Randonneur laureate, portrays the Lanterne Rouge in "Alone at Last".
-jle
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Stories from John Flanigan, Brent Myers
John Flanigan has sent us a "Sleeping Rough" vignette.
Brent Myers reminds us of his and Beth's rookie Last Chance in 2008, a bit rougher than this year's - commendations to Brent and Beth on their return ride, which went more smoothly (more or less)!
-jle
Brent Myers reminds us of his and Beth's rookie Last Chance in 2008, a bit rougher than this year's - commendations to Brent and Beth on their return ride, which went more smoothly (more or less)!
-jle
Monday, September 21, 2009
New Story - Stephen Whiteman
Stephen Whiteman has published the first part of a projected five-part saga. He's off to a good start.
-jle
-jle
Sunday, September 20, 2009
New Photos - Guy Oldfield (Kensington)
Guy Oldfield, who staffed the Kensington turnaround, got pix of most of the riders, most of them looking cheerful. Thanks, Guy!
-jle
-jle
Friday, September 18, 2009
Found: Blue Gloves
A pair of blue Pearl Izumi gloves were left at Byers. If they're yours, let me know.
Thanks.
-jle
Thanks.
-jle
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New Photos/Stories - Mark, Bobbe, Viktoriya
In addition to Vickie Tyer's story, you can now check out contributions by:
- Bobbe Foliart - slideshow
- Mark Thomas - story and slideshow
- Viktoriya Shundrovskaya - slideshow (including Boulder Flatirons trek)
-jle
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Stories and Photos!
Photos and stories from our riders and volunteers are starting to come in. As they do, you can see links to them on the panel to the right. →
Enjoy!
-jle
Enjoy!
-jle
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Nighttime Finishers
A few riders came in while the finish was re-routed from Last Chance HQ to the start line hotel.
Albert Kong ready to head back home to Eldorado Hills, California
Albert said the joke all summer on his brevets has been the just-off-the-podium finishes which he happened to replicate here.
Hans-Jorgen Binder of Hvidovre-Copenhagen, Denmark, in his Danish PBP colors
The Binders are spending a few more days in Colorado before heading to Texas and the Texas Time Trials.
Andrea Koenig, John Lee Ellis, Sharon Stevens, Dennis Smith, Vickie Tyer and Chris Kaiser were the rest of the riders that chose to push through to finish the ride first and sleep second.
Albert Kong ready to head back home to Eldorado Hills, California
Albert said the joke all summer on his brevets has been the just-off-the-podium finishes which he happened to replicate here.
Hans-Jorgen Binder of Hvidovre-Copenhagen, Denmark, in his Danish PBP colors
The Binders are spending a few more days in Colorado before heading to Texas and the Texas Time Trials.
Andrea Koenig, John Lee Ellis, Sharon Stevens, Dennis Smith, Vickie Tyer and Chris Kaiser were the rest of the riders that chose to push through to finish the ride first and sleep second.
RAAM Qualifiers -- The Women
Impressive rides from the women this year. These three women slotted top ten finishes and RAAM-qualifying times.
Andrea Koenig, Denver, Colorado, USA outbound at the Byers control
Andrea, a local Rocky Mountain Cycling Club rider, is the closest we may ever get to a native of the course. She grew up in Yuma, Colorado, 32 miles north of Joes (on the route between Cope and Idalia). It's over an hour of driving according to Google maps, but when the north wind and dust storms whipped up on Friday morning her dad made a last minute decision to come down to do whatever he could, and made it in half an hour. Excited, or does he always drive that way?
Sharon Stevens, Richardson, Texas, USA, after her finish
Vickie Tyer, Grandview, Texas, at dawn in Idalia
Sharon and Vickie of the Lone Star Randonneurs were the last ones to arrive in town as mentioned earlier. We sure are glad they made it!
Andrea Koenig, Denver, Colorado, USA outbound at the Byers control
Andrea, a local Rocky Mountain Cycling Club rider, is the closest we may ever get to a native of the course. She grew up in Yuma, Colorado, 32 miles north of Joes (on the route between Cope and Idalia). It's over an hour of driving according to Google maps, but when the north wind and dust storms whipped up on Friday morning her dad made a last minute decision to come down to do whatever he could, and made it in half an hour. Excited, or does he always drive that way?
Sharon Stevens, Richardson, Texas, USA, after her finish
Vickie Tyer, Grandview, Texas, at dawn in Idalia
Sharon and Vickie of the Lone Star Randonneurs were the last ones to arrive in town as mentioned earlier. We sure are glad they made it!
Thanks and Commendations!
Yes, I'm back and catching up on Tim "Foon" Feldman's scintillating posts and great event coverage!
A couple of words ... RMCC president Charlie Henderson, who had to miss the post-ride dinner last night, thanks all the riders for coming and partaking of the Last Chance! The Last Chance staff and the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club extend their congratulations and commendations to all the riders, and hope you felt rewarded from your trek across the vast plains.
We all come to a 1200k with a variety of backgrounds, riding styles, goals, expectations ... and trepidations! It was great to enjoy this variety both in the saddle and at the breaks, meet a lot of fine riders and fascinating personalities, and see some old friends, too.
We would also especially like to thank our dedicated and energetic volunteer staff, including:
A couple of words ... RMCC president Charlie Henderson, who had to miss the post-ride dinner last night, thanks all the riders for coming and partaking of the Last Chance! The Last Chance staff and the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club extend their congratulations and commendations to all the riders, and hope you felt rewarded from your trek across the vast plains.
We all come to a 1200k with a variety of backgrounds, riding styles, goals, expectations ... and trepidations! It was great to enjoy this variety both in the saddle and at the breaks, meet a lot of fine riders and fascinating personalities, and see some old friends, too.
We would also especially like to thank our dedicated and energetic volunteer staff, including:
- Charlie Henderson and Jim Kraychy (Atwood)
- Eric Simmons and Bobbe Foliart (Byers)
- Patricia Heller (Louisville finish and HQ)
- Tim Feldman (blog, rider progress, and finish-line support)
- Tom Foss and John Klever (registration and treasury)
- Dan Shields (food procurement)
- Buster the Dog - moral support and social chair
Riders had many accolades for the on-course volunteers, and well deserved! As a rider, dedicated volunteers make a huge difference in a long event such as the Last Chance, and I for one enjoyed great support from these individuals. Thank you so much!
-jle
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Done Riding, But Not Done Writing
Our final riders are in:
Rick Isham, Fort Collins, Colorado (RMCC){photo to come}
Nate Dick, Estes Park, Colorado (RMCC) {photo to come}
Ron Himschoot, Seattle, Washington (Seattle International Randonneurs)
It was said that Ron was waiting for the wet and cool weather that has poured in this Saturday afternoon just so that he could use all the gear he was carrying. If so, it meant a finish in the rain for Rick and Nate, too.
We are all done for 2009. Well, not quite.
First there is a group dinner to attend. And then finishing the paper work.
Please keep visiting to get more of the stories, links to riders' report to hear it straight from the horses' mouths, photo collections, data analysis and more!
Rick Isham, Fort Collins, Colorado (RMCC)
Nate Dick, Estes Park, Colorado (RMCC)
It was said that Ron was waiting for the wet and cool weather that has poured in this Saturday afternoon just so that he could use all the gear he was carrying. If so, it meant a finish in the rain for Rick and Nate, too.
We are all done for 2009. Well, not quite.
First there is a group dinner to attend. And then finishing the paper work.
Please keep visiting to get more of the stories, links to riders' report to hear it straight from the horses' mouths, photo collections, data analysis and more!
Four Down, One To Go
Henk Bouhuyzen soloed his way in as the second 1200-km finisher @ 65:50, very close to the fast time we had last year. He had a rough start though, and when Albert Kong came up to him near Phillipsburg he was off the bike and emptying his stomach in the wrong direction. Albert picked the thorns out of Henk's shorts, and from there it gradually got better. A final stop in Idalia for some rest and Henk had a strong finish.
Henk Bouhuyzen, Toronto, Canada, too close for comfort
Bill Olsen finished in 77:31 which is his personal best, achieved on his 14th grand randonnee finish.
Bill Olsen, Califon, New Jersey, USA, at the Last Chance HQ and Finish Line
Henk and Bill share a few distinctions.
They both ride on platform pedals, Bill in sandals and Henk in "casual" cycling shoes.
They both have ridden 4 grand randonnees this year: Shenandoah 1200K, Gold Rush Randonnee, Granite Anvil 1200 and Last Chance.
And they both will be at Endless Mountains.
If they complete Endless Mountains, and we fully expect them too, they will have ridden 5 grand randonnees in a single calendar year. As best we know, they will be the first two ever to accomplish this.
Good luck, Henk and Bill!
Henk Bouhuyzen, Toronto, Canada, too close for comfort
Bill Olsen finished in 77:31 which is his personal best, achieved on his 14th grand randonnee finish.
Bill Olsen, Califon, New Jersey, USA, at the Last Chance HQ and Finish Line
Henk and Bill share a few distinctions.
They both ride on platform pedals, Bill in sandals and Henk in "casual" cycling shoes.
They both have ridden 4 grand randonnees this year: Shenandoah 1200K, Gold Rush Randonnee, Granite Anvil 1200 and Last Chance.
And they both will be at Endless Mountains.
If they complete Endless Mountains, and we fully expect them too, they will have ridden 5 grand randonnees in a single calendar year. As best we know, they will be the first two ever to accomplish this.
Good luck, Henk and Bill!
And The First Shall Be Last At Last
The sun rises for the last time on Last Chance 2009. At 6:00 am it was raining lightly at the finish in Louisville, but the precipitation has ceased leaving a fresh, spring-like smell. It never rains in the morning in the summer, so this is a sign that fall has arrived in Colorado. Aspen and alder leaves are already starting to turn above 8000 feet, and the elk are bugling up at tree line.
Some overnight finishers are not yet recorded: John Lee Ellis, Sharon Stevens and Andrea Koenig at the very least. We will be at the finish line soon to get all the news there.
The Rider Progress page is caught up on the news from Byers as of 6:20 AM where Nathan Dick and Rick Isham were climbing onto their bikes.
Ron Himschoot, Seattle, Washington, is resting for another 40 minutes and will shut down the party there soon. His special request for chocolate milk was fulfilled as Eric Simmons just barely got to the grocery in town before it closed. Ron was one of three riders to ride the first Last Chance in 2001. This first Last Chance rider will be bookending the records with this year's finish.
John Lee Ellis wrote of the first Last Chance,
John was right. The future looks bright. And the sun is rising.
Some overnight finishers are not yet recorded: John Lee Ellis, Sharon Stevens and Andrea Koenig at the very least. We will be at the finish line soon to get all the news there.
The Rider Progress page is caught up on the news from Byers as of 6:20 AM where Nathan Dick and Rick Isham were climbing onto their bikes.
Ron Himschoot, Seattle, Washington, is resting for another 40 minutes and will shut down the party there soon. His special request for chocolate milk was fulfilled as Eric Simmons just barely got to the grocery in town before it closed. Ron was one of three riders to ride the first Last Chance in 2001. This first Last Chance rider will be bookending the records with this year's finish.
John Lee Ellis wrote of the first Last Chance,
Bob Fourney – our local RAAM champion, PBP veteran, etc., etc. – supplied the route concept and the impetus for doing the event in the first place. Out-to-Kansas-and-back was a favorite RAAM training route for Bob. John Evans spoke of the vast expanse. The route is not flat, but is fixed-gear, recumbent, and tandem-friendly, and there is that vast expanse … so we think the Last Chance has a future.
Friday, September 11, 2009
We're Not In Kansas Anymore
Welcome back to Colorado, Last Chancers!
There's a party going on in Byers. "Everyone's having too much fun," volunteer Bobbe Foliart says. Half of the riders are there with intentions of getting some rest before hitting the road again, so they will have a daylight finish sometime tomorrow.
The complaints have shifted as well as the wind! Paul Rozelle tweets, "Tailwind killed me. Gearing too low by far."
Meanwhile, there are 11 soldiering on between Byers and Louisville. Albert Kong and Henk Bouhuyzen are predicted to be finishing soon. Then come our RAAM-qualification aspirants, some of whom are aiming for 1:00 AM when the Last Chance elapse time hits 70 hours.
Rider Progress updates are happening again. Refresh or reload to get the 9/11 20:20 (or later) update.
There's a party going on in Byers. "Everyone's having too much fun," volunteer Bobbe Foliart says. Half of the riders are there with intentions of getting some rest before hitting the road again, so they will have a daylight finish sometime tomorrow.
The complaints have shifted as well as the wind! Paul Rozelle tweets, "Tailwind killed me. Gearing too low by far."
Meanwhile, there are 11 soldiering on between Byers and Louisville. Albert Kong and Henk Bouhuyzen are predicted to be finishing soon. Then come our RAAM-qualification aspirants, some of whom are aiming for 1:00 AM when the Last Chance elapse time hits 70 hours.
Rider Progress updates are happening again. Refresh or reload to get the 9/11 20:20 (or later) update.
Cheery Vern and John
First finishers Vernon Smith (left) of Colorado Springsand John Flanigan of Denver
Vern and John spent almost all of the past 60 hours together. Just the two of them and their bikes. They traveled light, both in gear and sleep. Maybe 3 hours of napping total, they say, with an hour leaning against the post office in Lindon, Colorado, in the wee hours this morning when the cross winds and their fatigue was too much to continue safely. But through the whole ride, they want everyone to know, Vernon was very cheery.
Notes here at LCHQ show that John was riding the 1000-km + 200-km option, so his times are 48:24 + 11:18. Vern books a 59:42 for his 1200. That appears to be the 10th fastest time in the Last Chance Book.
The Rider Progress updates will be off-line for a few hours, so here are a few details:
Following John and Vern out of Byers are
- Albert Kong
- Henk Bouhuyzen
- Andrea Koenig
- Sharon Stevens
Still at Byers:
- Chris Kaiser
Everyone one else is en route to Byers and are believed to be enjoying lighter winds that are shifting to an advantageous direction of NE.
Howling
Why does the wind blow
That it always wants to go
Where I have just been?
Wind is the story on this third day of Last Chance. Distilled to a single word according to Jim Kraychy, our man in Anton right now, is "howling." Charlie Henderson is headed back with the Atwood drop bags and is in Idalia where the main bunch of 9 riders is going through.
All reports from eastern Colorado are the same: 25 mph out of the north to north-northeast.
And the route is predominately due west.
The forecast from SailFlow.com:
Strong winds to persist through noon,
then start to subside and shift through 3:00 pm,
and finally become tailwinds by 6:00 pm.
But don't tell any of the riders ;-)
That it always wants to go
Where I have just been?
Wind is the story on this third day of Last Chance. Distilled to a single word according to Jim Kraychy, our man in Anton right now, is "howling." Charlie Henderson is headed back with the Atwood drop bags and is in Idalia where the main bunch of 9 riders is going through.
All reports from eastern Colorado are the same: 25 mph out of the north to north-northeast.
And the route is predominately due west.
The forecast from SailFlow.com:
Strong winds to persist through noon,
then start to subside and shift through 3:00 pm,
and finally become tailwinds by 6:00 pm.
But don't tell any of the riders ;-)
Reload
The 4:40 Rider Progress posting had a lot of errors. Please re-load the page to make sure you get the 11-Sep-2009 04:50 (or later) version.
Most of the riders have themselves reloaded on sleep and food and are between Atwood and Byers (no arrivals there yet). The main bunch left Atwood around 3:00 AM. The bunch is led out by John Lee Ellis, the Florida trio of Hamid Akbarian and tandem team Alain Abbate & Viktoriya Shundrovskaya, and 5 more. These 9 riders are on their 3rd consecutive day of 3:00 AM starts. What a life!
The early start was perhaps spurred on by forecasts of higher cross winds later today. "Breezy, with a north northwest wind between 13 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph." The winds typically are less severe west of Byers so the sooner you get there the better.
We are happy to see Paul Shapiro check into (and out of) Atwood as we missed him in Kensington. But all is well and he is right there in the bunch.
And we are breathing a deep sigh of relief to see John Lee having a great ride after asthma knocked him out of this year's Gold Rush Randonnee.
Only 5 riders are left in Atwood, but they are still in great position with 3.5 left before that control closes.
Most of the riders have themselves reloaded on sleep and food and are between Atwood and Byers (no arrivals there yet). The main bunch left Atwood around 3:00 AM. The bunch is led out by John Lee Ellis, the Florida trio of Hamid Akbarian and tandem team Alain Abbate & Viktoriya Shundrovskaya, and 5 more. These 9 riders are on their 3rd consecutive day of 3:00 AM starts. What a life!
The early start was perhaps spurred on by forecasts of higher cross winds later today. "Breezy, with a north northwest wind between 13 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph." The winds typically are less severe west of Byers so the sooner you get there the better.
We are happy to see Paul Shapiro check into (and out of) Atwood as we missed him in Kensington. But all is well and he is right there in the bunch.
And we are breathing a deep sigh of relief to see John Lee having a great ride after asthma knocked him out of this year's Gold Rush Randonnee.
Only 5 riders are left in Atwood, but they are still in great position with 3.5 left before that control closes.
Euro Flash
One rider from outside North America joined us this year. Hans Jørgen Binder is here from Copenhagen for the start of a three week vacation. His gear brings a European flair and his accent flavors the conversations. He is traveling light on a high zoot Principia Revolution full monocoque, and a profile that cuts through the air -- no extra fabric or hair for that matter!
He comes here with wife Lone Binder who is also rambling through the short grass prairie. Together they represent Audax Randonneurs Danemark, home to Super Brevet Skandinavia (S-B-S), where they are one of four Events-arrangers (see the Contacts page) -- what I understand to be similar to our Regional Brevet Administrators. In this regard he joins RBAs John Lee Ellis (Colorado), Mark Thomas (Seattle) and John Jost (St. Louis) taking the opportunity to ride instead of running the event. Lone indicated that she always does the organization and Hans Jørgen the riding, but at on trips to the US there is not ride organizing for Lone, allowing her to see a lot of our nation.
Hans Jørgen got a good chunk of rest at Atwood on the outbound leg, but flashed through come back. His time from Kensington through his Atwood departure is standing up as the fastest, pulling back 2 hours on the leaders.
He comes here with wife Lone Binder who is also rambling through the short grass prairie. Together they represent Audax Randonneurs Danemark, home to Super Brevet Skandinavia (S-B-S), where they are one of four Events-arrangers (see the Contacts page) -- what I understand to be similar to our Regional Brevet Administrators. In this regard he joins RBAs John Lee Ellis (Colorado), Mark Thomas (Seattle) and John Jost (St. Louis) taking the opportunity to ride instead of running the event. Lone indicated that she always does the organization and Hans Jørgen the riding, but at on trips to the US there is not ride organizing for Lone, allowing her to see a lot of our nation.
Hans Jørgen got a good chunk of rest at Atwood on the outbound leg, but flashed through come back. His time from Kensington through his Atwood departure is standing up as the fastest, pulling back 2 hours on the leaders.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Back to Byers
Riders are headed westbound toward the finish, but first a stop in Byers where Eric Simmons and Bobbe Foliart will welcome them.
Bobbe Foliart with camera at the ready at the Last Chance start line
Bobbe brought her bright eyes and broad smile from California, escorting her husband and LC rider Thomas Russell. She also brings top shelf control management experience from Tobin Resort at this year's Gold Rush Randonnee -- the oasis in the Feather River Canyon.
Eric is reprising his Byers role from last year's Last Chance. He was out on the road for yesterday's start, but then headed back home to Colorado Springs where he and his wife brought professional chef capabilities to bear. On the menu in Byers:
A note on our starters that are not finishing this year: Thanks for the notes of concern, but rest assured that they are fine. Ken Bonner and Leslie Sutton were not able to continue yesterday due to the common randonneur maladies of stomach ailments and the like. They each had a personal support crew so they are now in caring hands.
If I thought there would be any leftover soup, I would make Eric promise to save some for me.
Bobbe Foliart with camera at the ready at the Last Chance start lineBobbe brought her bright eyes and broad smile from California, escorting her husband and LC rider Thomas Russell. She also brings top shelf control management experience from Tobin Resort at this year's Gold Rush Randonnee -- the oasis in the Feather River Canyon.
Eric is reprising his Byers role from last year's Last Chance. He was out on the road for yesterday's start, but then headed back home to Colorado Springs where he and his wife brought professional chef capabilities to bear. On the menu in Byers:
- "Olathe Sweet" Corn and Potato Chowder
- Cold Pasta Salad
- Sandwich Smorgasbord
A note on our starters that are not finishing this year: Thanks for the notes of concern, but rest assured that they are fine. Ken Bonner and Leslie Sutton were not able to continue yesterday due to the common randonneur maladies of stomach ailments and the like. They each had a personal support crew so they are now in caring hands.
If I thought there would be any leftover soup, I would make Eric promise to save some for me.
Another Chance
As mentioned earlier, we had more than a few riders at the start that previously completed Last Chance. It's great to see them all back.
Some folks never learn.
- Ken BONNER: '02, '04, '05, '06, '08
- Henk BOUHUYZEN: '05, '06, '08
- John Lee ELLIS: '05, '06
- Ron HIMSCHOOT: '01, '05
- Chris KAISER: '05*
- Beth MYERS: '08
- Brent MYERS: '08
- Bill OLSEN: '08
- Robert POGORELZ: '05
- Vernon SMITH: '06
Some folks never learn.
Leaderboard
The miles go by
Like so many memories
Soon to be a dream
Updates continue to come in. Well over half the riders have passed the the turnaround Kensington control. Two are back to Atwood for a shower and a nap. The riders did not leave Jim Krachy alone for very long in Kansas -- only 6.5 hours between the last outbound departure and the first inbound arrival. Charlie Henderson reports from the road that the winds have continued out of the east but lower wind speeds than yesterday. Guy Oldfield is working through the largest concentration of riders and we should have additional updates from there soon.
The most recent Rider Progress update at noon Last Chance Time is done in "Leaderboard" style which orders the riders by last noted position instead of alphabetically. Reply with a comment if you prefer it one way or the other.
It's a beautiful day for a long ride.
Like so many memories
Soon to be a dream
Updates continue to come in. Well over half the riders have passed the the turnaround Kensington control. Two are back to Atwood for a shower and a nap. The riders did not leave Jim Krachy alone for very long in Kansas -- only 6.5 hours between the last outbound departure and the first inbound arrival. Charlie Henderson reports from the road that the winds have continued out of the east but lower wind speeds than yesterday. Guy Oldfield is working through the largest concentration of riders and we should have additional updates from there soon.
The most recent Rider Progress update at noon Last Chance Time is done in "Leaderboard" style which orders the riders by last noted position instead of alphabetically. Reply with a comment if you prefer it one way or the other.
It's a beautiful day for a long ride.
Onward to Kensington
The volunteers in Atwood, trail boss Charlie Henderson and key master Jim Kraychy, had the pizzas flying in and out of the oven as riders got their first drop bag access and a bed.
Jim Kraychy, John Lee Ellis and Charlie Henderson taking a break from wrangling drop bags at the start
Charlie hit the road before dawn to ride herd on our thirty-four intrepids. Overnight the wind died down and temperatures stayed in the mid 50's F, even warmer further east. Through the middle of the night there was heavy fog, enough to condense on eyeglasses and otherwise be disconcerting to riders hoping to be seen as well as see.
Jim Kraychy called in with all of the Atwood Outbound times and they are now on the updated Rider Progress. Be sure to reload the web page if you have viewed it before as an older cached version may get displayed instead of the most recent posting of 8:48. And remember that official Last Chance Time stays with Mountain Daylight Time in all locations.
Meanwhile, Guy Oldfield of Burr Oak, Kansas, held vigil through the graveyard shift at Kensington to greet the pre-dawn arrivals. He is expecting to hold his position through the day. Burr Oak is about 55 miles further east past Smith Center, clear on the other side of the geographic centroid of the 48 contiguous states. He reports that the day dawned clear and dry with no discernible breeze in Kensington, but light winds out of the east-southeast are expected today. After getting to Kensington riders will hope that yesterday's winds out of the east that they had to fight might repeat as a tailwind today and tomorrow.
John Flanigan and Vernon Smith are riding together at the front and were last seen at the McDonalds in Norton re-filling their tanks at 6:30 AM. Chris Kaiser is on his own about an hour behind John and Vern. These three constituted the overnight Kensington arrivals. Henk Bouhuyzen, Albert Kong, Vickie Tyer and Todd LeBlanc all arrived in Kensington within 45 minutes of each other just after sunrise and are headed back. Sharon Stevens is in Kensington (as of 9:15 AM).
John Flanigan is a veteran of Cascade, Boston-Montreal-Boston and Paris-Brest-Paris, but is on the Last Chance route for the first time. Vernon Smith is one of 9 Last Chance veterans at this year's start having ridden LC in 2oo6, and is riding his second 1200-km of the year after being the 3rd finisher (with three others including Ken Bonner) at this year's Gold Rush Randonnee.
Sharon and Vickie are the riders from Texas that Paul Rozelle mentioned in one of his pre-start tweets. Vickie's daughter did the driving as they did the long drive from Dallas on Tuesday. While they said they didn't really get any sleep in the car they had no complaints. And it sure doesn't seem to be slowing them down.
Everyone else got out of Atwood at least an hour before the 5:57 AM control closing so all are in good shape time wise and were able to enjoy a second sunrise on the plains. Ron Selby made it a sub-5-hour overnight stop to help close the gap on the rest of the bunch. Ron is one of 14 riders at this year's start that have not previously completed a 1200.
Jim Kraychy, John Lee Ellis and Charlie Henderson taking a break from wrangling drop bags at the start
Charlie hit the road before dawn to ride herd on our thirty-four intrepids. Overnight the wind died down and temperatures stayed in the mid 50's F, even warmer further east. Through the middle of the night there was heavy fog, enough to condense on eyeglasses and otherwise be disconcerting to riders hoping to be seen as well as see.
Jim Kraychy called in with all of the Atwood Outbound times and they are now on the updated Rider Progress. Be sure to reload the web page if you have viewed it before as an older cached version may get displayed instead of the most recent posting of 8:48. And remember that official Last Chance Time stays with Mountain Daylight Time in all locations.
Meanwhile, Guy Oldfield of Burr Oak, Kansas, held vigil through the graveyard shift at Kensington to greet the pre-dawn arrivals. He is expecting to hold his position through the day. Burr Oak is about 55 miles further east past Smith Center, clear on the other side of the geographic centroid of the 48 contiguous states. He reports that the day dawned clear and dry with no discernible breeze in Kensington, but light winds out of the east-southeast are expected today. After getting to Kensington riders will hope that yesterday's winds out of the east that they had to fight might repeat as a tailwind today and tomorrow.
John Flanigan and Vernon Smith are riding together at the front and were last seen at the McDonalds in Norton re-filling their tanks at 6:30 AM. Chris Kaiser is on his own about an hour behind John and Vern. These three constituted the overnight Kensington arrivals. Henk Bouhuyzen, Albert Kong, Vickie Tyer and Todd LeBlanc all arrived in Kensington within 45 minutes of each other just after sunrise and are headed back. Sharon Stevens is in Kensington (as of 9:15 AM).
John Flanigan is a veteran of Cascade, Boston-Montreal-Boston and Paris-Brest-Paris, but is on the Last Chance route for the first time. Vernon Smith is one of 9 Last Chance veterans at this year's start having ridden LC in 2oo6, and is riding his second 1200-km of the year after being the 3rd finisher (with three others including Ken Bonner) at this year's Gold Rush Randonnee.
Sharon and Vickie are the riders from Texas that Paul Rozelle mentioned in one of his pre-start tweets. Vickie's daughter did the driving as they did the long drive from Dallas on Tuesday. While they said they didn't really get any sleep in the car they had no complaints. And it sure doesn't seem to be slowing them down.
Everyone else got out of Atwood at least an hour before the 5:57 AM control closing so all are in good shape time wise and were able to enjoy a second sunrise on the plains. Ron Selby made it a sub-5-hour overnight stop to help close the gap on the rest of the bunch. Ron is one of 14 riders at this year's start that have not previously completed a 1200.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Love
Life becomes simple
Bike, road, terrain and weather
Let the world contract
Neophyte randonneur Stephen Whiteman has been blogging about mind and body. He bares his soul in his 1-wheel blog, describing how cycling and bipolar disorder interact in his life.
While out on the road for the duration of Last Chance, his wife, Tanya, is standing in for him. She just wrote a beautiful and tender post. It rivals one of Stephens best posts, Climbing Beyond Ward.
It has been inspiring to know Stephen as he explored how to enjoy cycling within his limits, learned what those limits are, and accepted and embraced them. It has been even more inspiring to get some small appreciation for the extraordinary challenges of mental illness. He brings a face to the statistics of a widespread issue -- a statistic that you can know but that means so little until it becomes personalized.
I'm cheering for Stephen as he attempts his first grand randonee.
Stealing a line from Tanya, here's to "the love between a man and his bike."
Bike, road, terrain and weather
Let the world contract
Neophyte randonneur Stephen Whiteman has been blogging about mind and body. He bares his soul in his 1-wheel blog, describing how cycling and bipolar disorder interact in his life.
While out on the road for the duration of Last Chance, his wife, Tanya, is standing in for him. She just wrote a beautiful and tender post. It rivals one of Stephens best posts, Climbing Beyond Ward.
It has been inspiring to know Stephen as he explored how to enjoy cycling within his limits, learned what those limits are, and accepted and embraced them. It has been even more inspiring to get some small appreciation for the extraordinary challenges of mental illness. He brings a face to the statistics of a widespread issue -- a statistic that you can know but that means so little until it becomes personalized.
I'm cheering for Stephen as he attempts his first grand randonee.
Stealing a line from Tanya, here's to "the love between a man and his bike."
Tweets From The Road
A two-page cue sheet
Bonus miles on Last Chance?
Early detection!
Navigation is not usually a major challenge on Last Chance. For over 580 miles, the middle three-fourths of the ride, the directions can be summed up as "go straight on US 36." There are a couple of turns, usually at T intersections -- so if you must turn, follow 36. And in Keenesburg riders go a few blocks off the highway to the post office where they mail their postcard.
But bonus miles were part of the game this morning for Paul Rozelle. He is tweeting about Last Chance. Early detection limited the excursion to 4 miles. And he is through the second control at Cope along with a tandem which must be either Beth Myers & Brent Myers or Viktoriya Shundrovskaya and Alain Abbate. They appear to be on a nice 16+ mph pace.
Byers Outbound control is now closed and St. Francis Outbound is not yet open, so everyone is in that span. Plenty of big rollers between Byers and Cope with flatter terrain from there to just shy of St. Francis. This is predominately dryland farming devoted mostly to wheat and pasture. The wheat was cut in July and the straw perhaps baled and hauled away as well, leaving behind only stubble. The irrigated fields provide the contrast and the hilltops bring sweeping views of the plains.
Bonus miles on Last Chance?
Early detection!
Navigation is not usually a major challenge on Last Chance. For over 580 miles, the middle three-fourths of the ride, the directions can be summed up as "go straight on US 36." There are a couple of turns, usually at T intersections -- so if you must turn, follow 36. And in Keenesburg riders go a few blocks off the highway to the post office where they mail their postcard.
But bonus miles were part of the game this morning for Paul Rozelle. He is tweeting about Last Chance. Early detection limited the excursion to 4 miles. And he is through the second control at Cope along with a tandem which must be either Beth Myers & Brent Myers or Viktoriya Shundrovskaya and Alain Abbate. They appear to be on a nice 16+ mph pace.
Byers Outbound control is now closed and St. Francis Outbound is not yet open, so everyone is in that span. Plenty of big rollers between Byers and Cope with flatter terrain from there to just shy of St. Francis. This is predominately dryland farming devoted mostly to wheat and pasture. The wheat was cut in July and the straw perhaps baled and hauled away as well, leaving behind only stubble. The irrigated fields provide the contrast and the hilltops bring sweeping views of the plains.
Opening Control
Thirty-six rider
Eastward into the high plains
Skies washed by light rain
Chris Kaiser's Bacchetta is rigged and ready to roll.
Last minute announcements included the news that water would be available at the first control. Mark Thomas objected. "I thought this was a self supported ride." John Lee Ellis admitted, "yes, we are getting soft."
There was a bit of rain that moved through before anyone was up. Radar indicates that rains are heavy out east around the Colorado-Kansas border, but promises to be spent before riders arrive.
Today's 251-mile stage includes controls at Byers and Cope, Colorado before crossing into the central time zone and Kansas, then controls at St. Francis and the first bag drop and staffed overnight control at Atwood. The official Last Chance Clock will remain on mountain time for all locations. Some riders may elect to ride further with many options in the towns of Oberlin, Norton and Phillipsburg for food and accommodations.
The bicycle industry was broadly represented by the equipment that headed out. The big boys of Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale and Orbea are on the road along with the smaller players of Serotta, Lightspeed, Moots, Seven, DeRosa, Bianchi, Tournesol, Salsa, Davidson, LeMond, Bob Jackson, Rivendell and Principia. Less commonly seen rigs include an IRO single-speed fixed-gear along with tandems by Co-Motion and DaVinci.
Eastward into the high plains
Skies washed by light rain
Chris Kaiser's Bacchetta is rigged and ready to roll.Last minute announcements included the news that water would be available at the first control. Mark Thomas objected. "I thought this was a self supported ride." John Lee Ellis admitted, "yes, we are getting soft."
There was a bit of rain that moved through before anyone was up. Radar indicates that rains are heavy out east around the Colorado-Kansas border, but promises to be spent before riders arrive.
Today's 251-mile stage includes controls at Byers and Cope, Colorado before crossing into the central time zone and Kansas, then controls at St. Francis and the first bag drop and staffed overnight control at Atwood. The official Last Chance Clock will remain on mountain time for all locations. Some riders may elect to ride further with many options in the towns of Oberlin, Norton and Phillipsburg for food and accommodations.
The bicycle industry was broadly represented by the equipment that headed out. The big boys of Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale and Orbea are on the road along with the smaller players of Serotta, Lightspeed, Moots, Seven, DeRosa, Bianchi, Tournesol, Salsa, Davidson, LeMond, Bob Jackson, Rivendell and Principia. Less commonly seen rigs include an IRO single-speed fixed-gear along with tandems by Co-Motion and DaVinci.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Rider Check-in
Rider check-in done
Pack your bags and get some sleep
Clouds get a head start
A pleasant afternoon in Louisville, Colorado, and a greeting from Last Chance chief John Lee Ellis as lighting systems and reflective gear was inspected. Drop bags are to be delivered at tomorrow morning's sign-in -- riders will have access to the bags up through the 3:00 am start.
Steve Whiteman's Moots is fresh from the shop and not yet fully rigged with his randon bags.
The rider progress page now shows the expected start list.
Riders should see temperatures in the 50's from the start through early morning as they attain the first control at Byers, and may encounter patch fog.
National Weather Service forecast for Atwood:
Wednesday: A chance of thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Patchy fog between 10am and 4pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. North wind 10 to 15 mph becoming east. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Pack your bags and get some sleep
Clouds get a head start
A pleasant afternoon in Louisville, Colorado, and a greeting from Last Chance chief John Lee Ellis as lighting systems and reflective gear was inspected. Drop bags are to be delivered at tomorrow morning's sign-in -- riders will have access to the bags up through the 3:00 am start.Steve Whiteman's Moots is fresh from the shop and not yet fully rigged with his randon bags.
The rider progress page now shows the expected start list.
Riders should see temperatures in the 50's from the start through early morning as they attain the first control at Byers, and may encounter patch fog.
National Weather Service forecast for Atwood:
Wednesday: A chance of thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Patchy fog between 10am and 4pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. North wind 10 to 15 mph becoming east. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Atwood and Byers - A Couple of Things
A couple of notes on Byers outbound and Atwood:
- Byers outbound control - Look for Charlie Henderson and/or Jim Kraychy on the right side of the highway (near the Longhorn Motel and Cafe). They will be there to check riders through so you don't have to stop at the Sinclair station on the left (although you are welcome to do so). If you don't see them, head for the Sinclair.
- Atwood rooms - All rooms will be unlocked (so riders can be assigned most efficiently when they come in); please leave rooms unlocked when you leave. Also: it is possible some riders will be able to keep the same room outbound and return, but Charlie and Jim will have to assess things as things develop. There is also some space in the common area to leave items out to dry, etc., if needed.
-jle
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Cue Sheet in Excel Format
I have posted the cue sheet in Excel spreadsheet format:
http://www.rmccrides.com/lastchance2009route.xls
This allows you to alter or personalize the format, add notes, etc., if you so desire. Caution: the spreadsheet includes some hidden rows; if you paste a range of rows or the entire spreadsheet elsewhere, my experience has been that the hidden rows will become visible (and lend confusion).
-jle
http://www.rmccrides.com/lastchance2009route.xls
This allows you to alter or personalize the format, add notes, etc., if you so desire. Caution: the spreadsheet includes some hidden rows; if you paste a range of rows or the entire spreadsheet elsewhere, my experience has been that the hidden rows will become visible (and lend confusion).
-jle
Friday, September 4, 2009
Stretch Your Legs!
Looking for a few miles to make sure your legs and bike are still functioning nominally? Here are a couple of short outings from the ride start. Note: both of these are more interesting than they appear on a map! (These maps courtesy of Microsoft Streets & Trips.)
Eldorado Springs - Cherryvale (18 miles) - 
Cross US-36 and turn right (through the shopping area). Once you summit Davidson Mesa on Marshall Rd. you are into open country with great views of the Boulder Flatirons. This route takes you up South Boulder Creek to the mouth of Eldorado Canyon. You can turn around at the town's "wall," where the road turns to dirt.
Cross US-36 and turn right (through the shopping area). Once you summit Davidson Mesa on Marshall Rd. you are into open country with great views of the Boulder Flatirons. This route takes you up South Boulder Creek to the mouth of Eldorado Canyon. You can turn around at the town's "wall," where the road turns to dirt. Return as you came or via Cherryvale, which is a very pleasant road, and South Boulder Rd. is ok, too.
Morgul Bismark (14 miles) - 
This is the classic Morgul-Bismark loop (named for Davis Phinney's cats, I'm told) - a bit more climbing than the other route, but even better views! (Good views of Eldorado Canyon and the Indian Peaks defining the Continental Divide.) Go over US-36 and continue up McCaslin to Hwy. 128, from there to Hwy. 93. Here you can descend the couple of miles to Marshall Rd., or depending on time of day, just come back the way you came. (The 1½ miles on Hwy. 93 are downhill but without shoulder. Not generally a problem, but you be the judge.)
This is the classic Morgul-Bismark loop (named for Davis Phinney's cats, I'm told) - a bit more climbing than the other route, but even better views! (Good views of Eldorado Canyon and the Indian Peaks defining the Continental Divide.) Go over US-36 and continue up McCaslin to Hwy. 128, from there to Hwy. 93. Here you can descend the couple of miles to Marshall Rd., or depending on time of day, just come back the way you came. (The 1½ miles on Hwy. 93 are downhill but without shoulder. Not generally a problem, but you be the judge.)Give either of these a try and soak up some Colorado mountain scenery!
-jle
Finish-Line Procedure Revised
After talking with riders and staff, it seems in everyone's best interest for nighttime finishers (9pm-6am) to proceed directly to the Comfort Inn, rather than stopping by my house. I have revised the procedures note (below) and cue sheet to that effect.
In the past, some riders have had difficulty navigating to my house in the dark. And Buster says he'd prefer a sound sleep (which he manages to achieve most of the day, too).
-jle
In the past, some riders have had difficulty navigating to my house in the dark. And Buster says he'd prefer a sound sleep (which he manages to achieve most of the day, too).
-jle
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Ride Procedures
Ride Start
Sign in between 2am-2:30am at the Comfort Inn. We will try to arrange a motel-provided self-service breakfast. Deposit your Drop-Bags in Atwood and Byers piles, respectively. As in years past, the Comfort Inn staff is making provisions to store guests' bicycle bags and other luggage during the event.
En Route
Atwood Sleeping - We've allocated enough room for everyone intending to sleep there, though in some cases it may be two to a queen-sized bed. Please follow the directions of the staff when you arrive. Do not leave drop bag or other items in the motel room - you may be sleeping in a different room on your return through Atwood. Instead, you will need to repack your drop bag and return it to the drop-bag area.
Kensington – Mail your turnaround-point postcard, writing on it your time of passage, at the Kensington post office. Volunteers Guy Oldfield and his wife Barbara will be there at certain times, with some food and drink. You still need to mail your postcard.
Unstaffed Checkpoints – Checkpoints noted as “Store/Personal Checkpoint” have no event staff: have any store clerk note your time of passage and initial the card or, if during the night when all establishments are closed, note your own time and initials.
Atwood and Byers Food - We will have a selection of hot and cold food - e.g., pizza at Atwood, soup, etc. If you have specific food, drink preferences (esp. energy, nutritional, sports drinks), consider packing them in your drop bag. Atwood rooms have microwaves, and there is also a common area for eating. Atwood and Byers both have places to restaurants, but they close relatively early.
Atwood and Byers Sign-In/Out – IMPORTANT - When you arrive in Atwood and Byers, sign in on the sheet provided. Then remember also to sign out when you leave, whether your stay is half an hour or overnight. This allows us to track rider progress and post it on the website, and keep track of the riders. This is in addition to having your brevet card validated by staff.
Sign in between 2am-2:30am at the Comfort Inn. We will try to arrange a motel-provided self-service breakfast. Deposit your Drop-Bags in Atwood and Byers piles, respectively. As in years past, the Comfort Inn staff is making provisions to store guests' bicycle bags and other luggage during the event.
En Route
Atwood Sleeping - We've allocated enough room for everyone intending to sleep there, though in some cases it may be two to a queen-sized bed. Please follow the directions of the staff when you arrive. Do not leave drop bag or other items in the motel room - you may be sleeping in a different room on your return through Atwood. Instead, you will need to repack your drop bag and return it to the drop-bag area.
Kensington – Mail your turnaround-point postcard, writing on it your time of passage, at the Kensington post office. Volunteers Guy Oldfield and his wife Barbara will be there at certain times, with some food and drink. You still need to mail your postcard.
Unstaffed Checkpoints – Checkpoints noted as “Store/Personal Checkpoint” have no event staff: have any store clerk note your time of passage and initial the card or, if during the night when all establishments are closed, note your own time and initials.
Atwood and Byers Food - We will have a selection of hot and cold food - e.g., pizza at Atwood, soup, etc. If you have specific food, drink preferences (esp. energy, nutritional, sports drinks), consider packing them in your drop bag. Atwood rooms have microwaves, and there is also a common area for eating. Atwood and Byers both have places to restaurants, but they close relatively early.
Atwood and Byers Sign-In/Out – IMPORTANT - When you arrive in Atwood and Byers, sign in on the sheet provided. Then remember also to sign out when you leave, whether your stay is half an hour or overnight. This allows us to track rider progress and post it on the website, and keep track of the riders. This is in addition to having your brevet card validated by staff.
Ride Finish (Revised)
As in years past, from 6am-9pm, the “pre-finish check-in” is at my house (noted on cue sheet). Please be sure your time of arrival is noted on your card and that you leave your card in the box provided. This allows us to keep close track of finishers, and post rider progress on the web.
NOTE: During nighttime hours (9pm to 6am) proceed directly to the Comfort Inn, have a clerk annotate your card, and leave it in my vehicle.
Drop Bags will be available starting Saturday afternoon at the Comfort Inn.
Après-Finish Dinner
As in years past, we've made arrangements at Carrabbas Italian Grill, in the next block north of the motel, starting 6:30pm on Saturday. Attendees pay their own way. Mention the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club as the group you're with. In past years, everyone's had a great time!
Bonne Route!
-jle
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Check-In and Inspection
Check-In and Inspection will be 4pm-5:30pm on Tuesday 8 September at the Comfort Inn in Louisville. If this time will not work for you, please let me know in advance.
You will need to show your:
You will need to show your:
- lighting system mounted on bike and backup lighting system,
- reflective gear for your bike and yourself (legbands and reflective vest or equivalent)
I will hand out rider packets including brevet card, Kensington postcard, printouts of map and cue sheet, plus dropbag tags for Atwood and Byers. After inspection, you may wish to join other riders for dinner at a neighboring restaurant - there are several within walking distance.
See you soon!
-jle
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