First Raft of Rider Stories!

Have a look a rider stories from

• Colin and Julie Stokes (CA)
• Guido Van Duyn (BC)
• Val Phelps (TX)



Rider photos and more stories to come!

-jle

Photo: "Idalia Sunrise" © 2010, JLE

From Autumnal Chill to a Sunny Conclusion!

Early Saturday riders out on the margin of the plains experienced blowing drizzle, blowing rain, and, yes, even some blowing snow!  Meanwhile a mere 50 miles west up at 10,000 ft. in Rocky Mountain National Park, folks were basking in sun in 80-degree weather (as reported by my wife Pat birding at altitiude ... rubbing it in, I might add).  Ah, the surprising drama of upslope and inversion!

Here Chris Hanson (Redondo Beach), Rick Isham (Ft. Collins), and Joel Lawrence (High Point, NC) evidence cool/moist weather attire at their finish:

... while not all that long after, Matt Settle sails into the finish in bright sunlight:

As in 2009, it's an honor to welcome another 1200k organizer: Matt has held his Shenandoah 1200 for three consecutive years.  I can vouch for this rewarding event by having ridden it this past June.  By dint of finishing the Last Chance, Matt has now earned the prestigious RUSA Coast-to-Coast Award.  Merely impressive at first glance ... but harder than it looks!

With that, it's off to the post-event big feed at Carrabbas' restaurant, and the earnest business of recounting trials, tribulations, and fun moments, while stuffing yourself with tasty food.

Thanks to everyone ... I'll be posting a comprehensive report soon.

à bientôt,

-john lee

"Hardest Ride I've Done"

Tom LaVallee and Mark Lowe had a great first 1200k, looking still fresh as they rolled in early Friday evening.

This despite battling troublesome headwinds on the way in.  Mark said it may have been his toughest ride ... of course this was just after the finish.  Nice job!

-jle

Drizzly Start to Day 4

A cold front that moved through overnight brought cloud and drizzle, a contrast to our typical aridity.  First daytime finisher Francesco Mognetti celebrates in a snazzy Italian-American finishers jersey.

Francesco is a veteran already this year of the Sofia-Varna-Sofia (Bulgaria) 1200k and the Mille Miglia (1600km, 1000 miles) just last month in Italy.

Congratulazioni, Francesco!

-jle

Salutary Conditions and Some Soup!

Riders on the third day were greeted by more of that onerous southerly Plains wind ... but then just after dawn a wall of cloud rolled past.  The weak cold front behind it brought generally following winds just in time to waft riders over the big rollers west of Anton. 

First-timer Colin Stokes, pausing after about 25 miles of this terrain, asked, "Do these rollers ever quit?"

At Byers, chef-de-controle and Arizona RBA Susan Plonsky is putting on a welcome feed of soup, made-to-order grilled cheese, and other cyclist-delighting delicacies, setting folks up for a nice final century.  

Meanwhile, Vernon Smith and Paul Foley take time out to catch up on some isometrics.

-jle

Andrea Koenig Sets Women's Record

Andrea Koenig finished the LC at 18:07, a new women's record of 63:07. Catherine Shenk set the previous record of 63:14 in 2008. Koenig was the 4th finisher. When she learned in Byers that she had a shot at the record she time trialed a 5½ hour century, despite temps in the mid-80s.

When John Hughes talked with her she was very excited, "Pleased to be done and wanted to get out of these shorts and shoes." According to Charlie Henderson, her crew, she didn't even look tired. This culminates Andrea's season, which she's taken one step at a time. Looking ahead she wants to do her best at Paris-Brest-Paris next year. 

Chapeau!

It was windy!

Tim Feldman stopped by the finish line to welcome finishers and fill me in on his ride. Tim reported that yesterday the headwinds were so strong that it took him and two other riders 3 hours to cover the 30 miles from St. Francis to Idalia yesterday afternoon. "This walloped me!" Tim said. He continued riding, hoping the wind would die down after sunset as it sometimes does. After a restless sleep break in Atwood he left for Byers; however, he decided to abandon en route because of sleep problems and the lack of any open facilities after dark on the 180-mile stretch to Byers.

And they ate ...

Jim Kraychy reporting in:

Atwood food consumption mostly by the riders, the support crew helped eat a little - taste testing ):

39 pizzas
3 medium sized watermelons
3 honey dew melons
15 lbs oranges
12 lbs apples
108 cans soda
1 1/2 gallons milk
4 boxes cereal
60 ( ? ) cups of coffee

This does not include food the riders brought with and / or bought locally themselves.

Best average overall weather of the two years I helpd out with this event.

Morrissey & Fairles finish

Peter Morrissey (L) and Russell Fairles are the second riders to finish the LC, arriving in Louisville at 12:49, 57h 49m. Although they didn't sleep in Byers they did stop for a brief, cold nap on the pavement in the wee hours. This was Russell's first 1200 km—congratulations! He's already looking forward to the next one.

First Riders Leave Byers

Susan called from Byers. She's updated the rider progress sheet and said there wasn't much to report—the riders were tired and not too talkative.

First Rider Finishes

Tom Knoblauch arrived at the finish in Louisville at 7:11 this morning after riding all night from Byers. Tom finished in 52:11. As he was leaving Byers at midnight, Susan told him he should take his coat because it would be cold. Tom said he wouldn't need it, but realized later he did! He improvised with newspaper for insulation covered with plastic bags and taped in place!

Susan Plonsky report from Byers

Susan reported that Tom Knoblauch was the first to arrive at 22:46. He's had only 1 hour sleep so far. She tried to tell him this is a randonnee. He responded "I'm being chased." Russell Fairles, Tim Feldman and Peter Morrissey left Atwood 1:20 behind Tom.

Reminds me of BMB '92. I was in the lead by the second morning (hadn't slept), took 90 minutes the 2nd night and then kept moving because I knew I was being chased. That's hard. I'd rather be doing the chasing than wondering where my pursuers are! I finished first in 53:35.

No word yet on when Tom left Byers or when the others passed through Byers. Tom has ridden 650 miles averaging 14.86 mph and has 104 miles to go. Bonne route, Tom, Russell, Tim, Peter and all the others!

Update from Brent Meyers

From Brent Myers in Atwood

The first riders enabled by NW winds arrived in Atwood in record times. Soon after the riders were reporting NE winds which always seems to happen to the not as fast ones. things were so good a portion kept going to stay with the winds. Outgoing to Kensington this morning were met with drizzles and cool temps of 50 degrees. So today had winds out of the south at 15 to 20 and the group seems to have a major split with some early and gone but at this time at dusk many are still out on the road. I/ve been there but always got in just after dark. A bit concerning...

Thursday LC morning update

Jim Kraychy called in with overnight rider progress report and news.

Wed the first riders arrived with smiles; they had great winds and chose to keep going to Kansas.

1.5 to 2 hrs later more riders arrived in 2s and 3s, not smiling quite as much, but many went on to Oberlin to sleep.

Another 1.5 to 2 hrs more riders, pretty tired and stopped at Atwood

Last riders came in after midnight.

Tom Knoblauch first to arrive on way back from Kensington, KS! Arrived 06:38, took a break after pushing thru the night and left at 09:18.

Russell Fairless, Tim Feldman and Peter Morrissey left at 10:38 going west.

Many thanks to Jim Kraychy and the other volunteers for calling in the details & news! Jim said it was cloudy at the moment and there had been showers. A cool day but potential for unfavorable winds.

Thursday LC Weather

For most riders Atwood, CO at 251 mi. was the first sleep break last night, with drop bags delivered there. Still no word from the TS in Atwood about rider progress. Hope to have that updated soon.

Most riders will ride to Kensington, KS and back to Atwood today, 219 mi. and then take their second sleep break.

Kensington weather today: A slight chance of sprinkles before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Atwood weather today: Sunny, with a high near 84. West southwest wind 7 to 10 mph increasing to between 15 and 18 mph. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Southwest wind between 7 and 11 mph.

LC Update from Charie

On return from Kensington, KS, Charlie saw three riders going east 6-7 mi from Kensington, estimates 12-15 miles behind Andrea Koenig. He couldn't identify them in the dark, but he's guessing Mark Lowe, Tim Feldman and Tom Knoblauch. Andrea Koenig planning 4 hour sleep break so they'll pass her; don't know when men will sleep.

Second LC update from Charlie Henderson

Charlie reported that Andrea Koenig is in the overall lead. Shee reached the turnaround in Kensington, KS. 360 miles in 19 hours, 18.95 mph. The course is downhill but with rollers from Louisville, CO at 5300 ft to Kensington @ 1800 ft. Remarkably fast time!

First LC update from Charlie Henderson

Charlie Henderson called to report Mark Lowe 30 mi past Cope (176 mi total) averaging > 20 mph. Tom Knoblauch 6-7 mi. back & then Andrea Koenig, Michael Henderson, Tim Feldman and 1 other 2 more mi. back. Best conditions ever: no wind and temps in mid 60s. Foggy for 3 a.m. start kept it cool but didn't present problem.

Charlie is supporting Andrea, who is 1 hr 17 min ahead of her schedule, which is already aggressive.

After-Finish Dinner at Carrabbas

I have reserved a room at Carrabbas on Saturday at 6:30pm with seating for up to 40.  That should be ample.  In the case that the room is already filled when you get there, please have them seat you at a table.

They can only accommodate a certain capacity in the back room and have only allocated staff for that many, so please be considerate in dealing with the restaurant.

Thanks!

-john lee

Beat the Rush! - Early Check-In / Inspection Monday

I will be at the Comfort Inn 5:30pm - 6pm (or a little later if there are folks there) for an early chance to check in, get inspected, and get your rider packet.

See you there!

-jle

Rider Packet Details!

Some details about your rider packet:

• cue sheet and info sheet - same content as on the website
• control card and Kensington postcard inside plastic bag: keep your control card dry and safe from the start - it is not waterproof - water damage (whether from rain or sweat), abrasion, "spindling," etc., can result in penalties - this has only rarely been a problem in the past, but a word to the wise
• rider-number label: for the left side of your helmet
• dropbag tags: you'll need tape, staple, etc. to afix these to your dropbags

This is mostly stating the obvious, but hope this answers a couple of questions!

-jle

Stretch Your Legs!

Here's my post (with maps) from last year on a couple of hourlong jaunts from the rider start that combine scintillating scenery and a chance to check your equipment ... and legs!

http://coloradolastchance1200k.blogspot.com/2009/09/stretch-your-legs.html

These jaunts may take you longer, of course, if you stop to take photos.  These are some of my favorite local miles - enjoy!

-john lee

Event Procedures - Read Carefully

These procedures cover:

• Check-In and Inspection
• Ride Start
• Bagdrop Locations and Controls
• Ride Finish
• Après-Finish Dinner

Check-In and Inspection will be 4:00 - 5:30pm on Tuesday 14 September at the Comfort Inn in Louisville. If this time will not work for you, please let me know in advance.  There is limited time at the ride start, so only limited inspections can be accommodated - in any case, you will need to have your dropbags properly tagged.

For inspection, 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, cue sheet, plus dropbag tags. After inspection, you may wish to join other riders for dinner at a neighboring restaurant - there are several within walking distance.

 

Ride Start

 

Sign in between 2am-2:30am at the Comfort Inn.   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.

This allows us to manage the available space to accommodate the most riders.  Please be considerate with how you use and leave the room, as others may be using it after you.  There is no motel staff help - just our volunteers.

Atwood and Byers Food - We will have a selection of hot and cold food - e.g., pizza, fruit, 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.

Kensington Postcard – Mail your turnaround-point postcard at the Kensington post office, writing on it your time of passage.

Unstaffed Checkpoints – Checkpoints noted as “Any Store” 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 in the town are closed, note your own time.

Ride Finish

During peak rider-finish hours, the “pre-finish check-in” is at my house (noted on cue sheet).  This allows for a photo opportunity and presentation of the Randonneurs Mondiaux 1200k medal.*  At other times, proceed directly to the Comfort Inn, have the staff annotate your card, and leave it in my vehicle.  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.

• 7am-9pm: Dogwood Circle Pre-Ride Finish
• 9pm-7am: Comfort Inn

Drop Bags will be available starting Saturday afternoon at the Comfort Inn.

*RM Medals: We do not have our full order of RM medals, so we'll give out what we have and for the remaining finishers, will supply you a medal later.  (They come from France, so the ordering process is extended.)

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

 

Last Chance by the Numbers!

The Last Chance 1200 km starts at 3 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 15.

Follow Last Chance at:

• Rider progress: http://www.rmccrides.com/lastchance.htm
• Blog: http://coloradolastchance1200k.blogspot.com/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/RMCCRides

753 miles: Distance

90 Hours: Time cutoff 9 p.m. 9/18

43: Number of riders

36%: First 1200 km
60%: First Last Chance
40%: Repeat riders, which is very good
27%: Local riders

17: States & provinces represented + Italy & Poland

Qualifications: Within preceding 12 months:

• 200, 300, 400 & 600 km, or
• 1000 km, or
• 1200 km

Route: Louisville, CO to Kensington, KS & back

Suggested 4-day stages:

251 mi.: Louisville, CO to Atwood, KS
219 mi.: Atwood to Kensington, KS & back
180 mi.: Kensington to Byers, CO
103 mi.: Byers to Louisville

Riders may choose to ride in fewer than 4 days.

8: Volunteers staffing controls with drop bags and the finish, Pat Heller, Charlie Henderson, Jim Kraychy, Beth and Brent Myers, Susan Plonsky, Julie Stokes and Buster the Corgi

7: Previous editions

49h 58m: Course record, Larry Ide & John Schlitter in 2008

Thanks to John Hughes for compiling this and for the concept!

-jle

Cue Sheet in Excel Format Posted

I have posted the cue sheet in Excel format, for those who might like to reformat theirs.

-jle

GPS File for 2009 Last Chance Route

Here is a pointer to a GPS file from last year's route:

http://coloradolastchance1200k.blogspot.com/2009/08/gps-files-for-last-chance-route.html

This year's route is the same except for a segment of the first dozen miles, and a segment of the last dozen.  I have posted an update of the cue sheet.

-john

Revised Cue Sheet Posted

I have posted a revised cue sheet:

• Return Oberlin control moved to Norton.
• Final stretch on Hwy. 52 and 95th St. "unkinked" to return to busier but more straightforward route used prior to 2009 (when there was road construction).

I don't anticipate more revisions, but we will be hearing back from our pre-riders when they return.

-jle