Yup, it happened. The writeup of the Rapha Diabolical Double by the Rapha crew should appear soon at http://rapha.cc/rapha-continental
129 miles, 16323 feet of climbing, a crisp and cool day in the mountains ideal for cycling, too late a start and just minutes of daylight left at finish. But, Sean and I completed it, and it left quite the impression on the Rapha crew.
Long story short, the ride is hard as hell. The stretch from Friendsville (mile 27) to Howe's Market (mile 67) in particular is simply cruel with Old Morgantown Rd, Everly, Collier, Pigs Ear, Devils Half Acre, Bowman Hill, and Killer Miller, all extended climbs in excess of 15% in that stretch. The second half of the ride has as much total climbing as the first, but I found it marginally easier as the pitches seemed only slightly more sane.
The Rapha crew was super strong. I was not super enthused that morning when they showed up to find they were all racers and all climbers. Clearly they were having tough rides thrown at them (what do they expect, advertising for Epic Rides?), but I expected the Diabolical Double would be at a different level and would put a serious hurt on them. Early in the ride there was a good bit of big ring climbing going on and big ring sprints over little rises that I was sure they would come to regret in 7 hours time.
But, by the end of the day it was very apparent that Sean and I were the weak links in the cog. The final 35 mostly uphill miles home from Westernport did seem to beat down a few of the guys, particularly Steve from Vermont who bonked hard on the North Hill climb. And Graham and Jeremy seemed more than content to ride my pace at this point. However, Ben and Dan disappeared on these final climbs to not be seen again until we limped in at 8:30pm just before dark.
The Rapha riders would not come out and say it was their toughest ride, preferring to say that there are different aspects to different rides that make them tough in different ways - and surely this is true - but I saw a lot of strained faces that evening when getting out of chairs, and the video crew said unequivicobly that this ride hurt the riders more than any one they'd seen yet. And Sam's massage services were quite in demand that evening as well....
The night ended with bbq catered by Grizzly and massages provided by Sam. Poor Sean and Sam were up at 4am to drive home the next day, while Rapha crew, Laura, and I all slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, and watched the assembly line of Rapha crew clean and tune up all bikes before heading up to State College, PA in the afternoon.
All in all, an amazing day and a ride to earn anyone's respect.
And, here is a very good blog writeup with excellent pictures by Karlo Gesner who was a support driver for the Rapha crew
http://karlophoto.blogspot.com/2009/05/deep-creek-diabolical-double.html
Here is what appeared in the local paper about it; we were big news in Garrett County!
http://www.therepublicannews.com/articlepage.aspx?id=3618 (front page)
http://www.therepublicannews.com/articlepage.aspx?id=3622 (sports page)
http://www.therepublicannews.com/articlepage.aspx?id=3617 (sports page)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Memorial Day Mini-Savage Update
48 hours ago Sean and I were in the midst of riding the Diabolical Double, and here I am already planning more epic Deep Creek riding. Ugh.
We're going to have two full houses and an awesome weekend of training and fun. I've rented the house across the street for Fri-Sun nights and we've hired Grizzly to bbq for us on Sunday night, so these expenses plus any other "shared" expenses will be split up amongst all.
Due to the number of us we're not planning on cooking for ourselves either night. So, as far as stuff to bring, I'd suggest breakfast and lunch and chips/snacks stuff. Refrigerator space is particularly limited, so bring non-perishables please. Beer, for example. Or, maybe beer. Also, as we are going to be crowded and living space is limited, please try and minimize excess "stuff". We've got plenty of Hammer gels, HEED, Recoverite, etc....
Here's the plan:
There is no plan! The DD wiped me out pretty good, so instead of Sat and Mon big rides, I'm just planning on doing the 120 mile extended version (Thomas, WV climb addition) of the Monongahela Massacre on Sunday. I'll be up for shorter 35-60 rides on Sat and Mon, but nothing epic. As always, am happy to provide cue sheets / Garmins for those looking to go big on a day other than Sunday.
Saturday:
On Saturday, I'll be looking to get in a swim (expect COLD water) and a long run and have my workouts done in time to spend the afternoon at ASCI at this: http://www.hartforanimals.org/ktb. There is also at the same time a "Rails Jam" on WISP where they've got a whole bunch of snow kept under hay that they'll be opening up for some freestyle ski tournament. Might be cool, but Laura, Riley, and I'll probably be at the beer and bluegrass party. Saturday night we should plan on going out for dinner. There's too many of us to plan to cook.
Sunday:
Sunday will be the big ride to Thomas and Monongahela. 120 from Happy Endings. 70 or 85 from Oakland depending on whether the Thomas climb addition is included. Post-ride we've got Grizzly's Grill'n doing burgers and fresh-cut fries for us. Yummy, yummy, yummy!
Monday:
Monday I'll probably do a nice 35 miler around the lake and a good run. And that'll do it for 2009 Memorial Day Mini-Savage.
We're going to have two full houses and an awesome weekend of training and fun. I've rented the house across the street for Fri-Sun nights and we've hired Grizzly to bbq for us on Sunday night, so these expenses plus any other "shared" expenses will be split up amongst all.
Due to the number of us we're not planning on cooking for ourselves either night. So, as far as stuff to bring, I'd suggest breakfast and lunch and chips/snacks stuff. Refrigerator space is particularly limited, so bring non-perishables please. Beer, for example. Or, maybe beer. Also, as we are going to be crowded and living space is limited, please try and minimize excess "stuff". We've got plenty of Hammer gels, HEED, Recoverite, etc....
Here's the plan:
There is no plan! The DD wiped me out pretty good, so instead of Sat and Mon big rides, I'm just planning on doing the 120 mile extended version (Thomas, WV climb addition) of the Monongahela Massacre on Sunday. I'll be up for shorter 35-60 rides on Sat and Mon, but nothing epic. As always, am happy to provide cue sheets / Garmins for those looking to go big on a day other than Sunday.
Saturday:
On Saturday, I'll be looking to get in a swim (expect COLD water) and a long run and have my workouts done in time to spend the afternoon at ASCI at this: http://www.hartforanimals.org/ktb. There is also at the same time a "Rails Jam" on WISP where they've got a whole bunch of snow kept under hay that they'll be opening up for some freestyle ski tournament. Might be cool, but Laura, Riley, and I'll probably be at the beer and bluegrass party. Saturday night we should plan on going out for dinner. There's too many of us to plan to cook.
Sunday:
Sunday will be the big ride to Thomas and Monongahela. 120 from Happy Endings. 70 or 85 from Oakland depending on whether the Thomas climb addition is included. Post-ride we've got Grizzly's Grill'n doing burgers and fresh-cut fries for us. Yummy, yummy, yummy!
Monday:
Monday I'll probably do a nice 35 miler around the lake and a good run. And that'll do it for 2009 Memorial Day Mini-Savage.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
SavageCamp Update 5/3/09
Here is the final Diabolical Double route. It is very similar to last year's route; just a slight diversion down Sam Friend Rd and up Everly Rd added, because, well, it's there.
The Rapha Continental crew is coming to ride the Diabolical Double on 5/18. You can read their online journal of their rides here: http://rapha.cc/continental/
Here's the tentative SavageCamp schedule:
Every day: swim
6/27: drive to Oakland, race in the new MountainMan Oly Triathlon. Post-race, from Oakland, ride the 70 miles of the Monongahela Massacre from there, possibly adding on the Thomas climb for bonus SavagePoints. Those not racing MountainMan can ride from DCL adding ~30 miles roundtrip.
6/28: long run - 16-18miles
6/29: 80 mile ride including Bowman Hill Bike/Run Match Play Races
6/30: SavageMan Intl bike + 6-9 run
7/1: 80 mile ride + short run
7/2: swim + run / recover
7/3: Diabolical Double
7/4: swim + run / recover
7/5 long run (16-20m) and leave
The Rapha Continental crew is coming to ride the Diabolical Double on 5/18. You can read their online journal of their rides here: http://rapha.cc/continental/
Here's the tentative SavageCamp schedule:
Every day: swim
6/27: drive to Oakland, race in the new MountainMan Oly Triathlon. Post-race, from Oakland, ride the 70 miles of the Monongahela Massacre from there, possibly adding on the Thomas climb for bonus SavagePoints. Those not racing MountainMan can ride from DCL adding ~30 miles roundtrip.
6/28: long run - 16-18miles
6/29: 80 mile ride including Bowman Hill Bike/Run Match Play Races
6/30: SavageMan Intl bike + 6-9 run
7/1: 80 mile ride + short run
7/2: swim + run / recover
7/3: Diabolical Double
7/4: swim + run / recover
7/5 long run (16-20m) and leave
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
SavageCamp 2009 and Memorial Day Mini-Savage
RSVP please using the following evite links for SavageCamp and Memorial Day Mini-Savage
It's time to start thinking about Memorial Day Mini-Savage and SavageCamp. In particular, we need to figure out whether we have enough beds for everyone or whether we need to take advantage of the rental across the street.
I believe Happy Endings is at capacity for Memorial Day Mini-Savage. I have not reserved the rental across the street, so need to act fast if it's needed.
Happy Endings is almost definitely full for the week of SavageCamp, and we have the rental across the street reserved for the second weekend. I need to find out soon whether we actually need the rental for the first weekend and/or the entire week as well.
Please RSVP via the following evite links, regardless of whether you have previously informed me of your plans:
Memorial Day Mini-Savage
SavageCamp (if you plan to attend any portion)
It's time to start thinking about Memorial Day Mini-Savage and SavageCamp. In particular, we need to figure out whether we have enough beds for everyone or whether we need to take advantage of the rental across the street.
I believe Happy Endings is at capacity for Memorial Day Mini-Savage. I have not reserved the rental across the street, so need to act fast if it's needed.
Happy Endings is almost definitely full for the week of SavageCamp, and we have the rental across the street reserved for the second weekend. I need to find out soon whether we actually need the rental for the first weekend and/or the entire week as well.
Please RSVP via the following evite links, regardless of whether you have previously informed me of your plans:
Memorial Day Mini-Savage
SavageCamp (if you plan to attend any portion)
SavageCamp update 3/31/09
Big news on the SavageCamp front! The Diabolical Double has been selected as one of Rapha Continental's Top 25 Epic Rides. They will be sending out their team and support vehicle and photographer to document the ride on May 20. Unfortunately for me, this means two things.
1 - I have to be in shape to do the Double by 5/20.
2 - There ain't no way I'm doing it again during Memorial Day Mini-Savage a few days later.
SavageCamp Schedule
After much deliberation and concern that SavageCamp is too close to Lake Placid, I have decided that three weeks recovery from a hard week culminating in the Diabolical Double is perfect. So, the SavageCamp schedule remains 6/26 - 7/5. For those attending just one or both weekends, the plan is to ride big on Saturday 6/27 (will include the Bowman Hill Run/Bike Match Races), the Monongahela Massacre (112) on 7/2, and the Diabolical Double on 7/4. If you're looking to maximize experience and minimize vacation time, plan on both weekends and arriving Weds night.
SavagePoints
There has been much off-season SavagePoint trash talking. Yes, it's true. Sean took the 2008 title by the narrowest of margins (yes, the blueberry pancakes made the difference), but he has his work cut out for him in 2009.
Here's how SavagePoints are allocated:
1 pt per mile on bike
2 pts per 1K feet elevation on bike
7 pts per mile run
25pts per hour swim
10pts stage KOM winner
10pts stage winner
Point system TBD for special events like the Bowman Hill Bike/Run Match Races and time-handicapped Big Savage Mountain Time Trial.
Points are also given and deducted as ChiefSavage sees fit. Extraordinary actions like blueberry pancake breakfasts for all or fetching Kyle a beer while he recovers in the hammock are rewarded handsomely. Pathetic actions like staying home to eat healthy while we go out to eat wings or cutting a ride short because of a little rain are worthy of SavagePoint deductions.
Current SavagePoint scores
SavageCamp may still be months away, but already the Yosts have found a way to the front of the field and others have managed SavagePoint deductions.
At the Deep Creek Dunk there were 100 SavagePoints per sex to be divied up to all who participated, plus 10 points for anyone going for a full submersion and 10 points for the Savage who was last to leave the frozen lake. Last second pathetic bail-outs by Ashley, Sean, and Adrianne earned them each 20 pt deductions. In addition, Sean has twice earned additional 10 pt deductions for trying to play the role of ChiefSavage and hand out points himself. A 5 point redemption was given for his willingness to ride at 10pm midweek instead of 5am.
This leaves us at:
110 pts: Laura Yost
70 pts: Kyle Yost
60 pts: Pete Warner
-20 pts: Ashley McWilliams
-20 pts: Adrianne Kroepsch
-35 pts: Sean Ward
As is already apparent, this competition has a home-field advantage!
1 - I have to be in shape to do the Double by 5/20.
2 - There ain't no way I'm doing it again during Memorial Day Mini-Savage a few days later.
SavageCamp Schedule
After much deliberation and concern that SavageCamp is too close to Lake Placid, I have decided that three weeks recovery from a hard week culminating in the Diabolical Double is perfect. So, the SavageCamp schedule remains 6/26 - 7/5. For those attending just one or both weekends, the plan is to ride big on Saturday 6/27 (will include the Bowman Hill Run/Bike Match Races), the Monongahela Massacre (112) on 7/2, and the Diabolical Double on 7/4. If you're looking to maximize experience and minimize vacation time, plan on both weekends and arriving Weds night.
SavagePoints
There has been much off-season SavagePoint trash talking. Yes, it's true. Sean took the 2008 title by the narrowest of margins (yes, the blueberry pancakes made the difference), but he has his work cut out for him in 2009.
Here's how SavagePoints are allocated:
1 pt per mile on bike
2 pts per 1K feet elevation on bike
7 pts per mile run
25pts per hour swim
10pts stage KOM winner
10pts stage winner
Point system TBD for special events like the Bowman Hill Bike/Run Match Races and time-handicapped Big Savage Mountain Time Trial.
Points are also given and deducted as ChiefSavage sees fit. Extraordinary actions like blueberry pancake breakfasts for all or fetching Kyle a beer while he recovers in the hammock are rewarded handsomely. Pathetic actions like staying home to eat healthy while we go out to eat wings or cutting a ride short because of a little rain are worthy of SavagePoint deductions.
Current SavagePoint scores
SavageCamp may still be months away, but already the Yosts have found a way to the front of the field and others have managed SavagePoint deductions.
At the Deep Creek Dunk there were 100 SavagePoints per sex to be divied up to all who participated, plus 10 points for anyone going for a full submersion and 10 points for the Savage who was last to leave the frozen lake. Last second pathetic bail-outs by Ashley, Sean, and Adrianne earned them each 20 pt deductions. In addition, Sean has twice earned additional 10 pt deductions for trying to play the role of ChiefSavage and hand out points himself. A 5 point redemption was given for his willingness to ride at 10pm midweek instead of 5am.
This leaves us at:
110 pts: Laura Yost
70 pts: Kyle Yost
60 pts: Pete Warner
-20 pts: Ashley McWilliams
-20 pts: Adrianne Kroepsch
-35 pts: Sean Ward
As is already apparent, this competition has a home-field advantage!
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