By Louise McCracken – April 26th, 2008

Arriving @ 6:00 at Wilcox High School in Santa Clara with three set’s of “goodies” to place in drop at bags designated for the rest stops, the 39th annual Mt Hamilton Challenge was about to commence.  Unlike other rides, you were required to check-in with your bicycle as it was subject to examination.  Once you were given your number, printed on a file folder size label with your name and contact information you are instructed to affix the label to one of your brake lines, and directed to the designated bike inspectors before starting your ride.  This was not a hard-core assessment; the primary concern was the condition of your brakes.  I met John Kaplan as we wait for our bike check-up’s and agreed to start the ride together.

There was no organized staggered start as individuals and groups alike ventured onto the course.  I was very comfortable with this ride as I cycled the route in parts and pieces with other rides. Having lived my childhood in Santa Clara, I found that diverting off course temporarily on a better road was very tempting.  The weather was very nice!  Clear skies the mooring chill was quite calm, it was going to be a warm, but beautiful day for a bike ride.  Once we approached the overpass on Lawrence Expressway towards Central Expressway, John and the group of riders was painfully slow.  Sorry John for dropping you so early, I can take only so much before I can’t stand it anymore.  That was the last I saw of him for the rest of the day.

It was not long before another group of riders caught-up to me as we were able to keep a steady pace about 22mph to Alum Rock Park.  Someone got a flat and I suddenly found myself riding with two other riders.  This was a first to ride through Alum Rock Park like this, it was nice.  Before I knew it, I hooked up to Alum Rock Avenue leaving the park and onto Mt Hamilton road a few moments later.  This is where the “climbers” separate themselves from the pack.  I felt good and thought I was doing well until a group passed me as they were carrying a casual conversation about whatever was gong on with their lives.  Okay, this was the incentive that I tend to become easy on myself if I am climbing alone as opposed to working together with a group.  Much to my amazement, I was able to pick-up the pace without feel too strained.  When I reached the top at the observatory, I was happy to see Barry S. who was about to start his decent. I .The winds were mild and quite warm.  Should have put a small tube of sunscreen in my bag, the application earlier that morning was worn off, I’m sure.

Finding you bag of goodies can be challenging if you do not remember the drop-off bag number when you first arrived to start the ride in Santa Clara.  Water and Lemonade was made available, no energy powder.  This is bare to the bones basic ride for the more experienced, self supportive cyclist.  As I was eating my last cookie and topped off my water bottles, I was happy to be leaving the rest-stop as a group was arriving.  The route sheet strongly cautioned to be alert on the decent ear-marking the cattle-guards at various mile-markers.  I was happy to be one of the very few descending the mountains at the time as the debris of falling rock from the hillsides would suddenly appear.  I was starting to cross paths with DMD riders.  I did not recognize Gary F. right away as he was wearing his Death Ride jersey.  Called out to him the moment I passed him, best of luck, it’s a warm day today.  From that point forward the acknowledgements from the DMD riders were common.

When I reached the Junction, I thought it was the next designated rest stop, but there was no canopy to be found or a truck with cylinder jugs of water.  Another cyclist informed me that I had another 20 or so miles to go.  As I was shedding my jacket, I met up with David H. who was ready to catch-up with Deb L. after making a pit-stop.  “Okay, see you soon, right behind you.”  Ahem!  Yea right, I’ll be far behind you, see you on the next ride.  Leaving the Junction, Arriving to the next rest-stop was surprising.  A dirt turn-about area off the road that is not the friendliest to road bike tires.  I was so happy I did not get a flat.  Donated half the cookies as I left to continue on course, I was so happy to be wearing a sleeveless jersey, but wish I had that tube of sunscreen.

Continuing down Mines Road, I was crossing paths with a concentration of DMD riders’.  I started shouting out to each and every rider “Good Luck!” as I was passing them.  Wish the battery on my camera didn’t die on me; the looks of their faces were something else.  They were climbing; with many more mile miles under their belt and it was warm regardless of the wind-tailwinds for them, headwinds for me.  I did get a smile from most of them as they appreciated my words of encouragement on such a tough ride. Much to my delight, expressing myself to the DMD riders turned out to be beneficial as I approached a motorcycle club.  Each HOG had a passenger who informed the rider that I was on their tail about to pass them.  I am sure that was a surprise.  They quickly passed me once we were down the mountain; I was in the middle of the pack.

Met Alan and Dennis from Fremont on the road towards Pleasanton; since I had not seen markings on the road, I was concerned about staying on course.  Dennis reassured me he knew where he was going and pointed out the markings when we came across them.  Not that many, but the course was familiar from the Primavera Century ride the week before.  Pace-lining with Alan and Dennis made the ride more enjoyable until we approached the last rest-stop.  Alan mentioned something about grabbing a beer after the ride.  Sorry, I don’t drink beer, but thanks for the offer.  The group who easily passed me climbing Mt Hamilton were mounting their bikes and leaving the rest-stop.  I felt better, not too far behind them, I am keeping a good pace.  A dousing of water over my head was heaven.  As I was gearing-up to continue, Alan asked if I would like to continue riding with them on Calaveras.  Sure!  But don’t wait-up for me if I am too slow on the incline.

The guy proved to be gentlemen nonetheless.  Made sure I was connect to their pace line if I started to fall behind.  As we left Sunol, I reassured Alan I knew the rest of the route and he can cycle at his own pace.  Told Dennis the same when I got the chance, he turned to me and said “Hey!  I’m old, I need a rest every now and then.  Just completing a ride is good enough for me!’  Oh give me a break dude, I am a few years shy of 50 and had been cycling for seven months.  You’re not THAT old.  Did not cross paths with DMD riders again, they must have been on Sierra Road.  Made it through Calaveras on my middle ring and had the energy to blast down the wall.  Yahoo!

Took advantage with my knowledge of the neighborhood and took some side streets returning to Santa Clara. It was the same mileage, less time on Montague Expressway.  As I approached the cafeteria at Wilcox to check-in, it was about 4:15pm and completed 130 miles.  There was a group of young girls and their mothers greeting us with cheers and smiles.  Too cute!