{"id":176,"date":"2008-10-21T10:50:14","date_gmt":"2008-10-21T18:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/?p=176"},"modified":"2008-10-21T10:52:43","modified_gmt":"2008-10-21T18:52:43","slug":"team-kites-the-furnace-creek-508-race-2008","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/?p=176","title":{"rendered":"Team Kites The Furnace Creek 508 Race – 2008"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Louise McCracken
\n<\/em>
\nThe big event of the year for many cyclists is a premier ultra marathon event of 508 miles and 35,000 feet of climbing.\u00c2\u00a0 A spiritual odyssey where participants experience an unparalleled personal achievement called the Furnace Creek 508 race. A total of 211 bicycle enthusiasts took part in this endeavor. This consisted of 128 people in two and four person relay teams and 67 solo riders.\u00c2\u00a0 91 rookies (first experience with the race) and 120 veterans from 19 states in the US and eight other countries (Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Denmark, Germany, Morocco and Switzerland).<\/p>\n

Team KITES\u00c2\u00a0 consisting of Rob Kraencke, Triathelete; Anna Luo, Triathelete; Richard McCaw, ACTC and Louise McCracken, ACTC.\u00c2\u00a0 This team had its difficulties with its riders.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna replaced a member from last year as they decided to participate in the event as a solo rider.\u00c2\u00a0 I was able to replace one member who suddenly could not participate with the event under circumstances beyond their control.\u00c2\u00a0 Another member had surgery on their hand and the replacement rider was struck by a car during a training ride.\u00c2\u00a0 Thus, Richard stepped-up to the plate and was able to complete the team about three weeks before the event.\u00c2\u00a0 Rob was the only Veteran as the remaining members were Rookies to the 508.\u00c2\u00a0 None of us have ever cycled together and relied upon each other’s confidences to do their part on the team.\u00c2\u00a0 I offered to be rider “A” to cycle Stage One and Five.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna offered to be rider “B” to cycle Stage Two and Six.\u00c2\u00a0 Rob and Richard debated between rider position “C” and “D” and made their decision en route the day before the race started.\u00c2\u00a0 Richard took rider “C” to cycle Stage Three and Seven (the most climbing of all the positions) and Rob took rider “D” to cycle Stage Four and Eight to the finish line.<\/p>\n

We arrived in Santa Clarita Friday afternoon before the race. We found the parking lot of the Hilton Garden Hotel a buzz of excitement. Everyone was preparing their vehicles and bicycles for inspection to pass safety features and requirements.\u00c2\u00a0 As we checked-in with the officials, we were given a bag of handouts, a team photo taken and a book entitled “The Guy on the Bike” personally signed by the Author, Michael Seacrest.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna’s husband, Dan Sauers, a solo rider and his support crew joined us for dinner to load-up on carbohydrates and go over the details of the course.\u00c2\u00a0 The Olive Garden serves a very tasty Italian Margarita, yummy.\u00c2\u00a0 The mandatory pre-race meeting was overflowing as the audience paid close attention to the announcements involving the rules and requirements of the race.\u00c2\u00a0 Much emphasis was made on safety as weather conditions were consistently changing throughout the course.\u00c2\u00a0 Group photos were taken of all the riders on stage as the meeting adjourned and everyone returned to their respective accommodations for the night.<\/p>\n

Solo riders started two hours ahead of all the teams at 7:00 am.\u00c2\u00a0 The California Highway Patrol was gracious enough to escort riders for the first five miles out of town.\u00c2\u00a0 I had been advised by Veterans that the left turn on San Francisquito Canyon Road was considered the official starting point of the race.\u00c2\u00a0 Nervous and excited all at once, I was about to start our team with the race.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna called Dan’s support team to get a final check on the weather.\u00c2\u00a0 Heavy fog and winds, it’s cold and wet climbing over the hills.\u00c2\u00a0 Wearing my rain jacket, I felt prepared and ready to go.\u00c2\u00a0 I like the camaraderie of all the participants as we wished each other well before the national anthem, last minute announcements and our escorted departure from the hotel.<\/p>\n

STAGE 1<\/h3>\n

As much as everyone would like the mass split in two groups as the elite rider pace was at least 30mph as I did my best to keep-up with them at 25mph.\u00c2\u00a0 The other group maintained a comfortable 20mph as cruisers and motorcycles scrambled along with us to stop traffic at signal lights and stop signs.\u00c2\u00a0 Sure enough, that famous left turn and everyone took off to mark their place in the race.\u00c2\u00a0 I kept a moderate-brisk, but comfortable pace to save my energy for the 6176 feet of climbing up ahead.\u00c2\u00a0 It was overcast, but no fog in sight.\u00c2\u00a0 I was overheating and stripped my rain jacket at the stop sign near the Ranger Station before the first mountain section of the course.\u00c2\u00a0 I was about 14 miles from the designated point where I would meet the rest of my team members and the leap frog routine would begin.\u00c2\u00a0 Before approaching Johnson Summit, team Kites were at the sidelines cheering me on.\u00c2\u00a0 I handed them my rain jacket.\u00c2\u00a0 The crosswinds at the climb were noticeable, but manageable.\u00c2\u00a0 I was impressed to find race officials at adjacent corners when approaching stop signs.\u00c2\u00a0 They are very serious about abiding to the safety rules.\u00c2\u00a0 As many may know, I tend to be geographically challenged and get lost on rides.\u00c2\u00a0 Thus, I was very pleased to see course marshals at the turns with most of the course.
\nThe second mountain section of the stage is called the “Windmills Climb.”\u00c2\u00a0 It was very scenic providing a Holland appeal of windmills along the road.\u00c2\u00a0 Alas, the name of this segment of the course was there for a reason-WIND!\u00c2\u00a0 It would have been nice if it were tailwinds, but this is a race, I was dealt with headwinds.\u00c2\u00a0 I also noticed the fog I had been previously warned about, it was lifting and the moisture was barely noticeable.\u00c2\u00a0 After the climb and starting into the descent I noticed some sprinkling of rain.\u00c2\u00a0 Making a right turn at 4060 feet of elevation, the overcast was darker, but the rain was still light.\u00c2\u00a0 The Team was at the sidelines and offered to return my rain jacket.\u00c2\u00a0 “Nah!” it’s not raining hard enough, I’ll just get overheated again.\u00c2\u00a0 Moments after passing them, the rain started to flow and I was getting wet.\u00c2\u00a0 Wiping my glasses off with my fingers, I was happy the team was at the side of the road shortly thereafter and helped me with my rain jacket.\u00c2\u00a0 Should have known this was going to happen, Murphy’s Law.
\nFinishing the descent and rolling into Mojave, one of the most talked about required stops of the course, the railroad crossing.\u00c2\u00a0 If you happen to arrive as the train approaches, it is known to be up to an hour wait for the train to cross.\u00c2\u00a0 As I arrived to the area, everyone was stopped and the train was gong through.\u00c2\u00a0 Just as I approached the support vehicle, Rob yelled, “Just in time, the train is almost through.”\u00c2\u00a0 Shoot!\u00c2\u00a0 It was dry and I needed to shed my rain jacket again.\u00c2\u00a0 My team members were gracious to retrieve my jacket again and I was off to finish Stage One of the course.\u00c2\u00a0 I enjoyed the tailwinds and I was focused to maintain 30 mph for the last 15 miles of the segment.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna was getting into her cleats as I arrived at the timing station in California City.\u00c2\u00a0 Here you go, I am so happy to pass the baton and climb into the warm cab to find food and drink.<\/p>\n

STAGE 2<\/h3>\n

Anna started her 70.25 mile section with 4,212 feet of climbing.\u00c2\u00a0 I was envious as she dealt with tailwinds and crosswinds, lucky puppy.\u00c2\u00a0 You could tell she was enjoying the ride as her smile glowed every time we passed her in the leap frog.\u00c2\u00a0 There was one occasion where we parked on a soft shoulder of loose gravel and got stuck.\u00c2\u00a0 Luckily Rob took the shovel and was able to dig trenches so we could get the momentum to roll ourselves out of the mess we got into in the first place.\u00c2\u00a0 It was amazing how fast she completed the stage in Trona as we welcomed her with high accolades.\u00c2\u00a0 “That was the longest ride I have ever done!” she exclaimed as she passed the baton to Richard.<\/p>\n

STAGE 3<\/h3>\n

Richard knew he had 30 minutes to ride leap frog before we converted to following him on the road.\u00c2\u00a0 He had the toughest part of the course with 99.2 miles and 7,538 feet of climbing from Trona to Furnace Creek.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna decided to drive the truck, and I commanded Rob to lie down in the cab and get some rest – call me Sergeant Louise.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna and I observed the dark clouds and lightening just beyond the mountains into Death Valley.\u00c2\u00a0 Just as we were discussing the potential of a delay in the race resulting from a lightening storm did we realize that Richard missed the turn on Panamint Valley Road. We didn’t go to far off before we turned around and got back on track with the course.\u00c2\u00a0 Richard was maintaining an excellent pace with the rolling hills.\u00c2\u00a0 There was one occasion on a descent where we were frightened with concern for him as the crosswinds caused his bicycle to oscillate vigorously.\u00c2\u00a0 We stopped and checked his bike to see if anything was loose, all was tight.\u00c2\u00a0 Thus, Richard concluded he needed to ride slower as the combination of elements was probably causing the problem.\u00c2\u00a0 When we made the right turn on East Furnace Creek, an official of the race announced that the lightening storm had passed and the roads were wet, so use some caution.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna expressed that she has night vision and uncomfortable driving, so I took the helm of the truck.\u00c2\u00a0 This was the toughest climb of the course up Townes Pass.\u00c2\u00a0 We were astounded how Richard likes to rabbit chase other riders.\u00c2\u00a0 I lost count of how many we passed.\u00c2\u00a0 What amazed us the most was a renegade rider on a mountain bike was on the same road.\u00c2\u00a0 As we passed him, we noticed that he had a plastic grocery bag with an extra water bottle.\u00c2\u00a0 All of this excitement passing riders and alike was causing Rob to get up as I barked for him to lie back down and get some rest.\u00c2\u00a0 Not only did Richard pass many riders climbing, he also passed many of them on the descent as well.\u00c2\u00a0 There was one occasion where he was coasting and kept up with a support car.\u00c2\u00a0 Why was he costing?\u00c2\u00a0 He had the potential to pass the cyclist up ahead.\u00c2\u00a0 He signaled us to pull over when there was a safe place on the road.\u00c2\u00a0 Once we stopped, we realized that he threw off his chain.\u00c2\u00a0 A ha!\u00c2\u00a0 Rob was up and anxious to drive the rest of the way to Furnace Creek.\u00c2\u00a0 I decided to take over the back of the cab and get my rest.<\/p>\n

STAGE 4<\/h3>\n

I can not write much of anything about this stage to Shoshone of 73.6 miles and 6,744 of climbing since I was sound asleep throughout the duration.\u00c2\u00a0 The next thing I knew, Anna was telling me, “Okay Louise, you’re up!”\u00c2\u00a0 Huh?\u00c2\u00a0 Oh shoot!\u00c2\u00a0 Richard and Anna got my bike together as I scrambled to get my gear and ride on the course.\u00c2\u00a0 It was still dark in the early morning hours and the gas station, with bathroom facilities, was closed.\u00c2\u00a0 There was no need to wear my jacket as the temperatures remained in the 70’s.\u00c2\u00a0 This was when I noticed that team Prairie Dog was briefly behind us and Franz K. was mounting his bike.\u00c2\u00a0 Great!\u00c2\u00a0 Here I am groggy from being a sound sleep and I have to ride with one of the most experienced cyclist I know.\u00c2\u00a0 I am going to get blown away.<\/p>\n

STAGE 5<\/h3>\n

As I peddled on the 56.3 mile course with 2,186 feet on climbing, I did not have much energy and grabbed what I had stuffed in my bento box.\u00c2\u00a0 Rob did his best, but he was not following close to me as I was following Richard when I was at the helm of the truck.\u00c2\u00a0 I waved at Franz as he passed me about a mile into the climbing.\u00c2\u00a0 That was when I realized, where are my gloves?\u00c2\u00a0 Ah shoot!\u00c2\u00a0 I could see the end on the climb ahead with the flashing lights of other support crews.\u00c2\u00a0 It wasn’t until I was descending when I could see a decent place to pull over so I could get my gloves and a cliff bar.\u00c2\u00a0 The sun had rose and support crews were able to leap frog riders again.\u00c2\u00a0 I was done with the climbing and dealing with more crosswinds.\u00c2\u00a0 Luckily they weren’t as strong as they were the day before on the first stage of the course.\u00c2\u00a0 Riding into Baker was delightful, I stood on my pedals to finish strong and Anna was geared-up and ready to ride as I approached.\u00c2\u00a0 The passing of the baton was quick and smooth; Anna was off to catch Prairie Dog team ahead.<\/p>\n

STAGE 6<\/h3>\n

The Restaurant at the corner of the timing station had a full menu.\u00c2\u00a0 Rob mentioned that their strawberry milkshakes are good.\u00c2\u00a0 It may be something o’clock in the morning, but a strawberry milkshake with fresh strawberries sounds irresistible.\u00c2\u00a0 Talk about something going down easy.\u00c2\u00a0 I was done, grabbed a change of clothes and freshened myself up in the bathroom before the guys were done with their breakfast.\u00c2\u00a0 Hey!\u00c2\u00a0 Come-on let’s go!\u00c2\u00a0 We don’t have that much time as this section is only 34.9 miles with 2,920 feet of rolling hills.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna is going to need fresh water bottles or something soon.\u00c2\u00a0 As we drove down the course, the roads were horrible!\u00c2\u00a0 The worst I have ever seen.\u00c2\u00a0 Chopped-up, worn out, patched and re-patched we were all concerned Anna would get a flat for sure!\u00c2\u00a0 When she passed us, she was rolling just fine, didn’t need anything, but expressed how the road conditions were so terrible.\u00c2\u00a0 Again, I was envious with the tailwinds as she was passing riders along the route, including team Prairie Dog.\u00c2\u00a0 When we approached the timing station in Kelso, Richard knew he was up again Franz K. and there wasn’t much of a lead.\u00c2\u00a0 Another quick and smooth passing of the baton and we were off racing.<\/p>\n

STAGE 7<\/h3>\n

Richard had some rough road, but not has horrible as what Anna had experienced.\u00c2\u00a0 His 33.8 miles course had a small climb of 2,280 feet and the route description cautioned of cattle guards on the descent.\u00c2\u00a0 Anna decided to take the helm of the truck and I encouraged Rob to sleep again.\u00c2\u00a0 You could tell by the look on his face that Richard was working hard against the winds as the weather was getting warm.\u00c2\u00a0 I am sure he wanted to do his best because Franz would not be far behind.\u00c2\u00a0 As we approached Almost Amboy, we were still ahead of team Prairie Dog, but not my much.\u00c2\u00a0 Rob was ready to go; we had the passing of the baton down to a science.<\/p>\n

STAGE 8<\/h3>\n

We were concerned with Rob as the day was getting warmer and the winds were starting to get stronger.\u00c2\u00a0 There was 58.2 miles and 4,170 feet of climbing until the finish line.\u00c2\u00a0 The last stage and we were all getting excited to complete the course.\u00c2\u00a0 We really did not know how much time had passed and we had to remind ourselves what day of the week it was.\u00c2\u00a0 It was if our internal clocks were disoriented, but the focus was to finish this race.\u00c2\u00a0 Richard was meticulous about checking in on Rob every five miles to see if he needed more fluids or food.\u00c2\u00a0 Rob did well to keep hydrated as he asked for a fresh bottle of water every time.\u00c2\u00a0 After the first two exchanges, I got the pattern down and had the water ready as opposed to twice to catch a water bottle and stopping again to pass a fresh water bottle.\u00c2\u00a0 When he made the famous left turn unto Utah Trail marked the six mile point to the finish line, team Prairie Dog parked their vehicle off the road close of ours.\u00c2\u00a0 When Rob approached, Paul V was close behind.\u00c2\u00a0 As we exchanged water bottles, Rob turned to me as asked “Should I pass this rider as the whipped dog that he is?”\u00c2\u00a0 I quickly responded, “Oh Yes!\u00c2\u00a0 By all means… Absolutely!”\u00c2\u00a0 A resounding “HEY” came from Shelia S. support crew of the other team.\u00c2\u00a0 As the two rider took off, we all encouraged them to press on the best they can (both of them).\u00c2\u00a0 When we made the turn onto 29 Palms Highway, the winds grew stronger and my heart sank.\u00c2\u00a0 This was going to be a tough stretch and another hill to climb.\u00c2\u00a0 Some may think of it as a speed bump.\u00c2\u00a0 But it was bigger than an overpass and after so many miles; it was going to be tough.\u00c2\u00a0 We slowed down to keep Rob in our sights before we drove onward.\u00c2\u00a0 As we gathered to the finish line, other teams and support crews were there in wait for their respective riders.\u00c2\u00a0 Team Prairie Dog was there as an official with binoculars was providing up-to -the-minute updates of the riders.\u00c2\u00a0 I voiced my concern as the official was describing Paul V. jersey was ahead of Rob, but he was mistaken.\u00c2\u00a0 As I expressed a sigh of relief, Shelia S. replied, “You told him to whip him…”\u00c2\u00a0 I rebutted “He asked me for my permission.\u00c2\u00a0 What was I suppose to say?\u00c2\u00a0 This is a race, so I felt it was best to encourage him.”\u00c2\u00a0 We all were full of loud cheers and applause as Rob crossed the finish line.\u00c2\u00a0 In the spirit of the event, we did the same for Prairie Dog as both Paul V and Franz K arrived together moments thereafter.<\/p>\n

Team Kites broke last year’s record with 32:15:16.and set a course record for mixed 4-person team in the 50+ category.\u00c2\u00a0 As team photos were taken after we were given our medals and finishing jerseys, numerous features of the event remained fresh on my mind.\u00c2\u00a0 We were all happy we had completed the race with no flat tires and no injuries.\u00c2\u00a0 As we were talking about the wind and the rain, Rob mentioned that “Louise took one for the team.”\u00c2\u00a0 A number of things were learned along the process.\u00c2\u00a0 There has to be some attention from other team members to make sure the rider coming up is preparing themselves at least 30 minutes before their stage begins.\u00c2\u00a0 Teams ought to do some training rides together to ensure the best riders are designated for specific stages.\u00c2\u00a0 Better communication on the needs of the rider during the course.\u00c2\u00a0 This was this biggest highlight ever imagined to end my first year in cycling.\u00c2\u00a0 A spiritual odyssey indeed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Louise McCracken The big event of the year for many cyclists is a premier ultra marathon event of 508 miles and 35,000 feet of climbing.\u00c2\u00a0 A spiritual odyssey where participants experience an unparalleled personal achievement called the Furnace Creek 508 race. A total of 211 bicycle enthusiasts took part in this endeavor. This consisted […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-176","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ride-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=176"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":178,"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176\/revisions\/178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=176"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=176"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rides.actc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=176"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}