Shasta Summit Century 8.3.2008

Before the Death Ride Granger had sent out an email at work to several of us asking if there were any takers for this century (an understatement calling it a century) up in Mount Shasta on August 3rd. Looking at the website I was a bit concerned, but said "let me finish the DR first ;)."

DR came and went, time to decide. The Shasta ride has several options, though I signed up for the big one (135 miles and around 16000'). I wasn't really thinking I'd finish, but giving it a good try sounded like fun. The route resembles a clover leave so that if I can't continue the ride back to the start, rather hotel, isn't that far away (well no up hill at least).

The day started at 5:30 AM (well 4:45 waking up at least) with a large group of Granger's friends all leaving together. I knew they'd all leave me the dust (many of these people are double century riders so I'm somewhat out of my league, but still fun nice people). I kept up with them throughout the ride to the base of the first climb, but that was it ;). The first climb was a long one for sure. Not many breaks on the way up, though not steep, you don't get that many opportunities to rest up...so just keep riding! It was starting out to be a beautiful day and the climb at that hour was wonderful. The scenery matched with the weather and the sunrise was making for an excellent morning ride.

The climb took a while given the distance, but the descent was fast and fun (though some nervousness in avoiding the many pot holes that fortunately were marked well, but anything in the shade I had a hard time seeing). No cramps, no issues, no problem...on to climb 2. Climb 2 took a long time, but again incredible views. The temps were still ok though going up as the day progressed. There's a rest stop 5 miles from the top that I definitely needed in order to eat a bit more, but all in all wasn't feeling bad...still no cramps. I'd started popping enduralites from within the first 45 minutes...hmmm, maybe it works. I had considered turning around and heading for the 3rd climb so that I would have time to make the fourth climb that goes up Mount Shasta itself, but couldn't resist the last 5 miles up this hill. There are a few very steep sections that really get your heart going and your legs burning so it takes some pushing to keep going, but not too bad really (it doesn't go all that long really). Saw Granger and several other members of the morning group shortly after leaving the mid rest stop so knew I wouldn't likely see them again till the end of the day.

Resting at the top enjoying a soda (gotta love regular soda when riding...I always drink diet so regular is a nice treat) a PCT thru hiker came through. Cool! PCT = Pacific Crest Trail that goes from the Mexico border to the Canada border. It's a long hike ;); see here for more details. He'd been out since April I think he said so needless to say he was a bit dirty, but definitely has my props giving my longest trek was 7 days...inspiring!

Left for pass 3 and got there relatively quickly. The climb was only really any challenge for the first 2 miles then it just goes on and on for a while longer, but not bad. Again the scenery was wonderful! This ride was worth the drive (aka money) to go up just for the scenery alone. The top of the 3rd climb was this lake that honestly looked very inviting. I considered jumping in, but opted against it...next time!

I left after 20 minutes (I was just relaxing) and decided to see how long it'd take me to get down before decided to go for the last climb. Needless to say I was already at 94 miles at the top of the 3rd climb so it was already going to be a century by the bottom of the hill so it was a good day no matter what. As I got to the bottom it was clear that I wouldn't make the top of Shasta before dark or at least would miss the closing times for the rest stops. I decided to not go up seeing as it was 5:15ish when I got back to the beginning (first rest stop was closing at 5:30 about 6 miles up the 14 mile ride).

The two best parts from the whole day...
* Beautiful scenery
* NOT A SINGLE CRAMP! (will definitely try more enduralites at next year's DR)

Totals (approx):
110 miles
11500'

Here's a few views from the day...enjoy!