xcrament

This past weekend was an event organized by the Foundation formed by not only the most accomplished cyclist in history but also a cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. It is a “challenge” and not a race in order to raise awareness and donations for cancer research. Some 6500 participants raised over 3.2 million dollars for the cause. Out of all the participants only one was dumb enough to “challenge” himself to the 100 mile ride on a single speed/fixed gear/brake less track bike.

My Motivation: My grandmother who had 3 battles with cancer and who I recently lost

Kim’s mother who we tragically lost so prematurely

Ray and Big Al. Two long time close friends who have both battled and won

My Inspiration:

Earlier this year some of the Mash SF crew rode the Tour of California. 6 Riders/9 Days/750 miles. Absolutely ridiculous. This preview video says it all. Definitely earned tons of respect.

The Ride: “The total climbing elevation for the 100 mile course is 4,337 feet.”

My Ride:

needs some TLC after the ride

My story:

Overall I had a good time.  I definitely got a few looks standing in line for 100 mile ride with my bike but it was all the motivation I needed. Having never done a century ride I wasn’t sure if one with over 4300 ft of climbing was the right ride but it was for a good cause. The announcer pointing me out as we left the start line was kinda funny too. I think most of the doubters new I was for real as I was passing them on the 1st long climb and didn’t turn off at the 70 mile ride mark and followed the signs for the 100. The highlight of my day was the Landis Store climb. It is about 58 miles into the ride and climbs around 500 vert. feet in a mile. I pedaled by at least 30 people walking there expensive, geared road bikes up the climb.  As soon as the devil (guy dressed as the devil directing traffic at an intersection) saw me coming he began heckling all the walkers as the “fixed gear guy” pedaled on by them. I refuse to get off my bike and walk. I will have to fall over before I give up and get off. I definitely answered a lot of questions and received a lot of praise and respect from fellow riders as the day went on. The term “you are a better man than me” was heard dozens of times as I was passing riders yet all declined my offer to trade bikes. coming into the finish the announcer told me to “slow my roll” for photo ops. it was when I skidded sideways he realized I was “the fixed gear guy” and the place went nuts as he called it “Philly or NY type skills” which was funny.

I heard dozens of times “What’s with the long sleeves?”

My reply “I have 3x invested in my tattoos as you do your bike”

I finished in around 6.5 hrs riding time. i ran 48/16 gearing which meant i really needed to keep my momentum going up each climb which is why I was passing everyone on the up hills. It was a leap frog effect. I passed them going up, they passed me coasting going down while I was pedaling my ass off.

Thanks to all who donated, all who inspired, and here’s to all who motivated. Whats next?