My calendar is marked
My time away last week was great. However, as I mentioned in one of my Tweets, I did miss the Caesars Head Challenge. I don’t plan on doing that again. I’ve already marked my calendar for next year.
I continue to hear good things about the event - including this report by Kirk Flinte. If you participated in the event, I’d love to see your comments - or even a report to post here at LowCadence.com. I would especially like to hear from someone who completed the 102 mile epic ride!
Here is a report from Catherine James.
June 12, 2010. It’s already set -The Second Annual Caesars Head Challenge. So for all of you who missed the Inaugural event this past Saturday, you have another opportunity. And you now have a year to prepare – which believe me, you’ll need.
John and I rode the Metric route, which provided the expected amount of suffering leading to the slog up Caesars Head, but what really made things interesting was the blistering pace set from the gun, and the third hardest climb being a mile into the ride. For those of you who participate in Donaldson Center on Tuesday nights, imagine riding in the A group to the base of Caesars Head, with Camp Old Indian as a warm up. So, if you want a hard, fast, challenging ride with a test of your climbing endurance at the end (and in the middle, and in the beginning), do this route next year. Of course, the route is friendly for all, well supported and provided appropriate rest stops (and bail-out points) – so if you prefer to stop and eat the cookies (Baker) and drink the ice cold coke, it’s even more satisfying.
The full Century, aka Gran Fondo, I hear was the true climber’s test. We’re told that evil genius Boyd managed to put in every infamous climb he could think of in under 102 miles (Watershed, Saluda Grade, Old 25, Mount Olivet, Caesars Head.) The distance, the climbs and the heat were the perfect prescription for a true challenge. So all you gluttons for punishment, this one is for you. Several of the Century “specialists” determined that this ride tops Mt. Mitchell due to the up and down nature of the route.
As for the event venue (gorgeous!), organization and friendly hospitality, the Caesars Head Challenge team did a superb job in their inaugural event, and is already incorporating suggestions into the planning for next year (earlier start time, more directional signs/pavement markings). While there were a few minor (and typical) issues in this first attempt, this ride was as good as or better than many of the other established rides I have participated in. Bravo Nicole, Boyd, Don and Global Bike, and I look forward to next year’s challenge.
Tags: Assault on Mount Mitchell, Caesars Head, Caesars Head Challenge, Catherine James
June 17th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Hope you can make it next year. We had a great time. Watch out for Wilmar though, he killed it up the climb.