Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Patterson Pass to Altamont Pass... not easy




June 7th was a fun day. Short ride but a tough ride. I started in Tracy,Ca near the sports complex at Kathy and Chris' house, left westbound toward the altamont, the crossing point was Patterson Pass Rd. which is a short and difficult climb, the hardest part was the persistent headwinds. I have rode this route before without incidence, but today all the wind turbines were on, the whole wind farm was producing electricity due the heavy 25-30mph winds. This did not help any, considering I was climbing steadily at 8%-15%.

Thats an old picture I took in march, now the altamont is yellow and dry, too bad I forgot my camera at home. I suppose its a positive, considering how carrying an extra lb. up the altamont would have made it slightly more difficult, at one point near the last 1/2mi. to the summit of Patterson Pass Rd. I considered unclipping. Muscled through and made it up and over.

According to Livestrong.com it was 2600+ ft of vertical ascent over the course of 34.8miles. Average speed was 15mph. Not bad considering I had a severe headwind, on the way eastbound leaving Livermore I rode consistently 33-40mph with assistance from that tailwind. Very exciting.
Warp speed? All this preparation is in hopes of completing an ascent up Mt. Diablo. Wish me luck!

Well part of fitness is eating healthy right?


No cycling today... ran 6.15mi./54:11 . I felt very strong today, managed a 8:49min/mi.
If all goes well, Yosemite this weekend. Can't wait!