This entry was posted on 5/25/2006 10:08 AM and is filed under TnT Training Updates.
Riding Up the Coast It was a classic NorCal morning with the fog burning off, exposing the amazing seascapes on the western side of Highway 1 in Santa Cruz. I was pumped and ready for what would be the longest and most beautiful training rides I had done. The first ten miles felt like three with so much to take in visually as we rode up the coastline. Highway 1 has a lot of slow rollers—that test your morning legs. After about 13 miles—we broke off to the right on a tiny road.
The road took us back into the wind swept hills of Santa Cruz. You could smell the mixture of the sea air and eucalyptus tree while you rode down the middle of this little traveled road in what looked like surroundings of the South of France. (Not that I have been—but that is what I imagined it would be like.)
Enjoying the ride, the company of my teammates and surroundings immensely—I was caught off guard by a loud squeaking noise coming from another teammate’s bike. It sounded like big trouble, so I slowed down to see what was making the loud high-pitch squeal. As I slowed down to get behind her—I realized it was my bike making that annoying noise. Heading straight into the big climb of the day—I shifted to my smallest gear and started to concentrate on attacking the hill. With the noise gone and a huge climb ahead of me—I just focused on pushing each pedal until I made it up the hill.
Top of the Hill With Ed and Cheryl
Excited to make it up the hill with a few of my peers—I had forgotten about the random squeak. That was until I started the descent. The sweet reward of climbing the hill was stolen by the return of high-pitched squeak coming from my bike. It was back and getting more pronounced. I made a left around the first “S” turn at about 22 mph and my bike felt like it was going to shake itself to pieces. I had to lock up both brakes to slow the momentum and make it to the bottom of the hill in one piece. At the bottom of the hill—it did not take long to figure out what went wrong. My back wheel was shaped like an egg and was scrapping against the top of my seat stays (part of the frame just below the seat). Going up the hill—my wheel was going too slow to create the friction needed to create the high pitch squeak of rubber hitting steel—however, going downhill it was deafening.
With no cell phone coverage—I decided to ride the next 3 miles to the next supported rest stop. An idea my right knee did not approve of as it became very grueling with the wheel dragging against the frame. With my wobbling back wheel, I rolled slowly into the rest stop at mile 20—I was done for the day.
For the first time in my training—I had to be “SAG’ed” back by a support vehicle. Getting SAGed is a one of the most disgraceful things that can happen to you on the bike. Everyone assumes that the ride beat you that day. Other cyclists never presume it was a mechanical problem that laid you up. Like my back wheel—I was crushed that I did not get to finish what was in the makings of one of the best rides of the seasons. The upside is—it did not happen at Tahoe and there is enough time to get a new back wheel that is stronger.
As they shuttled me back—I thought to myself how thankful I am for the volunteers who provide support to riders like me in times of need. However, I could not stop thinking about how much I much rather be out there pushing my weight up and down Highway 1. The ride back to my truck at 65 mph felt like it took forever—while the time on my bicycle going 15 mph went by in a flash.
Life is moving too fast—get out on the road, dirt path, or sandy trail and slow your life down. Have a great holiday weekend.
5/27/2006 10:34 AMFendergal wrote:
Why do you assume that other riders would think that your fitness is what put you in the broom wagon? I've found over the years that cyclists tend to give the benefit of the doubt. I'm surprised that no one told you that your wheel was so out of true. Did you find out what caused the wheel to go? Was it the rim? Or did multiple spokes break? Good luck on your ride.
I enjoy your blog. It reminds me of my first year or two on the bike, when I felt like I had something to prove, and that I was inferior to everyone.
What I've learned is that we're all geeks, so don't let your sense of inferiority get in the way of learning and having fun. Reply to this
6/8/2006 12:42 PM
Scott Leatherman wrote:
Thanks for the "sunny disposition" -- I am having a blast. I am sorry if you felt/read otherwise. I would not be sharing my journey if I did not think--it would be fun to read and maybe help someone find the motivation to make a change in their life for the better.
As far as the SAG wagon. I am guilty--when I see people catching a ride back I assume that they bonked. My pride is what keeps me from calling it quits even when cramps in my legs and my tush are telling me to call it a day. Nothing is worse then quitting--it is a game I have to play in my head to ensure I leave everything I can out on the road.
As far as my rim--one too many slices of pizza. It came untrue during the ride a long a rough road.
I am a very big person (huge for riding standards) -- the stock wheels I had were meant for people that weigh 100-180 pounds. I have made the change to hand built 36 spoke wheels. They are heavier--but I feel better reaching speeds above 40 mph on them.
Thanks again for sharing a comment--it means a lot to hear from people.
6/14/2006 4:57 PM
Suse wrote:
Thanks for being such an inspiration. Do you plan on riding in another event soon? If this was such a great experience, I would assume you'd like to try again? Reply to this
6/15/2006 10:07 AM
Scott Leatherman wrote:
I have some plans--but I am not locked into anything quite yet. I am definitely going to continue riding. I do not want to steal my own thunder by pre-announcing my next challenges. Thanks for pinging me and it was great to meet you at the play last night.
Right now I have three blog entries I am behind on finishing. Plus the tool that I am using has a bug they are working on. For some reason when I publish perfect code--the tool strips it out and puts in partial links (means the pictures do not render) when sending the automated updates for those who have signed up to receive them. It also breaks when you go to the print functionality. So I am using them as an excuse to hold off on posting the pictures and full ride update from Tahoe.
I have one of my more funny updates, at least I think so, already to go--but it has a lot to do with an image file--and I would rather wait until they fix the bug.
Once again it was great meeting you last night. I felt famous for a moment.
5/9/2010 12:14 AMSuper Bowl Tickets wrote:
Man, I would love to tear up the coast on my bike. It really looked to be cold that day. Looks like a large crowd of people showed up for this event. Good times. Reply to this
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Cycling has always been a good experience for me I daily cycle to keep myself fit. That's the secret. Thanks for sharing and stay fit. Reply to this
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It came untrue during the ride a long a rough road. 
already to go--but it has a lot to do with an image file--and I would rather wait until they fix the bug.