Committing to the Davis Double

Unlike the structured buildup and peaking effort for the Solvang Double, preparing for Davis was more a test of will. Since the Solvang ride, my legs, body, and spirit were all pedaling square…lacking the discipline and motivation to commit to Davis. My legs were tired. My mind wanted to press. My body wanted to rest.

The weekend of the Devil Mountain Double was my supposed ‘go/no go’ decision ride. I pedaled out Mines Road to the junction and back, just catching of glimpse of Kevin Comerford as he crested the initial climb on the way to his impressive finish of a truly grueling day. I, on the other hand, finished my 108 mile trek bonking, overheated, and ready to become a fly fisher full time – a no-go decision.

Wildflower changed that notion. There is something to be said in watching people suffer and overcome. Noah and I enjoyed the weekend spectating. He was very interested in the Challenged Athletics with missing legs and limbs. We stopped by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (www.callengedathletes.org) booth, saw pictures and talked with athletes. We helped at an aide station for a bit and cheered Kim on. How can you not be inspired?

So with two weeks to the event I registered. I reinforced my commitment to soft pedal and spin rather than power and pressing. I took time out of training to visit both Tyrone Williams of HST, my massage therapist, and Dr. Lauren Elkind of Integro Sports my ART specialist. I also got new ‘sexy’ Reynolds Wheels with Powertap from Eden Bicycles that Kim had ordered for my birthday (Wow!).

And then it was Saturday. The ride from and to Davis (first and last 50 miles) is rather flat, circumventing the orchards and vineyards west of town. The only real peloton (bike train) developed around mile 10 to the first aide station with average speeds over 25 mph. At Putah Creek the route climbs to Lake Berryessa and then up Cardiac Hill into Napa County. From Berryessa, the route through rural Pope Valley (reminiscent of my first Road Race in 1990 in a less than stellar Cat 4 career), to Middletown and then climbing Highway 110 to Lower Lake near Clear Lake.

Although Davis had twice the riders (1000) as Solvang, I found few working groups to share the pace making. From the feed station at mile 100 to the finish I rode with one or two others, and passed only a handful of riders. As the downward grade from Clear Lake leveled, we entered the most stressful course section: Cache Creek at 4 pm, mile 170. I had no idea that the casino was 1) in the middle of nowhere, 2) was served by a 2-lane rural highway with no shoulders, 3) allowed both tour buses ,and 4) most concerting…served alcohol. With thoughts of riding Niles Canyon Road during rush hour, we upped the pace in a desperate move to avoid confrontation. Only one angry motorist honking and yelling ‘get out of the road.’ (In its 41st year, the Davis Double has used this road before there was a casino)

At mile 185 I began to feel the effects of the temperature (my computer says it was 100 degrees, but I’m guessing It was only 85…but I’ve always had difficulty with heat on long rides). I could hold 175 watts (19 mph) on the flats but had nothing more. Dejay, a Western States Ultra Runner by preferred sport and my compatriot for the final 40 miles, waited more than once for me to tag back onto his wheel. With 8 miles to go we stopped at the final rest stop…I downed 2 grilled cheese sandwiches (best food of the day) and a handful of ice for inside my helmet and down my shirt.

All in all it was a successful day. I didn’t try to press for time but road a pace suited for my current conditioning and desires. I also tried not to lag at any of the feed stations…it always hurts me more to stop, get stiff, and start than to just go and eat on the road. My base training from Solvang carried over to Davis. I learned that during the past couple of months, my mind was playing more games than my body was hurting: it was/is more a mental game to commit. Once I could relax (with massage, ART therapy, and mental resolve) and then spin rather than press, the riding was easy and the spirit fulfilled.

The Camaron Burrito in Vacaville hit the spot after a hard but satisfying day in the saddle.

Davis Double Statistics

• May 15, 2010
• Distance = 201 miles
• Ride Time = 11:15 Total Time = 12:17
• Elevation Gain/Lost = 8,425 feet
• Average Speed = 17.9 mph Maximum = 49.8 mph
• Average Heart Rate = 140 bpm Maximum = 163 bpm
• Average Power = 156 watts Maximum = 737 watts
• Average Cadence = 90 rpm
• Start Temp = 48.2 degrees at 5:32 am Max = 98.6