Ouch! I mean Ouch!

The Everest Challenge is only 18 days away. Is it too late to cram for the finals? I got in a good week of biking (370 miles last week) but I have not been climbing quite as much as I hoped to with only 24,000 feet last week. I probably need to focus more on climbing now and do some hill repeats.

Their website boldly calls this event:

THE HARDEST TWO DAY U.S.C.F. RACE!!!

“North American Climbers’ Cup”

Here the profiles and descriptions for the two days:

DAY 1 (click graph to enlarge):

Day One starts outside of Bishop at Millpond Park, 4,425′. The first climb is up to Mosquito Flat. At 10,250′ it is the highest paved road in the Sierras. The run in is 11 miles long. The climb is 22 miles, average grade is 5%. Maximum grade lower half 9%, upper half 11%.

Back down to Round Valley for a short climb up Pine Creek to 7,420′ in 8 miles, average grade is 7%, max is 9%, extended sections of 8%.

Then past the start/cars and up Bishop Creek to 9,835′ in 20.4 miles, average grade 6%. While this is not the highest spot or most vertical gain, the last mile has two short sections around 15% grade and will certainly test your strength and endurance and desire to stay on the bike. Bottom half has extended sections of 8-9% grade, max grade 9%. Timing finish will be at the top after the turnoff to the boat ramp. Total climbing for Day One is 15,465′ in 120 miles.

DAY 2 (click graph to enlarge):

Day Two starts outside Big Pine with a climb up towards the Palisade Glacier. Starting elevation 3,940′ finishing elevation 7,800′. The actual climb is 9 miles with an average grade of almost 8% (max is 11%). There are extended portions of 9-10%. Then riders head back across the valley past the original start. Next we head up the Death Valley Road/Waucoba Canyon to 6,545′ in 8.5 miles, average grade 5% (max just touches 12% in the roller in the “narrows”, 11% in one corner before that).

Back down to the cars/start and then up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest at 10,100′ in 21 miles, average grade 6% (max in the lower half is just touches 14%, max in the upper half just touches 17%). There are dozens of 9-12% rollers in the bottom third. The last 3 miles averages 10% grade. Timing finish will be at the high point a half mile before the Visitors Center. Total climbing for Day Two is 13,570′ in 86 miles. This brings the two day total to 29,035′ (the elevation of Mount Everest) in 206 miles.

In late September when we climb to over 10,000 feet, we may well encounter snow. But down in the valley it could be warm. So I expect a wide swing in the temperatures, making this ordeal even more challenging.

I was also checking the gearing recommended: pro 39/25-27, CAT 1-2 39/27-30, CAT 3 34-39/34, CAT 4-5 30-34/34, Public 26-30/34. If you are a great climber you may get away with higher gears. If you aren’t a good climber go LOWER.

Gee they are recommending mountain bike gearing for me. That is silly, but I am wondering if I should take my older Trek bike with the triple crankshaft. I would prefer to use my new bike because it is lighter and descends and climbs better. I will have to think it over.

Categories: Everest Challenge, Ultra Cycling Events