Charles:
That sounds like a nice ride. Now you are ready to attempt the 27th annual Climb to Kaiser that the Fresno Cycling Club will be putting on this coming July 26th. The ride starts at 5:00 AM, covers 155 miles, and 13,500 feet of climbing. The top of Kaiser Pass is 9,300', so to get the other 4,200' the route takes you over several of the toughest climbs in Fresno County.
Last year they added a 100 mile route for those who preferred a shorter route, and a 200 mile route for those who like to do double centuries. Believe me, it's tough enough to finish the 155 miles by sundown!
I have attempted this ride 7 times ('77 - '81, '92 & '02 - the first year I rode my Jack Taylor curve-tube set up as a 5-spd. and finished in the top 10), and finished it 5 times ('77 - '80 & '92). Two of the first four years it was put on, I was within the top 10 to the top of the pass, once I was 5th. The fifth year I was out of shape, cramped badly, and only rode 80 miles. The year I finished for my 5th time, was '92. I attempted again last year, but found that one season of training wasn't enough after ten years of not riding very much, so I'm thinking about another attempt this year. I feel a lot stronger in the hills so far this year, so I think my chances of finishing will be better, but my 35th H.S. class reunion is the same day (evening) and I would like to do both. We'll see how I feel around the beginning of July.
Cheers,
"Bicycle Mark" Perkins Fresno Cycling Club - Historian Fresno, California, U.S.A.
________________________________________________________________ Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit http://www.juno.com