NO WALK IN THE PARKWAY - 3/20

10:00 AM - Rosman, NC. We have TEAM members Joe, Bird, Tom, Beth, Jim, Mel and me.

Also on the ride:
Mark & Michelle - the Canadians (climbing fools)
Ray - Bird's daughter's boyfriend (big and strong)
Cinthia Lehner -junior & collegiate champion


This is not going to be a 'Walk in the Parkway'. We pull out in an organized fashion and head to Brevard 2x2 at 19.1 mph avg. See where this is going? Just up 276, we stop at a closed Ranger station and get water. We have 40 miles to go to the water stop and Bird wants to know why one bottle is not enough! The 1 hour climb gets going soon and the front group looks like Bird, Joe, Cin and the Canadians. Beth and I are together (talking) and glad we are keeping them in sight. Soon, Tom zooms by and joins the lead group. Four miles from the Parkway, the grade steepens and Beth gets away from me........."keep it below threshold, RM." Soon we are regrouping at the Parkway and Jim rolls by never stopping. Bird tells us: "Rollers ahead, a 4 mile serious climb and 1/4 mile dark tunnel. Stay together in the tunnel or you could die." Since Joe has the only light, he will ride in the rear in the tunnel. We turn onto the Parkway and barriers are up....but of course that does not stop us. Bird is 'off the front' and we are dodging large trees and rocks in the road. Snow is on both sides of the road and soon in the road.














As the 4 mile climb starts, Bird is still 'off the front'. In the lead group, it is Beth, the Canadians, Cin and me(I am determined this time to match the pace). Beth stops for a gear adjustment and never gets back up with us. Half way up, Cin asks, "This is the 4 mile climb, right?" I feel better because someone else is in pain and this time....NOBODY is talking. At the crest, we see Bird and regroup again.


At Balsam Grove after a 10 mile descent, we stop at the only store on the route. It ain't over yet. In 300 meters, the pace picks up and we rip up and down about four hills. We are strung out and my thighs are screaming. I am pedaling downhill at 250 watts!

We take a right at Hwy 64 and quick left up a gravelly hill. On the downhill, I see the car:

64 miles
4:00 hours

Another great TEAM headstrong ride!

4:10 for Tom as he jumps off and runs 10 minutes to ready for Powerman Alabama next week. Are we hardcore or what?