Eastern Sierra Double Century 2016

This year I decided to return to my cycling “roots” and complete at least one double century.  It’s been 13 years since my last one.

In preparation, I completed 2 centuries, the Malibu Grand Fondo and the Salt Lake City Grand Fondo.   I’ve not had 2 more different cycling experiences. 

Coupling the centuries with decent hill training here in SLC, I felt relatively prepared for the EasternSierra Double.  But I made a mistake at the start that cost me dearly. 

I started on time, at about 5:45 AM, but misread the route sheet, missing the first turn 0.4 miles in to the day. I went 6 miles South on US 395 before I realized my mistake.  The 12-mile mistake cost me between 35 and 40 minutes. I humped it to Check Point 1, only to miss the cut off by about 15 minutes, which means I had no easy way to refresh my bottles.  I made up time pushing it to Check Point 2 and made the cut off by 5 minutes. I got my bottles refreshed, ate a peanut butter bagel I’d prepared earlier and refilled my pockets with gels. I felt confident I could continue to make up time if I pushed hard to Check Point 3, but at about mile 64, on the outskirts of Mammoth Lakes, a wave of nausea hit. I wretched several times before deciding to turn around at mile 70. Between the nausea and the calculation that I’d probably miss the next couple check points, therefore being unsupported or self-supported for another 120 miles, I decided to turn around and head back to Bishop. Of note, it’s not all down hill.

I followed the route back taking one long stop at the Crowley library where I was able to refill my bottles. I just had to get to Bishop and slowly I did. According to my Garmin, the temp reached 111 degrees at some points but was easily 100 most of the way back. It wasn’t fun. My total mileage for the day was about 120 miles.  I’m satisfied I didn’t have to get driven back to Bishop, but disappointed I didn’t complete the route.  I plan to return in 2017.

Plan for 2017: start at 05:00 and follow the route.