June 10th, 2010 
lpeterson My ride for the day included getting on an airplane and flying to Miami. Looking at the weather I can feel the struggle Jeff and Jason went through to go the last 40 miles into Delta. I wish I had been there to help.
But like those who are battling with cancer, good thoughts from others mean a lot, but the struggle is still the struggle.
June 10th, 2010 lpeterson I’m not sure my head stirred much after it hit the pillow. A good nights rest and a calm sunny morning stirred the blood so after getting something to eat I got on the bike and headed up Pinto Pass, the climb starts as soon as you leave the motel parking lot. I wanted to warm up a little while waiting for the rest to get ready to go. I did 5 miles and still needed to wait while the rest got their “doll & dishes” rounded up.
I was feeling good and liked to do a little acceleration now and again going up the passes that came one right after the next. I could have my way on the climbs, but still need to perfect my down hill skills. Jason could drop me at will when ever he wished and even Jeff went flying by on several occasions.
We had a little head wind in the valleys between passes but not much. Jeff was doing better, but still not quite up to par after his challenges yesterday. All was well until we headed off Robinson down to Ely. The wind was blowing hard out of the Southwest and for most of the down-hill miles into Ely it was more like going up hill.
Because of a business commitment I had to leave the ride at the end of the day and Judy, my wife, was to meet us in Ely, but she was not there. Now this is a long story, but the short of it, some how the GPS that was to lead her from our front door to McDonalds in Ely got tangled and took her to some remote place in central Nevada. I waited in Ely hopping to hear something with Sam, Jason’s dad, while Jeff and Jason continued on into the wind and over Connors pass. This was a very nerve racking time for me. Needing to be out battling the wind with the guys, but setting in the truck conjuring up all manner of thoughts about what could have happened to Judy. Fortunately, both the Nevada and Utah Highway Patrols reported any accidents or towed cars. Finely I got a call. She had found a farm house with a land line (note, there are not many places outside of towns that have any cell phone connections). She was almost out of gas and had been wandering around for hours and was about 80 miles from Ely. She got enough gas from the farmer and with the help of a passer by, the only car she had seen for hours, she managed to get back to highway 50 at the bass of Connors pass. I bought a gas can and Sam took me to the designated meeting place. We all got there about the same time, including Jeff and Jason.
I guess all is well that ends well, but I’m not sure if I will ever get Judy to come fetch me from any where again.
So now I’m in Miami, with the expectation of finishing here Friday, catching a late flight home and out to meet the boys for the ride in from Delta on Saturday. But, my expectations have not always panned out.
As we have learned from the past, the Ride from Reno is not just a few days riding a bike around, this ride is an EVENT, chucked full of the expected, the unexpected, the usual, the unusual, the funny, the sad, the strengths, the weaknesses, new friendships and relationships – life in a microcosm. I owe much thanks to Jeff, and Jason, Jim, and especially to Sam for their suggestions, support and prayers. This time I was the one who was in need!
The official stats for the day:
None: I didn’t complete the ride.
June 8th, 2010 jwarren As I sit down to write today’s post I’m not even sure what to write. I’ve had the worst day on the bike in memory. And, one of the sweetest experiences in my life.
We started today with 2 small climbs followed by “the big nasty” (Austin Summit) and Bob Scott Pass. By the time I got off the Bob Scott descent I was totally cooked and absolutely bonked. My speed was down to <14 mph and there was nothing I could do about it. No amount of wishful thinking or desire was going to make any difference. My body simply couldn’t develop the effort needed to keep up the pace Larry and Jason were setting.
Both of my companions slowed numerous times and waited for me to get back on before ramping up the speed again but as soon as the speed reached 16 or 17 mph, I was off the back. I just couldn’t hold it. I tried eating and drinking to replenish the stores my body had expended but it seemed to be too late to do anything about it. I was too far gone.
And then there was a bike at my side, a hand on my back, and a voice saying, “Just relax. Don’t pedal. Let me do the work for you.” Jason Bleak was at my side, helping me up the road and doing for me what I couldn’t do for myself. I couldn’t believe his kindness, compassion, and Herculean strength. Time after time, Jason was at my side, hand on my back, literally pushing me along. 24, 25, 26, and 27 mph. As we were rolling along Highway 50, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks. I was so grateful to have this true friend at my side, helping me reach the goal we were all working for.
In my mind, Jason set an incredible example for all of us. We all need help at some point in our lives. Sometimes we’re fortunate enough to be the giver of assistance. And other times we find we’re the one in need of help. I hope I can be like Jason, and simply pull up beside one of you, and say, “Just relax. Don’t pedal. Let me do the work for you.”
As I said, the worst day on the bike in memory. And one of the sweetest experiences of my life. And it happened on a lonely, obscure stretch of Highway 50, The Loneliest Road in America. Who woulda thunk it?
June 8th, 2010 jwarren Thanks for checking-in on the Ride From Reno! This 667-mile ride is dedicated to Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, and to the leading-edge research done there in the search for better tolerated, less toxic treatments for cancer and, ultimately, cures for the more than 150 types of this damnable disease. The research conducted at HCI is cascaded throughout the world so every research dollar donated to Huntsman helps fund ongoing research across the globe. Make no mistake about it: this ride is about the Benjamin’s. The sole purpose of the ride is to raise money. Pure and simple.
The sponsors of this year’s ride, Miche Bag and Reynolds Cycling, have taken corporate responsibility and citizenship to a new level. Far too often we hear stories of corporate malfeasance and misconduct and find ourselves wondering if there are companies out there with anything but a thirst for more and more profit, many times at the expense of the public at large. Miche Bag and Reynolds Cycling certainly are 2 companies focused on success in their unique markets but, also focused on helping make the world a better place in the process. I salute both companies and their leaders, Corbin Church, Miche Bag, and Dean Gestal, Reynolds Cycling, for their commitment to alleviate the pain, the suffering, and the shattered lives associated with a cancer diagnosis.
In addition to this year’s corporate sponsors, many friends and colleagues, including those at Harland Clarke and Zions Bancorporation, have stepped up in true community spirit to help in the cause by generously donating to HCI.
As a graduate of HCI’s program for stage IV squamous cell cancer, I have first-hand knowledge and experience for how cancer changes lives and have committed to do my part, meager though it may be, to help move the research forward that will have a positive impact on my family and friends and on your family and friends.
So after graduating from the operating room, a chemo recliner, and a radiation vault, I’ve chosen to do my suffering in the saddle on a bike while raising money for HCI.
This year I’m proud to be joined on the Ride From Reno by my good friends Larry Peterson (for the 3rd time!) and by Jason Bleak (1st time). Also with us is my dad, Jim Warren, without whom this ride couldn’t happen. Jason’s dad, Sam, is also providing valuable support. I cannot thank Larry, Jason, Sam, or my dad enough. It takes special people to dedicate what each of these people have dedicated to make this ride a reality. I’m honored to know each of them.
Today was hot, windy, sweaty, lung-busting, and leg-burning. Pretty much sums it up. And we’re expecting more of the same tomorrow. By the time we arrive at HCI in Salt Lake City on Saturday afternoon, we will have logged more than 667-miles. All in an effort to raise money to further fund the research needed to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with cancer and its’ treatment. If you haven’t donated yet, please do so by going to www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org and click on “Ways to Give”.
Please check-in again tomorrow and leave your thoughts and expressions in the Guestbook.
All my best,
Jeff
June 8th, 2010 jbleak Day two is finally in the fridge. Once again the weather was delightful.
Our day consisted of 126 miles of riding with roughly 5700 feet of elevation gain.
Today was definately a team effort day. Some days we all need a little help and during the course of the day this was the case. So yet again it is quite late and I really need my beauty sleep. There were no additional rooms at the inn so Pops and I are sharing tonight…. I hope he snores less than me.
June 8th, 2010 lpeterson 2010 Ride from Reno Day Two
Eureka! We made it to Eureka. I brought all this gear for cold and/or wet weather and have not touched a piece of it yet. Yes, another sunny day in Nevada. The morning temperatures were very nice for riding and for the most part the winds were not bad, especially the last 40 miles into Eureka. A nice tail wind was very helpful. We managed the day with no mechanical problems, and no flats, but one incident. I’m not sure how we avoided being swept up into the air intake of a jet that came right up the road behind us and not more than a couple hundred feet off the ground. At first I though it was Jason trying to get the best of me on the hill into Austin. He has carbon fiber wheels and when he gets them wound up they make quit a rumble and that was my first thought. The next emoting was pure terror as the bird went directly over head. I was a ¼ mile up the road before I got my wits about me again.
As for me I felt good today and enjoyed the climbs. I cranked it up on one climb and was doing 15-16 MPH on grades of 5-6%. I guess the only sore bits are those that touch the bike directly.
Jeff was not so fortunate today. He was suffering with stomach problems most of the day and seemed to get weaker the further into the day we went until near the end of the day a mouse in a roller cage may have been able to generate more watts. But with some TLC and some gentle help he made the grade into Eureka. We are hoping it was just a problem with electrolyte balance and have taken steps to get it corrected. We are expecting Jeff to spurt up the climb we have to do right out of the door in the morning.
Having Jason along this year has been enormously helpful to us all, as you can see from the photo that I hope gets attached. He is such a kind and caring soul and has become an endearing and dependable friend. And Sam, his dad, is the man of the hour. I convinced there is noting he can’t find if give the command to go fetch. What a guy!. And Jeff’s dad was always there with the water food and a friendly smile.
The official stats for the day:
125.5 miles, 17.2 MPH, 5753 feet of climbing and 7 hrs and 15 mins in the saddle.
June 7th, 2010 jbleak I Asked to join this years ride to, pay tribute to my deceased sister, Alison who was taken by an aggressive giloblastoma, and to join with Jeff for moral support while raising some funds for Cancer research.
Today was day one. I have to admit there have been some emotional swings getting to this point, I mean the thought of 600 plus miles with over 29,000 feet of elevation in just 5 days of riding…..seems like a solid metaphor for the struggle many face with this terrible disease.
Today started with splendid weather and a head wind. Jeff, Larry Peterson, and I, rode from the Arch in downtown Reno Up and Over Gieger pass (2,700 feet in 11 miles) and into Virginia city where we met up with Jeff’s father, Jim, who is driving support. My father is also driving a support vehicle.
Our ride continued along highway 341 with a solid headwind all the way to the connection into highway 50 about 10 miles out of Fallon. The highway changed direction at this point and we were able to ride with the wind for about the next 30miles.
Our next climb was Sand mountain, a fairly short climb with a easier gradient. Then on to Shoe Tree, a unique local form of folklore/art. many people have tossed their shoes up into this tree and i must admit there are more shoes in this tree than there are at any footlocker.
20 of the last 25 miles were quite a struggle. The road has a gradual 2% incline and the wind was again working against us. The day ended with 132 miles, I ate more food today than in the past 3 days. Anyway I need to get some sleep……. blog tomorrow.
