TOUR DE BLAST 2009

In preparation for RAMROD a few weeks from now, I drove down to Mt. St. Helens this past weekend and rode 27 miles up the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, then turned around and coasted to the bottom. What a blast! This was the appropriately named Tour de Blast -- designed as a challenging climb with stunning views of Mt. St. Helens' crater.

Following the advice of my good friend Lesley, I only rode the "intermediate" version of the route which amounted to a 54 mile round trip and a high point of 3800 feet. Here is a picture of my speed, elevation change, and heart rate over those 54 miles:

(click to enlarge, and again to zoom)



Basic data overview:

Miles: 53.94
Time: 3:45:02
Avg Speed: 14.4 mph
Top Speed: 39.3 mph
Calories: 4,541
Climb (ft): +4,106 / -4,110
Avg HR: 161

I felt pretty good during the ride, though a little tired over the last 10 miles or so. I honestly under-prepared for this event because I figured "Hell, it's only 54 miles..." but I probably should have done a better job of fueling. I felt especially good on the climbs -- even the 10 straight miles of a 6% grade!! I felt good enough that the next day I managed a gentle 30-mile spin, however I am taking today OFF. OFF days are important.