Deathride Tour of the California Alps

129 miles and just about 15,000 feet of climbing. What else could you ask for in an easy day of bike touring? This year, besides the other 3,400 or so riders, had myself, Debra, Joe, Yvette, David et al., a new friend Steve and his group, Orlando, Susan, and Darlene all riding within the mass of crazy people who feel their goal in life is to see a lot of high country. This years ride started out great but ended with a huge thunderstorm that drowned some areas in hail and others in rain. Joe and I managed to complete all five passes and 129 miles but Debra and Yvette got caught in the worst of it and had to fall back to Sorensons to avoid getting hypothermia. Big thanks to the people of Sorensons' Resort who allowed my wife, Yvette, and many other riders to stay there until the rain slowed down and the riders were able to warm up. It was really too bad. Debra trained hard and was doing terrific on this ride and would have easily completed all five passes if the weather had held out. There's always next year I guess but it's a shame that all that great training and ability never got a chance to get that five pass jersey. I got back safely wearing a trash bag that made a great rain coat. Nothing like descending Highway 88 at 40mph in the rain. Oh what fun!