The 50 Miles of Nowhere
Today I rode for 50 miles of the challenging and repetitive 100 Miles of Nowhere ride. I know that most of you aren't into cycling, but I think it's interesting, so I'll explain the background of this unusual event.
Cyclist Elden "Fatty" Nelson started a public blog called Fat Cyclist in 2005 to shame himself into losing weight. It gradually transformed from a humorous blog to a fundraising organization as Elden's wife fought breast cancer and eventually passed away in 2009. Without summarizing any more of the About Fatty page, I'll just mention that Elden has raised a ton of money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
In January, 2008, Elden made a bet that he could ride his bike indoor on rollers for 100 miles in one day. If he succeeded, than those who doubted him would have to donate the amount they bet to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. If he failed, then he would donate the total amount bet against him. In the end, he successfully rode 100 miles on his rollers (for 6 and a half hours) and raised $1200. The 100 Miles of Nowhere has become an annual event. Participants donate $90 to enter and receive a bunch of free stuff donated by companies. The event no longer takes place indoors on rollers. Instead, participants around the world ride for 100 miles (or less) on a repetitive route wherever and whenever they choose.
Since Elden lives nearby in Alpine, Utah, I decided to tag along for his local 100 Miles of Nowhere route up and down the Alpine Loop in American Fork Canyon, even though I didn't get a chance to register for the 2012 100 Miles of Nowhere before it sold out. His route this year involves climbing 2,800 feet over 10.5 miles (a 5.1% average grade), returning to the beginning, and starting over again. I knew I wouldn't be able to do the climb 5 times for a full 100 miles, but I set a personal goal to do the climb twice. Karen lovingly drove me to American Fork Canyon--a half-hour drive--when we realized that we had forgotten my helmet. After a frustrating drive back to Provo, I ended up riding the Alpine Loop from Provo Canyon so we wouldn't have to drive all the way back. When I got to the summit of the Alpine Loop, I ran into a bunch of people including Fatty, who were finishing their third climb up American Fork Canyon.
The ride was great, and I'm glad I went. I ended climbing once from Provo Canyon and 1 1/3 times up American Fork Canyon for a total of 50 miles, 6700 feet of climbing, and 4 hours of riding. I got to know a bunch of very nice people, including someone who turned out to share several mutual friends. Though the route was a bit repetitive, it's impossible to get bored with stunning mountain views and cascading streams.
Cyclist Elden "Fatty" Nelson started a public blog called Fat Cyclist in 2005 to shame himself into losing weight. It gradually transformed from a humorous blog to a fundraising organization as Elden's wife fought breast cancer and eventually passed away in 2009. Without summarizing any more of the About Fatty page, I'll just mention that Elden has raised a ton of money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
In January, 2008, Elden made a bet that he could ride his bike indoor on rollers for 100 miles in one day. If he succeeded, than those who doubted him would have to donate the amount they bet to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. If he failed, then he would donate the total amount bet against him. In the end, he successfully rode 100 miles on his rollers (for 6 and a half hours) and raised $1200. The 100 Miles of Nowhere has become an annual event. Participants donate $90 to enter and receive a bunch of free stuff donated by companies. The event no longer takes place indoors on rollers. Instead, participants around the world ride for 100 miles (or less) on a repetitive route wherever and whenever they choose.
Since Elden lives nearby in Alpine, Utah, I decided to tag along for his local 100 Miles of Nowhere route up and down the Alpine Loop in American Fork Canyon, even though I didn't get a chance to register for the 2012 100 Miles of Nowhere before it sold out. His route this year involves climbing 2,800 feet over 10.5 miles (a 5.1% average grade), returning to the beginning, and starting over again. I knew I wouldn't be able to do the climb 5 times for a full 100 miles, but I set a personal goal to do the climb twice. Karen lovingly drove me to American Fork Canyon--a half-hour drive--when we realized that we had forgotten my helmet. After a frustrating drive back to Provo, I ended up riding the Alpine Loop from Provo Canyon so we wouldn't have to drive all the way back. When I got to the summit of the Alpine Loop, I ran into a bunch of people including Fatty, who were finishing their third climb up American Fork Canyon.
The ride was great, and I'm glad I went. I ended climbing once from Provo Canyon and 1 1/3 times up American Fork Canyon for a total of 50 miles, 6700 feet of climbing, and 4 hours of riding. I got to know a bunch of very nice people, including someone who turned out to share several mutual friends. Though the route was a bit repetitive, it's impossible to get bored with stunning mountain views and cascading streams.
Crap. Outdoing my 5k. Now I have to run a marathon or forever live in shame.
ReplyDeleteHe'll never be able to run a 5k with a twin, as hard as he may try!
ReplyDelete