Day 10 - June 26

The room in Idaho Falls at the Driftwood was directly in front of falls on the Snake River. It was a great place. We did laundry and Matt and Gary cleaned the bikes. The morning of day 10 came and they were cranking at 7am.

The Plan
Today is climb of over 4700 to an altitude of 8400+. The total climb is in two stages and will be a test of the team. We decided to work a different support strategy. The riders use heart monitors to enable them to keep in a zone that is most productive. This means that riding together may make one rider move out of the zone and cause him to not ride as effective. Today they will ride a control pace in the 40 mile warm up and then climb based on their own pace. I will drive in front and take care of the lead rider. Then wait for the next other rider and then frog lead ahead about 2 or 3 miles and do it again. This will allow me to take care of each rider and allow them to hold their own pace.

The Result
It worked great. Matt is a climber. He reported a heart rate of 126 on the first climb and looked like he was on flat land. He did not stop; he gave me an empty bottle and the next time I gave it back full. I got to run with him to do the exchanges, maybe I can help in the Tour. I gave him V8 Juice and a ¼ peanut butter sandwich and GU. He went up the first mountain, down into the valley and up the second without stopping. It was a joy to watch. Gary was not far behind. He climbs differently, but is very strong. I would deal with Matt and then here comes Gary and then I do it again. The second climb went to a 10% grade. Both Matt and Gary were down to 5mp hour and below at some times and wanting an extra gear while they stood and put all their effort into the task. They rode 88 miles and averaged over 15 mph. I am impressed.

They kept me very busy, but I still found time to shoot 226 pictures during the ride. You can see the best ones on the photo tab. I am really lucky to be a part of this.

Flintstone Vitamins for a climb.....