The morning was the coldest yet, with frost on the grass, and frozen droplets of condensation on the storm flies. No one seemed to be in too much of a hurry to broach an early start. Breakfast was a leisurely, yet subdued, affair as the day's task - climbing from 4,137 to 8,900 feet - was discussed. By 8:00 AM, the sun had crested the snow-capped White Mountains, on the California-Nevada border, and the warmth was palpable.
The route took us on the old highway most of the way to Mammoth Lakes, passing through Paradise, Tom's Place, Crowley Lake and Hilton Creek. The higher we climbed, the more color the changing Aspen leaves exuded. With the golden-yellow leaves sparkling under cobalt blue skies, punctuated by the towering Sierra… and propelled by a gentle tailwind… the day could not have been more perfect. Pushing steadily onward and upward, we encountered two construction zones on the old road. Fortunately, CALTRANS was not working on Sunday, so there was no delay, but the several miles of gravel made the ascent even more challenging… and the descent down to lunch even sweeter.
At lunch, we reviewed plans to meet at a local Mammoth Lakes watering hole, Grumpy's, so that we could regroup and make the final climb together. The last leg of the journey was a 4-mile uphill grind to the Mammoth Mountain Inn at the base of the Main Lodge of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. As the faster riders arrived at Grumpy's over two hours before the last cluster, there was ample time to "refuel" or "hydrate" - amid the din of multi-screen sporting events - prior to queuing up for the ultimate leg.
For the steepest sections, tethers were tied to the rig of the disabled rider, and the two of the strongest riders helped him along with a towing assist. Everyone waited about a quarter of a mile from the final destination until we were all together again, and we rode to the finish line in a tight group - with one and all emoting shouts of joy, accomplishment and relief… in addition to happiness and delight as we were met with a shower of Champaign. By 4:15 PM we were sharing congratulations and bubbly while the Ride Coordinator passed out room assignments, keys and instructions for the evening banquet and ceremony.
The meal at the Mammoth Mountain Inn that evening was superb - Chicken Marsala and Beef Tenderloin, with salad, grilled potatoes and crisp veggies. Following dessert, the Ride Coordinator passed out medals to the 24 individuals who had completed the ride - 1 disabled rider in a hand-crank three-wheeler, 9 women and 14 men - while recognizing personal effort, unique tribulation and anecdotal humor. Also acknowledged were the selfless contributions of the 15 to 20 volunteers, without whom an event of this magnitude would not be possible. Afterward, while some retired to the lounge bar, most yielded to the lure of commodious accommodations after 4 nights under the stars.
A potpourri of leftovers was spread out for breakfast in advance of the scheduled 9:00 AM departure back to Big Bear. Wheels were removed and cycles mounted on the roof racks, the gear was stowed and secured, seats were assigned for the return drive, addresses of new friends were exchanged, and adieus bid… and we were homeward bound. Mission accomplished.
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