Peak to Peak Pedal 2001

Annual bike ride from Bear Mountain to Mammoth Lakes in support of the US Adaptive Recreation Center

Thanks to your generous support, Peak to Peak 7 was a great success again this year. Although there were fewer riders this year - 19 on various models of conventional bicycles, 1 on a recumbent, and intrepid Gerard hand-cranking on a three-wheeler. The weather was generally splendid and considerably more seasonal than the aftermath of early winter experienced last year.

Big Bear Lake to Barstow
The group began assembling in front of the Adaptive Recreation Center "shack" in the parking lot of the Bear Mountain Ski Resort at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, 10 October. The skies were clear with the temperature in the lower 40s. We greeted old friend, introduced ourselves to first-time riders, loaded the gear trailer, and readied our bikes for the task ahead. Breakfast was served at the golf course clubhouse across the street where we gathered for a final briefing and picked up the day's route. Back across the parking lot, we posed for the requisite group photo and were riding out by 9:17 AM. There is a slight uphill grade to the east end of Big Bear Lake, which serves as a good warm-up before the descent. With a 16% grade, the tortuous drop from 7,000 to 4,000 feet in the Lucerne Valley is equally exhilarating and hair-raising. Most covered the first 25 miles in about an hour, so a rest stop was not imperative; a good thing as the motor home scheduled for the stop was delayed with mechanical problems. Within 12 miles, we encountered our first of many climbs - a gradual 5-miler A good introduction to the climbing to follow, but today there is a reprieve as the ascent is followed by a 2-mile descent to lunch at mile 45. Other than one shorter climb, the final leg of the day is a gradual downhill, which quickly spins the last 15 miles of desert terrain into Barstow and our campsite at Dana Park. (Day 1: 58.2 miles, averaging 18.3 mph)
As riders straggled in, and the gear trailer was unloaded, a tent city emerged in impressively rapid fashion. After refreshing and restorative hot showers at the Community Center across the street, we were treated to the first of a series of excellent hot meals - ham, rice, salad, and veggies… with apple cobbler and ice cream for dessert. Several card games commenced, but the fatigue of the day and the anticipation of a long ride in the morning had most riders scrambling into the tents by 9:30 PM.

Barstow to Ridgecrest
Early to bed induces early to rise, and the tent disassembly started at the crack of dawn. Following a high-calorie breakfast, we pedaled off under clear skies with temperatures in the low 60s. The day's route wound through downtown Barstow and out the back roads past an entrance to Fort Irwin - home of the World War II Mojave Anti-Aircraft range, and now site of the Department of the Army National Training Center. In short order we were headed west on Route 58 - the Las Vegas to Bakersfield truck route - which we shared, albeit on a wide shoulder, with high velocity big-rig traffic for the better part of 30 miles, save a 7 mile stretch south of the highway on local community roads.
By leaving early… or in Marty's case, by riding fast… and because of the ongoing repair of the support motor home, Marty Lewis and I missed both the first rest stop and lunch stop. It was ideal biking weather, and the wind was favorable, so we both elected to continue on to Ridgecrest. Meeting up with Marshall, the support van driver, at the infamous Astral Burger, he volunteered to wrap up some sandwiches and bring them on to our destination later in the day. We filled up our water bottles, grabbed an energy bar or two, and headed down the road. After about 10 miles, I have in to youth and speed and watched Marty head off into the distance. The route for the day included Red Mountain, which had to be conquered in the 40 miles before the day's destination. A sinister misnomer on the route slip, Highway 395 passes west of the mountain, without significant climbing, as it passes through the desert mining towns of Randsburg and Johannesburg - named for the South African towns from which the silver miners hailed. The "real" climb came soon enough… after a steep descent to a dry riverbed. It was a difficult, long grind, up to the "false summit," that quickly changed relief to resolve. Once over the top of the actual crest, it was a rapid ride into Ridgecrest and the Desert Empire Fairgrounds. (Day 2: 83.5 miles, averaging 16.8 mph)
Marshall arrived shortly after I did and dropped off the sandwiches, so we enjoyed the lunch, showered, set up our tents… and relaxed for a couple of hours before the next riders arrived. Turned out there was a brutal lesson in the pitfalls of pace-line riding earlier in the day. A large group of riders were in a line drafting one behind the other when the lead rider failed to communicate that a line of vertical traffic reflector strips were coming up on the left side of the bike lane. Bad things can happen rapidly in a pace-line, usually in a domino effect. The second rider, unaware of the approaching impediments, plowed into them and went down, causing an 8-bike pile-up. Fortunately, other than a severely damaged wheel, some gruesome road-rash, and a modicum of wounded pride, all the riders were able to continue. A local bike shop was able to replace the damaged wheel and everything was good to go for the next leg of the journey.
Dinner was a real treat - fish tacos made with either blackened Ahi or fired Mahi-Mahi that Janine and Charlie had recently caught off Baja. Beans and salad complemented the fresh fish, and a cheesecake desert rounded out the meal. After several hands of cards, most were limping off to bed by 9:00 PM.

Ridgecrest to Diaz Lake
I was awakened quite early as the pre-dawn stillness was interrupted by what I thought was the sound of a sprinkler system. Quickly emerging from the tent to investigate, I was relieved, I thought, to discover that the sound was emanating from the rustling of the Aspen leaves. I disassembled the tent, packed the gear, and wandered over to the pavilion for breakfast. The air was crisp, but the sun was starting to warm the day.
After breakfast, I rode out with Marty, and we took a slight detour through what appeared to be a military housing area before we stumbled back on the route. Once back on track, we headed north to the entrance of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, where we headed west back toward Highway 395. We rode hard for about 7 miles, hoping that the earlier, ominous breezes through the Aspens had dissipated. Any optimism regarding wind prospects for the day was literally blown away by strong gusts from the north encountered just before we crossed over the highway before continuing on to Inyokern, where we turned north on Brown Road… right into the teeth of the winds. The problem with the motor home turned out to be minor, and it was at its appointed place the rest stop at 23 miles. As we refueled and rehydrated, it seemed warmer and less windy, but the motor home was acting as a windbreak. The next 20 miles into the wind were rough going, and it was difficult to achieve double digits on the speedometer even with the "drafting" wind generated by the passing traffic.
We passed Little Lake, which is at the southern end of the Owens Valley, and the depository of what is left of the Owens River. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is on our left, rising majestically out of the high desert. The lunch stop at Coso Junction turns into a lengthy rest, as no one is anxious to re-challenge the breeze. Two of the maintenance workers recognize some of the group from past rides and invite themselves to lunch and chat. The warmer afternoon sun had little effect on the wind, and the remaining 35-mile ride to the Diaz Lake Campsite, just south of Lone Pine, was quite taxing. Other than a 10-mile stretch north of Olancha, where the winds abated a bit, we suffered the strong headwinds all day. (Day 3: 80.2 miles, averaging 12.4 mph)
Bob Lombard, one of last year's riders and a defense industry employee who was not able to take the time off to do the ride this year, earned Peak to Peak Man of the Year Award by driving up from San Diego to set up the portable showers he designed for last year's ride. It was a most noble gesture and was greatly appreciated by all riders. The wind continued to wreak its havoc by launching tents, plated, cups… and finally the showers - fortunately after all had had the opportunity to cleanse the road dirt. Dinner included chicken BBQ, with salad and butternut squash soup. They were all very tasty. By nightfall, the winds had died down enough to light the traditional campfire in a protective fire pit. Owing to the arduous day, people began drifting off to their tents by 8:30 PM.

Diaz Lake to Bishop
Apparently Mariah decided that we had had enough of her antics, as we awoke to clear skies and minimal winds. Shortly after leaving Diaz Lake, we passed through Lone Pine where the portal to Mt. Whitney - the highest point in the contiguous U.S. - branches off. This area is also famous for the Alabama Hills, where the old westerns like The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid were filmed. Ten miles later we passed Manzanar, the War Relocation Center that was one of ten camps at which Japanese American citizens and Japanese aliens were interned during World War II.
After a rest and refueling stop in Independence, I rode with Marty for 20 miles until we turned west toward Tinamaha Creek and campground. Our destination was the fish hatchery on old Route 395… and lunch. It was warm and comfortable under the clear blue Sierra sky. We had a relaxing lunch and conversation with the support crew and then proceeded on to our home for the night at the Tri-County Fairgrounds. (Day 4: 62.7 miles, averaging 15.3 mph)
Camp was very slowly assembled as many of the riders had stopped at Rusty's, the first bar on the right in Bishop. The dinner theme was Italian, and plates were emptied and refilled in anticipation of the climbing in store tomorrow. The backdrop for dinner was a spectacular Sierra sunset. Following dinner, the van reloaded for a trip to Keough Hot Springs. There is nothing like a soak in a natural Jacuzzi, in the Alpenglow of a fingernail moon, to facilitate total relaxation. Returning to camp, we realized that we were again sharing the campground with the square dancers as choruses of Do-see-do your partner and Allemande left, further delayed bedtime.

Bishop to Mammoth Lakes
The morning was cool but, thankfully, no frost clung to the tents this year. Sensing the end of the adventure, riders seemed to linger a bit longer this morning. 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 White Mountains, on the California-Nevada border, and we were ready to ride
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.
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. The delay was even longer this year as John Loftus, one of the two riders, along with Chris Hilton, who had ridden large segments of the ride "off road" on mountain bikes, ended up at the hospital for medical ministrations to his chin after a rock stopped his bike and launched him over the handle bars. Stitches were needed to close a wound to his chin, but there were no collateral injuries, and he was able to continue the ride.
For the steepest sections, tethers were tied to the rig of the disabled rider, and the stronger 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 5:00 PM we were sharing congratulations and bubbly while the Ride Coordinator passed out room assignments, keys and instructions for the evening banquet and ceremony. (Day 5: 53.2 miles, averaging 10.7 mph)
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 19 individuals who had completed the ride 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.

All photographs that were taken during the event will be screened, organized and scanned for inclusion on a CD that will be available sometime this winter. Additionally, a collection of the best digital photos will be loaded on the USARC web site, which you can view at http://www.usarc.org. Click on this link or cut and paste onto your browser. Once the site launches, click on the Events box on the top of the screen and then on the Special Events "cloud" on the left-hand side of the new screen, followed by the Peak 2 Peak Pedal "cloud" on the next screen. As of 23 October 2001, the photos for this year's ride had not yet appeared.

Thank you all again for your kindness and generosity in contributing to this extraordinary event that greatly benefits the USARC so that they may continue to provide outstanding recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.