This is our one flat-out (albeit not flat) road run. It starts at the Whipple Observatory Visitors Center next to the Gamma Ray detectors. 14 people showed up to run, ride, or hike some version of the route, including Geno Foushee and I. With Geno covering the aid station at the 8 mile gate, I could start the runners/rider, then hop on my bike and chase them. The Aviles and the Lumms had already driven with Geno up to the gate, where they were going to do an 8 mile run/hike to the top.
Starting temperatures were pleasantly cool, and I thought it stayed that way throughout the ascent, even with the heavier clothing and helmet for a bike. Here’s what the first mile or two of the ascent look like from a curve above (although I took this after the event)–
The Whipple is just around the curve behind the big slab-topped hills (Remember to click on the image to see the larger version.). Starting elevation is a bit over 4000 feet, so this looks more desert-like.
I passed Michelle, Darrick, Renee, and Troy. I was concentrating on a good ascent so I didn’t try to take pictures except when I encountered Mindy at the aid station–
This is where the road changes from dirt to paved. The steepest parts are above this point, too. Continuing to the top, I encountered Geno on his bike, Nate, Joel, and our shadow runner trotting down, as well as the gate-start teams. I learned Geno had scared a bear, who woofed at him, then scurried down the slope so Enrique Aviles and Ron Lumm could meet him. On other wildlife fronts, I noticed a number of catepillars on the road. They were furry and might have been a dark form of”puss catepillar” which is nasty if you touch one (http://www.bugsinthenews.com/puss_caterpillar_092602.htm).
Here’s what you missed at the top if you weren’t there (Click on images to enlarge)–
Coming down, I started to take photos of participants. Here’s Troy flashing past (see his account later on)–
And here are Jennifer Aviles and Maggie Lumm, then Enrique and Ron–
Back down at the aid station, I took a shot of Joel Stamp and Geno, then I got a nice shot of Joel running later–
I realized I had lolligagged up top too long and proceeded to make haste to the bottom to do my duty as post-run refreshments director. I found the several finishers how didn’t seem too put about waiting a couple minutes–
From left to right, that’s Darrick, Nate, Renee, Michelle, and Mindy. The others turned up in a bit and shared refreshments. Everyone indicated they enjoyed the place. Here’s the breakdown–
Mt. Hopkins, Sept. 28 2008
Full 24 mile round trip, plus bike to the gate and back
Troy Martin 5:59 run, 3:14 bike
Full 24 mile round trip
Nate Polaske 3:37 (with a 1:58 ascent)
Joel Stamp 4:32 (2:35 ascent)
Ross Zimmerman 2:38 ascent on bike, didn’t track descent time
Whipple to the gate and back (16 miles)
Mindy Horst 3:05 (1:40 to gate)
Renee Webb 3:05:25 (1:49 to gate)
Michell Miller 3:37 (2:05 to gate), with companionship on bike and vehicle from Darrick (I’m sorry, I can’t make out the last name)
Gate to the top and back
Enrique Aviles and Ron Lumm, no time, but ahead of their better halves…
Jennifer Aviles and Maggie Lumm, 3:18
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Now for an interesting account of Troy Martin’s adventures, read on:
So here’s my breakdown of the Hopkins trip
I’m a little tired so I’ll make this short.
run/hike round trip
5hrs59min45sec! I felt good about the run even if I was a little slow.
Took a 30/40 min break to change into my riding gear ,pack toss, my
bike together and eat.
The bike-
The ride was tough. I took it 1k @ a time.
I periodically would stop and wet myself down and hide in the shade
for a few minutes whenever I found a suitable semi-flat place to take
a break. I had to really get all of the negative self talk and all
thoughts of failure out of my head. I was soon in the small chain ring
up front and my granny gear in the back. It took about 3 miles to get
warm on the bike and get my legs used to the cadence.
I hit a rough patch @ 9.5k and hiked the bike for maybe 3or 4 minutes.
From there things went well til a little past 12.5k-13k.
I ran into the same problem as @ 9.5k.
I was exhausted and hungry but couldnt stomach food and my lower back
was seizing up.
So I hiked it out to the gate. All in all I walked maybe a 1/4 mile
total for the whole ride.
My legs were finally shot and I really was just done.
So I reached the gate in 2hr40min sat down for 10 minutes, forced
myself to eat another sandwich and candy and turned myself around.
No way I was going to tangle with that road past the gate again.
The last couple days seemed to catch up with me all @ once as soon as
I saw the gate.
Descent from gate 26 min.
total bike time 3hrs14min.
total time for the day 10hours including breaks, lunch etc.
Total weight/water loss from the day- about 4 pounds.
Thank you for all the support and encouragement.
