The Surf N Summit gravel ride was truly an epic adventure. For me it was a close second behind Day 1 of the 2018 La Ruta de los Conquistadores from a difficulty perspective. However, I am six years older and strapped with a pacemaker. So maybe more of a distant second. Oh, wait a minute I didn’t finish this ride, so the jury is still out until next year.
The highlights for me were riding with a great group of guys (including Glen and Ralph for brief distance), some epic views, and new trails that were both fun and challenging (oh and a dum-dum fall into a catus at mile 15-Still pick out thorns a week later).
As usual when I don’t put in the work for a ride like this I tend to suffer, a lot. This ride was no exception. At mile 95 I began to feel the leg cramps setting in. And as a result, started to fall behind in our group of six (3 of the 9 had choose to not do the “Crafton Hills Ridge Climb…Good call). I made it to Mill Creek Ranger station for much needed hydration and nutrition (Thank you Suzie).
See the route on Strava: Surf-N-Summit
The next segment (starting at mile 100) was up Damnation Alley for four miles and a sharp left onto Mountain Home Creek Rd (a 10 mile climb to Angelus Oaks). That’s where the real pain began. My legs began to cramp badly and required many stops to recover. Luckily for me Spenser was not having a great day so I had someone to suffer with. About halfway up I was cramping so bad I literally fell over into a patch a grass and went into fetal mode screaming in pain. Spenser patiently waited and offered encouragement until I once again recovered enough to continue. We slogged along until we reached a paved road which seemed like a good sign. A quick view of the Garmin Map confirmed that we were within a half mile of Angelus Oaks, where Suzie and the others would be waiting with lots of goodies and most importantly “Burgers and Fries).
Spenser and I looked at each other and said are we done? In unison we said “Yes, we are done”.
A quick ride in the van down Hwy 38 to the Airbnb for a warm shower and amazing pulled pork tacos care of Suzie, and storytelling.
Can’t wait tell next year. Glen and Ralph have committed so the Boys will be ready to conquer Surf N Summit 2025. Any takers?