I did my Leadville dress rehearsal ride this past weekend. I rode from Tucson, up Mt. Lemmon, and down the backside, nearly into Oracle, AZ. Then I went back. It was really challenging, but went well. My pace was decent (if not a bit slow) and my nutrition schedule seems to have worked with no real bonking or cramps or stomach problems. Was at around 200-300 calories an hour. I rode with no HRM, just worked on feeling.
I started early at about 5AM. The weather was amazing for AZ in July; cloudy with light rain/drizzle, temperatures in the low 60s to mid-80s.
Anyway, 100.5 miles, 12,600ft elevation, 8:38:30 ride time. Three breaks to fill bottles where I could and a handful of small breaks for pictures. Overall I felt good. I'm feeling a bit better about Leadville in August. I'm still super nervous though.
Shots of the frontside Mt. Lemmon road. Beautiful views of Tucson.
Caution: Fisting Bears
The ants were out swarming due to the rains. They were as thick as smoke. Easily the worst part of the ride. I ate like a pound of ants on this trip.
At the top of the mountain, Summerhaven, AZ:
A shot of the Mt. Lemmon from the backside. I rode to the top of the high peak. :feelsgoodman:
At the halfway point. Food taped to the bike:
The camp ground at the halfway point:
The climb back up the backside. It's a steep fire road that's washed out in places: