Howell (HELL) Mountain Challenge or (Hot as Hell Mountain Challenge)

The folks at PUC put on a first class race in Angwin. It ranks among my favorite races in the state as it offers a rollercoaster ride on tight single track through mixed conifer and oak forest. The competition is off the hook and always tests riders across the ability spectrum. 2009 promised to favor the Valley Boys from Fresno as the heat was forecasted to reach triple digits. Thinking that our acclimation to hot weather riding would improvement Fresno racers odds over the temperate weather bay area racers I was hopeful to improve my ranking from the cooler races at Howell Mountain.

The race started with a breakneck sprint up a 300 yard road climb followed by moderate single track and fire road climbs for the next mile. Immediately, I was cracking from the heat and humidity. I was grateful I to have elected to bring a 2 liter camelback along with a 16 ounce water bottle. My group of 10 quickly tapered down to a breakaway of 4. I was hanging on to third when we hit the wall. The wall is literally a fire road wall approaching at a least 25% grade. I attempted to run up the wall, but rapidly lost my momentum as struggled to stay upright. The lead breakaway of 4 stayed close together as we entered the forest single track. The conditions were so dry the dust from the prior wave of races created a “fog” of dust. It was difficult to see more than 10 feet ahead.

We hurriedly raced up and down the twisty course and began to encounter the rear echelon of the group which had started 5 min ahead of us. Our breakaway group had dwindled to 3. I was hanging on to the 2^nd place riders wheel gasping for air as we watched the lead rider disappear from our sight when suddenly and without any apparent reason a rider from another group slammed his breaks on. A 3 rider pile up quickly ensued as I heard the sound of carbon fiber (or bones) cracking. After a quick check to make sure everyone was ok and apologies were exchanged, the race was again afoot. Perhaps it was the pain from my swollen wrist and knee after the crash or just simply embarrassment from the crash but I somehow I had renewed energy. I rapidly pulled back the 2^nd place rider and regained ground on the leader.

As the race progressed, I maintained my position and suffered through the heat. The heat was unbelievable. On the second lap the course was strewn with overheated riders who abandoned the race. I counted 4 fire trucks and ambulances. Only half way through the 2^nd lap my camelback ran dry. As I neared the final climb I was seriously contemplating quitting. But then the thought of Chris not only beating me but finishing a race I was too weak to complete encouraged me to rally on. On the final climb I gave the remaining drops in my bottle to a single speeder who looked to be on the verge of heat exhaustion. I thought to myself, I’m from FRESNO damn it; I can finish the race in any heat. Filled with a sense of righteous indignation for the heat I revived my remaining strength and not only finished the race but was able to clear the 3 death rollers at the end (Most have to walk them). In the end, I was very happy with my performance. Although the race nearly put me in a heat coma, I look back now with fond memories and a strong sense of accomplishment.  GLOCK

Quick shout out to Chris: Way to kick my butt!!!! You rock, imagine how well you would have done with more than a bottle and half of water. (Chris’s water/feed zone plans did not work as planned and he did the race on only one and half bottles of water!!!!)

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