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-------- Original Message --------
From: Summit Cycling Productions, llc
To: Snowcatcher
Subject: 2010 Assault Results - We Need Yours
July 14, 2011
Dear Snowcatcher,
We have had many requests to put up the "entire" list of times from the 2010 Assault. And we need your help because we do not have your final time!
We are quite sorry our results were incomplete last year, and we have done a number of things to ensure that doesn't happen in 2011. If you happen to know your time at the summit please email that info along with your name. If you don't remember, maybe you can tell me who you may have finished with or near. Any info will help us rebuild the COMPLETE list. We understand some of you may have not finished, but if you can send me an email letting us know where you may have turned around, we can verify the information we do have. We will do this on the honor system.
All the best and hope to see you on the road!
Pat McDonough
Event Director - Assault on the Peak
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: 2010 Assault Results - We Need Yours!!
From: Snowcatcher
Date: Fri, July 15, 2011 9:07 am
To: Pat McDonough
Good morning! You picked me up half a mile from the summit, perhaps three minutes after the cutoff. I was the Last Rider on the Road. :(
It was very exciting to see the ride listed in Bicycle Colorado News this month!
Snowcatcher
-------- Original Message --------
From: Pat McDonough
Subject: RE: 2010 Assault Results - We Need Yours!!
To: Snowcatcher
Date: Friday, July 15, 2011, 10:52 AM
I remember well. I hope your cycling season has gone well this year. Look forward to seeing you again this year....at the summit. (I won't be driving support. I will be at the top all day!)
Good Luck!
Pat McDonough
Summit Cycling Productions
www.ridepikespeak.com
Back on August 29, I was so convinced I'd make it to the top of Pikes Peak on my bicycle, I designed this pattern in my head while pedaling uphill — 24 miles — from 6,412 feet to about 14,020 feet — in a 30-mile-per-hour headwind. That’s right. Just 24 miles. I needed to go 24.5 miles. I didn’t make it to the top. But I never gave up!
About six miles from the top, I realized I was last, what they call the Lanterne Rouge in cycling. Back in the days of steam-powered locomotives, a red lantern placed on the caboose allowed the conductor to see on curves, particularly while going uphill, that none of the couplings had failed. All cars were still attached.
When the "honor" of being last in a bicycle race became a sensation long before my dad or I were born, riders not fast enough to keep up with the peloton would sometimes hide before crossing the finish line to assure their title of Lanterne Rouge. A battle for last place actually occurred more than once! Scandalous!
You earn big bucks and speaking engagements for winning or taking a spot on the podium, and being last might bring in one or both plus a little bit of blushing fame. There is no reward for being in the middle.
Nevertheless, I had never been last in any cycling event. I am slow, but my motto has always been "Don’t Sag, and Don’t Be Last." (SAG is an acronym for Support and Gear. SAG wagons assist cyclists with flats, mechanical failures, first aid and sheer exhaustion.)
So I was a bit discouraged when I saw, one by one, riders behind me turning back until I was... gag... number 262 of 261 riders who actually made it to the top. I didn’t want to be last! But I wanted to finish. Period.
I remembered the fabled Lanterne Rouge. My dad is a railroad fanatic, so I thought maybe I could design something he might like that also would blissfully commemorate my climbing success. Because, by golly, I was going to make it! I refused to turn back!
I didn’t make it to the top in the allotted time (and was swept by the "broom wagon" that cleans the course at the end of a ride), but I did come up with this great memento. So here’s to next year. Yuppers. I’m going to try again. I’m going to climb that mountain. And I may even have one of these dangling from the back of my bicycle seat for luck!
You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!
Finished Size: 4.75 inches tall
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread in red (or whatever color you deem fit) and white, size 8 crochet hook, LED tea light, unused tea light candle, 2-inch wide and .5-inch tall rounded lid such as the one found atop Oil of Olay and its knockoffs, 1-inch tall lid such as the one found atop Ocean eye drops or some nasal sprays, empty pizza box, graph paper, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, glue, water, glitter (optional – I did not use glitter), small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, LONG stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, and clear thread, fishing line, ribbon or Christmas tree hanger
Instructions
Lantern Bottom
With white, ch 28, sl st into 1st ch.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), *1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 2 dc in next ch; repeat around for a total of 36 dc; sl st in starting sc.
Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), *working in back loop only, 1 dc in each dc around; sl st in starting dc.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), working through both loops again, 1 dc in each dc around; sl st in starting dc.
Round 4: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), working through both loops again, 1 dc in each dc around; sl st in starting dc; turn.
Round 5: Working in back loop only, *1 sc in next sc, sk 2 dc, in next dc work [1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dtr, 1 trtr, ch 3, sl st in top of trtr just made, 1 dtr, 1 tr, 1 dc], sk 2 dc; repeat from * around 5 times for a total of 6 petals; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.
If desired, you may end here and make just a snowflake holder for the LED tea light, as shown.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Glass Panes
Make 6.
With red (or other desired color), ch 10.
Round 1: 1 sc in 4th from hook, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch; repeat to end for a total of 4 sc; ch 3, turn.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 2: *Sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times; sc in ch 3 sp; ch 3, turn.
Round 3: Sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1; sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sc in next sc, ch 1, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sc in ch 3 sp; ch 3, turn.
Rounds 4-6: *Sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * 3 more times; sc in ch 3 sp; ch 3, turn.
Round 6-10: *Sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * three more times; sc in ch 3 sp; ch 4, turn.
Round 11: *Sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * three more times; sc in ch 4 sp; ch 4, turn.
Round 12: *Sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * three more times; sc in ch 4 sp; bind off. Weave in ends.
Tip: Making the glass panes in one sitting helps maintain the tension throughout all six pieces, helping keep them the same size.
Lantern Top
With white, ch 2 tightly, sl st into 1st ch OR make magic ring. You may leave a long tail on this piece to use as a hanger if desired, or you may weave in the end and attach a ribbon, fishing line, invisible thread or a Christmas tree hanger when done.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 5 dc in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight.
Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in same ch, *2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 more times for a total of 12 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in same dc, *1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times for a total of 18 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 4: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, *1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times for a total of 24 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 2 dc in next dc, *1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 times for a total of 36 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in same ch, 2 dc in next of next 2 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc; repeat from * around 10 times for a total of 48 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in each of next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, *1 dc in each of next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times for a total of 54 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 8: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in each dc around for a total of 54 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 9: Ch 1 (does not count as sc), 1 sc in same ch, ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1 hdc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 hdc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, ch 1, *1 sc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1 hdc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 hdc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, ch 1; repeat from * around 4 more times for a total of 6 scallops; sl st in starting sc.
Round 10: Ch 1 (does not count as sc), 1 sc in same sc, *ch 1, 2 dc in next hdc, ch 1, between next 2 dc work [1 tr, 1dtr, ch 5, sl st in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, 1 dtr, 1 tr], ch 1, 2 dc in next hdc, ch 1, 1 sc in next sc; repeat 5 times for a total of 6 petals, ending with sl st in starting sc instead of sc on final repeat; bind off. Weave in end.
To use long tail as hanger, weave end between double crochets into lantern top, knot and weave end in.
Lantern assembly
Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Place tea light inside lantern bottom, and position tea light upside down on pizza box. Pin snowflake points to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.
Place face cream lid on wax paper- or plastic wrap-covered box, and place eye drop lid on top in center of face cream lid. You may glue these lids together if desired, but the lantern top will hold them in place as much as they hold the lantern top shape. I did not glue my lids together. Fit lantern top snuggly around lids, pulling tight to pin. Pin snowflake points.
Note: I curved the snowflake tips up a little with my fingers a couple of hours after applying glue mixture to encourage them to curl.
Tape graph paper to top of empty pizza box. Tape wax paper or plastic wrap over graph paper. Position and pin glass panes so they are equal in size and shape.
Mix a few drops of water with a tablespoon of glue in small washable container. (I use the cleaned container the dipping sauce for our bread sticks came in.) Paint lantern bottom, glass panes and lantern top with glue mixture. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow pieces to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel crocheted pieces from tea light, lids, wax paper or plastic wrap.
Place LED tea light in lantern bottom, making sure you are able to turn light switch on and off. (You can use a toothpick if it is covered by the lantern bottom, and you may glue the LED tea light into place if desired.) Please do not use a real candle in a crocheted lantern. Crochet thread burns. Use only LED tea light.
Place narrow end of first glass pane between LED tea light and snowflake petal. Glue in place. Use pins as necessary to hold shape. (I waited for the first piece to dry before I attached the second, etc.) Glue next glass pane in place. Continue placing glass panes around LED tea light until all are in place. Dab glue atop glass panes and position lantern top over glass panes, making sure each makes contact. (I left one pain loose on top to allow access to tea light.) Allow 24 hours to dry. Remove pins if used.
To hang if you are not using the long tail on top of lantern point, attach 10-inch clear thread or fishing line to top of lantern, weaving in end, or make a loop, if desired, and thread knot into lantern top so it doesn’t show. Secure with a dab of glue, if desired. OR weave color-coordinated narrow ribbon through top of lantern point and tie a bow, leaving space for hanging, if desired. Or, attach Christmas tree hanging hook. Lantern is now ready to hang on tree, doorknob, rearview mirror or plant hanger. I'm using mine as a centerpiece on an empty bookcase shelf. Turn on the LED, and enjoy!
I was swept half a mile from the summit of Pikes Peak. This was the first time I've ever been the Lanterne Rouge. I didn't make the summit cutoff. I'm the only rider who got swept without reaching the summit.
The literal silver lining is that because I went down in the broom wagon, I didn't have to pay for the commercial summit shuttle. And yes, I'd planned to. I had absolutely no interest in contending with that wind on a descent.
We were told the tundra temperature was 40 degrees and the wind was 30 mph.
I had the right clothing. My legs got a little chilled twice, but I stayed pretty comfy most of the ride.
But that wind! That brutal enemy did me in.
On the bright side, we had no thunderstorms. The day was beautiful. Except for the wind. We also had no biting flies, which is what I remember best about the day I drove to the summit some 12 or so years ago. I guess flies can't stomach that kind of wind.
Riders had to reach Glen Cove by 12:30 to attempt the summit. So I set my goal for 11:30. I reached Glen Cove at 11:18. Making the summit wasn't a guarantee yet. I had only until 2:30. I calculated how many miles per hour I had to ride all the rest of the way to make it to the top by cutoff. I couldn't hold that speed in the headwind.
On one of our favorite movies, "Race Across the Sky," which tells the story of Lance Armstrong beating David Weins in the 2009 Leadville 100, narrator Bob Roll comments about riders pushing too hard in a really big ride. "When you blow to the moon," he says, "you never come back."
I pushed. I wanted this moon-like summit. Pikes Peak by bike was a ten-year goal, but bikes had not been allowed, and I wasn't sure I'd get another chance. I wasn't sure the ride would ever be offered again. Plus, there was this alluring nostalgic tickle. I climbed my first and most difficult 14er when I was 40. Now I'm 50. I was one of 48 women in the first Pikes Peak hill climb ever, and I wanted this special 14er to commemorate 10 years of peakbagging and half a century of keeping on keeping on. Even if I was the 48th woman to the top. Pikes Peak by bike would be the hardest ride I'd ever done in my life. If I could make it to the top.
I blew, in Bob Roll's terminology, about four miles from the summit. I had nothing left. But I kept going. I didn't turn back. I kept pushing, even though the clock was ticking and my chances were growing slimmer by the pedal stroke. Or by the gust. Gusts powerful enough to knock riders off their bikes.
At 2:20, I could see the end. One more switchback. About two and a half stories. I had it. I knew I could make it. I wondered if they would sweep me if I was that close.
Yes.
I wanted to cry. I wanted to beg. The broom wagon driver said he'd already sent all the rest of the volunteers home. There were no more SAG wagons. There was no medical staff. There was no more food, oxygen or bike maintenance on the summit if I had a problem.
I've done enough volunteer work in my life that I know how it feels when you plan on giving a whole day and someone asks you to give more. Ride sweepers have the longest day of all ride volunteers, and this sweeper just happened to be the ride director. He'd done his time. He'd already had a long day. I was so close, but I couldn't ask him to give more than he'd already given. Later I learned he and his co-organizer invested their own funds in pulling off this ride because registration wasn't as successful as they had hoped. Closing Pikes Peak to automobiles on a summer weekend day is very, very expensive. Insuring an event like this is a bill I'd never want to have to cover.
He asked if I would call it a day. I briefly hesitated, then wordlessly surrendered my bike to put on the roof of the broom wagon. I could have melted right there on the road. I almost didn't have the strength to get into the vehicle. My emotions were absolutely shot.
I always cry during the cutoff scene in Race Across the Sky. Three men who gave it their best shot are shown getting their event armbands cut because they didn't make the first checkpoint in the allotted time. Their race was over. I've always been intimidated by races with time limits because it seemed like it would hurt so much to be cut off after training so hard. And coming so close.
And now I've lived it in real life.
I'd known from the day I signed up for this ride I might not make it to the top. I wasn't sure I could make the checkpoints in time.
A lot of riders turned back when they hit the two-mile dirt section of the road. A lot of riders turned back at Glen Cove. I made the choice to keep going at Glen Cove because I believed I could make it. I even designed a snowflake in my head when I learned I was the Lanterne Rouge, or the last rider. Everyone behind me had turned back. They don't give badges for being last, but I could certainly make something special to show I'd made it up the mountain in my most difficult ride ever.
Even though the wind was battering me, I still kept hoping I would make it. I never stopped believing. I kept pushing, even when everything in my body was spent.
The blow was tremendously crushing. It's the only time I've ever been swept. And yet, I know I've done something Lance, Levi, Contador and the Schleck brothers have never done. I'm trying really hard to be proud. Or at least satisfied.
Even though I didn't make it all the way to the top, I did my best. I gave it my all. I didn't give up, and I didn't turn back.
I guess it's somewhat like raising troubled adoptive kids who run away before you finish trying to teach them the things they need to know. You spend a while feeling like a failure, and then one day, suddenly it feels good. You know from the deepest caverns within your heart you did your best. And you smile at the memories.
Here's to hoping my Pikes Peak memories will one day bring smiles.
PS: I was 50-60 vertical feet shy of Pikes Peak's 14,110 altitude. The following day, I climbed 60 flights of stairs (44 flights non-stop) for an altitude gain of approximately 730 feet. So I've climbed my 14er. I just didn't do it in 7.5 hours.
