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Post by 4wheelbob on Mar 23, 2016 13:07:48 GMT -8
Those who know me here understand that I don't shy away from much. My latest is a crossing of Kearsarge Pass in the Southern Sierra, finishing 22 miles later at Road's End in Kings Canyon.
I tried this first 3 years ago, and an insulin pump issue caused me to cut it short after only a day. Two years ago, I tripled my distance, but blistered hands stopped me at Gilbert Lake (for you Sierraphiles!).
Last year, while doing a simple 5K run in one of my District's local parks, I rolled into a rock at speed while passing someone, a rock caught one of the front wheels and stopped the chair in its tracks - I, however, continued (my first flight!), and hit the ground hard, breaking hip and femur. So I missed a shot last year.
This year I'm going one more time - first to the Pass, then on to Kings Canyon. I've kept in pretty good shape, but a relentlessly competitive attitude has been my goal - achiever.
Saturday is my first race since last June 7 - a half marathon with a few hills and 5,000 people running alongside. I'll be the only one on wheels, so I think I have the Wheelchair Class locked up. But though it should have started 4 months ago in a gym, this is my first Validation Event of the year. My best finish was 2:32, but this year comes without illusions, and if I can make 3 hours I'll be good.
After the race, if all goes well, it's back to the gym and a whole lot of road work. And weight work. And whatever else I need to do to get across that little ol' mountain range.....
It's ON.....again!
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daveb
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Post by daveb on Mar 23, 2016 13:56:36 GMT -8
Hi Bob, I'm Dave, the flatlander from Texas.
I just thought I'd introduce myself since I'm new here and a greenhorn to backpacking (with the exception of a rucksack and road marches 27 years ago).
Anyhow, Saturday I'll be cheering you on and Saturday evening I'll be tipping a cold one in your honor!
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on Mar 23, 2016 14:23:13 GMT -8
Bob, you rock.
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Post by hikerchick395 on Mar 23, 2016 16:46:18 GMT -8
Watch for rocks! (I've had a few "flights" myself, on my skateboard...)
Hope that your finish time is better than you expect!
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bp2go
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California
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Post by bp2go on Mar 23, 2016 16:56:50 GMT -8
...And he rolls! (I had to add that.)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2016 17:12:48 GMT -8
Have at it, Bob. Keep those wheels a rolling.
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amaruq
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Call me Little Spoon
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Post by amaruq on Mar 24, 2016 4:53:52 GMT -8
Good luck, bud. Knock 'em dead.
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Post by msdoolittle on Mar 25, 2016 8:30:38 GMT -8
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Post by cahiker on Mar 25, 2016 11:22:54 GMT -8
Good luck Bob! We chatted with you briefly 3 years ago when you were training on the Kearsarge Pass trail and we were starting out on a backpacking trip. We were impressed with your speed and agility going up the steep, rough trail. I hope you complete the race and the trans-Sierra trek and have fun along the way.
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 29, 2016 7:40:42 GMT -8
How'd the race go?
And keep us posted about the Sierra trip. I'd be honored to be invited to be part of the support crew--and with my kids now independent (enough) I would be free to go.
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Post by 4wheelbob on Mar 29, 2016 8:36:04 GMT -8
Rebecca, I had a catastrophic equipment failure at Mile 8 - lost a front wheel (broken axle) and DNF'd. I tried to finish on 3 wheels, but the race director didn't want to wait 'til New Years Day for me to get in. Still training, looking for another run/roll to enter. I was not pleased, by the way!
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bp2go
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California
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Post by bp2go on Mar 29, 2016 8:49:01 GMT -8
I tried to finish on 3 wheels And 3wheelbob just sounds wrong. so get that baby welded up and reinforced for the mountains, m'kay?
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BigLoad
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Pancakes!
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Post by BigLoad on Mar 29, 2016 9:14:19 GMT -8
Ouch! I hope the repair isn't too much of a hassle. Losing a wheel sounds a lot better than breaking a femur and hip.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2016 9:30:17 GMT -8
I'm fairly certain this is not the end of that story.
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echo
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Post by echo on Mar 29, 2016 10:01:26 GMT -8
Sorry, but maybe this means it won't happen up on the pass.
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