The “Viking Death Ship” climb has been legendary to me since the first time I did it on a return trip from BIG. STONE. FACE. I was much heavier. It was just past 1100 on a July day. I was 51 miles into a 76-mile ride. That’s a recipe for hating it. Plus it was allegedly 18% for a stretch.
I PR’d it today by a good 5 minutes. The first time I did it, it took me 15:34. This time, 10:23. The first time, I walked a portion. This time, it was over before I knew it. And then a nice, easy 40 miles home. Mostly flat. A beautiful, clear day. Wonderful blue sky.
Worth it.
It’s not a sad note either that I broke my streak. Since May 22nd, the shortest weekend ride I had taken was 70.13 miles (on May 29th). I went 8 straight weekends of rides over 70 miles, with two of those weekends topping 80, and one topping 100. It was getting kind of boring I guess, tacking on a few extra miles just to get to 70 (I would have only needed a little over 6 to get there today). I was pleased just to get the Grand Fondo in. As a matter of fact, I switched my Garmin over to metric just yesterday, and that’s going to take a little getting used to. I topped 60 on a couple of descents today, which was cool, but my record is still 42mph (which is about 67.6kph). I was surprised to see my top speed was 40.3mph when I uploaded the route. One of these days, if the conditions are right, I’ll hit 45. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have nerves of steel. Once I get up there my imagination starts running through scenarios like, “did I really tighten my front wheel the last time I put it on?”
