I think when most of us saw that they were making this year's course even harder we chose to opt [wimp] out, but a few of the hardcore went ahead and gutted it out. Many thanks to my cousin Dan Mills, PT for this excellent write-up that makes me wish I'd been there instead of riding up Fish Creek with Dave, Ryan, and Brian. (Well almost wish I'd been there).
The 2014 Ultimate Challenge, aka the Queen Stage of the Tour of Utah, did not disappoint. Billed as the hardest single stage on American soil by some previous pro participants, the atmosphere is unique in American cycling. It may not be Alpe d’Huez, but the Queen Stage has become a showcase for the beauty of the Wasatch Front and had the world’s attention this weekend.
The amateur-filled Ultimate Challenge has been described by some as over-priced and a bit under-supported. The early registration was a great option in theory, however, for those concerned about the significant amount of climbing, the final reveal on the route didn’t come until less than 60 days before the race. That criticism aside, it was a great ride this year. Piggy-backing on the tour means street cleaners had hit a lot of the route, police presence was adequate, and most importantly, small town locals were expecting to see lots of bikes.
As a disclaimer I’m a Utah native, and reside less than a mile from mouth of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. This means I’m painfully familiar with each switchback, pothole, and climb. Hopefully this review will reflect the good with the bad.
The route deviated somewhat from last year. In a sadistic twist, the gentle descent, followed by rollers, was replaced with a climb up Emigration Canyon over Little Mountain and Big Mountain. With large numbers of cyclists riding these climbs daily, it’s not unusual to see more bikes than cars. Emigration (to Little Mountain) is generally perceived as the easiest of the Salt Lake Canyons (considering Mill Creek, Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, and Suncrest). However, Big Mountain does require a little time in the “pain cave.” The decent into East Canyon and on to Henefer involves a small climb but otherwise begins gentle rollers for nearly 50 miles. The elements were not a significant factor, however, because of the early climb and subsequent separation, the peleton wasn’t nearly the size as 2013 (I’d guess over 60 riders at one point in 2013).
The route takes you past 3 of Utah’s reservoirs (East Canyon, Echo, and Rockport) and near to Jordanelle reservoir.
The Browns Canyon climb had dramatically less wind this year and outside of not recalling the exact location of the false summit, it was uneventful.
The aide station in Park City was an area to transact all last minute business before the last two peaks of the day. Every aide station was stocked with water dispensing and EFS electrolyte in 3 flavors (EFS was more available this year) and an assortment of ergogenic comfort foods, including oranges, bananas, pretzels, and granola bars (sounds like a youth soccer game at halftime right?) Most were happy for the EFS, water, a banana, and a last trip to the loo.
The climbing out of Park City to Deer Valley and the Empire Pass are some of the most beautiful, and steep, and painful that I know. Follow this with the last 5 km to Guardsman Pass and you have a recipe for a special kind of pain. Empire Pass is well-paved and takes you through some of Deer Valley’s prime real estate. Guardsman hails at just under 10 k elevation but worse, involves a pocked patch of ill-repaired chip seal pavement with a max grade of 16%. It is the type of ride where stopping may leave you unable to clip back in without a risky downhill loop. What a beautiful thing! Onlookers gather at the last 200 m in preparation for the pros and eye you as an amateur with a combination of disbelief, awe, and respect. The conditions on this day were beautiful: a slight breeze, occasional cloud cover (depending on your timing), and a cleaner than normal road on what we dubbed “Utah’s version of European cobblestone.”
The recovery coming down Big Cottonwood is enjoyable, occasionally technical, but a wonderful chance to recover. Of note, Cadel Evans took full advantage of the contours to spare more energy than the other 3 in the lead, resulting in fractionally more power in Little Cottonwood and a stage win.
The festive atmosphere in Little Cottonwood is the closest to what I have only experienced second hand with the Tour de France. Fan numbers continue to expand. The offers this year included: a saddle push (highly recommended); cool water over your head; hot dogs with condiments of your choice (I would have enjoyed watching the execution of that one if the thought of a hotdog at the moment didn’t make me throw up in my mouth); cold cans of coke (recommended), ice pops (recommended); cold beer (your call on that one); and donuts offered from the end of a stick (didn’t try it—wouldn’t recommend it). The costumers and general rabid cycling fans outdid themselves this year, in fact, I think cosplay isn’t just at Salt Lake Comic-Con anymore.
The take home message is, yes it hurts, but watching the pros from the comfort of the big top tent on a giant screen, with your feet propped, a cold beverage in hand with fellow pain cavers just might be worth it. I chatted with one of the United Health Care pros afterward and asked how it went. He saw my finisher’s medal and asked me the same thing. I pointed out that our experiences definitely wouldn’t be the same. He said, “The pain is the same, we are just going faster.” Ah, true that from a fellow masochist. In the words of Princess Bride, “To the pain!”
[Editors note: If you're ever in need of a world-class physical therapist and in the Wasatch metro area, Dan is your man.]
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