2009 RMVQ

Laurie Riding Down University Ridge

Bill Martin, Julie Huck, Bob Skogley, Garland Thayer, Ed and Laurie Stalling, Alden Wright participated in this event.

Distance: 151.97 miles
Elevation Gain: 20,722 feet
Start Time: Officially at 10am (Garland started at 10:30am)
Finish Time: Officially at 10am (Last rider, Bill Martin, finished at 8:49am)
Maps: Available at [tinyurl.com/rmvq-map]

Leg 1: Blue Mountain Rec Area Parking Lot to Blue Mountain Fire Tower (CP1): I departed from the Blue Mountain Recreation Area Trailhead promptly at 10 a.m., eager and strong, planning to evaluate my stamina as night fell.

Leg 2: Grave Creek Range Growler: The day was beautiful, and the relaxed pace filled me with joy. The Carbo Rocket started to take effect. Garland caught up at Checkpoint 2.

Leg 3: Dry Gulch Downhill: Garland and I swiftly descended and joined Julie and Bob en route to the first aid station.

Leg 4: Roller Coaster: At the first aid station, Julie was stung by a bee, a significant issue as she is allergic.

Leg 5: Snow Bowl A-Frame Hut: Garland began to slow, so I continued at my own pace, finding joy in every mile.

Leg 6: Bear Grass Highway, Ravine, Rattlesnake: Racing against the sunset to Rattlesnake, I encountered numerous downed trees on the Bear Grass Highway, making progress challenging.

Leg 7: Woods, Sidewinder Family: A large barbecue awaited at the Rattlesnake parking lot, marking a fantastic close to the day. Garland finished strong.

Leg 8: Mit Tower: Alden joined me, and his presence shifted my mood from dread to enjoyment. Although we moved slowly, it was exactly what I needed.

Leg 9: Woody, Swinging Bridge: Alden accompanied me and ended this leg feeling cold but strong. He concluded his night as I pressed on.

Leg 10: Clinton Express: This leg felt like a time warp; it seemed brief but took over two hours. I wondered if Ed would reach the next aid station in Clinton in time.

Leg 11: Holloman Saddle: This long ascent felt endless. Off in the distance, I spotted a vehicle – it was Ed, who had taken a wrong turn but found me just in time at Holloman Saddle. Together, we enjoyed the moment.

Leg 12: Miller Peak Ridge to Pattee Canyon: A relaxed pace (or perhaps the chocolate curry soup?) made this leg feel rejuvenating, despite cool weather and intermittent snow and rain.

Leg 13: University Beacon: Julie and Laurie arrived late to the checkpoint, as I had gotten there about 45 minutes earlier than anticipated. My speed peaked in the early hours.

Leg 14: Hidden Treasure Finale: The event concluded with a beautiful sunrise service, shared with my dear friends Julie and Laurie. We celebrated with breakfast at the Uptown Diner, a cherished tradition.


In Memory of Garland

Here is the data from the image converted into a table format:

CheckpointCheck Point MilesLeg MilesTotal Bill MartinGarland ThayerAlden WrightJulie HuckLaurie Stalling
CP 1 Blue Mountain Fire Tower11.3111.311:37(1:37)
CP 2 Grave Creek Range8.9220.231:25(3:02)?(2:25)
CP 3 Dry Gulch12.5132.741:03(4:05)1:05(3:30)8Miles(1hr)
CP 4 Point Six Road Gate14.8747.611:18(5:23)1:18(4:48)
CP 5 Snow Bowl Hut7.9455.551:30(6:53)1:35(6:23)
CP 6 Rattlesnake Parking Lot17.8973.441:39(8:32)1:50(8:13)
CP 7 Top of Two Larch2.8376.27:41(8:55)
CP 8 Lincoln Hills Trailhead4.881.07:58(9:43)
CP 9 Top of Mt Tower6.5287.591:33(11:16)1:35(1:35)
CP 10 Swinging Bridge10.7898.37:57(12:13):57(2:32)
CP 11 Schwartz Creek Bridge15.23113.62:09(14:22)[2.5m]:12(2:42)
CP 12 Hollomans Saddle10.56124.161:45(16:07)
CP 13 Pattee Canyon17.65141.812:59(19:06)
CP 14 University Beacon4.6146.411:33(20:39)1:34(2:34)1:34(1:34)
Finish in Town5.56151.97:40(21:19):40(3:14):40(2:14)
Total151.9721:198:132:423:142:14
Dist151.9773.419.8118.1610.16