GRR By The Numbers
- Total hours: 81 hours, 48 minutes
- Hours slept: Approx. 10 (at 7 different stops)
- Feet climbed: Approx. 26,000 ft.
- Riders starting: 105 total (88 riders for the 1,200k, and another 17 who were doing a 1,000k plus another 200k. Same distance, but there is a RUSA award (Randonneur 5000) that requires a 1,000km ride.
- Riders finished: 90
I don’t have much to say in the way of a wrap-up. Just a couple of thoughts.
The event was incredibly well run. Davis Bike Club always puts on a good ride, but taking care of 105 riders over nearly five days and over 375 miles of open road is just amazing. All of the volunteers were incredible. They went beyond the usual helpful, caring, supporting role they fill. They were, to a person, selfless, nurturing. Taking care of the riders was their only concern, and they took their charge very seriously. They gave us not hours, but days away from their families and homes. Each person I came in contact with was as smiling, giving, and as eager to help on the final day of the ride as on the first. I am grateful for their sacrifice.
I know I advised the reader never to do a 1200k, or any ride that takes so much out of you; but of course, I would never tell anyone not to do it. I do know I never will again, but that’s a different story. For me, I don’t think the reward of riding a 1200k is commensurate with effort required to ride it successfully. But I would never presume to make that judgment for anyone else.
I will say, though, that having decided to ride the Gold Rush Randonnée sometime last Fall, I’m glad I had the opportunity to train for the ride, to attempt to ride it, and to finish. This is one jersey I feel like I’ve earned.