Trip Report 2012 Alpine Challenge (62 mile route)

[Richard Ito]

TRIP REPORT ALPINE CHALLENGE 2012
I have a special fondness for the Alpine Challenge, as the 2011 version was my first organized ride upon my return to cycling.  While last year my main concern was merely surviving, perhaps as an indication of my training and riding with NCCC, I surprised myself by changing from passive pacing to a more aggressive cycling over the last 12 miles.
Anyways, the starting temperature was about 54 ° at the 730 start (could start at 700, but I like to have people in front of me to catch up to and help me with the route and all the speed racers are already ahead of me).  People started leaving in small groups (3-5 per group) at the start.  The 62 mile route traces the northern perimeter of the Great (Far) Western Loop east of El Cajon, north/east along the Dehasa Grade along Japatul Rd to Japatul Valley Rd then out to Pine Valley.  There were frequent SAG stops (8 for the 62 mile loop...I didn't stop at all of them...only when my electrolyte bottle was near empty...but it was nice to know there were many possible stops) and 6000+ feet of climbing.  There is an initial 4.5 mile downhill flying down Harbison Canyon, then turning left onto the Dehasa Grade, about 4 miles of 2000 ft climbing.  There is a SAG stop at the top of Dehasa Grade and then a tougher climb over about 7 miles trekking north of I-8 to the junction of Old Highway 80 and Highway 79.  I took off my sunsleeves at a SAG stop, but neglected to bring a tube of sunscreen…I have the bicycle rider tan line on my arms…ghostly pale to the end of my jersey sleeves, casper the friendly ghost pale where my gloves are and red/brown inbetween.  It did get hot (70°) this year and the plethora of SAG stops had orange slices, Hammer electrolyte, water, fig newtons, MM’s, etc.  …If you do the 50, you loop back along highway 79, and then back down the same way you came to the top of the Dehasa Grade.  If you decide to take the 62 mile route, you jaunt out to Pine valley and back…down a fast (35-40 mph) 3-5 mile downhill but also return a tough same 5 mile uphill, then back to the old highway 80/Hwy 79 junction and follow the same route as the 50 mile ride.  The good thing about the Alpine Challenge is that almost all the climbing is in the first half…and the return is downhill the same way you came up.  There is a little challenge, a few miles from the Dehasa Grade/Tavern Rd-Japatul Rd junction into Alpine, and it hurts as it is at the 50-57 mile mark…and getting to the last turn left from tavern rd to Arnold Way you are a little insecure about missing it (Arnold Way), but there is a final fast downhill (Arnold way) before the last few miles home.  The last few hills I was grinding them out at 6-7 mph, up Tavern Rd (FYI, I was doing about 8-10 MPH up the first few grades), but I had enough left in the tank to draft someone at about 20 mph the last few miles.  Maybe it was because this year I used a compact (50/34; 12-25) instead of a standard double.  At least this year I didn't follow a Swami rider and miss a turn and have to back track... no cramps either... 
PROS: For $45 it was a bargain…including a free (registration included) hamburger or pasta post ride meal, a finisher’s medal, a free t-shirt and other goodies.  They also have a greeting committee welcoming you (Miss Alpine Kiwanis and her court).  I finished the Tour de Poway (century) in virtual anonymity…it does motivate you when you complete a ride and someone, anyone is there to say good job…It’s only 62 miles and good pre-ride for the San Diego Century (May 19th...report to follow upon completion).  Some of the scenery is very rustic and enjoyable...when your head is up and your not grinding up a hill...
CONS: no bib number for tacking on your trophy wall.  Parking filled up early (there was still maybe a 25 spaces left at 645).  It’s out in Alpine.  There are a lot of hills…
I am looking forward to next year and bettering my time since I did this one virtually alone with little drafting. 
Richard