Death Valley Junction

Wow!  That is almost all I can say about riding to the Death Valley Junction.  I wasn't sure how the ride would go but I knew the climb would be long.  We started out at 7:15 am for our first stop which was at Zabriske Point, one of the most famous lookout points over Death Valley.  We met there for a group photo.  Its a great place for anyone to take in the vastness of Death Valley.

Pam, Jill and Angie showing off their calves

View from Zabriske Point

But Zabriske Point was at the 5 mile checkpoint and we still had another 15 miles to ride up.  Thankfully the climb seems to be around 4% which is doable but it is a long slog.  I was never so glad to see the 2000 foot marker knowing I only had a 1000 ft left to climb, but that 1000 ft seemed to take a while.  Once at the top, there was another van waiting for us before we started off for the next 10 miles.  I was so glad to see the top.

The long road down

Me at 3000 feet

We flew down the next 10 miles to Death Valley Junction even though there was quite a cross wind.  I guess we can't escape the winds even up here.  I knew we would feel it on the way back.  Once in town, we stopped for pie at the cafe.  We missed the inpromptu opera aria by Jill and Chris but we were glad to make it to the turnaround point.

Pam waiting for everyone to get moving at the cafe at Amargosa

The next 10 miles back were a little slow due to the wind but the grade never got more then 3%.  Once you hit the 3000 ft marker again, you literally screamed down the top.  What a rush it was to speed down the hill.  The descent seemed to go on forever.  I have to admit that I need to work on my downhills skills since I didn't go over 31 mph but Pam was flying down the hill.  I never saw her after a point and I am sure she was really cooking out there.  I think I probably enjoyed this ride the best out of the three rides we have done so far.  There is nothing like getting the reward of flying down a hill after climbing it.

A stop at the official entrance sign

Our last ride for the camp is on Thursday where we ride to Hells Gate.  This ride will be a little steeper and less elevation gain but hard nevertheless.  Its a good thing we have yoga after each ride here since I can't even begin to describe how sore I am.  I would probably be a lot worse if we didn't stretch after these rides.