The first riders of the AMA ChallengeA day late and a dollar short to host the AMA Challenge as a “real event”. We weren’t able to get the permit from the Transportation Department in time so we ended up calling it a ride with friends instead and didn’t really hit the publicity hard…there is always next year though. Mark your calendars for the third Saturday in September for next year!
It turns out that we chose the perfect name for today’s race. It was most definitely a challenge from start to finish. It all started early this morning when Jodi looked out the window and said, “It looks windy and cold out there.” Then when I opened the garage door to get ready to leave, Mason said, “It’s Raining Dad.” So that was the first challenge, bad weather. It poured the whole way to Ashton I kept thinking it has to clear up.
Jodi started the race with a classic honk of the horn in the van. And we were off, whatever part of us that wasn’t already cold and wet just became that way as we splashed through the rain at 20+ mph. I had a large rain coat on that I quickly found was more like a sail. I took it off at the base of the Ashton hill, it wouldn’t come off without a fight because of how wet it had become. That cost me some valuable time but was worth the pay off to remove my sail.
The Hill was just that, one beastly 5 mile hill. Steep and gets steeper, not to mention not being able to see because of the rain falling on us. I was now in fourth place because of my little wardrobe malfunction. I kept thinking with ever pedal of the crank that I was gaining on them. Eventually it paid off and I was able to catch and pass all but one of them before cresting the summit. From there I turned on the heat and passed the last rider. I was now in front of the pack and wasn’t about to give it up. I kept imagining that this was just like riding with the kids up the Summer’s hill. That kept me pedaling with all my might against the cold north wind and rain. Once I crossed the Osborne bridge and turned South East on the scenic route to Ashton via Mesa Falls I was ecstatic to find that the wind was now on my side not fighting me. Only 30 more miles until this challenge was over. My legs were starting to cramp up because of how cold it was and from the strain of pedaling for the last 1 1/2 hours.
Onward to Mesa Falls, this was by far the best part of the ride, gradual downhill and the rain was starting to let up. The fall colors were amazing. I was able to get up to almost 45 mph coming into bear gulch that was sure a rush. I was breaking the speed limit. 🙂 Not so fun going up the other side though steep and long. It was fun to coast down into the warm river camping area after that. Then up the last uphill challenge. 2 Miles of up hill, and to make it even more fun it started to really rain hard now. The reward was looking to my left after coming out of the canyon and seeing an amazing view of the Teton Range. Very rewarding and motivating! From there I just had to sprint the last 7 miles into Ashton. It was a great ride, and very worthy of being called “The AMA Challenge.” Can’t wait until next year when we go big with it and get 100’s of riders.
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 losing the second layer |
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 cheerleaders |
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 Hot water girl! |
 almost there |
 Victory |
Comments:
Dad said…
Nice job. Next year I’ll have to follow you along with a motorcycle and a warm coat. The fall leaves are beautiful and so are the fine ladies in front of them.
Sunday, September 21, 2008 1:06:23 AM
Stephen said…
Motorcycle nothing. We are going to have you and mom on road bikes 🙂 you will love it.
Sunday, September 21, 2008 10:41:47 AM
Aunt Susan said…
Does AMA stand for “amazing mental attitiude” because that sure seems to sum up your ride. I am just in shock-are you headed for the Olympics in 4 years? Love,
Sunday, September 21, 2008 6:34:08 PM
Jodi said…
You’re da man! I was happy to see you do so well, you worked hard for it…I really think this ride/idea/event has a lot of potential. There are a lot of steep climbs but the beautifulness is a good pay off, along with saying your body let you do that. Good luck for next year’s grand event! Cliff Bars anyone?
Monday, September 22, 2008 9:00:56 AM
Stephen said…
AMA stands for Ashton – Mesa – Ashton as that is the ride route. Challenge just fit the bill so I added it. No Olympics for me, just going for my own personal victory and to prove being a diabetic doesn’t have to limit me.
Monday, September 22, 2008 10:32:28 AM
Lance said…
Looks like fun I will try to have a road bike by then. I remember riding down the ashton hill when we were kids, I think I was on Micheles old white shwinn. Keep up the good work.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 12:41:00 PM
Stephen Baldwin said…
I finally took time to view the pictures and read the blog. The pictures make me homesick for Island Park. The route of the ride is beautiful any time of the year (if you had a snowmobile during part of the year). Thanks for your courage, Stephen.
Thursday, October 30, 2008 9:06:51 AM
Mom Baldwin said…
What an awesome idea you put into action. We are so proud of you and all that you do. You have proved that being a diabetic doesn’t have to limit anyone!!! Thanks for being so dedicated and committed to doing good things! We love you!
Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:15:51 PM