National Trail: Coast-to-Coast

Distance: 16.5
Fellow Riders: Mike, Todd, Russ
Route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/21329252
Notes: One word can best describe doing National Coast-to-Coast: Epic. It is a brutal trail and those 16.5 miles are very tough miles, even the last 3 on the pavement, because it was basically all uphill.
I was supposed to meet Mike and his brothers-in-law at the Javelina trailhead at 11, but couldn't get out the door till 11:15. They were also running behind. As it was they got started on the trail about 20-25 minutes before me. They took a slower pace for the first part and I busted it as hard as I could. I caught up to them where Mormon Trail hooks up with Mormon Loop. From there we continued on National to the parking lot at Buena Vista Lookout. We stopped for a short nutrition break and then continued on National to the very end.
The mood on the trail grew a little sour toward the end because Russ was supposed to be meeting a friend and going to the BYU basketball game in Tucson tonight. They were supposed to leave at 4 and we didn't even get to the truck until 4:45. As it was he missed the game. But for the last hour of the ride Russ was basically ticked that he was still riding and missing the game. The fact that Russ seemed more exhausted than everyone else further contributed to his sour mood. I enjoyed the ride for the most part. Granted, I was totally exhausted at the end and I could not wait to be done. But I had a good time and I'm glad I did it. However, I don't think I will ever do that ride again. The second half of National just is not good enough to justify the work. I did all that climbing for a descent that was just okay. Whereas, had we turned around at Buena Vista and headed back the way we had come, that is some of the best downhill anywhere.
So I've checked Coast-to-Coast off my list and from now on will be sticking with out-and-back.
Also while we were on the trail Todd managed to ride down Waterfall rock. He picked a good line right against the big rock and made it look easy. Maybe next time, when I'm wearing my knee/shin pads, I'll try it.
This will most likely be my last ride of 2009 on the mountain bike. Mike and I are hoping to hit Hawes on New Years Day. But my bike desperately needs some servicing. Too bad I can't afford it.