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TR: Bike from Death Valley to nearly Lone Pine, no attempt on Whitney - 28 Oct

Original Post
Dave Schultz · · San Diego, CA · Joined Nov 2021 · Points: 5

Crazy idea I'd like to do, not really original, but low-to-high via self-powered:

-  Bike from Badwater Basin to Whitney Portal (about 135mi, approx 13.5 hrs at 10mph avg bike speed as my planning factor).  

-  Trail run any route to summit  -or-  climb EB of Whitney

Only other time I've climbed EB was on Halloween 2021, so I've been there around the same period of time.  I think I'd prefer the technical climb, but will trail run if no takers on the proposal.  I've also been back in that areas several times, so very familiar with the area.  

My wife will support the bike, so riding light.  Likely stay somewhere in Lone Pine over the weekend so she's got a place to stay.  

LMK if any of this is of any interest to you and we can chat about specific details, timing, etc. I have whitney permits for 27-28 Oct.

Cheers,

Dave

239-two-three-three-2oo2

F r i t z · · (Currently on hiatus, new b… · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 1,155

I'm in full support of this harebrained scheme, albeit from across the country. Bump for a good bad idea! Post up with how it goes!

Dave Schultz · · San Diego, CA · Joined Nov 2021 · Points: 5

Thanks Fritz for thr bump. Can def post up on how it goes.  

Some intetest but schedules haven't lined up. 

Still looking for a partner,

Cheers,

Dave

old5ten · · Sunny Slopes + Berkeley, CA · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 5,811

damn that sounds tempting but the word 'run' is unfortunately not part of my vocabulary ;-)

Dave Schultz · · San Diego, CA · Joined Nov 2021 · Points: 5
old5ten wrote:

damn that sounds tempting but the word 'run' is unfortunately not part of my vocabulary ;-)

No need for you to run anything :)

We could link up for the bike, and/or simply hike/climb Whitney (ideally via EB).

Running optional

Scott Carbaugh · · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Joined May 2018 · Points: 0

Whatsup Dave!  I’d be interested in the run/climb portion!  Let’s talk early next week - Scott 415-80zero-7800

Dave Schultz · · San Diego, CA · Joined Nov 2021 · Points: 5

Humbled and ass whooped.  Not as good a long distance biker as i thought, or the constant super strong head wind that make going downhill at 10mph sound like a hurricane. 

We drove through a section of limited car access (12 mi, 2800 vert), and pulled the plug about 12 mi from lone pine when going *slightly* uphill at 6mph with a hurricane was too much. Didn't even go to whitney portal.

Effort felt like what going 23-24 mph feels like, however was only making (maybe) 14 mph. 

110 mi, +11300 (including 2800 in the car), -7400, 9:51 (including 0:22 in the car). 

Was ready for cold, but not the wind - noted.  Was ready for wind on whitney, just got smoked before even getting there.

Wife and dogs did awesome in the car, and honestly outperformed me.

Ill give it another shot for sure

Jason Antin · · Golden, CO · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,390

Nice effort Dave!  That last push up to Whitney Portal is a grind!

old5ten · · Sunny Slopes + Berkeley, CA · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 5,811

nice job for trying and no shame in canning it before whitney - the temps and conditions up there would have been miserable at best and deadly at worst.  

the long distance game is really one where good conditions are a basis for success.  that's means having experience, great weather (including temps, wind, etc.), solid planning, fitness, and that x-factor (let's call it luck). 

i've looked at doing a sub-24h badwater (bike/climb) for many years and still haven't found 'THE' right time ;-)

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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