Summit Challenge 2018 - Park City, Utah
by Dave Leikam • August 29, 2018
The Summit Challenge is a ride that is put on by the National Ability Center in Park City and is just one of many events they host throughout the year. The National Ability Center's mission is to provide opportunities for people of all abilities to have a quality outdoor experience which includes cycling, skiing, climbing, archery, water skiing, sled hockey, and the list goes on. Individuals and their families are encouraged to take part in these activities together to enhance the experience and to strengthen relationships.
This was my third year participating in this ride with my Boeing co-workers. The interesting difference this year is that the CEO of the Boeing Company showed up to do the 50 miler with us as Boeing was the title sponsor. I have ridden with him once before and I was a little bit stronger than him then, but no more. This guy was a beast this time and set a pace early on that I could not hold. I figure it was not just that I got slower, but that he got faster since the spring of 2017. Anyway, this summer was hot and with the smoke from the fires in the West, I didn't train nearly enough for the 100 miles and as it turns out, I was just fit enough to finish the 50. It wasn't pretty though.
The 50 mile route has about 3100 feet of climbing and a good portion of that is in the last ten miles. There was also a healthy headwind for the last climb. I had a great time doing the ride and look forward to doing it again next year. I have my eyes on the 100 mile route. Thanks to the NAC for again putting on a great event. Please take a look at their website and see for yourself all they do for veterans and their families and if you are so inclined, donate to their cause.
