PSC Fund Raiser Bike trip to Pittsburgh - Day1
Posted by Mike Z on April 4th, 2006
Today was tough - 111 miles. We had 14 riders I think at the start and that was really nice. We all rode the first 10 miles together.
As we reached Ellicott City, the temperature dropped and the winds kicked up. We were pelted with rain and blown all over the road. The rail or sleet felt like needles on our faces. We arrived in Downtown Ellicott city to find Mike W, one of the riders meeting us chasing his gloves, helmet and glasses all over the road from the wind. Mike’s wife Madi took our lighting gear and traded for fresh water bottles. with the fronts of us soaked, we stopped in a coffee shop to warm up. Madi went home for clothes and tools. Jim rode home for dry clothes and we met them a mile or two up the road. I changed into some drier clothes and added an outer layer since it was so cold and the wind was making it worse. As we went to leave, I noticed my front tire was flat. quickly everyone pitched in and replaced the tube and we were on our way…for about a mile…another flat, same tire. We started to look for embeded glass and found some including a hole through the tire. In order to construct a makeshift patch, we forced ourselves to eat this ice cold, toothpaste consistency energy gel that was supposed to be some kind of mochajava flavor. We decided against that and Jim K was going to give me his tire, deflated but then we had trouble getting it off the rim so we put the liner back in my original tire for protection and were on our way.
The wind was really bad 25-35 mph with gusts. 
Mike W, Jim K, Dave T rode in front trying to sheild Keith and I from some of the wind, but it was shifting and hitting us from all sides but a tailwind. Those three stayed with us for @ 2hrs and left just before Mount Airy. 
We met up with Paul, a rider who was at the start and lives nearby - he brought us spare tubes and food on the road.
Keith and I continued on to reach Frederick for lunch at 62 miles. We headed West over two mountain ranges where I thought the incline would never end. Nothing like any hill we have around baltimore. We climbed for miles and thought we would have a nice downhill, but as soon as we were over the mountain, the winds were stronger and prevented us from getting any speed on the downhills. We had to pedal hard downhill to get any decent speed and the bikes were unstable and all over the place heading directly into the wind.
After these two hills the roads got smaller and quieter for the most part through Middletown, Boonesboro, Williamsport, but they were constantly up and down with most of the down again fighting the wind. Finally Keith and I made it to the Western MD Rail trail which was just 100 miles. 1st hundred for Keith in 13 years? right? We covered the last 11 as our fastest 11miles at 16mph.
- Keith dropping me on one of his flyers
Average speed for the ride was 13.something. We stopped to refuel and eat and nature calls, but mostly were out there from 5:45 (5:55 for me) and finished at 6:40 or so battle worn and tired and hungry. Keith’s calorie watch ( I’m sure it tells time too) said 6500 calories. Tomorrow I am mostly on the PA Bike Route S. Feel free to drive up and join in for a few miles. Thanks for all the help today. I have some clothes to return, Jim’s jersey, Mike or Madi’s black wind shell, somebody’s glove liners.
- at the finish. We ate at the restaurant in the background. I was soo hungry.
Here is Keith’s Version:
Today was tough. All hills, All wind, All day. Brutal headwinds!!! Brutal!!!
There was a point near mile 86 just before turning left on to Route 56 where it was pancake flat. The headwind at that point was so strong that Mike Z and I were killing ourselves just to maintain 9 mph - I’ve never ridden in anything like that before. The peculiar thing about yesterday was that we would climb for miles at a moderate pace just to crest the hill into a massive headwind that required us to pedal hard because coasting downhill actually made our bikes severely unstable. I really thought yesterday was going to be the day that I would be blown off my bike.
When we hit the Western Maryland Railway Trail we were so glad to be out of the wind and off the hills that we actually hit speeds in the 20s - and no I didn’t take any fliers - no more mushroomed shaped potatoes for you Mike Z!
At the end of the ride we ate at a restaurant right off the trail. I was about to eat my own arm. Mike Z and I almost fell asleep in our plates. Stacey and Becky met us that the end. Stacey transported what was left of me…and my bike back to Ellicott City.
Becky and Mike Z traveled back to Hagerstown to find a place to stay. Yesterday was truly a test of will. Neither of us was going to cut the trip short.
All Hail Mike Z for putting this together and pushing on without us. Hopefully the next 2 days are a tad easier and shorter.
Good Luck Mike Z!
My thoughts are with you, man!
Peace.
Keith
April 5th, 2006 at 11:30 am
Hi Mike -
We’re pulling for you (well, to a lesser extent obviously since we got in the car)! FYI, the time stamp on your 1 mile from Mt Airy message was Tues Apr 4 at 5pm - so, maybe you preface your messages with a real date-time so we can follow you better.
Find some trees to hide in! Go Dog Go!
April 5th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
How did today finish up? I expect you guys are nearly dead. I know were knackered riding into that wind. Hope to hear from you soon.
Dave
April 5th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Way to go Mike! I am here plugging for you. Noah is so excited for you to be doing this.
Sorry for the rain and wind. Hopefully, it will be a better day tomorrow.
God Bless and BE SAFE!!!
Maria and Noah
April 6th, 2006 at 4:44 am
Mike,
Your posting is clear.
Love Dad
April 6th, 2006 at 6:14 am
You:
a) make us proud
b) make us feel wimpy with you super-manly sojourn
c) know what a head-wind feels like
d) all of the above
Be safe. We’re pulling for you.
Mike
April 6th, 2006 at 7:43 am
Mike,
You are one amazing man!!! I hope today will be a better day…the sun is shining in Pittsburgh…hopefully that is a good sign. Take care of yourself and we will see you at the finish line!!!
Together in the fight…Whatever it Takes! (you add a whole new meaning to our PSC support moto)
Joanne (mom of Todd)
April 6th, 2006 at 8:03 am
Mike,
111 miles today!!! That’s incredible with all those obstacles on day 1! I’ll blow some kisses your way and hope they give you an extra push ;-)
Love ~ your Sis, Liz
April 6th, 2006 at 8:15 am
Mike,
Congrats on day 1!!!! I know the mountains you went through and the one right after hancock is probably the toughest one. Sorry about the rain and hope the winds will stop soon. All my best.
Mike Mc
April 6th, 2006 at 8:54 am
Mike,
Knowing how strong and dedicated you are, there’s no doubt you’ll glide across the finish line yelling “Race ya back to Baltimore!”. You never cease to amaze us. Keep your spirits high, stay warm, and stay safe. Wish I could be there to see the smile on your face as you pull in to Pittsburgh. We’re with you in spirit.
-Kevin C (and family)
April 6th, 2006 at 9:47 am
Mike,
You always were a very determined young man and that determination has finally paid off in your PSC mission! Your family is very proud of you and of all of your many achievements thus far in your life. We all wish that we could be there with you as you ride into Pittsburgh to see that sheepish grin we all know so well. We are all praying for you and for Becky. May God keep you stong and keep you safe. May God continue to smile on you and bless your mission. Remember, God loves you and so do we!!! xxoo, Your MOM- Alexis
P.S. Becky, Lauren & Matthew all say Hi and wish you well too!!!
April 6th, 2006 at 11:06 am
Mike,
Hope the wind dies down and the sun comes out for the rest of your trip. Be careful and stay strong! We’ll see you in Pittsburgh!
Dana
(Mom of Josh)
April 6th, 2006 at 11:45 am
Mike,
I am so overwhelmed by all of the support you have received. It is awesome and I wish I could be there to see you at the end of this trip. You have touched so many lives with your knowledge of PSC and persistence to help make a difference. You truly are an example to those who need strength.
I will continue to pray for you on this journey.
Love your sister-in-law Angela
April 6th, 2006 at 6:01 pm
Mike,
You are the man. Looking forward to your next update.
Ben
April 6th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
Mike, Just to remind you that the whole family and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd are praying for you. My boss, the head Administrative Sister, asked me twice yesterday and again twice today, how you were doing and assurred me that the Sisters were all praying for you. I thought I would share with everyone who checks this web site the prayer we offered for you on Tuesday night before you departed and ask them to join in prayer with us. Let us pray, “Gracious heavenly father, we pray for Mike Zaloudek, we thank You for the wonderful work he is doing to raise money for PSC research and awareness of this rare and uncurable disease. We ask you to continue to bless Mike’s efforts and let him be a source of inspiration and knowledge to everyone he encounters, especially others with PSC. As St. Paul tells us in Romans 8:28. “And we know, that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” We ask that You would send your Holy Angels to watch over Mike as he travels the roads and trails, these next three days, from Severna Park to Pittsburgh. Give him strength and endurance but most of all give him wisdom to pace himself, to take rest breaks, to eat properly and to motor around dangerous weather or road conditions. We also pray for Becky, that she will travel safely and meet Mike at the planned locations. May she be an encouragement, comfort and source of spiritual support and strength for Mike. May the words of one of my favorite books, James 1:12 be your and our blessing for Mike. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” In Jesus Holy Name we Pray, Amen.
All my love and prayers for you, Dad
April 7th, 2006 at 7:23 am
Mike,
Your strength and courage is amazing! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip and the conference.
Tammi