Londell Aberdeen 5/29/19 Londell Aberdeen 5/29/19

Das Hugel Baby!

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Taking on Das Hugel in Austin: The Journey, Struggles, and BBQ

There are rides that leave a mark on you, and then there’s Das Hugel in Austin, Texas—a ride that tests your physical and mental limits in ways you can’t always predict. This is the story of how I took on this infamous route, how my training in the Columbia River Gorge and Portland helped me prepare, and how a series of mechanical failures almost led me to throw in the towel—before a stranger’s kindness and some BBQ brought me back from the edge

Preparing for Das Hugel: Training in the Columbia River Gorge

Before even arriving in Austin, I knew I had a serious challenge ahead of me. Das Hugel is known for its steep climbs, punishing grades, and its reputation as one of the toughest rides in the area. I’d spent months preparing for this moment, riding the craggy hills and relentless terrain of the Columbia River Gorge and the steep streets of Portland.

The Gorge, with its dramatic climbs and sharp inclines, was the perfect place to build strength and endurance. I learned to pace myself over long, grueling climbs that could go on for miles. Portland added a different element, with urban hills like Mt. Tabor and Council Crest testing my ability to climb short but steep pitches. Both locations prepared me as best as I could be, but nothing really could have prepared me for Das Hugel.

Perfect Weather, But Trouble Was Brewing

The day arrived with the kind of perfect weather you dream about for a ride—clear skies, a cool breeze, and temperatures that stayed in the sweet spot between hot and cold. My buddy Will and I rolled out with confidence, ready to tackle whatever the course threw at us.

We started strong. The hills weren’t as intense as we expected at first, and the weather made everything feel like a breeze. We were both climbing well, enjoying the ride, and checking off miles without too much trouble. But as we got deeper into the ride, the course started to show its teeth.

Mechanical Trouble: No Repair Kit, No Problem... Kind Of

About an hour in, my rear derailleur started acting up. The shifting was sluggish and unresponsive, and within minutes, I was stuck in a limited gear range, unable to reach some of my higher gears. It was frustrating, but I tried to push through, thinking I could manage without the full range.

But then, the real trouble hit. As I pushed up one of the steeper inclines, my chain snapped. There I was, stuck on the side of the road, no repair kit in sight. My frustration was growing by the second as multiple riders passed by, each one offering a friendly “Keep going!” or “You got this!” but none of them stopping to lend a hand.

I looked down at my bike, then up at the road, and for a brief moment, I honestly considered calling an Uber. My legs were sore, my bike was out of commission, and I was starting to lose my mental edge. But just as I was about to give up, a stranger appeared—a rider who had been cruising past all this time, noticed my predicament, and stopped.

He had a spare chain link. Not just any link—he had the exact link I needed. I couldn’t believe my luck. He helped me install the new link, and after a few minutes of fiddling, I was back on the road. I couldn’t have been more grateful. It’s one of those moments that restores your faith in humanity, especially when you’re on the brink of defeat.

Will’s Determination, My Decision to Cut It Short

With my bike back in action, I continued the ride, but it was clear that the mechanical issues had already taken their toll. Will, who had been riding beside me the entire time, had pulled ahead a bit after my breakdown. He was climbing stronger, pushing harder, and looking like he was ready to take on the full ride.

Meanwhile, I was beginning to fade. My energy was low, and my legs were feeling the weight of the earlier struggles. Will, sensing my exhaustion, decided to push ahead toward the end of the course to complete a few more miles. He wanted to finish strong, and I couldn’t fault him for it. But I knew my limits had been reached.

I made the decision to call it a day. I’d completed just over half of Das Hugel—not the full ride, but enough to know that it was one of the toughest challenges I’d ever faced. And at that point, I was done. I wasn’t going to let my bike issues, fatigue, and frustration ruin what was an otherwise beautiful day.

BBQ Rescue

After the ride, I was ready to recover—and there’s no better way to recover after a tough ride in Austin than with BBQ. Will and I headed straight to County Line BBQ, where we dove into plate after plate of smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage. It was a well-earned feast, and it didn’t hurt that the food was absolutely incredible. The smoky flavors, tender meats, and savory sides were the perfect antidote to the grueling ride.

We sat there, enjoying the food, recounting the ride, and sharing laughs. It wasn’t the victory I’d hoped for, but it was a great way to unwind and appreciate the effort we’d both put in. After all, Das Hugel may have bested me this time, but it wouldn’t be the last time I took it on.

A Promise to Return

Reflecting on the ride, I realized that despite not finishing the full route, I had gained something valuable from the experience. I had learned the importance of patience, persistence, and relying on the kindness of others when things go wrong. I’d also learned that sometimes, the best part of a tough ride is not the finish line, but the journey—and the BBQ that follows.

I’ll be back next year. I’m already planning my return to Das Hugel, armed with a fully functioning bike, better preparation, and the knowledge that no matter how tough the ride, I’ve got what it takes to finish it.

Next time, I’ll complete the ride. And when I do, I’ll make sure to enjoy even more BBQ, because that’s the real reward. Das Hugel may have won this year, but next year? I’ll be ready.

Londell Aberdeen 5/28/19 Londell Aberdeen 5/28/19

Summers in Manhattan

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