My first climb over Cougar Rock was during the old Capital
to Capital ride in 1987. I expected a much longer climb but it was over
before I realized it. In 1992 I attempted my first Tevis and one of my
goals was to get a good Cougar Rock picture. Before anyone criticizes someone
for attempting to climb the rock you have to realize that the most coveted
picture for most endurance riders is one going over Cougar Rock. In 1992
I got a great Cougar Rock picture even though I didn’t get a buckle. I
came back in 1993 and got both a picture and a buckle. My heart was
pounding for both pictures and there was no bypass in those days. In 2001
I won an entry and went back to Tevis. The bypass was available and I
took it but got pulled at Dusty Corners, the same place I was pulled in 1992,
and I didn’t get a picture or a buckle. I can see the reason for
offering the bypass but going over Cougar Rock is part of the Tevis mystic. Would
Wendell Robie be turning over in his grave if he knew about the bypass?
