We are giving away A LOT of cash for awards, awesome swag Wolf Tooth Components pieces, a Cadillac! from North Star Auto Mall, and lots more!
Friday, May 29, 2015
Dirt Wirx Planning
Rich Omdahl and I are in full tilt planning the Dirt Wirx Bike Week events - for now...training and/or sleep happens when it can. But for the awesomeness of the event, it's all worth it.
Friday, May 22, 2015
First Race of 2015 - Buck Hill
First race of Buck Hill last night! Went out early to get some good training in for the upcoming race in Breckenridge on July 4th! Yep, fourth run at the Firecracker 50!
So, four laps of Buck Hill BEFORE the four lap race...feeling decent, definitely underpowered, but decent for those laps. THEN the race started...confusion of where the start line was so I ended up with a mid-pack starting spot on a steep hill. Not the greatest running a 2:1 geared Niner singlespeed!
3,2,1, GO! and go go gadget legs! Or not. I was able to maintain mid-pack status before the usual jam into the singletrack. Always funny to me is when you get one or two guys that are in Captain America status that go into the grass to go around everyone trying to get into the singletrack (as if we were just ride along slowly because we were bored). So this guy, was especially...special. When many of us began to call him out to get back in line...he began cursing us out, me in particular because he just happened to jam is bike's handlebars into mine. This is a fun, $10 entry fee, Thursday night race...competitiveness is one thing, but this guy was just a clown. And we were all back in about 50th place, haha!
Anyway, 2 laps into the race I'm beginning to feel the four lap "warm-up" and then the chain jumps off. This happened a few times over the next lap. Realized I must not have quite tightened up the tensioner. Jumped off (luckily having a 5mm allen in the pocket) tightened up and away I went. But I was done. I rode out the rest of the race at a leisurely pace. Legs were cooked anyway with the 2:1 gear and all the laps.
Totally a fun time overall and a GREAT race to get the motivation back again. Buck Hill has a lot of climbing in each lap and is always a good time. But, wow, I've got a lot of work to do over the next 6 weeks or so!
So, four laps of Buck Hill BEFORE the four lap race...feeling decent, definitely underpowered, but decent for those laps. THEN the race started...confusion of where the start line was so I ended up with a mid-pack starting spot on a steep hill. Not the greatest running a 2:1 geared Niner singlespeed!
3,2,1, GO! and go go gadget legs! Or not. I was able to maintain mid-pack status before the usual jam into the singletrack. Always funny to me is when you get one or two guys that are in Captain America status that go into the grass to go around everyone trying to get into the singletrack (as if we were just ride along slowly because we were bored). So this guy, was especially...special. When many of us began to call him out to get back in line...he began cursing us out, me in particular because he just happened to jam is bike's handlebars into mine. This is a fun, $10 entry fee, Thursday night race...competitiveness is one thing, but this guy was just a clown. And we were all back in about 50th place, haha!
Anyway, 2 laps into the race I'm beginning to feel the four lap "warm-up" and then the chain jumps off. This happened a few times over the next lap. Realized I must not have quite tightened up the tensioner. Jumped off (luckily having a 5mm allen in the pocket) tightened up and away I went. But I was done. I rode out the rest of the race at a leisurely pace. Legs were cooked anyway with the 2:1 gear and all the laps.
Totally a fun time overall and a GREAT race to get the motivation back again. Buck Hill has a lot of climbing in each lap and is always a good time. But, wow, I've got a lot of work to do over the next 6 weeks or so!
Monday, January 28, 2013
First Race of 2013: Catfish Cup
Yesterday the first time I toed the line in 2013 at the Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar's Catfish Cup at Carver Lake Park in Woodbury. After a mechanical issue before the start last weekend at the Lake Minnetonka Ice Race prevented a start, I was excited to strap on a number plate and see where my performance level is at!
I am still on the SS for the time being as my Niner RDO build is still in the works – riding an SS this early in the year will certainly be good for building some summer season power! I also was running a tubeless set of old Schwalbe Racing Ralphs with my usual Kold Kutter studs setup that has done me VERY well in the past- traction was a non-issue.
At the mass start we headed down 200 yards of paved road before blasting across an icy parking lot that immediately bit a few folks with no studs on fat bikes. I avoided the carnage by going way outside the heard before funneling back into an icy downhill to the lake, and then back up the hill to the parking lot and the start of the singletrack. This uphill was tough…especially on the SS. I geared well for the course overall but my legs were lifting some weights on this climb, which racing in the advanced class meant having to do that three times total. The first lap was kind of a bust as I did not get any sort of a warm up in so I was stuck in traffic while the lead groups pulled away leaving a large gap to cross in order to get any sort of decent place at the end.
I pushed hard and made up a dozen spots or so at the end of lap one, but going up that hill after the lake starting the second lap reminded me that I would NOT be able to keep that pace much longer. The cranks turned slowwwly as I ground my way up the mushy snowy-to-icy climb to get moving towards the singletrack where I could catch my breath. From then on it was a ‘ride my own race’ type of pace. I eased up and tried to save some matches (and hydrate better) in the second lap which paid off. I did not really gain any ground…but didn’t lose any either in lap two. Lap three, I surprised myself by having enough power left to muscle my way up the climb from the lake without putting a foot down. The third lap my legs were really waking up despite the abuse I'd already put them through. In lap two and starting three, I kept notice of a chase group slowly catching up but once into the singletrack for the final time I was able to drop them. Then to my delight, I caught and passed two more racers before finally crossing the finish line at 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Definitely a good solid race…great way to start the year for sure. I don’t worry too much about "finishing place" in the winter since bike setup plays such a HUGE role in how you handle the snowy/icy/dirt/rock/paved trails. My main focus of the races is to get back into the swing of race prep and pacing and simply incorporating them as high intensity/effort workouts.
Next up: City of Lakes : Icecycle Loppet ice race…somewhere around Theodore Worth Park in Golden Valley??
At the mass start we headed down 200 yards of paved road before blasting across an icy parking lot that immediately bit a few folks with no studs on fat bikes. I avoided the carnage by going way outside the heard before funneling back into an icy downhill to the lake, and then back up the hill to the parking lot and the start of the singletrack. This uphill was tough…especially on the SS. I geared well for the course overall but my legs were lifting some weights on this climb, which racing in the advanced class meant having to do that three times total. The first lap was kind of a bust as I did not get any sort of a warm up in so I was stuck in traffic while the lead groups pulled away leaving a large gap to cross in order to get any sort of decent place at the end.
I pushed hard and made up a dozen spots or so at the end of lap one, but going up that hill after the lake starting the second lap reminded me that I would NOT be able to keep that pace much longer. The cranks turned slowwwly as I ground my way up the mushy snowy-to-icy climb to get moving towards the singletrack where I could catch my breath. From then on it was a ‘ride my own race’ type of pace. I eased up and tried to save some matches (and hydrate better) in the second lap which paid off. I did not really gain any ground…but didn’t lose any either in lap two. Lap three, I surprised myself by having enough power left to muscle my way up the climb from the lake without putting a foot down. The third lap my legs were really waking up despite the abuse I'd already put them through. In lap two and starting three, I kept notice of a chase group slowly catching up but once into the singletrack for the final time I was able to drop them. Then to my delight, I caught and passed two more racers before finally crossing the finish line at 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Definitely a good solid race…great way to start the year for sure. I don’t worry too much about "finishing place" in the winter since bike setup plays such a HUGE role in how you handle the snowy/icy/dirt/rock/paved trails. My main focus of the races is to get back into the swing of race prep and pacing and simply incorporating them as high intensity/effort workouts.
Next up: City of Lakes : Icecycle Loppet ice race…somewhere around Theodore Worth Park in Golden Valley??
Thursday, August 16, 2012
2nd Place Wausau 24! (Formerly 24hrs of Nine Mile)
Here we go! Long story coming up - some background on my 24hr race mindset - better grab your coffee or Red Bull!
February of 2007 - I was sitting at JFK International airport with Dr. Flores, one of my college economics professors, after presenting my senior thesis at the Eastern Economics Association Conference in New York City
the day before. I was reading an inspiring article in this issue of Mountain Bike Magazine about a ridiculously ambitious 24 hour mountain bike racer - Pua Mata. I told my professor "I want to do this someday...race a 24 hour mountain bike race." After sharing parts of the story with him he confirmed that I should make reservations at a mental institution BUT agreed it would be a huge accomplishment if completed- physically and mentally. At the time it was just a great article about a pro rider overcoming a potentially career ending crash...AND to come back and attempt a 24 hour race only a couple months after?!?! pretty awesome! It inspired me to kick up the training...I really wanted to do this ultra-endurance racing!
I had only begun mountain bike racing the previous season (at 28 years old) and had quickly moved to the CAT 2 category racing the entire Mountain States Cup XC series. On and off again training put me behind for the start of the 2007 season...and on June 28th I crashed and broke my right fibula. I stayed motivated doing several things, one of them was re-reading this article. And two months later...I entered a race which sparked an active recovery and I was feeling great!
Well...two years later almost to the day, I broke my left fibula. I had just started working with TJ again making huge gains in performance and accomplishing what I originally set out to achieve with my cycling - and I nearly quit this time. But the mountain biking bug bite is an amazingly strong one. This time though it took seven months to get back on the saddle (for more reasons than just recovery - a big move out of state contributed). Again, one of my many ways to get motivated was to include a re-read of this article...AND then to see online current results that show her drive has made her faster than ever. I still wanted to race a 24 hour event someday.
2012 has been full of change for me all around, including the mountain bike racing category- new style of bike and more "training" and than racing - which has been awesome. The views you get while out on a mountain bike are amazing and on some training rides I've been getting some photos and stopping to take more of it in...riding intense!!...but relaxed. I LOVE the competition but hadn't realized how much it was consuming me. If it weren't for TJ's comments and understanding when schedules were tough fitting in with full time career schedules I would have exploded and hung it up completely; 'cause honestly missed workouts were pissing me off really bad...and it was affecting the workouts I WAS getting in- yeah counter-productive on all fronts!
So again this past June...I reread this article (yup still have it nearly six years later)...knew two friends racing the Lutsen 99er in a couple weeks...sure! Why not? Wait I have a singlespeed...meh...sure, why not!? :) I signed up, didn't think about the training or lack-thereof, started the race with a clear head and did pretty well! With that success, going in not worrying about the competitive part, and just doing it - riding MY race, I felt good again and impulse purchased the solo singlespeed registration to the Wausau24 later that week. Yeah...not something usually done on a whim, but it felt right and I had about four weeks to prepare. I'm finally gonna do this.
So...here's the chapter of my first attempt at a solo 24 hour race:
It's amazing what the human body can do...the Wausau 24 was a pretty awesome experience! At 10AM Saturday morning we started the race with a nice 1/4 mile Le Mans start to the bikes
and we were off. Thanks to John Reinan and his girlfriend Melissa, I had quick stops for fueling and bottle hand-ups. I do rememeber telling John at about 8 hours in that I was "starting to realize what I was trying to attempt here" :) Darkness set in and the lights were on (handlebar mounted lights are KEY) and I was going strong and relatively steady riding third in SS and around 10-11th overall...until about 3:30am.
My plan was a kit change every six hours...I hadn't changed shorts but changed tops a couple times. I was just putting more chamois cream on and I felt good to go- however, after it got dark my brain simply forgot to get me to reapply in my normal interval and I started to get saddle sores...BAD. I started standing more and moving around more when in the saddle...which then of course took out the rest of what my lower back had left.
After I completed that lap I pulled off and had serious doubts about finishing, but figured I'd make the best of it
and John got me some coffee AND a Red Bull and made a turkey burger while I went and changed my kit and of course finally reapplied cream. After about 30 mins of stretching, fueling, and changing I went out for another lap. My saddle sores were even worse feeling...the new kit I put on was a different brand and I think some of the seams were rubbing right on top of the sores that had developed. Apparently by that time I should have just stayed with those shorts and used twice as much cream.
Whatever...anyway, the next lap was REALLY fast...by design. During my long stop John told me I HAD moved into second place in SS and 7th or 8th overall but now fell to 3rd and 10th, but others lap were beginning to suffer as well...I knew they were watching my lap times too so to send a message I went a ripped off a lap only 10 minutes slower than my fastest 22 hours earlier to hopefully get the point across to them that I'm still in it! ...and hopefully they'll back off even more haha >)
With two hours to go I stopped right before the check in area (and finish line) to check the
results to see if it would be worth it yet to do one more lap based on others positions...turns out it would but the saddle sores and back problems were coming back strong and I HAD to take another break. Without knowing it the guy that was in 3rd SS passed me in the pit area about 5 mins before I went out again and about 1hr 30mins before the finish (10am). John told me this, and I was a little annoyed that I missed him. I went out and caught him 4 miles into the lap on the one longer and steeper singletrack climb which at this point most solo riders were walking. I ran up next to him, we kinda smirked, nodded back and forth- we knew who each other was- and I jumped on my bike and muscled up the rest of the climb. I looked back when I reached the top and he was slumped over the bars still pushing about 50 yards back...but then started running. I rode the rest of the lap super smooth and pretty fast and got to the finish area with about 13 minutes until 10am. About 30 other riders sitting there waiting for the clock to strike 10- we had to finish a lap after 10am in order to not be a DNF. Where I was at in the standings one more lap woud not have gained me any more spots in SS or the overall so I stayed there.
I kept looking back up the trail to see if he was going to come- he never did. One group of
riders came up to the line just as the clock turned over 10am...one was the guy right behind me in the overall and ignoring the etiquette page that everyone else was on, just rode by the line of riders and took 8th from me so I was scored with 9th overall. Not a big deal really but whatever. The other SS I passed to take second finished his lap about 2 minutes after 10am...so basically in the last 6 miles of the race I gained about 15 minutes on him - that felt pretty sweet to finish that strong! Full results HERE
It was pretty awsome to be 2nd on the podium in my first 24 hr race even though it was only the SS and not the GC podium. I had passed the rider that got 5th overall about 5 miles before I had the saddle sore/back issues. That problem cost me at least two laps overall which wuld have gotten me that 5th place. So! lessons...if I'm going to change shorts...stick to the plan or else kep the same and reapply using more than normal amounts. Fueling...I had some gut rot in the late afternoon by eating too many different things and caused me to have some slower lap times- next time (yeah...I'm thinking I need to do this again ;) I'm going straight up
water, GU Roctane energy drink mix and GU Roctane gels only (with occasional 8oz can of coke and red bull). I'll keep other stuff on the side just in case but when I was on that part of the routine I felt the best. At no time did I get any leg cramps or that feeling of just generally "tired". Pacing was perfect- I kind of used the strategy that TJ helped me put together for Leadville last year- ease into it.
Anyway...in the end it was awesome and I recovered much quicker than I thought in the days after...back on the bike after the Monday off to catch up on sleep...and eating...could not stop eating every couple hours!
With third place finisher
"Transition Area" for team riders...those couches looked comfy! This was packed once the race started.
Streeeeeeetching...
More stretching!
February of 2007 - I was sitting at JFK International airport with Dr. Flores, one of my college economics professors, after presenting my senior thesis at the Eastern Economics Association Conference in New York City
I had only begun mountain bike racing the previous season (at 28 years old) and had quickly moved to the CAT 2 category racing the entire Mountain States Cup XC series. On and off again training put me behind for the start of the 2007 season...and on June 28th I crashed and broke my right fibula. I stayed motivated doing several things, one of them was re-reading this article. And two months later...I entered a race which sparked an active recovery and I was feeling great!
Well...two years later almost to the day, I broke my left fibula. I had just started working with TJ again making huge gains in performance and accomplishing what I originally set out to achieve with my cycling - and I nearly quit this time. But the mountain biking bug bite is an amazingly strong one. This time though it took seven months to get back on the saddle (for more reasons than just recovery - a big move out of state contributed). Again, one of my many ways to get motivated was to include a re-read of this article...AND then to see online current results that show her drive has made her faster than ever. I still wanted to race a 24 hour event someday.
2012 has been full of change for me all around, including the mountain bike racing category- new style of bike and more "training" and than racing - which has been awesome. The views you get while out on a mountain bike are amazing and on some training rides I've been getting some photos and stopping to take more of it in...riding intense!!...but relaxed. I LOVE the competition but hadn't realized how much it was consuming me. If it weren't for TJ's comments and understanding when schedules were tough fitting in with full time career schedules I would have exploded and hung it up completely; 'cause honestly missed workouts were pissing me off really bad...and it was affecting the workouts I WAS getting in- yeah counter-productive on all fronts!
So again this past June...I reread this article (yup still have it nearly six years later)...knew two friends racing the Lutsen 99er in a couple weeks...sure! Why not? Wait I have a singlespeed...meh...sure, why not!? :) I signed up, didn't think about the training or lack-thereof, started the race with a clear head and did pretty well! With that success, going in not worrying about the competitive part, and just doing it - riding MY race, I felt good again and impulse purchased the solo singlespeed registration to the Wausau24 later that week. Yeah...not something usually done on a whim, but it felt right and I had about four weeks to prepare. I'm finally gonna do this.
So...here's the chapter of my first attempt at a solo 24 hour race:
It's amazing what the human body can do...the Wausau 24 was a pretty awesome experience! At 10AM Saturday morning we started the race with a nice 1/4 mile Le Mans start to the bikes
My plan was a kit change every six hours...I hadn't changed shorts but changed tops a couple times. I was just putting more chamois cream on and I felt good to go- however, after it got dark my brain simply forgot to get me to reapply in my normal interval and I started to get saddle sores...BAD. I started standing more and moving around more when in the saddle...which then of course took out the rest of what my lower back had left.
After I completed that lap I pulled off and had serious doubts about finishing, but figured I'd make the best of it
Whatever...anyway, the next lap was REALLY fast...by design. During my long stop John told me I HAD moved into second place in SS and 7th or 8th overall but now fell to 3rd and 10th, but others lap were beginning to suffer as well...I knew they were watching my lap times too so to send a message I went a ripped off a lap only 10 minutes slower than my fastest 22 hours earlier to hopefully get the point across to them that I'm still in it! ...and hopefully they'll back off even more haha >)
With two hours to go I stopped right before the check in area (and finish line) to check the
I kept looking back up the trail to see if he was going to come- he never did. One group of
It was pretty awsome to be 2nd on the podium in my first 24 hr race even though it was only the SS and not the GC podium. I had passed the rider that got 5th overall about 5 miles before I had the saddle sore/back issues. That problem cost me at least two laps overall which wuld have gotten me that 5th place. So! lessons...if I'm going to change shorts...stick to the plan or else kep the same and reapply using more than normal amounts. Fueling...I had some gut rot in the late afternoon by eating too many different things and caused me to have some slower lap times- next time (yeah...I'm thinking I need to do this again ;) I'm going straight up
Anyway...in the end it was awesome and I recovered much quicker than I thought in the days after...back on the bike after the Monday off to catch up on sleep...and eating...could not stop eating every couple hours!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Lutsen 99er
With all the rain in the region I was curious how no changes to the course had been announced. Upon arrival and check-in on Friday at Lutsen Mountains we were greeted with course maps showing very significant changes to the 99er course. After mentioning to Peter Spencer that I’m on a singlespeed and geared for the old course he quick smiled and said "you’re going to want to switch a harder gear." Being my first year ever racing a singlespeed, and 99 miles on one gear at that, I was already on edge and had to change again- singlespeeding is not exactly "simplistic".
7:30 AM starting by the main chalet, over 400 riders for the 39er and 99er rolled out down the mountain behind a fire truck holding us steady at around 20 mph before we turned onto Hwy 61 and
the race was on! ...although it really didn’t feel like it. I was sitting comfortably in the top 20 or 30 with my two teammates, John Reinan and Jon Sigerud, all the way up the first, and longest, climb up Caribou Trail- a paved CAT 3 climb. I glanced back a couple times and this strung out the rest of field for miles, but I was still holding steady in the top 30 pushing the heavier 34x15 gear. We ducked off into some tough and rough, but FUN, ski and snowmobile trail combinations around mile 12 for about four miles before we were back out on the road. Then...any hopes for a singlespeed podium went out the window.
I was in the middle of a group of about 10-12 that turned left a few miles before the first aid station. We get about two miles down that path and the leaders of this group stopped and realized we're not supposed to be on this section of the course yet! I had my head down and was focusing on staying with the geared bikes I was with so I had no idea! We turned around and blasted back to the road where indeed the arrows were misread – the course was marked very well, just needed to pay attention and not second guess the direction! Who knows how many spots I’d dropped now- it was disheartening and frustrating being so early in the race and had been holding such a good position.
Then, it was obvious by mile marker 30 (34 for some of us) that I had pushed too hard to get back on track as I already had to battle my first leg cramps! I stopped at the next pass through the aid station (we all passed through this one three times with the new course layout) and I nearly pulled myself out. But, without telling them my mental battles at the moment, Jon Sigerud’s wife and three kids: Renee, Caiden, Katie, and Cody gave words of encouragement and handed over the next round of bottles. Without thinking I headed out for the second lap of this loop and just see what happens. I started pedaling the bike in different positions and paying more attention to my efforts as some sections had me riding for several minutes at a time in a 30-40 cadence going uphill - my legs were so pissed! However, I was able to stave off the cramps for that lap and pass several riders so I blew by the aid station for the third time (mile 59 of the race) and headed out to finish and make the best of this!
Luckily I did…up until mile 95 the race course was perfectly manageable while changing up some riding styles and my gear choice paid off big here. Mostly FAST but rough and rolling backwoods four wheeler and logging trails, dirt roads, lots of (all rideable-but deep!) mud-water holes- some nice little climbs mixed in there too!
Passing the mile 95 marker gave a boost of energy knowing I was almost done...but, did not know some of the hardest (and most fun for me ;) ) riding was yet to come! The singletrack of Lutsen was up and it was raw, rooty, muddy, and just some of the gnarliest stuff I’ve ridden since the Sawtooth Challenge race in Grand Marais last August. It was a blast to ride and made up three more spots in the mile or two of it. Then the last test- the last climb from the very bottom up to the chalet...which also was probably the toughest climb of the day…regardless of whether it was at mile 98 or mile 10.
My legs went into full on cramp mode and forced me off the bike for a few sections of it. One foot in front of the other walking, attempting to run- screaming "go-go gadget legs" and starting to run didn’t even work- in fact I almost fell over and died- I had spent everything.
I hopped on the bike for the last time getting towards the top and seeing the spectators lined up along the course and over the bridge we cross under...I heard someone say "look he’s on a singlespeed!" – then a few extra cheers! Yes! Thank you- that was the little bit more motivation I needed to muscle my way up riding the bike the last 2-300 yards to cross the line under the banner. I got some "congrats" and was handed a medal- but my legs couldn’t move anymore, ha! I sat there for about five minutes before my legs settled a little and I was able to move without any severe muscle cramp.
I met up with my friend John Reinan who finished about 11 minutes earlier and we headed back to our basecamp in Grand Marais. Muddy, totally exhausted, the bike was making all kinds of funny sounds...so was I for that matter- it was a full and fun day on the bike and I felt accomplished. I had almost forgotten the frustrations early in the race. The feeling of finishing races like this that are truly a battle to the end can only be understood by those that have experienced it…not necessarily 100 miles- but just a true battle with other riders and yourself- that part of your brain that says at some point "Okay we’ve done enough, it’s not going the way you wanted, lets pull off and go another day." This was one of those days and in the end is why I love mountain bike racing. I finished with a time of 7:44:13 - 51st out of about 240 that started the race, and 5th out of about 20 that started in the singlespeed class! Just finishing was great but to get those results after a four mile detour with indecision efforts there I was pleasantly surprised- the race had some strong riders!
Bryson Perry took the "W" with a fast time of 5:52:44 followed by Adam Froeming (6:04:57) and Michael Woell (6:14:16) for the men and Lynn Cecil (7:52:05), Danielle Coffield Ness (8:10:53), and Patti Schmidt (8:20:27) for the top three women. In the 39er, Patrick Sheedy brought home the win for men with a 2:20:40, followed closely by Stuart Benson only seven seconds back, and Nathan Mielke six minutes behind them. The women’s 39er top three: April Morgan (2:38:16), Kerrie Fabius (2:39:16), and Maria Benson (2:54:38)
As usual LifeTime Fitness put up a great event- anyone who has not participated in one of their events- you should. Everything worked so smooth from the packet pick-up to the assistance at the aid stations during the race. Peter Spencer and Adam Harju did a top notch job- especially having to deal with such major course changes of a 99 mile event literally the day before the event. I will race this one again.
Another course note...I was contemplating using a cyclocross bike for this hearing about all the gravel roads...thank you Adam Harju for talking me out of it- that would’ve definitely ruined my day- total mountain bike race for sure!
7:30 AM starting by the main chalet, over 400 riders for the 39er and 99er rolled out down the mountain behind a fire truck holding us steady at around 20 mph before we turned onto Hwy 61 and
I was in the middle of a group of about 10-12 that turned left a few miles before the first aid station. We get about two miles down that path and the leaders of this group stopped and realized we're not supposed to be on this section of the course yet! I had my head down and was focusing on staying with the geared bikes I was with so I had no idea! We turned around and blasted back to the road where indeed the arrows were misread – the course was marked very well, just needed to pay attention and not second guess the direction! Who knows how many spots I’d dropped now- it was disheartening and frustrating being so early in the race and had been holding such a good position.
Luckily I did…up until mile 95 the race course was perfectly manageable while changing up some riding styles and my gear choice paid off big here. Mostly FAST but rough and rolling backwoods four wheeler and logging trails, dirt roads, lots of (all rideable-but deep!) mud-water holes- some nice little climbs mixed in there too!
My legs went into full on cramp mode and forced me off the bike for a few sections of it. One foot in front of the other walking, attempting to run- screaming "go-go gadget legs" and starting to run didn’t even work- in fact I almost fell over and died- I had spent everything.
I met up with my friend John Reinan who finished about 11 minutes earlier and we headed back to our basecamp in Grand Marais. Muddy, totally exhausted, the bike was making all kinds of funny sounds...so was I for that matter- it was a full and fun day on the bike and I felt accomplished. I had almost forgotten the frustrations early in the race. The feeling of finishing races like this that are truly a battle to the end can only be understood by those that have experienced it…not necessarily 100 miles- but just a true battle with other riders and yourself- that part of your brain that says at some point "Okay we’ve done enough, it’s not going the way you wanted, lets pull off and go another day." This was one of those days and in the end is why I love mountain bike racing. I finished with a time of 7:44:13 - 51st out of about 240 that started the race, and 5th out of about 20 that started in the singlespeed class! Just finishing was great but to get those results after a four mile detour with indecision efforts there I was pleasantly surprised- the race had some strong riders!
Bryson Perry took the "W" with a fast time of 5:52:44 followed by Adam Froeming (6:04:57) and Michael Woell (6:14:16) for the men and Lynn Cecil (7:52:05), Danielle Coffield Ness (8:10:53), and Patti Schmidt (8:20:27) for the top three women. In the 39er, Patrick Sheedy brought home the win for men with a 2:20:40, followed closely by Stuart Benson only seven seconds back, and Nathan Mielke six minutes behind them. The women’s 39er top three: April Morgan (2:38:16), Kerrie Fabius (2:39:16), and Maria Benson (2:54:38)
As usual LifeTime Fitness put up a great event- anyone who has not participated in one of their events- you should. Everything worked so smooth from the packet pick-up to the assistance at the aid stations during the race. Peter Spencer and Adam Harju did a top notch job- especially having to deal with such major course changes of a 99 mile event literally the day before the event. I will race this one again.
Another course note...I was contemplating using a cyclocross bike for this hearing about all the gravel roads...thank you Adam Harju for talking me out of it- that would’ve definitely ruined my day- total mountain bike race for sure!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Racing LAST Year
The last part of 2011 was a blur. A blur with some ups and downs all around - mainly the racing as the ups. AS previously written the Leadville race opened a new perspective of racing to me. I came out of that with a lot of confidence. The rest of the year it didn't reall matter where I raced - I just wanted to race what I wanted to race without any regard to points or finish placing. The whole year I had been dialing into a pace that could get me through a 100+ mile race. After Leadville I felt like I could let loose and just race how I wanted- and I lined up 11 times after that...and each time I put in some more "appropriate efforts" for the length of race I was in (see also leg burning and lung searing).
Couple highlights:
Sawtooth Challenge, Grand Marais: This was a nice, low pressure race but super fun!! This is the first time in awhile (several years...too long!!) that I stayed in a tent while at a race event. And Grand Marais, MN in August??...what a place to do it! I fell asleep and woke up to the sounds of Lake Superior waves, sea gulls, and spinning freewheels?? Didn't know untl then that the family in the campsite next to mine were also there for the race- coming down from Thunder Bay.
The race started with a neutral roll out from Artist's Point- the pier downtown- through the town and up into the Pincushion Mountains where the race officially was under way. We went uphill for a mile or so before the singletrack turned into curvy ski trail and went up some more. It was here that the laps began- 3 for my group. Up the skirail then a screaming fast, and VERY rough long descent to where more singletrack came. This singletrack is why I love riding anything up north- it was RAW. Ungroomed..but fast- depending on how quickly your elbows and knees could react to the gnarly, rocky, log riddled, off-camber into hairpin before steep power climb. I loved this course. Had a great race result too as I pushed my myself much harder than before, knowing that this was going to be a race around 2hrs.
Chequamegon 40, Cable, WI: I didn't quite have my race plan nailed down for this one. I had a similar situation when I was at Leadville...starting in the very back. Of the ~1900 racers there at the start, I was literally lined up in about 1,850th. I heard the word "GO!" but didn't move for at least 5 minutes...and at that point it was verrrrry slllooowwww through the town until I got out on the highway leading to the ski trail. Lots of time lost at the beginning but I was feeling good and was passing riders 10 to 20 at a time for quite awhile...no joke. I have to say it was fun doing that- being as I knew I wouldn't have the result I really wanted I decided to turn it into a "see how many I can pass before the end" race...basically, a 40 mile time trial.
There was one hardpack track through the grass of the ski trail- I got none of it as I never could find a pace group- riding in the grass takes a ton of extra work! TJ and I layed out a plan to keep it
easy until Fire Tower Hill (~half way through) where the rest of the race was much hillier than the first half. I was on a great pace and did all I could but in the end the best I got was past about 1500 of the other riders- still not bad for a 2hr 45min race! The way I felt during and after though has me itching to get another crack at this race...and I will have my bike on the line WAY early. The guys on the front row were there at 5:30am...3 1/2 hours before start.
From here some of the highlights include my first take on cyclocross racing...next post...
Couple highlights:
Sawtooth Challenge, Grand Marais: This was a nice, low pressure race but super fun!! This is the first time in awhile (several years...too long!!) that I stayed in a tent while at a race event. And Grand Marais, MN in August??...what a place to do it! I fell asleep and woke up to the sounds of Lake Superior waves, sea gulls, and spinning freewheels?? Didn't know untl then that the family in the campsite next to mine were also there for the race- coming down from Thunder Bay.
The race started with a neutral roll out from Artist's Point- the pier downtown- through the town and up into the Pincushion Mountains where the race officially was under way. We went uphill for a mile or so before the singletrack turned into curvy ski trail and went up some more. It was here that the laps began- 3 for my group. Up the skirail then a screaming fast, and VERY rough long descent to where more singletrack came. This singletrack is why I love riding anything up north- it was RAW. Ungroomed..but fast- depending on how quickly your elbows and knees could react to the gnarly, rocky, log riddled, off-camber into hairpin before steep power climb. I loved this course. Had a great race result too as I pushed my myself much harder than before, knowing that this was going to be a race around 2hrs.
Chequamegon 40, Cable, WI: I didn't quite have my race plan nailed down for this one. I had a similar situation when I was at Leadville...starting in the very back. Of the ~1900 racers there at the start, I was literally lined up in about 1,850th. I heard the word "GO!" but didn't move for at least 5 minutes...and at that point it was verrrrry slllooowwww through the town until I got out on the highway leading to the ski trail. Lots of time lost at the beginning but I was feeling good and was passing riders 10 to 20 at a time for quite awhile...no joke. I have to say it was fun doing that- being as I knew I wouldn't have the result I really wanted I decided to turn it into a "see how many I can pass before the end" race...basically, a 40 mile time trial.
There was one hardpack track through the grass of the ski trail- I got none of it as I never could find a pace group- riding in the grass takes a ton of extra work! TJ and I layed out a plan to keep it
From here some of the highlights include my first take on cyclocross racing...next post...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Breaks over
Yeah I've been away from this for awhile...however not due to lack of riding or racing. A lot has gone on this fall at the mountain biking, work, and more personal levels.
There were races in August and September that I wanted to write about...but it's crazy how after each race, all of a sudden it felt like life fast forwarded through two more! Working 50-60hrs per week and still trying to keep up with training...including sleep and FOOD! gets things moving pretty fast! ...and now I just raced my first event of 2012, haha!
I'm reflecting back over 2011 now...and building a preliminary schedule for 2012. This will be a good year ;)
There were races in August and September that I wanted to write about...but it's crazy how after each race, all of a sudden it felt like life fast forwarded through two more! Working 50-60hrs per week and still trying to keep up with training...including sleep and FOOD! gets things moving pretty fast! ...and now I just raced my first event of 2012, haha!
I'm reflecting back over 2011 now...and building a preliminary schedule for 2012. This will be a good year ;)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Race Report: Leadville 100 - back online
Leadville 100 Yes...finally...my take on the Leadville 100 with pictures! Since the day I found out I was in, my thoughts have been a roller coaster about how this race will go. One day thinking nine hours or less is the main goal...others were maybe 10...or 11 hours...just finish?? I've never raced this long (distance or time) so everything was up in the air.
TJ helped calm my nerves a lot by insisting that he knew I was ready for the challenge. Since he's coached several others through preparation for this race, it was easy to believe him and confidence going into a race like this is key. I can't 
thank my Mom, Dad, and sister and her boyfriend Jeremy enough for helping out and cheering me on! It by no means was an easy day for them- I'm sure it gets very long out there- but sounds like they had a great time with it all as well. Both stops on the course were well planned in advance and couldn’t have gone smoother thanks to them- again its extremely nice having confidence in all aspects out there!
Putting us in corrals this year was fine with me- my first time racing this so not much to compare but it seemed to work out very smooth! We were off into the neutral rollout with police escort just after Ken Chlouber started this race with the traditional shotgun blast. I was able to work my way up towards the front of my 'corral' by the time I got to the dirt and the race was truly underway. I was surprised at how fast I felt and easy it was to give juuuuuuust enough effort to be in the front of where the bottleneck up St. Kevins was likely to begin...I bet I passed 3-400 other riders or more from the start to that point.
Although I was ahead of the "walkers"- it was still packed. I noticed a few riders had formed a little conga line that was strategically and successfully navigating its way smoothly through this packed field on the climb. I jumped in line here
and passed another 1-200 relatively easy going up this climb- riding eyes up, leaving some room in front was very helpful- I had time to avoid some mistakes by other not-so-smooth riders and crested St. Kevins climb without incident! The screaming fast descent to the bottom of the next climb was super fast and before I knew it I was going up again- up and over Sugarloaf mountain. A good tough climb...rather uneventful though...which was fiiine by me.
After this crest comes the Powerline descent. The movies make a big deal of the technical level of this- but really it was not that bad at all. There was one relatively quick safe line, but I was definitely not descending as fast as I could have being stuck behind other riders. But each time I deviated from the beaten path to pass, the huge 12-24" deep ruts were just too much to risk hopping over, through, and around in a race like this. I stayed in line for the most part and again finished this section without incident...now at mile 20...turning onto the pavement towards Pipeline...wait...was that twitch a cramp in both hammy's??? Already?!?! This could be a very long (or very short race).
I blasted through the Pipeline feed zone at about 2hrs 13mins into this race. After that I jumped into a pace line with some folks wearing green 'Tennessee Pass' jerseys...and there was Roxanne Hall who I recognized from the movies- her story is pretty unbelievable- determination at its best!
50 mins later I arrive at the Twin Lakes feed zone. People EVERYWHERE! Running along side you cheering, cow bells, waving things- felt Tour de France-ish...of course I've only
seen that on TV before though. Eventually reach my crew- Jill ready and holding my musette anticipating a ride by hand-off. I did stop brefely- 10 seconds at most- dropped the three empty bottles and took off again- literally 10 seconds at most- awesome stop and can't thank them enough for being there to do that. Off to climb the BIIIIG hill- Columbine mountain was up next.
With those cramps stuck in my mind from earlier I was a little worried. Through the TL stop I still managed to be riding in the same group of about 10 riders including the Tennessee Pass team. I held a nice steady (not exactly fast) pace up the road part until the "Goat Path" section. I rode up where many were walking at first but then my hamstrings let go completely with 1-2 miles left to the top. I was walking- and baby steps at that. Each time I tried to get on and pedal my hamstrings lit up. Eventually I made it to the top- the group I was with was now looooooong gone.
I started the way down Columbine and again stuck behind several others not so strong descending...but gave me some time to gather my thoughts. The others I was passing that were on their way up made me realize my leg issues are not that bad...some of them were in for still a very long day and THOSE are the people that I admire. The determination you could see in their eyes and is very inspiring. I went down Columbine the whole way riding very safe and very slow compared to my usual kamikaze style- my split times reflect this.
As I passed through the TL feed zone I saw my family had packed up and moved just as planned and knew they'd be waiting at Pipeline for me. Still unsure
of my legs at this point I started up the little road climb out of TL and noticed by keeping a 50-60 rpm cadence my legs were able to handle a lot more gear- and speed ;) I picked my pace up again with this renewed feeling of excitement that while a sub-9 hour finish is gone, maybe at least sub 10hrs is still in the cards!
Pipeline station comes and there they are- my crew just as planned and I was about half a bottle left of the three I grabbed at TL outbound. I unloaded as much as I could in my pockets (rain jacket, arm warmers, gel wrappers, etc) and took off for the last stretch of this tour. The next time I stop is at the finish! For the most part I was right. I had to walk the bottom section of Powerline, as expected, but was able to muscle the rest in my 50-60 cadence without fail...I don't get it...don't know why...even HOW my legs could handle this but not 90 rpm lighter spin but whatever works I guess!
The climb up this was the craziest part of the race for me though...I never stopped- even when walking at the bottom it was always one step in front of the other...KEEP MOVING FORWARD!! Kept repeating this and its important to remember. After that steep section even though I rode the rest- it seemed to go FORRRREVERRRRR. Crested Sugarloaf now for the second time of the day 'cept the opposite direction- back down the mountain for the last big climb up St. Kevins. Keeping the cadence crazy low I again muscled my way up this road climb and seriously started making up some time and passed many others. Clicked down a few more gears and passed the crowd I was with on the Pipeline and up Columbine! I was feeling great and everything was coming together nicely for a strong finish! All the way up and over...then back down.
Done with major climbs and I felt STRONG! Although still preparing for something unexpected I again aborted my kamikaze mountain downhill antics and stayed cautious. Still 12 miles or so to go. Once I got to the bottom and onto the dirt
road through the pasture I looked at my watch and realized 10 hours was still close but coming fast. I decided to ride as hard as I could until I blow up or finish- whichever comes first. I had heard the "Boulevard" referred to as the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" before as this is a 3.5 mile stretch of dirt road with a slight incline the entire way that can fool some and cause wicked cramps that destroy hopes of close time goals if pushed too hard...this was not the case for me. I was out of the saddle the entire time passing maybe 20-30 more riders here. It was absolutely one of the best feelings ever being able to finish my first 103.5 mile races smiling and sprinting!?!?!
I crossed the line at 9:59:47...yes that's 9hrs 59mins- NOT 10 hours ;-) Other than being out of breath from that final sprint at the end...I felt great! My family and crew were there to congratulate me as I hugged and thanked them all for helping. Hugged Marilee and thanked her for the race! Then my crew bought me a massage from Ella, the hot girl from Sweden. Seriously...how perfect is this! Bike worked flawlessly, feed drops worked perfectly, super strong finish...it was all so awesome. I CANNOT WAIT TO COME BACK...and destroy this time and get that big buckle.
I didn’t get my sub-nine hour finish this time...but after having time to evaluate everything now, if I wouldn't have kept trying to spin so fast and kept a lower easier cadence I could've been at least close if not reached that goal. My fitness is
definitely there! TJ worked with me through my crazy schedule with work, and moving, and several other things that threatened many times to derail my training progress to adjust my workouts and keep things in order. Its been a tumultuous summer that way, but, it all worked out in the end. After the race it was back to the condo in Silverthorne for nice soak in the hot tub and I ate the refridgerator.
Putting us in corrals this year was fine with me- my first time racing this so not much to compare but it seemed to work out very smooth! We were off into the neutral rollout with police escort just after Ken Chlouber started this race with the traditional shotgun blast. I was able to work my way up towards the front of my 'corral' by the time I got to the dirt and the race was truly underway. I was surprised at how fast I felt and easy it was to give juuuuuuust enough effort to be in the front of where the bottleneck up St. Kevins was likely to begin...I bet I passed 3-400 other riders or more from the start to that point.
Although I was ahead of the "walkers"- it was still packed. I noticed a few riders had formed a little conga line that was strategically and successfully navigating its way smoothly through this packed field on the climb. I jumped in line here
After this crest comes the Powerline descent. The movies make a big deal of the technical level of this- but really it was not that bad at all. There was one relatively quick safe line, but I was definitely not descending as fast as I could have being stuck behind other riders. But each time I deviated from the beaten path to pass, the huge 12-24" deep ruts were just too much to risk hopping over, through, and around in a race like this. I stayed in line for the most part and again finished this section without incident...now at mile 20...turning onto the pavement towards Pipeline...wait...was that twitch a cramp in both hammy's??? Already?!?! This could be a very long (or very short race).
I blasted through the Pipeline feed zone at about 2hrs 13mins into this race. After that I jumped into a pace line with some folks wearing green 'Tennessee Pass' jerseys...and there was Roxanne Hall who I recognized from the movies- her story is pretty unbelievable- determination at its best!
50 mins later I arrive at the Twin Lakes feed zone. People EVERYWHERE! Running along side you cheering, cow bells, waving things- felt Tour de France-ish...of course I've only
With those cramps stuck in my mind from earlier I was a little worried. Through the TL stop I still managed to be riding in the same group of about 10 riders including the Tennessee Pass team. I held a nice steady (not exactly fast) pace up the road part until the "Goat Path" section. I rode up where many were walking at first but then my hamstrings let go completely with 1-2 miles left to the top. I was walking- and baby steps at that. Each time I tried to get on and pedal my hamstrings lit up. Eventually I made it to the top- the group I was with was now looooooong gone.
I started the way down Columbine and again stuck behind several others not so strong descending...but gave me some time to gather my thoughts. The others I was passing that were on their way up made me realize my leg issues are not that bad...some of them were in for still a very long day and THOSE are the people that I admire. The determination you could see in their eyes and is very inspiring. I went down Columbine the whole way riding very safe and very slow compared to my usual kamikaze style- my split times reflect this.
As I passed through the TL feed zone I saw my family had packed up and moved just as planned and knew they'd be waiting at Pipeline for me. Still unsure
Pipeline station comes and there they are- my crew just as planned and I was about half a bottle left of the three I grabbed at TL outbound. I unloaded as much as I could in my pockets (rain jacket, arm warmers, gel wrappers, etc) and took off for the last stretch of this tour. The next time I stop is at the finish! For the most part I was right. I had to walk the bottom section of Powerline, as expected, but was able to muscle the rest in my 50-60 cadence without fail...I don't get it...don't know why...even HOW my legs could handle this but not 90 rpm lighter spin but whatever works I guess!
The climb up this was the craziest part of the race for me though...I never stopped- even when walking at the bottom it was always one step in front of the other...KEEP MOVING FORWARD!! Kept repeating this and its important to remember. After that steep section even though I rode the rest- it seemed to go FORRRREVERRRRR. Crested Sugarloaf now for the second time of the day 'cept the opposite direction- back down the mountain for the last big climb up St. Kevins. Keeping the cadence crazy low I again muscled my way up this road climb and seriously started making up some time and passed many others. Clicked down a few more gears and passed the crowd I was with on the Pipeline and up Columbine! I was feeling great and everything was coming together nicely for a strong finish! All the way up and over...then back down.
Done with major climbs and I felt STRONG! Although still preparing for something unexpected I again aborted my kamikaze mountain downhill antics and stayed cautious. Still 12 miles or so to go. Once I got to the bottom and onto the dirt
I crossed the line at 9:59:47...yes that's 9hrs 59mins- NOT 10 hours ;-) Other than being out of breath from that final sprint at the end...I felt great! My family and crew were there to congratulate me as I hugged and thanked them all for helping. Hugged Marilee and thanked her for the race! Then my crew bought me a massage from Ella, the hot girl from Sweden. Seriously...how perfect is this! Bike worked flawlessly, feed drops worked perfectly, super strong finish...it was all so awesome. I CANNOT WAIT TO COME BACK...and destroy this time and get that big buckle.
I didn’t get my sub-nine hour finish this time...but after having time to evaluate everything now, if I wouldn't have kept trying to spin so fast and kept a lower easier cadence I could've been at least close if not reached that goal. My fitness is
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Race Report: MNMBS #7 - Hillside Park, Elk River
Soooo busy lately not able to keep up!! Lots of work, lots of training, and trying to stay relaxed oand focused on both which has cut out some things like writing. I have been using Twitter- check it out: @slovickracing
Now for the race! Again keeping larger goals in mind I kept the burlier tires and heavy (but strong) wheelset on the bike. Maximum traction and some harder efforts on the twisty with lots of acceleration points made for a great day of training while racing. My goal this time was to start even slower than normal and maintain a pace that, by the end of the race, I could have kept going for another lap or two. With temps again in the 90's and mid-70s dew points this could work out well in many ways.
I started off in the main group of riders but towards the back. Keeping a nice sustainable pace through the first singletrack I was able to get a round a couple guys having some trouble navigating the fun but sometimes tricky Hillside course...and...as I've put it to many, that was pretty much it from there! Super fun SOLID race with NO DRAMA. Just awesome riding fast through the rockier and rooty sweet course that Hillside is. I finished with quite a bit left in the tank- definitely enough to do another lap- so this was a huge success...particularly how I felt after this race as opposed to previous ones where I kept overheating myself.
My note taking after each training ride and race recently has gotten better and is proving to be very helpful and should be huge in Leadville- now just 11 days away! The LT+ efforts are not as frequent as they need to be to place well in the MN series- some FAST riders in the Comp class this year. It still is hard to let that go a little- but I'm still loving getting out on the bike with a number plate with hopes to go all day and ride strong the whole time ;) TJ's weekly schedules having been falling in place perfectly with how my body seems to feel regarding off, endurance, and high intensity days. Pretty amazing stuff!
Now for the race! Again keeping larger goals in mind I kept the burlier tires and heavy (but strong) wheelset on the bike. Maximum traction and some harder efforts on the twisty with lots of acceleration points made for a great day of training while racing. My goal this time was to start even slower than normal and maintain a pace that, by the end of the race, I could have kept going for another lap or two. With temps again in the 90's and mid-70s dew points this could work out well in many ways.
I started off in the main group of riders but towards the back. Keeping a nice sustainable pace through the first singletrack I was able to get a round a couple guys having some trouble navigating the fun but sometimes tricky Hillside course...and...as I've put it to many, that was pretty much it from there! Super fun SOLID race with NO DRAMA. Just awesome riding fast through the rockier and rooty sweet course that Hillside is. I finished with quite a bit left in the tank- definitely enough to do another lap- so this was a huge success...particularly how I felt after this race as opposed to previous ones where I kept overheating myself.
My note taking after each training ride and race recently has gotten better and is proving to be very helpful and should be huge in Leadville- now just 11 days away! The LT+ efforts are not as frequent as they need to be to place well in the MN series- some FAST riders in the Comp class this year. It still is hard to let that go a little- but I'm still loving getting out on the bike with a number plate with hopes to go all day and ride strong the whole time ;) TJ's weekly schedules having been falling in place perfectly with how my body seems to feel regarding off, endurance, and high intensity days. Pretty amazing stuff!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Race Report: MNMBS #6 - Mont Du Lac
Well...yeah so plans changed last minute...again. In my last post I mentioned feeling slightly sick and waking up early Saturday I wasn't quite ready yet. I had visions of having a so-so race and then being full-blown sick for the next few days because of my impatience to not race! So I skipped it, slept in, then after resting most of the day went out for a relatively easy couple hours on the road. That felt okay so went back and packed things up for what I knew was going to be a tough race near Duluth, MN...Mont Du Lac is also one of my favorite courses!
And tough it was for all...even just standing at the line it was hot and extremely humid. We did four laps with each having one long fire road climb that I made everytime, but not at the speeds I wanted. I tried out a new liquid fuel source (typically used in longer races)- which I think will work- but the rate of consumption needs to be worked on. I finished 3/4 of a bottle in the first 45 mins that I had originally set up for about 2-2 1/2 hrs worth...not good, and I was full...so full that it was hard to drink water! I sipped what I could and backed pace way down to try and stay reasonably hydrated until things settled and by the time it did, I was about mid third lap. Until then I had been in the small front ring for most of the race and lost soooooo much time on the others- but these are learning experiences. No mechanicals, flats, or crashes at least.
I'm still in marathon and ultra-endurance mode. Which can confuse my brain at times during the regular XC races for pacing strategies. While I do like to see better finishing positions in this series, right now I'm more into trying new things during these races to find out where all the limits are- including nutrition. So in that regard, technically Mont Du was a success in that I think I'm gonna like the new fuel source- provided I keep a closer eye on the intake of it, and the fact that in the last climbs of my 4th lap I was able to carry a larger gear and go faster than I had in previous laps.
Hopefully heat and humidity will dial down for this next weekend. On Saturday, there is a 4/8 hour 100% singletrack race at the Murphy-Hanrehan course in Savage, MN that I am currently planning to do the 8 hours solo...IF the heat and humidity dial down by then.
Thanks John Reinan for the bottle hand-ups!
Race on!
And tough it was for all...even just standing at the line it was hot and extremely humid. We did four laps with each having one long fire road climb that I made everytime, but not at the speeds I wanted. I tried out a new liquid fuel source (typically used in longer races)- which I think will work- but the rate of consumption needs to be worked on. I finished 3/4 of a bottle in the first 45 mins that I had originally set up for about 2-2 1/2 hrs worth...not good, and I was full...so full that it was hard to drink water! I sipped what I could and backed pace way down to try and stay reasonably hydrated until things settled and by the time it did, I was about mid third lap. Until then I had been in the small front ring for most of the race and lost soooooo much time on the others- but these are learning experiences. No mechanicals, flats, or crashes at least.
I'm still in marathon and ultra-endurance mode. Which can confuse my brain at times during the regular XC races for pacing strategies. While I do like to see better finishing positions in this series, right now I'm more into trying new things during these races to find out where all the limits are- including nutrition. So in that regard, technically Mont Du was a success in that I think I'm gonna like the new fuel source- provided I keep a closer eye on the intake of it, and the fact that in the last climbs of my 4th lap I was able to carry a larger gear and go faster than I had in previous laps.
Hopefully heat and humidity will dial down for this next weekend. On Saturday, there is a 4/8 hour 100% singletrack race at the Murphy-Hanrehan course in Savage, MN that I am currently planning to do the 8 hours solo...IF the heat and humidity dial down by then.
Thanks John Reinan for the bottle hand-ups!
Race on!
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