Race Report: Firecracker 50 - Breckenridge!!

I was a little intimidated coming into this race. With 10,400 feet of climbing over 54 miles (all done over 9,500 feet elevation of course) this was sure to be a huge test. I set up the bike the day before with Kenda Karmas which have been my “go to” tire for races with unpredictable terrain.

This race is such an event. I didn’t realize how much the town gets into this! The race started off with several waves lined up on Main St for a neutral procession that kicks off the towns 4th of July parade. Each wave had its own marshal and was paraded through town starting at 9:30am and 2 minute intervals after that. My wave rolled through the town led by Olympic speed skier CJ Mueller (dressed as one of America's fore fathers)- pretty cool!!

There were thousands people lined up on the streets roaring and cheering us on- it ‘almost’ made me forget the butterflys going wild in my stomach for what I was about to do.

At the edge of town, Uncle Sam pulled off to the side, bid us ‘Good Luck!’ and we were off onto a road climb to start the 27 mile lap. After about four miles up and just after the ‘Wild Turkey’ guys with the van, stereo blaring Rocky music, and WT shot hand-offs (…already??), the road turned to gravel and stayed that way until the first neutral feed zone around mile 6 or 7. The full course is made up of 3 climbs and 3 descents with a neutral feed zone close to the top of each climb. This first climb, albeit long, was not real steep and we were even able to form sort of a draft line. I tucked into 2nd place here, and not sure how much I was gonna need in reserve, eventually drifted back to about 8th or 9th but still had the leaders in sight.

After ripping the first descent, I reached the second climb which had the toughest part of the course. Part of the climb was a mile or so section that was steep, rocky, and wet…with snow banks. Picture Red Wing’s Stairway to Heaven climb but two or three times as long and the extra elements. Most people around me were pushing their bikes up this. I was able to pedal the whole way and made up some good time in doing so without wasting the legs…I was going to see this again in 27 miles. The rest of the lap went off without much drama- just sweet mountain race course riding.

The second lap I started off in 8th place and feeling very strong. I was anxious to jump on the pedals and crank hard but knew I’d pay for it still with 27 miles to go. First climb was nice and steady- even hit the ramp that the Wild turkey guys had set up beside the van! …luckily I did NOT crash in front of them! I got passed by another rider in my class that also seemed very strong- I latched on to his wheel and we took off. However, on the descent off the first climb, drama part 1 happens…1/4 inch tear in the tread of the rear tire. After messing with it for 5 minutes I have it fixed…now with a tube.

I reached the bottom of the second more punishing and grueling climb…my strategy worked awesome for keeping the legs strong because I saw a young woman rider riding this with me…we were the only two on this hill still riding- all others were walking. I bet we passed 40 other riders along the way up- not exaggerating. Confidence was flying as high as can be at this point!! Once again the rest of the lap was clicking off well…all the way until I crested the last climb. Jus starting the descent back towards Breckenridge drama part 2 happens…kicked up a rock off the front wheel and left the business end of it standing straight up for the rear tire to pinch flat…I have no more spare. I had to ride very conservatively for a mile or so on a flat tire on a descent that I should have been flying down.

Several riders went by before one has a tube that he hands off. Pull off the trail and attempt to fix…pumping and pumping to get inflated as quick as possible…turns out the tube has a hole in it…drama #3. Looking for the hole or tear I start getting things back together to just start riding again on a flat…many many riders going by at this point and blood is beginning to boil a little…then another rider goes by with a tube that he promised was good. Take the bike back apart reinstall new tube and off I go to regain any spots possible but at least stop the bleeding of losing time and positions.

Drama #4…apparently I didn’t get enough air in the tube…because another mile up the trail- ”hissssssssssssss”…with only a couple miles to go and I can start to hear the crowd and the announcer in Breckenridge I don’t stop- just pin it, and hope for the best. Lots of teeth chattering rock and root sections mixed with a dozen or so banked switchbacks later I finally finish the descent and the race crank as hard as I can on the now destroyed rear tire through the finish line. The crowds around there were awesome and coming up to the finish with the flat got some extra cheers.

That rider I was with in the first part of the second lap finished 5th…I netted a disappointing 15th with all the tire drama. However, there were many positives that came out of this race. I had set this race in mind as a test for my fitness levels and how preparations are going for the Leadville 100 on August 13th and I’m pumped for how well the performance was in that regard.

Special thanks to my Dad for helping out with all the pre-race preparations which really helped me relax and focus on what I needed to do. He likes to get involved on the racing I’m doing and that kind of support makes life doing this so much easier and more fun.

Also, thanks to TJ for working with my crazy schedule to keep adjusting the workouts that prepare me for these long races. I’m training for the longer marathon and ultra-endurance XC type stuff and its showing.

Also, the volunteers there were awesome!! I was able to use bottles the entire time due to the frequency of neutral handoff points. Super fun event, well organized, tons of people, awesome awesome course…and I want to come back next year…with a little better tire selection.