Going into the race I had a handful of rides in the past two weeks. The longest being 2:45:00, a couple 2 hr, and a couple 1:30:00. The form seemed to be holding so I was hopeful of a strong ride.
I made my way to the front line and waited for the whistle.
The race is on. Whoops, I can't get clipped in and get shuffled back to about 6th or 7th. I want to make a pass before we cross the two track, but no luck. The trail opens up before the before the first real climb, so I make a pass. The trail now clear ahead so I settle into a rythm. Soon I see Brad on the side of the trail and it seems he has blown a tire. (Rough break) Things go well for me the remaining lap.
Lap 2 continues running smooth until just past the air field. I was alone for sometime and began talking to myself. I was caught by Paul and Don, leaders of the 40-49, and dug-in to hold their wheels. It lasted about 5 minutes. I rode the remaining race alone.
The full rigid setup took it's toll. My upper body was tired and I wasn't having any fun the last lap. I just wanted it over.
Congratulations to Jamie and Adam for the top two steps.
The final numbers are. 2:09:18 for 3 laps. Avg. Hr. 161 / Max 178. Z3-00:05:16 Z4-01:34:50 Z5-00:29:07
Monday, August 9
Saturday, July 31
The Calm Before the Storm
It's Saturday morning and I'm enjoying my coffee on the back patio while thinking about what's to come. July is over meaning September is quickly approaching. That means CX and XC racing, kids in school, soccer schedule, Cub Scouts and whatever else comes.
So for now I'll be taking it easy for another week and preparing for the Pontiac Lake XC.
So for now I'll be taking it easy for another week and preparing for the Pontiac Lake XC.
Sunday, July 4
Stony Marathon USAC
The race went better than I expected, even though my goals were for a sub 4 hour finish and podium spot. I met both goals by finishing in 3:50:00 and placing 2nd. Congratulations to Adam Naish for a convincing win. I still have much to learn.
Now that endurance races are behind me the focus shifts to shorter distances with higher intensity. Cx and cyclocross races still to come.
See you all at Pontiac Lake.
Now that endurance races are behind me the focus shifts to shorter distances with higher intensity. Cx and cyclocross races still to come.
See you all at Pontiac Lake.
Tuesday, May 18
6 Hours of Stony Creek
This would be my first 'endurance' race ever and a good training ride for the Lumber Jack 100. I thought that 6-7 laps would be a good goal for the day and I was mentally ready. The day didn't go as planned.
I was planning on being off work at noon heading home for a big lunch then load the car and off to the race for the 2 pm start. At 1:30 I was finally leaving the job site. On the way home I called my wife and had her make me 2 sandwiches so I could eat on the way to the race. I arrive at the parking lot around 2:15, grab my registration, get dressed and drop of my cooler in the pits. I officially start at 2:40, almost a lap down, and try to calm down so I don't go out to hard. Lap1 came and went in 46 minutes and upon completing it I see my buddies Jamie and Jeff, so I pull off to chat and see if they want to join me for lap 2.
Lap 2 has me following Jeff 'Lil Pony' and Jamie up the first climb and into the single track. All seems well until just before the 'pines' when I feel my rear wheel is soft. I bounce on it a couple of times and it's holding air, so far so good. Now in the 'snake' the rear wheel is starting to roll in the corners. It's going down slowly! I make it through the shoot for lap 2 and head to the car to pump up the tire. 20 psi later I'm heading out for lap 3.
Lap 3 doesn't have any fireworks and things go mainly smooth. The only notible was the slow leaking tire. After lap 3 it's back to the car for more air. 20 more psi then over to the pits for a banana, accelerade and water.
Lap 4 is when I am put to the test. First I experience leg cramps, in my inner thighs, that lock up my legs. I slowly pedal through it and continue on, but then the slow leaking tire becomes worse. By the time I am 300 yards into the 'pine' I realize that the tube needs to be changed. 15 minutes later I'm back on and headed for the finish of lap 4. I pull of and see Jamie for a quick 1/2 coke and back out for my final lap 5.
Lap 5 has me cramping again in the same spot in my legs and the same spot on the trail. Again I pedal through it and continue on. I am still passing people and heading to the finish. I cross at 7:48 pm, I'm done. 7th of 15 for the 6 hour 30-39.
The day was bitter sweet for me. I think I could have had a third place if I started on time. I'm not sure about the top 2 steps, but I would have liked the chance. I'm glad I showed up and completed what I did. I will do another 6 hour and next time I won't be late.
I was planning on being off work at noon heading home for a big lunch then load the car and off to the race for the 2 pm start. At 1:30 I was finally leaving the job site. On the way home I called my wife and had her make me 2 sandwiches so I could eat on the way to the race. I arrive at the parking lot around 2:15, grab my registration, get dressed and drop of my cooler in the pits. I officially start at 2:40, almost a lap down, and try to calm down so I don't go out to hard. Lap1 came and went in 46 minutes and upon completing it I see my buddies Jamie and Jeff, so I pull off to chat and see if they want to join me for lap 2.
Lap 2 has me following Jeff 'Lil Pony' and Jamie up the first climb and into the single track. All seems well until just before the 'pines' when I feel my rear wheel is soft. I bounce on it a couple of times and it's holding air, so far so good. Now in the 'snake' the rear wheel is starting to roll in the corners. It's going down slowly! I make it through the shoot for lap 2 and head to the car to pump up the tire. 20 psi later I'm heading out for lap 3.
Lap 3 doesn't have any fireworks and things go mainly smooth. The only notible was the slow leaking tire. After lap 3 it's back to the car for more air. 20 more psi then over to the pits for a banana, accelerade and water.
Lap 4 is when I am put to the test. First I experience leg cramps, in my inner thighs, that lock up my legs. I slowly pedal through it and continue on, but then the slow leaking tire becomes worse. By the time I am 300 yards into the 'pine' I realize that the tube needs to be changed. 15 minutes later I'm back on and headed for the finish of lap 4. I pull of and see Jamie for a quick 1/2 coke and back out for my final lap 5.
Lap 5 has me cramping again in the same spot in my legs and the same spot on the trail. Again I pedal through it and continue on. I am still passing people and heading to the finish. I cross at 7:48 pm, I'm done. 7th of 15 for the 6 hour 30-39.
The day was bitter sweet for me. I think I could have had a third place if I started on time. I'm not sure about the top 2 steps, but I would have liked the chance. I'm glad I showed up and completed what I did. I will do another 6 hour and next time I won't be late.
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