PMBAR Race Report

Try as you might, Eric, there was no soul crushing here!

9 1/2 hours, 50 miles, 13,000 feet of climbing, 36-46 degrees, mist to drizzle to rain.  I am GLAD I did not know that those would be our stats as we started up Black Mountain that morning at 8:10 am.  When Eric said, "Go!", Lisa opened up the passport and began reading for any trickery that Eric might bestow upon us. I opened the map and together we plotted our course.  At this point we should have ridden up Black to Pressley Gap and then plotted our route; by doing this we could have avoided the cluster in the beginning.  Chalk that one up to not having done enough PMBAR's to know any better (we both had 1 PMBAR under our belt) and still being scared of missing something in the passport.

Opting to go for the optional check at Clawhammer on the Black Mountain, we rode when we could and hiked when the trail shot straight up.  Lisa "ants in her pants" Randall decided she wanted to run instead of hike and put down a blistering pace up Black, passing people right and left.  I had to settle into my own rhythm (read:  this old lady's engine takes a while to get all 8 cylinders going).

We finally managed to claw our way up to the intersection with TurkeyPen.  From there it was a 1 1/4 mile out and back, which took 21 minutes to get to the check and 18 minutes to get back to Turkey Pen.  Talk about cruel and unusual.

We rode most of TurkeyPen over to the intersection of South Mills River and Bradley Creek to grab our second checkpoint (1st mandatory).  This trail has some awesome downhills that seem to go forever.  However, today, we had to be on our toes as there were a lot of very large trees down on those descents.  The waterbars on some of the steeper descents were quite entertaining.  I had to dig deep into my bag and pull out my cat-like skills to stay upright.

We got our passport stamped, inhaled some food, and made our way up Mullinax to Squirrel.  We were headed to our third checkpoint at the intersection of Squirrel and Cantrell Creek.  As we were headed up Mullinax and then onto Squirrel, it seemed that every few minutes we ran into a team going the opposite way.    Hmmm ... we began to second guess our route.  Squirrel was most fun!  It was here that I was feeling oh so strong and could just hammer this whole trail into oblivion.  However, I think racing the Big Frog 65 the weekend before was beginning to have its effect on Lisa.

Although the body was great, my bike was suffering with some shifting issues.  Somewhere along Squirrel, I went from 20 gears down to just 2 or 3.  My chain was wanting to jump all over the cassette.  Arghhh!  I had to slow down and "baby" the shifts.  I was concerned about chain breakage or wrapping my derailleur around the cassette.  And then my single speed mind kicked in and all was good.  I played the cards I was dealt with and enjoyed the ride, either spinning my brains out or grinding out the big gear.  Fortunately, somewhere between Pilot and Avery Creek, my shifting improved to a point where I had most of my gears.

We made it to Cantrell and stayed just long enough to get stamped and scanned ( I wore a little plastic card on a lanyard around my neck and at each checkpoint it was scanned with a Star Trek looking device which gave us a time stamp).  We continued on Squirrel, took a right on Horse Cove, and topped out on FS 5018 (Funnel Top Mountain).  As we took a left on the double track, we both noticed this dude scooping out a big spoonful of peanut butter from a jar!  Oh, man, that looked good ... as I pulled out yet another Larabar.  Yep, I existed on Hammer Gel, Larabars, and IronMan Perform drink.  Unfortunately for me, my ride/race food is VERY limited.  But the way I optimistically look at it is like this:  you can't put junk fuel into a jet engine and expect it to perform the way it was designed to.

Funnel Top Mountain - mist/fog/rain all day long

We cruised along some fire roads before beginning the hike a bike up Pilot, 4 miles of unrelenting pushing, lifting, and grunting. The fast section of fire road chilled me, so before beginning Pilot, I pulled out my thermal head band and shower cap.  Yep, it is amazing how well this hotel item can insulate you and keep the rain off your head.

 Lisa took off like a bat out of hell ... she is crazy fast on her feet!  Later I came to find out that she was on an Ingles' apple fritter buzz.  No wonder!  We slipped and slided along Laurel (think thick black mud) over to Sassafras Gap and secured our fourth checkpoint (2nd mandatory).  It took us about 65 minutes.  As we began our jaunt back to the Pilot descent of gnarly rocks, the wind picked up, it got really cold, and it started to rain.  I thought the trek back would be a lot quicker, but there are still some steep, butt-kicking climbs on Laurel and the soupy trail bogged us down.  My hands went numb on the Pilot descent, which made it hard to brake.  I don't know if that is good or bad, but I do think that it was the fastest I have ever went down it.

At the bottom of Pilot we opted NOT to go for the optional Pilot Cove checkpoint.  The weather was getting worse, we were both getting cold, and we had never ridden that trail.  What time we would gain from the 1 hour bonus would not be worth the effort.  After treating some water and pulling on our water proof jackets, we made the trek on FS 1206 to Hwy 276 to FS 477.  Drafting was not an option as it continued to rain lightly and the roads were soaking wet.  From FS 477 we took Club Gap up to Avery Creek.  Lisa's hummingbird metabolism was in effect and at one point instead of riding the trail we walked at a brisk pace and stuffed food in our mouths.  I think I was burning as much energy trying to stay warm as I was turning the pedals/feet over.

Avery Creek was a blast!  It had been a few years since I had ridden it and I forgot just how fast you could bomb down this descent.  You just had to stay focused because there were a few washed out sections where the wrong move might leave you a paraplegic.  Lisa managed to take a digger, but at least she chose a soft muddy landing.  The checkpoint at Avery Creek Falls was somewhat of a bugger to get to.  I could have used some rapelling gear to get down to it.

Lisa is bull dog tough!  A perfect PMBAR partner!

With our 3 mandatories (Avery Creek the last) and a minimum of 5, we were done.  Well, all but the climb back up to Pressley Gap and then up and over Black and down to the finish.  Once we hit the double track climb back up to Pressley, I was smelling the barn.  I still had plenty of get up and go in my legs, but I was getting cold despite the increased effort.  After 8-9 miles of hike a biking throughout the day, the last hiking section up Black was NOTHING!  And then, I could finally say it was all downhill.

We rolled through the finish, first women's team and 17th out of 107 starters.  Funny thing, I think the hardest thing I did all day was taking my helmet off at the finish to hand back the timing chip.  My hands were not working at all.  I refused help ... By God, I was going to get this thing off my head all by myself!  And I did, about a minute later.

In hindsight, we questioned our route.  Perhaps we should have continued on Black after the Clawhammer check instead of an out and back.  Perhaps we should have ridden Squirrel "down" and then went up Bradley Creek with its 15 million creek crossings.  Maybe we would have been faster, but then again, maybe I would have gotten too cold too quick with all those water crossings and suffered/slowed a lot more towards the end.  The other issue I have to contend with is Reynaud's in my fingers and toes.  I have come close to losing a toe at the Snake Creek Gap TT.  I would rather sacrifice a bit of time as opposed to an appendage.  I have no regrets.  And since I cannot eat Stephen's famous grilled cheese,  that would have been pure torture to ride past his sag.  I am sure Lisa would beg to differ on that one.

I can honestly say that this adventure is in my top 10 of all time "fun" races.  Maybe fun in a sick let's see how long I can push a 24 pound bike uphill sort of way, but fun nonetheless.  Why, you may ask?  Because of the challenge, the terrain, the conditions, and my super tough team mate.  I am so looking forward to the Double Dare!

Eurostyle Embrocation Review

From the makers of Chamois Butt'r

I had the pleasure of using this for the first time this winter and early spring.  This product comes in two levels of heating:  warm (suggested for 70 degrees and below) and hot (suggested for 50 degrees and below).  It comes in an 8 ounce tub and has a creamy, non-greasy formula.  I chose the HOT as my legs/knees can handle temperatures above 50 degrees in their naked form.  And I hate to wear anything more than just shorts when on the road bike.  Tights and leg warmers are like "straight jackets" for my lower extremities.  I feel all bound up and cannot move freely nor generate the power comfortably.

As these embrocations are in tubs similar to Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle, measures have been taken to ensure that one does not get these products mixed up ... which could be painfully disastrous!  The labels and lids are red, and the embrocation itself is orange in color.

Makes legs happy!

Makes tush happy!

I recommend applying it at least 30 minutes before you are ready to ride.  You don't need much; a two-finger dollop will do.  One tub lasted me almost two months.

Warm legs and knees makes it so much easier to get into the groove with my training.  By the time I headed out the door, I was feeling a tingly warmness.  This "barrier" made the temps feel at least 20 degrees warmer.    And to me, that can be the difference between a "dead leg" session and a "sparkly leg" ride.

Immediately upon finishing a ride, I take diligence in removing the embrocation.  There is nothing like stepping back inside a warm house and having your legs "on fire" to get you moving to a source of soap and cool water.  Warning:  don't step into a hot shower without removal first!  

If you don't have soap and water readily available, I recommend this.

16 ounces of bliss ... well, at least until a  real shower if found.

This is great for removing the embrocation as well as just cleaning the dirt, sweat, and grime off you.  All of these products are Made in the USA, too!  You can find out more info at Paceline Products.

As much as I hate the cold and wet of winter, I can take some comfort in knowing that this embrocation will make it a little more bearable.  Can't say that I am looking forward anytime soon to using this product again.  I am kind of enjoying the jersey and shorts weather and not having to think about what to wear.

Patiently waiting for next winter.

Warrior Creek 6 Hour Race Report

This year all my 6 hour races are Coed Duo, save for this one.  This course is so much fun (think pump track + rollercoaster + flow trail) that I did not want to share.  Solo on a single is how I came to play.  Feeling strong I decided to go a bit harder this year with a 33 x 21 as opposed to the 32 x 21 I ran for the last two renditions.

Trail perfect for the Specialized Renegade tires

The weather could not have been better and the trail crew once again amazed me with all their work.  The  course was about a half mile longer this year due to a re route.  The start was flat pavement (a single speeder's nightmare) and my race almost ended before it began as some "flying incompetent" about took out my front wheel with his rear wheel as he came around me.  Really? Did that almost happen? This is what I was thinking as I shouted a choice word or two at him.  Everyone around me heard it, too, and gave me room to breathe.

Lap 1:  Typical start for a 6 hour.  I got to practice my trackstanding abilities whilst the gearies clicked it down to granny on the climbs.  I also went through a series of L6 efforts passing those who raced the initial pavement like a crit, only to blow up mid way through the lap.  Lets just say that this lap was a 1 hour and 18 minute warm up.  At least Kip was there for most of it to fill me in on what his fam has been doing the past year.

Lap 2:  Some breathing room finally.  I was able to hook up with a few other single speeders and get into that 1 gear groove.  Although there is about 1300 feet of climbing per lap and 3-4 climbs of some length, I was saying to myself, "Climbs, what climbs?"  As I rolled through one of the pavement intersections, I was told I was the first female.  That was reassuring as, up until now, I had no idea where I was in the female field.  Now, just to keep the pace up, the ladies behind me and start reeling in the men.

Leading a SS Train

Lap 3:  Still feeling good, i.e. "What climbs?",  I began to have some twinges in my hamstrings.  It was only in the upper 50's and I was fueling well, so it could only be I was pushing a harder effort than what my body could deal with.  I took it down a notch, settled in, and those "pre-cramps" went away.  Disaster averted.  It was still my fastest lap.

Lap 4:  I was cruising behind Cam (Kip's team mate) enjoying his pace, when his rear wheel lost traction around a corner.  He managed to save it, or so I thought.  But then an instant later, his rear wheel was up IN MY FACE.  How Cam managed to go from a rear tire slide to a full-on endo mystifies me, but I had only a second to decide if I was going to eat the tire or else.  I chose the "or else," grabbing his wheel.  I managed to stay upright as our bikes interlocked, and we both came to a stop.  Me, on my two feet, holding Cam's wheel, and Cam on the ground, but at least it was not head first.  It took a moment for us to untangle (think Twister, but with bikes). After seeing Cam get up and brush himself off, I left the scene.  Not knowing how far second was behind me, I kicked it into high gear ... no, wait.  I did not have but one.  I kicked it into a higher cadence for a bit to make up some lost time.

Lap 5:  This is the "Where did those climbs come from? lap.  I came upon a single speeder in a green and pink kit on a Kermit green Niner.  I like a guy who is not afraid to wear pink!  Brett was his name and he was on a good pace, so I just stuck to his wheel and enjoyed his lines.  I told him that if they gave time bonuses for style, he would get at least 3 minutes.

 I always try to get in a XC mindset on the last lap, urging my body to get up to XC speed.  It is funny how I always think/feel I am going faster this way, but when I look at my lap times later, it is always the same speed!  Well, as I was in this mindset, Brett began to slow on the climbs.  I encouraged him to wick it up by saying, "Can I get around you?"  Sho' nuff, he hammered harder, dropping me, but after awhile I reeled him back in.  Jokingly, I said, "Don't make me have to pass you!'  He laughed, but his gas tank was empty, and he let me on by.  We must have rode about 1/2 of the lap together.  A great lap with a good guy.

I managed to get in 5 laps and 68 miles just under the 6 hour mark.  A great day on the bike.  Thanks to Shanna and Endless Bikes for a stealthy quiet drive train.  I swear her cogs make me 5% faster.

Shanna was a fill in for Brenda!

Zdenka had an awesome race and came in second.  Brenda Simril, despite a hard crash on the first lap, still managed to podium.  The best compliment I received that day was from Jon Stang, as I passed him on the final lap.  He said, "There is no shame in being passed by you."  Thanks, Jon, for that encouragement.

The volunteers made this race!

The prizes and cash were overflowing the podium bags.  But the best prize of all was this:

This race just keeps getting better.  If you have not done this one yet, put it on the list for 2014.  But sign up quick, as it sells out in minutes.

Whole 30 Reintroductions

The last few weeks I have been reintroducing a few types of foods to see if I would have any adverse reactions. Since I went through the Whole 30 program back in December 2012, my only non-Whole 30 food that I have reintroduced has been sugar.

I figured now would be a good time, before the race season really begins to heat up. It would be nice to know that if I was ever in a “food pinch,” I could tolerate a Cliff Bar, a pouch of Uncle Ben's rice, or a bag of tortilla chips. Well, after my experimentation, I am just royally screwed!

Not only has my body revolted against wheat, oats, and quinoa, but it has deemed corn, rice, and dairy unworthy of ingestion. The results are not as severe or long lasting as gluten, but they are there. It does seem to be dose dependent, whereas with the gluten, all it takes is a crumb.  

After the corn and rice, it took about 3-4 days to get back to normalcy.  The dairy was a different story.  I had 1 slice ... LESS THAN 1 OUNCE ... last Saturday, and I am still feeling the ill effects. Luckily it has not affected my wattage or my recovery.  I am just dealing with GI discomfort and the inability to take in my caloric requirements without feeling like I just cleaned out the buffet at Golden Corral.

It seems that my immune system gets a bit confused with the proteins found in grains and dairy.  Cross-reactivity is a condition where your body’s autoimmune antibodies mistake other food proteins for ones you can’t tolerate. Cross-reaction to other foods creates the same effect as though you consumed gluten.

Now what am I supposed to do with the 6 boxes of Chocolate Chex that I got on super duper special last fall?

And I REALLY loved this as a post-race snack!

My family keeps asking me to make my scrumptious shrimp 'n grits. That is like asking me to drive a group of friends to my favorite trail, but that I cannot ride with them. Well, they just might get their grits, but I am gonna have a lobster tail … and maybe a steak, too!

I suppose that the Tour Divide or even the TNGA is now totally out of the question.  Unless I carry a rifle to shoot a varmit for meat and take a survivalist course on what berries, roots, and leaves I could forage for.  Convenience stores and fast food restaurants are totally off limits to me now.

Having said all that, I am thankful (and blessed, perhaps?) that I am not allergic to what I truly love:  fish, meat, eggs, bacon, fruits, and veggies.  It is not so bad being allergic to garbage ... at least that is what I keep telling myself.  

And then I take a look in the mirror ... and smile.

ChainBuster 6 Hour Race Report

Last weekend I headed down to Conyers to team up with Tyler Murch in the Coed Duo division.  The SuperSport crew was there in force.  The weather was perfect and my legs were sparkly.  I let Tyler start us off, as the parade lap was not single speed friendly.

Tyler and Jeff -- super fast and super cool! 

While Tyler was out on Lap 1,  I tried to stay relaxed and calm, but this "team" thing was new to me.  I felt like I had "restless leg syndrome."  I went up to the transition area WAY too early, but I was eager to pedal. Sean came through first, Shaggy second, and then Tyler ... about 2 minutes off Sean's time.  The first timing chip exchange was messy!  My bad, I was all thumbs.  Finally, I got it wrapped around my ankle.  I was off like a greyhound after the mechanical rabbit.  Let's just hope I could catch 'em.

The course was opposite last year's and there were some short change ups as a large area had been logged and some trails were re-routed.  Overall, it was FAST!  Having said that, I was spinning a cadence of 120  through a lot of sections.  Where are the climbs?  I thought my legs were gonna fly off at the hip joints.  I managed to catch and pass 1st and 2nd before the first of the climbs.  The climbs were short, but steep.  I was worried that I chose too easy of a gear as I was still spinning a pretty fast cadence up them.  

My tire selection was perfect for this hard packed course.  The Specialized Renegades were rolling fast and hooking up when needed.  Once I was in the lead, I was able to settle in to a slightly less hectic pace and enjoy the ride.  Until I popped out of the woods and saw a flat stretch of double track that went on forever.  Time to ramp the cadence back up!  I forced myself NOT to look over my shoulder on this section.  I came through the transition area, giving Tyler a little breathing room for his second lap.

While Tyler was out, I refueled and tried to relax.  But with lap times of around 35-37 minutes, it was difficult.  I was trying out a new thinner chamois that James gave me, but it was attached to bib shorts.  That made pee breaks interesting!  Bibs were new to me.  I like the feeling of nothing binding at the waist, but it extended my port-o-john time considerably.  This new chamois was a perfect mate to my tush ... I did not even know it was there.  That plus a two-finger dip of Chamois Butt'r and my body parts down under were in heaven!

Tyler came through first and of I went on my second lap.  I was more settled for this lap, cadence was less, speed was still up, and I was feeling the flow of the trail.  With about a mile to go, I hit a root hard, felt something pop, and my cranks spun freely.  I thought I had broken my chain, but it had just come off ... a first for me.  You would think putting it back on would be simple and easy, but not when your heart is racing and you are standing over your bike looking at it upside down with the blood rushing to your head.  That was just evil!  After what seemed like an eternity (probably 60 seconds), I was back up and pedaling.

After the exchange, I went back to the pits and tightened the chain "Carey-tight," which is just to the point of resistance when spinning the cranks backwards.  Afterwards, I "tooled" around with my daughter while waiting to go out for my third lap.

My third and fourth laps went by without incident.  I was happy with my gear selection as I began to feel the climbs.  I would rather be a more spinny and not have to walk the climbs.  Tyler finished us up with 9 laps and we took the W!

Friendly and motivating competitors

Finally, I got a 29'r tire in my prize bag!  I do think the team thing is harder than solo.  It felt like 4 ITT's with short rest breaks in between.  Just long enough for the lactic to build up in the legs making the first few minutes of each lap a struggle to get moving back up to speed.  And the added pressure of having someone else relying on your performance.  That little chain incident made me realize the potential of going from first to last in a heart beat.  Having said that, it was great to get four superfast laps in as opposed to just knocking them out one by one at a slower, but steadier pace.  Change ups to my racing schedule keep it interesting and motivational.  I am looking forward to the next one.

Kudos to Jeff Clayton for taking the overall win!  He was on fire, getting in 9 laps AND was 6 minutes faster than us.  And I was happy to see some of my team mates snacking on sardines and tuna post race.  It works!  A big shout out goes to James Stankowitz, owner of SuperSport clothing, for the sponsorship and the feel good bib shorts.

The best part was Carly's support

  

Snake Creek Gap TT Race #3 Report

I was not really looking forward to the last running of this one.  Coming off a big training week in Florida plus cold and wet conditions did not have my juices flowing.  That morning as I drove down I told myself that I would race the first half and if my time was better than the previous months', I would forge on and give 'r for the second half.  If not, then I would just ride for the buckle.

My number was an omen.  A sub-3:30 had been eluding me since 2009 when I pulled a 3:27 on my single speed.  That had me wondering if I should race gears or single.  Coach said single since I had a big time in Florida.

I left the parking lot along with my team mates in Rick Moon's limo at 7:30.  Waking up at 5 am paid off, as I ended up only being behind 20 racers and most of them were insanely fast.  I opted for the aero look and so chose not to wear the palpation sleeves on my feet, taking my chances with the creek crossing from hell.

The legs were heavy at first so I just rode hoping they would come around ... or not, so that I would not have to "race."  As I rode along the fire road, my race almost ended as quickly as it began.  Some antsy dude in a blue kit (Biker's Choice?) decided to pass me on the right.  As he bunny hopped a small log, he about took out my front wheel with his rear wheel.  I swear his ass grazed my right elbow.  I think "Jesus!" escaped my lips on that one.

With my adrenalin in over drive now, I hit the creek with vigor.  The creek was high but not as high as February.  My left foot got wet a bit but not enough to bother me.

As I began the double track climb, something happened that has eluded me since Fool's Gold.  My legs were "sparkly."  Well, crap, now I gotta go!  I began marking racers in front of me and picking them off one by one.

Once I entered the single track and made that first initial climb, I felt good enough to throw it in the big ring and go!  This feeling had not been with me the first two races ... granny had been my best friend then.  After the second creek crossing, the forest service had done some dozer work to create a fire break for a recent controlled burn.  This 1 mile section was pretty tore up with some nice muddy spots, but overall, I did not think it hurt my progress any ... just got to work on my hike a bike skills some.  It was also at this point that I noticed some "ghost shifting" when I would pedal as the rear suspension compressed.  I made some adjustments at the shifter and it "seemed" to go away ...

The descent down to the Snake Creek parking lot was just tacky enough to be blazing fast.  I was super duper happy with my Specialized Ground Control tires as they shed all that mud previously and then held tightly onto the trail as I railed the corners.  As I rolled up to the SAG stop, I looked down at my speedo and saw a 1:30.  Really?!?  Well, ladies and gents, I am officially racing to the finish!  I did a "swapparoo" and gulped down a Red Bull.

Anyone who has done this race knows that the climb out of the Snake Creek gap parking lot is arduous, especially after stopping at the aid station.  In the first 100 meters the legs are burning and the pedals just don't want to turn over.  It always takes me a few minutes to get back into a rhythm.  Today though, something made it easier to climb to the top.  As I began, I heard, ever so faintly, a cheering voice and a cowbell.  The closer to the top, the louder it became.  Whoever you are, you MADE my day!  What a morale booster:  You made that climb easy.  My legs fed off your enthusiasm.  And that little push on my saddle at the end helped, too!

Back into the big ring I rode those ridges as if I was back at Santos.  At this point I was feeling "Oh so good!" and I probably had the energy to have singled it today.  (And had I been able to see into the future, I should have)  I entered the final stretch of single track at 2:19.  At this point, I knew that second was mine to lose and I had a chance, be it ever so slight, at first.

But then my bike decided to misbehave!  The fork died ... again.  Seriously? I had just had it rebuilt a month ago, after it died on this very same section of the race.  I tried to stay focused and positive.  My new mantra was, "Suspension is over rated."  And then, as the trail got rockier, my shifting was ALL OVER THE PLACE.   The slightest compression in the rear would cause it to skip, fall off the little ring, chain suck, or get jammed between the lower derailleur pulley and the cage.

I am sure I was quite the spectacle.  I began chastising my bike like a Mom would her child who had just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.  Was I talking to my bike or Carly?  Eventually I just had to HTFU, put it in the big ring and mash!  I rode when I could and ran when I could not.  My bike had went from a geared full suspension to a single speed reverse hard tail with too tall a gear.  Staying positive, I told myself that at least my cleats were not iced over.  And besides, who needs suspension and shifty parts on the most technically demanding section of the Snake anyways?

I was never so happy to see the cell towers which signaled the end of the single track and the beginning of a 2 mile descent to the finish.  I hammered so hard down that descent I thought my legs were going to explode.  I crossed the finish line in 3:29:34!  Despite the adversity, I accomplished all 3 goals I laid out:  belt buckle, sub 3:30, and 2nd place.

1st was in France, 3rd and 4th decided to go home early.

A huge shout out to NWGA SORBA and all the volunteers who braved extreme conditions for all 3 runnings of The Snake.  I think they had it harder than us racers.  Kudos to Shanna with Endless Bikes for trying to ramp up the ladies SS field by doling out huge sums of money.  Thank you Ginni and Mulberry Gap for having unlimited hot coffee to warm me up post race.

And I think the hunger monster just disemboweled the gluten monster last night.  I woke up at 3 am to a rumbling stomach (in a good way).  20 cashews seemed to satisfy the beast!

Southern Cross Race Report

I was hoping that this race would be my "break out" gravel grinder race.  I had the best for me bike, a Niner Air 9 RDO with a 1 x 10 drive train and Stan's Raven cross tires.

 I was a hurtin' buckaroo on the Noontootla climb.  Photo by Donna Combs Garcia.

I have an awesome coach who is able to prepare me for any distance and terrain.  Her plans are tough.  I have cried "Uncle" a few times.  But the end result is one lean mean cycling machine!  I was being a good student, completing all my homework on time.  I could feel the fitness coming.

Lynda Wallenfels, aka Coach  "What doesn't kill ya, ..."

And my nutrition has never been better on a slightly modified Whole 30/Paleo lifestyle.

Not a fad diet!

 But I was blindsided 3 weeks ago during an outing to a restaurant with my team mates.  Even though I made sure the waitress knew of my celiac disease (basicially I told her that wheat/gluten would kill me), I got "glutened."  My order was simple:  a plain steak, plain sweet potato, and plain salad.  For those of you unfamiliar, one itsy bitsy breadcrumb is enough to do me in ... for 4-6 weeks.  I cannot absorb nutrients, I have gastrointestinal distress whenever I eat, my power dips 10-15%, and I have a hard time recovering.

Usually by the third week I am feeling better, but not this time.  Disappointed, yes, but I was not gonna throw up the white flag.  So on a frigid 30 degree morning, I "toed" the line in a stacked ladies' field.  At 10 am, the gun went off and 270 racers were "balls to the wall."  Within 100 yards we were funneled in to the "cross" portion of the course.  Super soft, off camber grassy hillsides, 1 mud bog, 1 log crossing, and a run up from hell.  I was absolutely loving it!  I passed a lot of people as I was on a mountain bike with some front end squish while most people chose to run cross bikes.  After about 5 minutes of epic Eddie O'dea style cyclocross terrain, I popped out onto pavement and hooked up with a pack of snot slingin' racers.  Man it was cold!  I could not feel my face; the windchill must have been in the teens.

I caught up to Lisa and hung onto her wheel.  After the initial adrenalin rush, I could feel the heaviness in my legs.  I tried to shake it off, telling myself that it was just the cold and the blood would eventually flow into them.  I was faster on the descents and soon caught Paula and Shannon.  Lisa was there to and the four of us hit Winding Stair together.  Although I never saw Cheryl, I assumed she was in the lead.  Winding Stair has close to 2000 feet of climbing in 4-5 miles.  Anytime the pitch got really steep, my legs would just not cooperate.  I fought to stay on Lisa's wheel and watched as Shannon and Paula slowly rode away.  They were strong today!

At the top of Winding Stair, Zeke was there and handed a bottle off to me.  There was still more climbing to go after this and I could feel a little desperation kick in as I knew that my legs were leaving me for good.  I chugged some gels from my flask and washed it down with my sports drink, hoping that the additional calories would jump start my system.  Lisa began to pull away from me towards the top.  I was able to catch and pass her on the long descent down to the pavement.  However, there was a strong headwind as I pedaled to the Noontootla climb and Lisa caught back up.  I rode her coat tails until the climb and then she dropped me like a bad habit.

The Noontootla climb is my type of climb:  smooth, perfect 5-7% grade, and a beautiful view of the creek.  But today it felt like I was going backwards.  Normally at this stage I start passing people but today was the other way around.  Around each corner I kept looking for the top ... 6 miles later and what seemed like an eternity, I saw the SAG tent.  What a wonderful sight!  I stopped to exchange bottles and gel flask and take a moment.

As I began to ride the rolling ridge of Hawk and Sassafras Mountains my legs began to feel a little better.  I seemed to be making some ground back up.  I thought of Lisa ahead of me and what she must be thinking.  Was she wondering where I was?  Was she looking over her shoulder on the descents?  This motivated me to attempt to dig deep and try to catch her.  Fueled with fortitude, I hammered the short climbs (or at least in my own mind I did) and railed the descents (who needs stinkin' brakes).

Flying down Sassafras Mountain towards the Ranger Station, I COMPLETELY blew by the left hand turn onto the pavement.  (Note:  having not done this race last year, when Zeke and I pre rode a couple months ago, we were under the assumption that the course went down by the 4-H camp).  Had I not been going so fast, I might have seen the small black arrow point left.  There was supposed to be a volunteer there, but he/she decided at the last moment that staying inside where it was warm would be a better option today.  I can't say I blame them; it is ultimately up to me to know the course.

That wrong turn cost me 15 minutes and probably more as that 2 mile climb back up to the intersection was brutal!  I still made a feeble attempt at racing back to the winery.  As I entered Monteluce Winery for the final cross portion of the course, I was about to raise the white flag.  But then I saw Loretta at the second run-up from hell.  She cheered me on as I "crawled" my way up that beast!

Run up from hell -- 100 meters at 20-30% grade.

When I was half way up, I caught sight of a female racer at the top.  Well, crap!  Now I gotta race!  With game face back on, I was determined to redeem myself by gaining one spot back.

One advantage of a mountain bike ... I was able to ride this creek crossing.

I passed her on a pavement climb and was able to hold onto my lead through the remainder of the super soft, energy draining, leg killer of the cross course.  As much as I was hurting though, I enjoyed this section of the race and at one point wished there was more!  Crazy insane?  Or insane crazy?  Yep, I do love to suffer.

I ended up crossing the finish line in a time of 4:11:23.  That 4 mile detour cost me 3 places, maybe 4.  I was upset with my stupidity.  In a way, I was glad I was not near a podium finish as I would have really been pissed off about that wrong turn.  I chalked up today's race as a good solid training ride.

I congratulate all the ladies who finished as this was one tough power course.  Gravel grinders are a new beast to me and one that I hope to be able to conquer as the season goes on.  Thanks Eddie, Namrita, and all the volunteers who made this event possible.  I was cold out there but probably not as cold as those who had to stand around and help the racers all day!

Everyone has excuses for having a bad race.  Most are legit; some are just a racer's way of justifying why they were beaten by a certain someone.  For me, I will always wonder how I could have done, but for ...  However, the ladies who were ahead of me today deserve their placings as they all train diligently and worked super hard today.  And that gives me something to work towards.

As for me, I have sworn off restaurants forever.  The only ones I trust to prepare food for me are my Mom and I.  Now off to Florida for some much needed Vitamin D therapy!

Having bowel issues?  Just ride Moonscape at Alafia ... I had at least 5 "Oh, sh!t!" moments.