Last fall, I was approached by Kim, a friend and adventure racing partner of Lisa's. She said that Lisa was interested in doing TransRockies with me. At first, I was a bit unsure as I knew that Lisa was a tough competitor with a strong personality (as in, she could get in your sh!t pretty quick). But then I also knew that this was a chance of a lifetime and my best possibility of getting on the TR podium.And so began our adventure. We did not get to train much together as we both had hectic off the bike lives and lived 2 1/2 hours apart. Most of our communication was via e-mail.
As we started started the first stage, I was praying that we would be pretty equal on the bike. I had heard the horror stories of TR partners having fights on the trail or DNF'ing because of personality conflicts.
Let me tell you, Lisa was a tremendously strong partner. My hardest day was Stage 6. My legs just felt crapped out that day and I had a bad case of "PP," Pulverized Perineum. Lisa stayed strong and pulled my a$$ all the way from the first control station to the finish in Blairmore. She even shoved Cliff Shots into my mouth as she grabbed my bike and hiked it up the rest of the mountain.
Lisa, this was the race of my life! Nothing else can compare to the time I spent on the bike and racing with you! Thanks for an awesome week and an outstanding victory!
And no, I am not interested in doing an adventure race ... yet.
Ha, my 'stong personality' has fortunately been mellowed by years of being lost, beat down, and sleep deprived in numerous AR's.. Don't worry, you'll step over to the darkside eventually!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to both of you. It was fun watching the results every day and seeing you guys always in the lead!!!
ReplyDeleteBTW...I can't wait to see Carey paddling a canoe! It's only a matter of time now :-)