Snake Creek Gap TT 50 Mile Race Report

Post race great state of mind

Having not raced since October, I was a helluva lot of nervous about my fitness.  Back in the day, I used to get butterflies about my competition.  That flutter in my stomach has since been replaced by a new one: how would I stand up to my former self?  My coach, Lynda Wallenfels, told me back when I was 41 that I was at an age where I still had room for improvement, but at some time there would be a plateau, and then you would be fighting tooth and nail to stay on it.  I did not want to admit it last year, but as I turned 48 last month, I do believe I am on that plateau.  I don't think I am at the point of slipping off, but I want to do everything within my willpower to stay there for as long as possible. And still have fun!  Because once it stops being fun, it is time to move on.

So I toed the line with a different plan in mind.  Ride the first 20-25 miles and if the legs were feeling frisky and spirits were good, then race the last half.  The weather was perfect:  50 degrees at the start ... for February!  We were let off in 5 second increments.  I lined up a bit early and was able to get off within the first 30 racers.  Less passing for me = less energy expenditure. I gauged my progress both by feel and heart rate.  I had already left my ego tied up in the closet that morning, so it did not concern me one bit when I was passed by half a dozen racers in the early sections of Dry Creek.

Within the first 4 miles, I had my first laugh, as I listened to 2 racers ahead of me have a war of words when one passed the other.  I did not think the pass was that bad, but I could have missed something as it was up the trail 20 yards or so.  A few minutes later when I made the pass on one of them, I made sure to give wide berth and let him have the trail, as well as cheer him on.

So I rode the Dry Creek system at a fun group ride pace:  spinning up the climbs in granny, holding a steady L3 effort on the flats, and trying to limit brake usage on the descents.  Time and several recent rains had removed much of the trail debris, including leaves and babyheads, making the creek crossings and tight switchbacks easier to negotiate without the fear of a rock taking out your front wheel.

Once I exited Dry Creek and began the climb up the double track, I made a conscious effort to eat and drink.  I heard racers behind me talking; one of them sounded like a woman.  My gut tightened and my body wanted to go, go, go, but my mind kept me from doing anything stupid.  There was still 32 miles and 5500 feet of climbing left to go. Never looking back, I stuck to the plan.

Hitting the first bit of single track, I felt back in my element and the legs were happy enough to sustain a constant pace crawling over rocks, roots, and surging during the steep, grunty sections. Lots of guys who went too hard too quick were feeling it and having to dismount on the steep, loose sections.  Everyone was playing nicely until the final super steep rocky climb just a hundred yards or so from the gravel descent.  I was motoring along and preparing for that final climb where one misstep can equal a rear wheel spin and having you walk it to the top. Well ... I had to let loose on one young racer like a mother wolf does to her pup when he gets a little too rough!  He attempted to pass me on that last tricky section at the absolute worst time.  Needless to say I showed my teeth and snapped at him.  He backed off (laughing a little, as if I was not capable of cleaning this section). Showing him and several others who had gotten off their bikes, I maneuvered around them, cleaned it, and at the top told the young lad that he could now pass me on the left, even though the gravel was just 20 yards ahead.  As he passed by, he said, "Thank you, ma'am."  Wow, I just got ma'am'd!  I will take that as a compliment and hope that he learned a little patience.

Just a tip to all you new racers.  If you want to make a pass, it is YOU that needs to yield the trail, not the one being passed.  The passee may get to one side of the trail, but they are under no obligation to stop or get completely off the trail.  For example, during the race Thomas Turner passed me so quickly and smoothly that I never felt like he was going to knock me off my bike.  He also let me be aware (prior to passing) that he was making the pass.  I never slowed, but got to the right side of the trail, but never off of it, and he was around me within 2-3 seconds.  And that, ladies and gentleman, is how to make a clean pass!

I was happy to see that Pine Needle Hill had returned to its former self (well, mostly) after being heavily logged in the fall.  Having taken it easy up until now, and without feeling any heaviness in my legs, I began to race.  I hadn't heard the female voice in quite some time, so she had either popped or had gone into stealth mode.  That gave me a little boost of confidence and I was able to tackle the next 4 climbs (dare I say it?) with ease.  I came into the Snake Creek Gap Sag with offers from beer to Cliff bars to massages.  There was definitely a party like atmosphere!

Making quick work of a Red Bull, dropping my CamelBak and grabbing a bottle for the final push, I was out of there before my legs had a chance to think they were done.  This climb is one of the toughest on the course.  Gaining 700 feet in 1.4 miles, it throws everything at you: several quad busting grunts, 1 tight steep switchback, and two false flats.  And if you spend too much time in the pits, your legs will scream the whole way!

But once up on the ridge, you can rage it ... if you have anything left. Which today I did.  All that conservation early on allowed me to find my happy place and work my Niner RKT and the trail. Coming down the descent to the creek crossings, a large Kamikaze stick leapt into my rear wheel. Anything less than an Industry Nine and I would have been probably been walking out. After the initial jerk to the bike which almost caused me to crash, the stick snapped, but half of it remained wedged in amongst the spokes.  It took a little muscle to get that bastard out and I cannot believe it didn't break any spokes!

A final on the bike refuel for the last 7 miles of gnar and I was eager to tackle the funnest part of the whole course.  A lot of people dread this section and I get it.  This is, by itself, is THE HARDEST section of The Pinhoti.  But throw in 40 miles of racing prior, and it can really test your character. Every year, I hear lots of cussin' and swarpin' along this ridgeline of boulders.  I love testing my skill when fatigued.  It takes such sheer motivation and perseverance to find that absolute last bit of power in your drained body.  You must also stay mentally sharp or you will find yourself floundering around in the dirt and rocks like an overturned turtle.  Hurricane Mountain always shows me that I am stronger than I think I am.

Hitting the pavement, I dropped my post, tucked in, and screamed down the pavement to the finish. Rolling in at just under 5:32, I knocked 5 minutes off of last year's fastest time.  I guess this old dog still has some tricks up her sleeve!

Open Women's Podium

Snake Creek Gap TT "Ride" Report

After 3 weeks off the bike and 1 race away from securing the belt buckle, I made the decision to kit up and "ride" the finale.  I was unsure of how well my body was recovering and needed a spin to let me know if I was making any headway or not.  Probably not a smart move physically, but I needed the mental satisfaction in order to keep me going for another 3 weeks of rest.  And if I felt like crap, I could always bail at the 1/2 way point and drive Zeke's truck back to the start.

After horrendous winter conditions the past few weeks, the trail would not allow for many PR's.  That combined me starting in the back of the field would ensure a slow, enjoyable ride.  Never knowing how my legs truly feel until the race starts, I stood patiently waiting while at least 150 riders began their TT.

Normally I am freezing at the start, but today I chose to layer ... alot.  Being warm at the start was a bonus.  As I began my ride, I soft-pedaled to the creek crossing.  Many passed me, but I did not care.  I was happy just to be on the bike, enjoying my time with nature.  I was wearing my heart rate monitor, to keep me honest.  As I settled into my granny to begin the double track climb, I glanced down at my monitor.  Heart rate of 150 with an RPE of 4 and no "burn" in my legs.  That was a fantastic sign.  3 weeks ago while attempting a tempo work out at the Dry Creek system, my HR was 130 with an RPE of 10 and legs of lead!

The trail was slicker-n-snot in alot of places.  My bike and I were soon covered in a couple pounds of mud.  I chose to work on skills today.  After "granny-ing" the climbs, I would put it in rock-n-roll mode on the descents.  With lots of energy being conserved, I do believe I rode the descents faster and better ... although a couple trees did get awfully close!

Starting in the back allowed me to make several new observations:

1. The 26" wheel is not dead!
2. The men smell so much better.  Over the course of the race, I rode behind 4 guys that had on cologne.  Not overpowering, but very pleasant.
3. The size of the hydration packs!  OMG, it made my neck and shoulder blades hurt, just looking at them. 
4. The aid stations are packed full of racers.  They did not appear to be making any NASCAR style pits.
5.  The racers are really the same as the frontrunners.  Although not as fast, they are equally determined to enjoy the ride and accomplish goals.  

Arriving at the Snake Creek Gap parking lot, I mosey'd over to my cooler and had a brief picnic. After refueling and shedding a layer, I began the climb up Mill Creek Mountain.  After remembering last month's painful, demoralizing experience of this section, I reveled in the fact that today was so much better.  

Just before the washed out, rutted descent prior to The Wall, I was able to catch up to Grace Ragland and ride with her for a couple miles.  I know Grace pretty well, but I have never ridden with her.  WELL, LET ME TELL YOU!  THIS CHICK HAS SKILLS!  She slayed that downhill!  I was most impressed by her descending skills, as well as her ability to negotiate the rock gardens.  WOW!  This, from a woman, who had her 55th birthday today ... and has multiple sclerosis.  Truly amazing!  

Snake bit!

Having conserved so much energy over the first half of the course I was able to clean so much more of the last 8 miles of single track.  I almost made it up the wall; just too many walkers to negotiate around led me to spin out at the halfway point on the short rocky ledge.  Ooooh ... so close!

I rolled through the finish line in 4:07.  This was 34 minutes slower than last month, but 

100 times more enjoyable!  Last month my average HR was 155 with an RPE of 10.  Today was an average HR of 144 with an RPE of 5.  I will take this and enjoy the next 3 weeks off the bike and any structured training.  I truly needed this mental boost as I was doubting my abilities to recover and be able to strive for a successful 2015 season.

Success!

I must apologize to all my cycling friends, but I am groovin' on next week's forecast.

Snake Creek Gap TT Finale Race Report

Cool schwag ... as usual.

In 2010 I had my fastest time on the Snake ... on a single speed ... 3:27:51.  For the past 4 years, I have been chasing the PR demons ... to no avail.  I did not have the March race on my initial schedule as Coach wanted me to rest in preparation for P36.  Thankfully, my training had been going very well and just 3 weeks ago, she gave me the go ahead to chase down my demons.  (Which was a blessing because I was trying to figure out how I could race the finale and not let Lynda know.)

This was the 10th year anniversary.  It began in 2005 with 50 racers (1 of them was little ol' me) and the course was run in the opposite direction.  I have raced it every year and wonder how many out there have done all 10 of them as well.  This year had a total of 500 racers!

I got to the start super early and Laurie held my place in line while I lightened my load.  The starting temperature was 43 degrees and it was 53 at the finish ... perfect!  No chemical warmers needed today.  I started out in the top 20 and pretty much was in my own little bubble of happiness all day.  Knowing that my legs would be happier with a slow start, I gave them time to warm up before I really called upon them.  As I approached the creek crossing, much to my surprise, there was a bridge.  Sweet!  No wet feet today!  Once again, I have got to hand it to the NWGA Sorba crew ... they have got their act together!

Climbing up to the first bit of single track, I was making the usual mental/physical assessments and everything seemed just o.k.  My heart rate monitor was not reading correctly early on so I had to rely on perceived exertion.  As I entered the single track, I saw that ALOT of trail work had been done since February.  Another nice surprise!  I was able to motor on through and before I knew it, I was barrelling down the fire road to Pine Needle Hill.

At this point, the legs were fully awake and happy to be hammering.  I had looked at my Garmin a couple times, but did not know if I was besting my February time ... yet.  I decided not to look again until I was at the halfway point.  Traffic was minimal and everyone was being nice.  The trail was in superb shape and the typical muddy spots were nowhere to be found.  After the road crossing, the remainder of the first half flew by and before I knew it, I was bombing the last descent to the SAG ... Ligety-style.

Proud to be a part of the team.  There is no one with a bigger heart than James.

As I pulled in the parking lot to my cooler of goodies, I finally looked at my Garmin.  1:27!  Say what???   I was 6 minutes faster than February and I felt great!  I could see a PR happening.  With a quick bottle swap and gel guzzle, I was off to conquer.  The climb out of the Snake Creek Gap parking lot was the easiest it has been ... since 2010!  In no time, I was on top, hammering the ridge line.  Now that I knew what was possible could happen, I began to fear the rocks.  Oh, I love to ride the rocks, but I was worried that a flat could blow my chances.  So I began to say my anti-flat mantra, "float like a butterfly."  I really believe that this works because it allows me to focus what is on hand and not what is coming 5, 10, 20 minutes from now.  My lines become smoother, I carry my momentum, and I feather the brakes.

Before I knew it, I was flying up the last bit of fire road to my favorite section of the race.  As I turned in to the single track, I sniffed the air.  Could it be?  I have never smelled it this far out.  But, yes!  The odor was unmistakable.  IT WAS THE BARN!!

It was here that my bike morphed into a magic carpet.  I was on a definite high.  Granted, I did opt out of riding a couple sections I normally can do.  But I knew I would be just as fast, if not faster, running them.  And it would engage a different group of muscles, affording my cycling muscles a brief respite.  It has taken me years (for my ego) to acknowledge this.

I came upon Matt in this last section.  A big guy, but he could climb like no one's business!  We fed off one another's energy and it helped both of us to go faster than we would have, had we been alone.  It was all I could do to keep him in sight on the descents.  I would be able to close the gap back on the climbs.  However, once on the pavement descent, he turned his nitrous on ... and was gone!

With burning quads, I pedaled a mean streak all the way down to the finish.  Passing under the finish line, having gave it my all, I turned a 3:21:18.  So stoked to have crushed my previous PR.  I must give some props to the trail crews and the weather.  The trail was in the best shape ... every!  There were alot of racers who had PR's.

Just when you thought the trophies could not get any better, BAM!

Now that this chapter has closed, on to the next.  P ... 3 ... 6!  I am scared, very scared, for Eric can be an evil, evil man.

Snake Creek Gap TT Race Report: The Full Monty

I love maps!

Having spent the first part of 2014 fighting a respiratory infection, my training has been less structured than what was planned.  I was nervous how my body would respond to the demands of The Snake.  Temps were in the upper 20's at the start and I appreciated Paul lending his jacket to me while I waited in line to start.  I was probably about 75 people back.  Not where I wanted to be, but, in the end, it was probably a good thing.

The road leading to the creek was frozen and fast ... and surprisingly, no mud bogs to traverse.  As I settled into a steady tempo, I knew it was going to be a good day.  Funny, I never know how my legs/body/lungs are going to respond until the race starts.  From the time I wake up on race day to I toe the line, there is a nervous energy revving my engine.  Fortunately for me, the diesel was burning clean and the legs were sparkly.

The creek crossing was 4 inches deep.  Half pedaling, I kept my feet dry.  The double track climb up John's Mountain was amazingly dry; there were only a few sketchy muddy spots.  Traffic was heavy, but it kept my RPM's down and allowed for a good thorough warm up.  The same went for the single track over to the forest service road.  I kept my cool, knowing that what energy I did not blow now would be there when I asked for it later.

I had a couple SuperSport Athletic Wear team mates around me.  Tyler Martin just ahead and Randall just behind.  It was motivating to see those green kits ... proud to be racing with a team of good people.  The forest road was closed to vehicular traffic, so I was able to open it up on the descent.  This area had a controlled burn a few weeks ago and the acrid smoky odor was still in the air, but not thick enough where it had any affect on my lungs.

By the time I started climbing up Pine Needle Hill, traffic had cleared and I was in my own little bubble of happiness.  About an hour of racing had gone by and my body was ready to kick it up a notch.  Faith (that's what I call my Niner Jet 9 RDO) was behaving wonderfully.  With flawless shifting and suspension dialed, the trail was as smooth as butter.  Yeah, I name all my bikes ... and I still sleep with my stuffed Dalmation that I have had since I was 4.  You got a problem with that?  Let's settle it on the race course!

The remainder of the first half was in superb condition.  Even the usually muddy uphill leading to the Horn Mountain single track climb was dry and rideable.  Score!  I came into the Snake Creek Gap parking lot at the 1:34 mark.  Not my fastest, but not my slowest either.  I made short work at the pits, swapping bottles and grabbing a gel.

The climb up Middle Mountain is usually a kick in the pants, but today was all about unicorns and rainbows.  Having conserved some energy in the first half, I felt really good.  I slowly reeled in my teammate Tyler on the climbs, but then he would quickly dispatch me on the descents.  This was good motivation for me and kept my mind off any fatigue that might have been slowly making its way into my muscles.

As I came upon the section that I flatted last month, my mantra was "float like a butterfly."  It worked.  A clean run down to the multiple creek crossings.  I caught Tyler on the muddy climb up to "fun" single track.  I goaded him bit, knowing that he had more in him that he was showing.  If the roles were reversed, I would hope that my teammate would do the same.

My bike was pretty clean ... up until this point.

 I rinsed this mud off in my backyard, hoping that it will grow some rocks!

I always look forward to the last technical bit of single track.  Even more so now that I run I-9 wheels.  The instant engagement has allowed me to clean obstacles I have had trouble with in the past and clean other obstacles quicker.

 I came upon another teammate, Lisa, in this section.  She was rockin' the descents, but having a bit of trouble on the steeper climbs.  (I have no doubts that in due time, she will be back to her former mountain goat self).  Even though no words were exchanged, in our own way, we helped each other "get after it."

I opted out of attempting The Wall.  I knew it would be faster and more efficient to just run it and save myself from a potential cramping episode.  Except for a couple sections where I had to run around other racers, everything else was rideable.  I was hoping to catch the coattails of a Big Kahuna on the final pavement descent to the finish, but alas, I was all alone.  So I pedaled, pedaled, pedaled!

I raced it to the finish for a time of 3:32:45.  Not too shabby for not having much of a structured training program the past two months.  Now if I can just finish out the winter healthy and have my Coach break me down and build me up, March should be fantastic!

Schwag!

Snake Creek Gap TT Race Report: The "Lite" Version

Coolest plate ever!

Yesterday, I opted to race the 17 miler.  Due to my immune system's inability to conquer a "wimpy" little cold virus in the usual 3-4 day time frame, I felt that it was wise to not push my luck this early in the season.  And what with starting temps in the 20's and a bottom bracket deep creek crossing, it was a no brainer.

The start of the 17 begins with a 1 mile climb out of the Snake Creek Gap parking lot.  For once, I was grateful to be climbing straight out of the gate.  I was warm in no time; however, the frigid cold air burned my throat and lungs.  Once at the top, my legs came around and I felt good enough to hammer in the big ring.  It is amazing that sometimes no matter how bad (sick) you feel, once you are on the bike, all of that vanishes and a smile comes across your face.

Arond mile 4, I was working my way along the ridge and on a short but fast descent, my rear wheel hit a rock hard enough to know that I probably sustained some damage to the rim.  Sure enough, within 60 seconds, I felt my rear tire get squishy.  Optimistically, I told myself I had just burped the tire, so I gave it a shot of CO2 and motored on.  On the long descent down to the multiple creek crossings, my tire got squishy again.  (insert expletive of choice here, as I think I used all of them)  So I pulled over to assess the damage.  Sure enough, my rim had a dent along with a nice puncture at the tread/sidewall interface.

Has saved me more than once from having to throw a tube in.

As I was working on my fix a flat skills, Zeke stopped to offer assistance.  I told him to go on, but he insisted on staying.  I hated to see his race come to an end, but he told me that he wasn't up to speed today anyways.  I know this not to be the case.  But, as many of you know, Zeke is the epitome of a trail angel.  Two plugs and 5 minutes later (gotta get a helluva lot faster), I was back up and rolling.

Snake bit!

The climb up to the final sag was still frozen and I was able to make good time up to the final single track section.  It was here that I was able to enjoy my Heed slushie and get some calories in for the final approach.  Once I was back in my rocky element, I proceeded to pick my way through the rocks and actually looking forward to The Wall.  Three days ago, I had cleaned it.  I was hungry for a repeat.  If I could do it again, but this time at race pace, I knew I would have a chance of accomplishing it during the 34 in February.  Yes, one of my little goals, 10 years in the making.  

On the descent just prior to the wall, I felt my rear tire getting low.  It was a slow leak around the plugs.  It had been 45 minutes since the repair, so I knew I could finish the race by just stopping a couple times and adding some air.  Whew!

As I approached the run up, I began my mantra:  I know I can, I know I can.  About 2/3 of the way up, there is a rocky outcropping that always gets me:  either my front wheel hits it and I come to a complete stop or my rear wheel spins out.  Well today, I came to a dead stop!  Arrgh!  Not having the trials skilz of Tim Cash, I had to unclip, dab, and push my front tire over, and then I was able to continue motoring on the final 1/3.  So close ...

The remainder of the rock gardens were quite pleasant.  I had the lines dialed in and it seemed mostly effortless.  Aside from the tire, the bike was amazing.  Everything worked, the fork, the drive train, the hubs.  (Last year, I was about ready to have a hissy fit, as my fork and shifting crapped out).

I came acrosss the line in 2:05.  I'll take it.  I am looking forward to redeeming myself on the 34 in February.

Snake Creek Gap TT Race # 2 Report

Most people would have chosen, upon awakening (and seeing the forecast), to avoid The Great Outdoors, and instead, prepare for the Super Bowl festivities.  I, on the other hand, was on a mission to further my chances of collecting the Belt Buckle.

Completing all 3 races is easier said than done!

So despite a 22 degree start, a 2 foot deep, 15 yard creek crossing in the first mile of the race, and threat of sleet, snow, and ice, I awoke at 5:30 am to begin the journey.

I had made the necessary preparations to ensure dry and warm feet on today's ride.  Two pairs of socks with a chemical warmer in each shoe, duct tape on the shoe, and large animal O.B. sleeves over the shoes held in place by soccer socks with the feet cut off.

At the end of the race, the feet were toasty.

The ground was frozen so the course was really fast ... at first.  Even the mud bogs on the first double track climb had a frozen tire track rut that you could shoot through at high speeds like a slot car!  I was feeling better than last month and the legs were ready from the get go.  I managed to start behind only 30+ people instead of 100+ last month, so the traffic was light.  I made good time through the first half and was 4 minutes faster than January's time.  Second place was in sight!

You would not know from my smile that it was 25 degrees with a wind chill in the teens.  Photo by Joe Cattoni.

After a quick stop in the parking lot to grab some nutrition, I began the second half in earnest.  I was still feeling good and thinking a sub 3:30 was a possibility.  At about the halfway point of the second 17, it began to snow.  Not a lot, but the flakes were big!  It was kind of surreal and brought back memories of racing along the Laurel Mountain Trail in the first Pisgah Stage Race.  I was still enjoying the ride and relishing the final descent down to the multiple small creek crossings.  However, my bike felt really harsh going down and I was having some difficulty controlling her.  I though that perhaps I was just getting tired, but I seemed to feel every single bump in the trail.  As I was crossing the final creek, I noticed that my fork was not compressing ... at all!

This was going to get interesting as I really need some squish during the last 6 miles of rocky single track.  I had plenty in the rear but none up front.  Call it a reverse hardtail.  And so I entered, determined to beat January's time.  And the snow came down even harder, interspersed with sleet/ice.  All of a sudden the rocks got really shiny!  Talk about feeling like a pinball.  Between a rigid fork and slick rocks, I was all over the place.  How I managed to stay upright, I dunno.

I eventually caught up to Lisa Randall and rode with her for awhile.  I wanted to push her a bit so that she had the opportunity to achieve her goal as well.  (Little did I know that in about 10 minutes the conditions would deteriorate quickly).  I am excited that she is going to be my PMBAR and DD partner this year.  She is one tough chicka when it comes to adventure racing!

Lisa eventually let me on around ... I think she was getting a little frustrated with the conditions as well .  It started to sleet pretty hard by the time I ran up The Wall.  As I got back on the bike, I could not, for the life of me, clip back in.  WTF!  I dismounted, turned my shoe over, and saw that my cleat was encased in a block of ice!  Great, just great!  I managed to bang enough of it off that I could semi clip in.  But whenever the terrain got rough, which was pretty much the remainder of the course, my feet would pop out.  This is not conducive to breaking time barriers.  That, along with the lack of a fork, made for a 1-2 mile "run-a-bike" section.  I did my best to protect my beloved ACL's.  The terrain was just as treacherous running as riding.  I saw all hope of a sub 3:30 slipping away as well as 2nd place.

No Danielle, I am still not sold on fat bikes.  Photo by Joe Cattoni.

I managed to shave a couple minutes off January's time and I was happy with that.  I finished safe and sound and with a smile ... and I'll take it!  It's more about the ride and not the placing.

1/8" sheet of ice on the bike at the finish.

The February running of The Snake is always the most brutal.  I thoroughly enjoyed the hell out of the trail.  Even though I have ridden or raced this course countless times, there are so many variables that each time it is different.

One more to go ...

Snake Creek Gap TT Race #1 Report

I don't know why, but I so look forward to this race every year.  I hate to be COLD and WET; at this race, this is almost a guarantee.  With sub-freezing temps and a creek crossing in the first mile that has the potential to be waist deep, it is a risk I take every year.  It is only 34 miles, but with 5500 feet of climbing and miles of technical rocky single track, with the worst (or best of it, depending on how you look at it) coming at the very end, this course is brutal.  I see it as brutally fun!  I suppose I look forward to this challenge because it comes after a long break and this is where I first "cut my teeth" on uber technical rocky trail.  And NWGA SORBA rocks when it comes to putting on such an awesome event.  Great people and good times!

How about 6 miles of this, after an already 2-4 hours of racing?

Unfortunately, good times did not include a good "race" time for me in the first running.  It was 26 degrees at the start.  Even though I got there really early, I still had to wait in line as 70+ racers were in front of me. (There was a record number of racers:  438 total and 347 that did the 34).  I was brrrr! cold and for the first hour I could not feel my fingers, my legs would not open up, I could not get my HR up, and my eyeballs were frozen.  That made for some interesting braking and handling skills along the first section of single track, I'm tellin' ya  !But this did not mean I was not happy because I was.  I was being challenged on all fronts:  6 weeks off any training plan, Day 16 post glutening, and a kick ass course.  I was not at work, not on the couch, or doing chores; living the weekend warrior dream!

The first 17 miles seemed to go in slow motion.  At least the creek crossing was only bottom bracket deep.  I was able to half pedal the 20 yards or so across and keep my feet dry and toasty.  The trail was in awesome shape for this time of the year.  Since I was unable to go out like a greyhound, I had the energy reserves to clean the first half.  I also chose to run bottles this year as opposed to hydration packs.  This made me feel very light on the bike.  My nutrition was a bit different as well.  With my body fresh off The Whole 30 plan, I was still in fat-burning mode.  My energy level remained consistent throughout the race; I never felt hungry or had any ups/downs that fueling primarily on sugars can cause.  I did utilize sugars in the form of Rapidade and gels, but only consumed about 70% of the calories I would normally intake for a race of this distance.  Note:  race day is the only time that I come off the Paleo diet.

I rolled into the aid station at the halfway point, swapped bottles, changed to lighter weight gloves (fingers had thawed out), chugged a Red Bull, and motored on.  It was on this first climb out of the parking lot that my legs finally decided to enter the game.  Finally it felt like I was racing and not just participating in a big group ride.  I don't think my time on this second half was any better than usual, but at least I was feeling better.  This at least let me know where I am fitness-wise and what I need to work on to improve.  Whenever I get glutened, even from contamination, it wreaks havoc on my body and immune system.  In the past it usually took me about 6 weeks to recover, but with this recent episode, I could tell that my body was recovering quicker.  I do believe this was a direct result of being on Whole 30.

The fire road climb up to the last section of single track was for the most part dry and fast.  I had been worried because it can get really soupy here due to freeze/thaw and rain.  As I approached the single track, I tried to visualize this as just a lap in an XC race.  I felt the best I had all day, here in my rocky element.  I appreciated the work that had been done on the washed out descent.  With my trusty Niner steed, I was able to float over most of the rough stuff.  I almost made it up The Wall, but spun out on a loose baby head about 2/3 of the way up.  Arghhh!  One day ...

The fire road descent from the cell towers at Dug Gap.  Photo courtesy of Sean Perry.

As I railed down the pavement, I thought that my time might be better than I had anticipated.  Although it is fast, it still eats up precious minutes.  I ended up rolling through the finish line in 3:39;  I'll take it.  Body and bike were in one piece and I had a smile on my face.  I just love this race.

You MUST check out Endless Bikes' anodized cogs!

I cannot wait for the February edition.  Typically this has the worst conditions, but maybe this year will be different.  I definitely have to work on getting and staying fast.  I am currently in 3rd, but there are some super strong "chickas" in this field.

Snake Creek TT Finale Race Report

NWGA SORBA outdid themselves on this one!

T.H.E!  Conditions, both the trail and the body, made this one The Hardest Ever for moi.  2-3" rain on the first section the night before made the first half of the race a mud fest.  I was glad I had put the mud fender on because it kept the mud and horse poo off my glasses and face.

Silly me thought that I could pull off a sub-3:30 after succumbing to an upper respiratory infection in the week leading up to the race.  My gracious co-workers, who seem to always be sick, left me "gifts" on the phones, door knobs, computers, etc.  Side note:  Those who are always "sick" ought to be made, by law, to eat healthy, rest well, and get plenty of exercise, so that those who actually give a damn about their bodies, don't have to be constantly exposed to the weaklings' germs!

Anyway, any positive thoughts of being able to win this thing were quickly bashed within the first mile.  I tried to get up to speed, but with the mud and my inability to get my RDA of oxygen, I was fighting a losing battle.  Yeah, I was mad, frustrated, and feeling sorry, but quickly reminded myself that I was out here doing what I love.  Dang it if I was going to let the conditions dictate my state of mind!  I immediately decided that if I could not race, then at least I would have a good training ride.

I slogged through the first half, practicing my surfing skills through the muddy descents and my smooth pedaling cadence through the muddy climbs.  My legs actually felt pretty good; might of had something to do with not riding much the week prior.  They wanted to go go go, but my lungs said no no no.  The cobwebs of mucous in the back of my throat made oxygen transference most difficult.  I had enough "snot rockets" to take out a small country.

I rolled through the 1/2 way point 4 minutes slower than January's time.  I opted not to swap out Camelbak's but do a partial refill at the last water stop just before entering the final section of single track.  It was nice not having a full Camelbak on me up the next two climbs.  I seemed to feel better, especially after noticing just how dry the second half was!  It was like night and day as compared to the first half.  If only I had known, I may have just ridden the 17 miler.

The first half of the second half went by quickly.  My legs finally seemed to be getting some oxygen, so I was able to stand and hammer up some of the short kickers.  I had a good climb up to the final aid station, got a bit of water, and motored on.  Normally I enjoy the last hour of the race, picking my way through the bouldery sections, nailing the descents and usually climbing at least 1/2 of  "The Wall."  As I entered the first tricky section, I could tell I was REALLY tired.  I felt like a pinball and my little wheels constantly found those "26 inch holes."  It seemed I was off the bike more than on.  The Wall was ominous today and I scuttled up most of it ... probably faster than I could have ridden it anyway.

Instead of laying it down on the road descent, I coasted in to the finish, with a blazing time of 3:45.  I definitely got my money's worth today.  Fortunately, my January time was good enough for 2nd.  That $500 will go towards my 29'r rocket ship, which right now weighs less than my Specialized S-Works Era!

2013 Snake Creek Steed!

There was no "Easy Button" for today's race ... err, ride.  Sometimes you learn a lot more about yourself when you are at your lowest.  I managed to finish with a smile and no broken bones or bike parts.

Kudos to Pro Gold's Extreme Lube.  No chain suck and it was quiet all day!

The podium was empty save for Rachel and I.

Snake Creek Gap TT Race Report -- March Finale

Cold and raining during the awards.

 Well, who would have thought that the January race would have had the best racing conditions.  March has always been sunny, warm, dry, and FAST!  Not this year.  With muddy conditions expected and my fitness level not exactly where I wanted it, I chose to ride gears.  Indy got the call up and she performed amazingly well.

Me, on the other hand, not so well.  Legs were not sparkly.  I was not sure if it was a combination of the previous week's training, my less than stellar health, or the fact that pedaling through soft terrain and soupy mud drained what power I had pretty quickly.

I was able remain comfortably warm in my Costa Rican weather gear:  shower cap on the helmet, 16 gallon trash bag over my torso, and Gorilla tape on my shoes.  I contemplated wearing my high dollar Gore-Tex rain jacket.  I would have acquired more style points, but also would have burnt up in it.  I chose the "better to feel good than to look good"  Glad attire.

This time I was able to start with only a handful of racers in front of me and most of those I never did see until the finish.  I pretty much had the trail to myself ... no energy lost in passing 30+ people.  My drive train held up extremely well; it was a silent as a single speed and the shifting was impeccable.  Kudos to my mechanic and Specialized!

At the halfway point, my time was 1:37.  Not good!  At this rate, I was going to have to slay the second half if I had hopes of winning.  I have done sub 2 hours on the second half before, but it had been dry and I had been in good form.  Today it did not look good for me, but I accepted the challenge and dug deep.  I was descending well and the Specialized Captain's were hooking up quite well on the rocks and in the mud.  As I crossed Snake Creek and began the final climb up to the last techy bit of single track, my hopes of winning were dashed.  This fire road climb which, just a week ago had been dry and SUPERFAST, was today a slog through sticky mud.

What little time I may had gained was quickly lost as I suffered through.  By the time I entered the single track, my watch showed 2:42.  Oh well, I did the best I could and enjoyed the ride.  The Era rocked the chunky trail as I held on for dear life.  I happened upon Mr Hardrock again, this time walking up The Wall.  If you recall, I met Mr. Hardrock in January as I pulled his 30 pound bike off of him as he lay in the trail, unable to clip out of his pedals.  This time he was doing much better and was able to keep the rubber side down!

I finished with a time of 3:41:07, slightly better than January's, but 2 1/2 minutes behind Jamie's January time.  Good enough for 2nd place and $500!  This was money well spent as I used it to purchase Carly's new bike.

I will be back next year.  I hunger for The Bounty!!

Thanks once again to all of the NWGA Sorba volunteers who made the 7th running of the Snake absolutely fan-friggin' tastic.

Snake Creek Gap TT Race Report

Still wear them all, 2005 edition is my sleep shirt.

I have been doing this race since its inception and it just keeps getting better.  Back in 2005, it ran January through May, it was run in reverse, the entry fee was $50, and I won $45 for first.  I remember saying to the promoter that the race was so much fun that I would do it if the entry fee was doubled.  Fast forward to yesterday, and I am gunning for $750 and a shot at the bounty.  My, how times have changed.  With 5500 feet of climbing and 34 miles of rocks and roots, it is always an epic battle between the racer and the trail.

Speaking of times, I will have to chalk up yesterday's race as a good SS training ride.  With the many challenges I had to overcome, it was not going to be a PR.  First up was the week of training leading up to the race.  I am currently in a strength phase with multiple days in the gym.  Coach said I was going to carry some fatigue into this race.  On that first fire road climb, I indeed felt it!  Darn it!  Coach was right again.

Secondly, our plan to do a private shuttle in order to get off the line first failed when the people we were going to shuttle with got pulled over by GHP en route to the race.  I probably started behind 100 people.  I do like carrots, but that was a bit many for me to digest.  Single speed realization #43:  it is excruciatingly painful and detrimental to overall performance to have to pass 40+ people, most of which took place going uphill.  That was like a serious Force Rep training session.  Most everyone was super nice about being passed, though.

Thirdly, nothing like crashing your brains out on the first mile of the race!  Yep, I bit it hard on the gravel road section.  I was attempting to pass another rider.  What I thought was just branches from a young sapling turned out to be a murderous grapevine, that wrapped around my Ergon GR2 Leichtbau carbon bar end.  The bike stopped ... I didn't.  Luckily, it all happened so fast, I didn't have a chance to put an arm down and break my collarbone.  But my whole left side took a digger at 15 mph.  It took a couple minutes for me to regain my senses and realign my handlebars.

The first 17 miles hurt the most.  I was about 10-12 minutes off my PR pace.  I think the climbing, especially on a single speed, is much harder than the second 17.  I also had to run more sections as there was a constant line of people ahead.  I do believe there were a record number of racers for January.  My guess:  250+.

The second half was much more enjoyable, although I still entered the pain cave numerous times.  My legs had finally come around and my 32 x 22 felt like a 32 x 22, not a 32 x 20 like the first half.  I always love the final rocky ridge; it is at this point that I can "smell the barn" and am usually able to dig a little deeper.

What made it even better was a little motivation by a fellow racer.  He allowed me to pass him, but as I was doing so he said, "I will probably need to get back around you, but no worries,"  ... Did he just say what I thought he said?!?  You think?  O.k. let's see what you got!  I kicked it up a notch and entered the first techy rocky descent.  I will have to give him some credit, he did hang on longer than I thought he would.  But after 5 minutes, all was quiet behind me.

With about 4 miles to go, I saw a fellow racer down on the trail, quite a ways in front of me.  As I made my way towards him, he still was not getting up.  Oh, no!  I was thinking that he might be seriously hurt and I was going to have to abandon my race to help him.  As I came upon him, he was still lying there.  I asked if he was hurt.  He said, "No, I just can't unclip from the pedals."  So we had a little trail side lesson.  He was trying to turn his heel inward to unclip.  I don't know if he was a beginner or maybe being upside down got him turned around, but I told him to move his heel outward.  Once he did that, he magically popped free.  I then made an attempt to lift his bike off him.  I swear to God that bike weighed 30 pounds.  I then realized that it was a Specialized HardRock!  Hats off to this gentleman who probably had the heaviest bike in the race.  He was hardcore!  He did look like he was spent.  I encouraged him that we were almost there ... he probably hit 45 mph on the road descent.

I finished with a 3:42:27.  I will happily take it.  My post-ride recovery meal was Ginni's famous cookies.  I would have loved to hang around as the post-ride chatter is always great, but with 33 degree temps and a wind chill of 25, I was cold as soon as I stopped pedaling.  Once again, thanks to all the volunteers for braving those brutal temperatures to keep us racers fueled, on the course, and motivated.

Looking forward to February and getting closer to the Bounty!