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.

ChainBuster 6 Hour Race Report

Last weekend I was treated to perfect trail conditions for the JackRabbit 6 Hour Race in Hayesville, NC.  I was racing coed with the fast and furious Tyler Murch.  The whole SuperSport team, save for Mark Dee, was there.

Hanging out with the team.

Tyler elected to go first ... so thankfully I did not have to race down that looooong stretch of pavement on my SS, carrying a cadence of 160+!  Tyler said that he was gonna take it easy on the first lap and "feel out" the trail and competition.  Good idea, as he had never ridden these trails.

Tyler came out of the woods first, but it was not MY Tyler.  Our team had another duo racing, Tyler and Mary.  So as Mary went out on her first lap, I anxiously awaited my Tyler.  What a nail biter!  After several anxious minutes, Tyler arrived.  I had so much energy balled up, I fumbled around with the timing chip, losing precious seconds.

My first lap I was the greyhound chasing the rabbits.  Even though I went with a harder gear (32/18) this year as opposed to last year (32/19) when I raced solo, I still felt undergeared.  I also had not ridden JackRabbit since back in the winter, so I was pretty squirrelly in the turns.  I caught up to the 3rd place coed team about a 1/3 of the way through and the 2nd place coed team about 2/3 of the way through my lap.  I was really wanting to see Mary before I hit the pavement that would carry me back to the transition area, but Mary is one heck of an athlete (only 2nd year racing MTB's) and as I was spinning furiously on the pavement, I saw the other Tyler coming the other way.  I figured I had cut into their lead by at least 2 minutes.

The timing chip exchange went smoother this lap.  Tyler looked determined to amp it up this lap.  While he was racing, I headed over to the pits to do a little fueling.  As I grabbed my bottle to refill it, I realized I had not drank a drop.  So right then I decided that all further laps would be "bottle-less."  No need to carry an extra 2 pounds!  After a handful of dates and the bottle of Heed I had drug around on lap 1, I was ready to get back to business.

Tyler roared back in after his second lap.  I took off knowing Mary was just 2 minutes ahead.  Having got the flow of the course in my mind and legs, this lap was much smoother and more efficient than the first.  My Cysco, with its custom geometry and my Industry 9 wheels, with their instant engagement, allowed me carve the turns and hammer the short climbs, like a cheetah after a gazelle.  I finished the lap, yet again bringing the gap down to 30 seconds.

Tyler smelled blood and took off after Tyler like mad.  I knew that it was gonna be tight this lap, but when I saw both Tylers hammering down the pavement back to us, I could not believe it.  My Tyler had turned himself inside out and caught Mary's Tyler!  Game on!  As they rolled in to the transition, Tyler yelled out to Mary and I, "No pressure!"

I led Mary out.  I expected her to come around since she had gears, but she was content to let me lead.  She later told me that she wanted to learn my lines.  I was honored by this statement.  We were on fire and passing racer after racer after racer.  After a couple miles, Mary dropped off my wheel.  I later learned that a dude from behind ran into her and crashed.  She stopped to see if he was alright as he was screaming.  He was.  She was frustrated as his ineptitude cost her precious moments.  

I rolled into the transition with another hot lap:  funny, my lap times were within 25 seconds of each other.  I told Tyler to keep the rubber side down and don't get squirrelly.  His 4th and final lap was his fastest!  Talk about negative splits!  He smashed it!  So proud of him.  We ended up coming from behind to take the win.

Tyler and Mary finished second.  The rest of the SuperSport team had great finishes as well.

Proud to be a member.

Next up is the ChainBuster 6 Hour at Oak Mountain in a few weeks.  Once again, Tyler and I will have our work cut out for us.  Besides our teammates Mary and Tyler, we will also be up against Lisa Randall and her "secret weapon."  Let's just say this "beardy" fellow has a National Championship under his belt  and races for Jamis.  But I have confidence in Tyler and my abilities ... this will be an epic race!

Gotta love Randall!  He is the "Si" of the team!

XC National Championship Eve

Tomorrow is the big day.  This is what I have been preparing for all year.  The butterflies are swirling; Zeke said they are dragonflies, ready to do battle.  I keep telling myself that I have done everything I can do to get ready.  I am not worried about me:  the legs are sparkly, the mind is focused, this is my kind of course.  My concerns lie with the bike.  Will the other brake break?  Why is my shoe making that squeaky noise when I pedal?  Will my tires hold up?  Will my chain break? And the list goes on.

I must let go of the negatives and focus on the positives.  It is going to be hot and humid.  The course is uber technical.  Consistency is the key.  I have great support.  I love rocks!  I have lots of new red blood cell friends to fuel my muscles.  It is my race to lose.  This is the list I must replay in my mind tonight as I drift off to sleep.

Today I went for an easy spin to just remind the legs of what is needed of them tomorrow.  "Spin to win" and "float like a butterfly" will be my mantras.  I found a little park to do some laps, practice my start, and work on some CX maneuvers for the trainwrecks that will most likely ensue on this true mountain biker's course.

Nice 1 mile loop to spin out the legs
.

My left shoe was being all noisy so I loc-tited the bolts and then went for a little spin in the hotel to test it out.

Yes, I will always be a kid at heart.  And luckily no one burst out their room door!  I go off tomorrow at 10:30.  3 laps with some tough competition.  I WILL have fun, ride my own race, be safe, and the rest will fall into place.

Marathon National Race Report

As I lay in bed the night before the race, I began to second guess what I had done in the week leading up to this one.  20 hours of riding is not how one should prep for a National Championship.  My legs were heavy, my head was aching, and my stomach churned with butterflies.  This was not what I had come to Idaho for.  Back in the spring when I began to plan this trip, the only thing on the agenda was to "just ride."  It was not until mid-May that my friend asked, "Do you know what is taking place the week you are going to be in Ketchum?"  I had no clue that the Marathon Natz was gonna be there.  "Oh, hell!" was my reply.  Now I had to race!  I did this before back in 2009:  24 hours of riding in the Colorado mountains topped off with the Marathon Natz in Breckenridge.  I placed a respectable 4th in my age category then.  Back then it was gears; this time it was only gonna be one.

There were 6 ladies in the single speed division.  Andrea and I were the only lowlanders.  Three were unknowns, but all were strong (after some quick Google searches).  I opted to use a Camelbak for the first lap even though I hated the extra weight on my back when I was standing and grinding.  The air was dry and I needed to be sure I drank adequately.

The gun went off and before we set off on the 2 mile bike path stretch over to the Coldsprings climb, we had to do this silly little parade loop around the base of the ski slope.  After a brief section of flat single track, the course immediately went straight up the mountain on a snow cat track.  I was dead last as my legs barked immediately from the get go.  I so wanted to get off and walk up that bit, but everyone else was grinding up.  And so I did as well.  Eventually we all had to get off and walk a steep section up to the River Run single track.  From there it was a series of switchbacks back down to the lodge and then we were off on to the bike path.

Spin spin spin ... coast coast coast ... and repeat.  I was able to reel in 1 lady and pass her.  Now I was in 5th.  And then the 9 mile climb began!  The first 4 miles was gravel road and double track.  The high cadence low torque bike path section allowed my legs to wake up without blowing up.  Whe I hit the climb, the legs were there!  I marked 4th place and slowly began to reel her in.  There are two short kickers in the first 4 miles.  I caught up to 4th on the first one.  It seemed that she was running a bigger gear than I as she struggled up the climb and eventually dismounted.  Wanting to save my legs, I wisely got off and pushed as well.  I passed her before the second kicker.  Now I was in 4th.

Cold Springs gravel climb

I saw Andrea next.  She was not too far ahead and I caught up to her as we entered the single track.  She too, was pushing a bigger gear.  I was content to follow as my heart rate was about 7 beats higher than where I wanted it to be.  I needed to settle.  We soon got caught up in traffic.  Andrea called out very politely, "single speeders needing on by" so many times that she should have had a recording.  I knew that talking expended energy so I was happy that she was in front (I ain't no FOOL).  With about 2 miles left on the Cold Springs Trail, I saw a bit of weakness and decided it was time to go.  Now I was in 3rd.

I passed quite a number of racers on this climb.  For the most part, everyone was polite and would yield some trail so that I could motor on through.  The group that I had the most difficulty with were the 50+ men. There were a couple that just did not want to be passed, especially by a woman.  Did they not know they were racing for 2nd to last place?  I finally managed to skirt around them, but it took every ounce of energy and focus to not rub handle bars or fall off the mountain.   I suppose getting passed by a woman on a single speed can be kind of an ego killer.

Difficult to pass on the Cold Springs Trail

Finally after a little over an hour of continual climbing I was at the top.  Now came the beginning of the 13 mile descent (with a couple of hiccups in).  When I had pre ridden a few days before, the descent was, for the most part, smooth and flowy.  There were a few rocky areas where you had to be light on the bike for fear of slashing a side wall, but otherwise very fast!  Today was a different story ... it was a wash board!  Apparently people were a little heavy handed on the brakes and the trail turned into a wash board.  The racers on this side of the mountain were very polite and I was able to get around without losing much time.

The two hiccups I mentioned were 5-7 minute climbs, one on single track and one on double track.  I saw Zeke at the 2nd aid station on the 2nd hiccup climb.  He told me that Rebecca was 10+ minutes ahead and 2nd place was about 5 minutes ahead.  At this point I did not think much about that other than riding my own race.

Hershey Highway was a ballsy doubletrack loose gravely descent down to the River Run single track.  It was all about leaning the bike far enough to carve the turns but not too far and eating it in the loose rock.  Max speed for me on this section was a screaming 35 mph.

The River Run Single track was a series of 15-20 switchbacks back down to the lodge.  Sharp rock reared their ugly heads, especially in the corners.  This is where Rebecca flatted last year during XC Natz and lost the race.  This thought I kept in the back of my head as I negotiated this descent.  The switch backs were tight and loose.  Basically you stuck your front wheel in the rut, squeezed your rear brake, and slid your rear wheel around.  After 10 times I was ready to be down to the bottom.

Just before you hit the bottom, there are two options to take.  The "A" line is a 30 yard rocky face at 30-40% grade.  If you screw this up, you will get hurt.  If you clean it, you will be 30 seconds faster.  The "B" line is one more switchback descent.

"A" line --note Zeke at the top

During the pre ride, my head was not in it and I did not do the "A" line.  Today, my focus was razor sharp, I turned my brain off, and let my body take control.  Cleaned the "A" line and gave myself a mental boost for the second lap.

When I entered the feed zone, my cooler was not where I left it.  Volunteers came from every direction!  One held my bike, the others found my blue and white cooler in a sea of blue and white coolers.  One lady even popped the top on my Red Bull.  She excitedly cried out,  " I've been wanting to do something all day!"  Those people amazingly got me out of there in record time.  I ditched my CamelBak and went with a water bottle as I knew at the first aid station at the top of the climb there would be a water bottle feed.

Cold Springs Trail

The climb up Cold Springs the second time was brutal.  There was less traffic and those who were in front of me seemed happy to stop and let me by.  I had to will the legs to turn the pedals over on the steeper sections.  Fortunately, I think the patience pill I took before the race saved enough energy in my legs on the first lap to allow me to grind up the mountain the second time.  (When I looked at the results I was only 2 minutes slower the second time up.)

Warm Springs descent

After the first hiccup climb, I began to descend down to the Warm Springs Traverse Trail.  I heard the dreaded "pssssssss."  Oh, no!  I cannot be getting a flat!  I kept descending hoping the Stan's would work.  After about 45 seconds the hissing stopped.  I stopped to see how my rear tire felt.  Funny,  it was still firm.  If I did not puncture, what was that noise?  I continued to descend.  Two minutes later, I heard this buzzing noise and then, "Bam!"  I got stung near my left shoulder.  There was a dang bee in my jersey.  That was what had been making that noise.  I got stung 2 more times before I could stop, unzip, and get that bastard out.  There were people coming up on me, so I did not have time to zip my jersey back up.

When I began the second hiccup climb, I passed a racer who told me that second place was just up the road.  Holy crap!  I thanked him for the info and embraced the pain cave!  I motored like there was no tomorrow, clawing my way up that climb, looking around every corner to try to catch a glimpse.  Right before I reached the top, I saw her!

With about 4-5 miles to go, all of it descending, did I have the skills to catch her?  I did not know, but I was going to find out in the next 15 minutes.  I screamed down Hershey highway.  Every time I caught a glimpse of her, she was growing.  I was closing!   When she reached the River Run single track, I was about 30 seconds behind her.  2 1/2 miles to go!  With each switchback turn, I was reeling her in.  But how would I pass her on this tight single track without taking us both out?  It looked like it was going to come down to the rock wall.  Would she take the "A" line?  If she did, game over.  But as she approached, she turned right onto the "B" line!

I turned left, flew down the rock wall like it was child's play and rolled through the finish, 30 seconds ahead of her.  I just took second in the Marathon Nationals Single Speed division!  I was so stoked!

I felt a little embarassed coming through the finish with an unzipped jersey, but stopping to zip it up would have cost me 2nd place.

I came into this race expecting no more than a good time and a safe finish.  What a way to finish off an epic week of riding in the Sawtooth mountains of Idaho!

YES!

I want to thank The Outdoor Store for a perfectly working machine, Endless Bikes for that wonderfully big 22 cog, Pro Gold for a happy drive train, and Chamois Butt'r for a happy toosh.  And a big shout out to my Coach, Lynda Wallenfels, for prepping the engine!

Invitation Accepted

At last year's Chainbuster finale, James Stankowitz asked me to be on his SuperSport race team for 2013.  I had reservations, as I did not want to part ways with The Outdoor Store.  No worries there, as Bruce was o.k. with it and James said he would put the TOS logo on the team's cycling kits.  I was also concerned if my "tush" would accept a new pair of cycling shorts.  No worries there as well, as James handed me several pairs to try out with the idea that I would determine what worked best and he would custom build a pair of shorts around my "tush."

If you are not familiar with James, he was instrumental in the development of North West Georgia SORBA, the Snake Creek TT series, and has devoted countless hours to the care and maintainence of the Pinhoti trail system.  He is a super likable gentleman and has a heart of gold.  He is the owner of SuperSport, a new custom cycling clothing company.

The jersey James is wearing is by SuperSport

This past weekend the team met in the North Georgia mountains for a mini camp.  We ate, rode trails, and ate some more.  In between eating and riding, I got to learn more about my new team mates.

Jeff Clayton

Jeff is a retired Air Force F-16 pilot ... who still loves to to FAST!  And he excels in all distances.  He, along with Tyler, drug my single speed butt around the Ocoee Whitewater Center for 4 hours on Saturday.  A humble but fierce competitor.  And he can do some damage to a buffet!

Tyler Murch

Tyler is a mechanical engineering student who has no fear and loves adventure.  With a little fine tuning he will be one to watch out for.  He is an excellent colorer, staying in between the lines with ease.  He weakness is a hot fudge brownie with ice cream.  I will be teaming up with him on a Coed team for the Chainbuster series.

Ricky, Mike, and Tyler

Ricky is a NWGA SORBA member who has only been mountain biking for two years.  He has a great sense of humor and is a gentleman.  He is ruled by his little 4 pound chihuahua, Brownie.  Mike, also a NWGA SORBA member,  has been riding since 2000.  He is very quiet but you can tell he will dig deep for his team mates.

I am excited to be racing for a team.  I have lots to offer the team on nutrition and training.  And I hope to learn from my team mates as well.  Racing on a team will also offer that extra motivation that sometimes I need during my times of weakness, i.e. cold, dreary training rides, less than ideal racing conditions, and periods of self-doubt.

I am also excited to be instrumental in the development of a women's cycling short.  Too often I have tried on various brands that just did not fit.  My biggest complaint has always been chamois shape, thickness, and placement within the short.  Now my fanny is going to have input into chamois development and placement.  Now maybe I can design one that will not feel like a diaper.  It will cover what it needs to cover ... and no more.

If you are interested in a team or individual cycling kit made with excellent materials, no minimums, and 6 week turnaround times, please talk to James Stankowitz (is on FaceBook) or me.  He will bend over backwards to make sure you get what you want.