Monday, February 9, 2009

Snake Creek Gap 2009

I competed in the 34 mile race at Snake Creek Gap.

I am very happy that I finished. The last seven miles were killer.

Snake Creek Gap is a time trial series outside Dalton Ga. There is a 17 mile time trial and a 34 mile. I recommend that anyone who wants to do a 17 mile time trial, sign up for the 34 and quit halfway. The last 17 miles were the hardest. Started off with a steep climb then a good bit of double track, and finally and ridge run full of rocks and another steep climb. I was very frustrated with the last seven miles. My legs were cramping, I was hungry and I ran out of water with two miles to go. I'm ashamed to say I had to hike-a-bike, but it beats quiting.

I learned a good bit about how to eat, and what I can eat while riding. Defiantly newton, and other breakfast bars, soft and easy to digest. I only drank water, but I'm pretty sure some sort of drink mix would have giving me some more energy.

Next month I think I'll mount my thudbuster, and maybe I'll have some bags from Epic Designs to test out. I think I'll mount my commuter bars and aero bars as well.

I missed competing in the weekend's Knoxiecross but I got quite a few photos of the TVB team.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Icycle 2009

I competed in my first sport class race this past weekend. It was a blast!
The race was the Icycle at Fontana Village NC. The trail was fast and had just the right amount of climbs. The biggest slow down for me were the grassy field sections, they were half frozen and just bogged down as soon as I rolled onto them.
I was pretty damn happy when I started out in fourth, unfortunately that did not last. I fell over and was passed, and before that I started running out of steam. I am proud to say I did not "hike-a-bike". That's about all I can claim, anyway I finished in 8th. Not too shabby.
Kaitlyn, another rider for TVB finished 2nd in Beginner womens; It was her first race too. Great job!
After that I watched Scott and Drew race single speed. And I made some new friends.

Sunday I spun for 2 hours in my trainer. My legs were still sore on Monday. I overslept on Tuesday, but I got early today to spin.

Saturday is the Snake, my first long(relativly speaking) distance race at 34 miles. Hopefully I can keep a good pace.
I will probably skip out on the next Knoxiecross that Sunday. Hopefully I'll have enough energy to spin for 3 hours on Sunday. My plan is to keep building up each week.

The job hunt continues.......