Sunday, April 26, 2009

Semi-self supported Cohutta 100 super shakedown


Say that 5 times fast.

I decided to do the Cohutta 100 without depending on the sag stations for everything. I only used them for water, for the most part. I used the 3rd station to pick up a bagel w/peanut butter.
I borrowed some handle bars from Drew, and some used bar ends. I strapped my aero bars to them and felt pretty damn unique. I think I need to get a shorter stem with a higher rise.
I loaded the frame bag and my gas tank with plent of clif bars, cereal bars, some nuts, and way to many scoops of the sustained energy and I had two tubes(just incase stans fails), surly singlerator, multitool, c02, pump, and tire levers.

I did not eat as much as I carried, or use up all the powder. It was good to know I had more than enough. The sustained energy works well, but tastes like ramen water, which isn't all that bad, but on the other hand....

The race was great! Beautiful views and weather. At the 60 mile mark I started losing some energy, but I didn't feel like bonking, nor did I really want to eat. I'm sure I could keep the food down, but I just didn't feel like eating, nor did I fell like I was out of energy. I think I was just wore down. My legs ached a bit, back hurt a little less, and most of all I was just tired. I thought about quiting at the 80 mile mark, but I'm so glad I didn't. I finished at around 11hrs, with about 1hr of breaks. I'm not ashamed to admit that I did hike-a-bike. I felt it was a good way to relieve stress on my knees and rest some muscles.

I think I've got some work cut out for me, but It's still doable.

Also, I have a new job! I'll start in July in Cincinnati!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

First 100 miler


I had plans to go from my house to Clingman's Dome for about 116 mile round trip. Tim from work, was thinking about going, but he bailed on the last minute. So I loaded up the bike with the epic saddlebag, the fuel tank, and I grabbed my camelbak. 116 miles seems big, but I divided it into bite size chunks of about 16 miles. Just like on the AT if you divide it up, it seems easier. So I just set mini goals for myself throughout the ride. First I made it to Townsend, TN. Then Sugarland's visitor center. After that I began the ~17 mile climb to Newfound Gap, NC; with the intention of continuing another 7 miles to the top of Clingman's Dome. The weather wasn't that great though. It was foggy, and getting colder the higher I climbed. It wasn't hard though, I managed a nice 7mph pace. With about 2 miles to go(to Newfound), I almost gave up, because it was cold and foggy; but decided to continue on. And sure enough I made it!

It was about 38 degrees. I chatted with a couple of AT thru-hikers, and then immediately high tailed it out of there. I was starting to shiver. I haven't been that cold for a while.
The descent was not as cool, and by cool I mean awesome, as I had wanted. The fog was much worse, and the road was very wet. I managed a nice 35mph pace downhill, and hit a max of 41mph. I took a decent break at Sugarland, and continued on home, with out too many issues.
The climb up my street was the worse!
So one goal down, now it's off to Charlotte NC for an interview.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Epic gear is in!


I just got back from my first day at the bike shop. I was nervous about making a fool of myself and/or breaking something, and well, I just kinda wound up bumbling around. It was a slow day so no worries. I'm excited about the new shop, it's going to be fantastic.

I came home and found a box full of goddies from Alaska.
I am very impressed with the fit and finish of the gear. Everything is stout too.
I still have to figure out my handlebar situation though, not sure what I'm going to run. They kinda fit, but I need a few extra straps to put them on the aeros.

Sorry it's a little blurry.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

I placed third!


from last :(
I did the Serc #3 race at Tsali today.
I decided to do a little food experiment in prep for the GDR. I'm blaming that for my upset stomach at the beginning of the race. I made a pound of "buttery goodness" and brought with me maybe a table spoon or two to eat as a pre race snack(I did have a healthy breakfast, bagels, cereal etc). About 3 minutes into the race I felt like puking and had to let the whole crowd pass me right before the single track. Fortunately I changed my 'tude and decided to just enjoy the race. Shortly after that I got a huge glob of mud in my eye, sunglasses just don't protect from everything. Later on I wound up going off trail for a bit and cut up my leg in some briars, which was a little bloody and raised my spirits!

I plan on spending some time in the trainer this week, and hopefully doing a 100mile ride to Clingman's dome and back. Then interview on Monday.