Reinvigorated

It just happened that not only was Steamboat enjoying above average and dryer temps than normal, but the XC trails had been perfectly dry and open for use. We were told that snow normally still covered much of the trails this time of year. We were lucky. Luck would also have it that we would be there for the first race of the Steamboat Springs Town Challenge Series: Howlin' Howelsen XC.

Completely new to the local trails and not acclimated to pegging it at 7000', I decided what the hell and threw my hat into the ring. What better way to get ingratiated into the town than by immersing oneself into the hypoxic hell that is XC racing at altitude.

Corey took me for a pre-race loop at lunchtime on Tuesday and I followed it up with another pre-lunch loop Wednesday morning. Armed with the knowledge 2 laps will give you, I lined up with the 19-29 Expert/Singlespeed class and quickly found myself off the back on the flat run out before the first of many steep grunt-ups.

 Moots' MattyP lined up and took the SS lead and the win. 

As the rollers started, I started making passes and working my way back up the field. The lungs were working better than I thought and the legs felt good. I could see MattyP leading the SS group 3 riders ahead and I made sure to stay close. As we headed into Eye to Eye, an uphill run on a very twisty section, the gearies between us shifted to granny and I had trouble getting around. I didn't want to be "that guy" making bad passes and being a jerk, especially wearing a Moots kit in Mootsville. I knew it would open up at the top and I could get around. Unfortunately, MattyP. and another SS'er (KevinK) got away and I spent the rest of the race chasing hard.

 I made my way past those in front of me and hammered all the way to the finish. The sketchy descent that had me on the brakes too much Tuesday, felt more intuitive this time and I was able to keep it pegged better than before (Only 2 full-sup riders passed me on the descent). All was going well until the final turn. I lost the front wheel a bit on the loose gravel pack and an SS'er (MattyE) got around me. I sprinted hard trying to bring him back before the line, but was one-hundredth of a second too late and off the podium by 1 spot.

I may have missed the podium but I made the paper.

I missed the podium but had a blast. The Town Challenge course, format, and post race party was incredible. Tons of fun. Lots of riders just out having a good time and only bragging rights as prizing. My MX RSL was ideal for the trails. I think it enjoyed being back home.

(side note: Nashville needs something akin to this. Something like our Weds night Crit series only for mountain bikers, maybe a short track series or something. We'll see what we can cook up, Messrs Gant, Bassett, and Norris.)

Anyway, it was tremendous fun racing out of my comfort zone surrounded by such classy people. It's a memory I'll keep with me for a long time. It was also great to get to hang out and race with the Moots Factory crew. CoreyP,  MattyP, and Simon tore it up and KellyB mixed it up out with the pro/open men.

Good times, yet the best was still to come.

Recharge

August 2007 is the last time H. and I took what was a vacation. Sure we traveled a bit for family functions, but as far as a just going to get outta dodge kinda trip, it'd been too long. Life has changed a lot since that time. In fact, it all started to come undone shortly after that. Luckily it's built back up to something better than before. As such, it was time for something new.

Initial plans were to recoup in Steamboat Springs after the completion of Dirty Kanza, however scheduling conflicts arose and the only way we could get it to work out was to hit Steamboat Springs before returning to Kansas. It meant less time in Steamboat and more days in the car, but it would have to do.

We hit Rabbit Ears Pass in the dark Monday night and were quickly greeted by 3 large Moose bulls lounging across the road we were traveling down. Luckily everyone escaped unscathed. As dad would say "The moose out front should have told ya."

Being future timers, we were up early and didn't waste much time getting out to experience Steamboat. Winona's was our first stop (thanks Corey), followed by some Yampa river pup time, a short hike, and nabbing some brake pads and a Walz cap from Orange Peel. Then it was back to our humble abode (aka the MOOTS factory) so I could get ready for a lunchtime ride at Emerald Mountain and H. could prepare for her first of 3 vacation requirements:

1.  Pedicure/Manicure 
2.  Massage
3.  Hot Springs

After returning from a lung challenging ride at altitude with Corey, H. and I headed back into town for a quick bite then off to another trail to run the dogs. Spring Creek was the trail and it turned out to be a perfect jaunt for us and the dogs. A river meanders along it, so the dogs had plenty of options to cool off and play. Steamboat day 1 was pretty much storybook happiness.

That evening we were treated to post ride drinks and conversation chilling outside on the beautiful rock veranda at the home of Moots CEO Rob Mitchell before heading off to a wonderful dinner with Rob, his wife Maggie, Corey and Kristin, and MattyP and Lacey. Filled with such great characters, our storybook Steamboat kept getting better.

Day two found us enjoying a private tour of the Moots facilities after breakfast. I got to see where and how all the beautiful frames came together. I also finally got to put my hands on the seat tube cap piece that had always puzzled me. It was an amazing tour. The factory hums, not from the equipment (though there is some cool old WWII era machinery there) but from the workers. Everyone we met was incredible in their own right. Such talent, not just in manufacturing, but in life. Their energy was contagious. I was feeling rejuvenated. A visit to this buzzing hive of infectious energy was slowly recharging my drained batteries. After several days being around and involved with the people of Moots, I could feel my outlook on life changing. Things felt different and it was about to get better.

The Adventures of Pete and Plete

I headed into Kansas this year with limited miles but more saddle time than I have had in the last 2 years. The "any time on a bike is time on a bike" method was all I really had time for this year. Whether it was 33 miles, 21 miles, 8 miles, or even 3 miles, it was all I had and I relished it. Previously I would rake up the miles by commuting during the work week then getting long rides on the weekends. It's been 3 years since I've had any "weekends" and long work hours make long commutes hard to get things done around the home. So I compromised and improvised.

Commutes were frequent, but not regular. 60 miles on average and about 2 times a week. Regular 20ish mile rides on Wednesdays, Thursday morning mtb rides followed by after work Juniors rides of about 30 miles made up most of my training "regimen." My longest ride to date was a 68 mile gravel ride months ago. It would have to do.

I was in shape to complete, but not compete this year. Which is probably for the best as mentally I needed a complete more so than a compete. That's not to say it made it any easier on me.

With limited gear options on the 29'er due to lack of additional chainrings, I had 2 options: an on the spinny side 59 gear inches or an on the mashy side 64 gear inches. 64 would have been perfect as long as the Kansas headwinds didn't show up, which they typically always do so I opted for the easier option. Gearing wise, it was a good choice. I was self-governed to not go out to hard, which is very easy to do at the start of Kanza, only to find yourself under-hydrated and over-exerted at 25 miles in when the headwinds get you.

This year I was rolling along pretty well. I was nestled in the first group off the leaders for the first 10 miles. I was comfortable but bouncing a bit. By mile 15 I found myself in the lead group (the leaders had blown the turn and were about 2 miles off in the wrong direction). This is when I rolled up to a fellow on an IndyFab and we started chatting. Turns out we both were "old Zac's" of Dicky's (it was Elk who'd later go on to finish 3rd SS).

We chatted for a while until a sudden ruckus came from behind and the original "leaders" engulfed us as they made their way past us. We hadn't known they'd botched the turn so suddenly we found ourselves in a new situation and we all jumped onto the train. A few miles in and I reminded myself I didn't need any of that, plus my gearing was starting to show it's spinny-ness. I backed off into my own pace again and rode solo for most of the race (about 179 miles lone-wolfing it between packs).

Had I known how strong I would be throughout the entire race and the legs I'd have at the end, I would have sprung for a 34 tooth chainring and putting me at my preferred 61.6 gear inch. The taller gearing would have allowed me to roll at 18mph more comfortably than I could with the 59gi, as evidenced by my first ever case of stage 1 pressure ulcers below my sit bones. As it was I bounced my way along at 15.5-16 mph.

But be that as it may, I needed to com-plete, not pete and my gearing made it so. I finished in 16:36 (which would have been 16:28 or less had I stayed with Backcountry Research Teammates Lee and John who made the correct turn and didn't go for the 2 extra miles) exactly where I had hoped to finish - before 17 hours.

I felt great throughout the whole event. I was fueling well and never got sick. I was tracking food intake by miles and water by time. I kept to about 100-150 calories per hour and about a water bottle every 45-50 minutes.  I've learned my lessons the hard way. Electrolyte intake was carefully monitored and calories were kept at a minimum to prevent gastric shutdown. Bottles were calorie free to help keep track of caloric intake and so I could adjust hydration needs based on temperature and conditions, yet not adversely affect my food intake.

 Monster and me recovering at Check Point 3

I did get a few punches landed from the 3rd leg (59 miles in the heat of the day) where I rode the last 15 miles (about an hour and 15 minutes) without water. I was wishing for a lemonade stand, damn lazy youth of today. That left me pissed off and fired up to finish though. I did have to take about an hour to recover from the deficit before leaving checkpoint 3 and thanks to Grant and H for the ice towel and H's quick blue icy thinking, I left feeling great, but behind on time. So much for a 15 hour finish.

I rode the first 19 of the remaining 37 miles solo, lost in my iPod enjoying the setting sun and the vastness that is Kansas. As dark was settling in, I ran into some fellow racers lost in Americus. We joined forces to combine lights and help track for markers, which seemed to disappear the closer we got to town, making the map more and more important. I had been keeping my map in my Revelate Designs mountain feedbag's webbed pocket, but somehow when I reached for it, it was gone. Leaving me reliant upon others or risk blowing a turn and getting lost. While checking the map with fellow rider Josh, a group rolled passed us and I heard  two people say in tandem "There's Thad" "There's Thad" and I sped up after them. It was John and Lee. Hell yeah, we were going to finish strong!

They were both running smaller gearing than normal and for that, I think we out gunned them a bit as they fell off pace. We were checking for a turn and they caught back on, thankfully because John made the right navigation call after a strange left/right turn that didn't match up to what the map illustrated (which is lucky for John because I declared we'd all get to punch him in the arm if he was wrong). Then they were off the back again and were off the front, hammering away a mile into the wrong direction. I think I heard them yell, but it was too late, we were gone. After realizing our mistake we map checked, raced back the additional mile, and were back on course and headed for home. I'm happy Josh and I were well matched pace wise, he made the last miles in more fun. I'd missed out having lone wolfed it so much of the day that having someone else to work with made the miles tick passed quickly.

Soon enough we were high five-ing kids and greeted by roaring cheers as we made our way down the chute and across the finish line in downtown Emporia. Finishers of the DK200.

Heads in the Clouds, Tires in the Dirt

 Livin' La Vida Buñuelo (the donut life) at the Mothership.

So we made it out to our first destination of the Colorado Couch Tour. It's about donut-thirty and JD and I have some trails to get to shreddin'. I think H. and Benjamin have pedicure and massages lined up. Pshh... whatever. 

We've been invited to a Bar-BQ in our honor tonight, an invite to the infamous Moots lunchtime ride, and hopefully I'll get a chance to pre-ride the course before Wednesday night's Town Challenge Howlin' Howelsen XC race. It's been a while since I've raced at 7000', should be interesting. Either way, Steamboat Springs sure knows how to make a guy feel welcomed.

Urbantrack Adventuring

Our friend Rob recently got the release to ride from his doctor. After a long, and continuing, physical issue that has kept him off the bike and on the couch watching American Idol and reading The Hunger Games, we decided to check his man card. We met up before work Saturday to get a little urbantrack riding in since he still can't ride long or too hard just yet. What better way to get back on the bike than a little early morning adventure riding?

Horsing around.

We met up and saw some of the Red Pony team off on their long, hot road rides, then headed off into downtown Franktown to seek what adventures lay ahead for us. Luckily, for being such a small town, there are a lot of avenues open for adventure and we were quickly off the grid and into the urban jungle.

"hope" discovered.

Other than his test ride upon completion of the bike build, I believe this is the first time Rob has been out on his new Moots MX RSL. Although not a rip roaring singletrack adventure for its maiden voyage, I don't think a better, more unique, exploratory break-in ride could have been had.

Although our breakfast plans got cut short due to time running out before the doors were to open for work, we managed to accomplish all the other goals of the ride. It definitely had a huge impact on my attitude the rest of the day. Can't wait until next Saturday.

Hobby Farming

Training Planned

 

It is funny how from year to year things change and plans have to adapt to accommodate the changes. I kinda admire those racers who can keep to the same schedules seemingly year after year, day after day, race after race.

 Life has changed to where getting out to ride for 6 or more hours isn't really feasible anymore. Too many chores and responsibilities taking up more and more time for me at the moment this year. No worries. It'll all change again next year. For now I have adapted my plans to make the most of what I do have: mornings and evenings.

With 200 miles of Kanza coming up soon, I've not gotten a ride longer than 68 miles in. So to replicate a long day in the saddle, I get up extra early a few days a week and head out for some laps on the mountain bike. I then get a full 10 hours of working on my feet into my legs (no chairs and desks here). Then, just when it feels easier to just chill out and have a beer or head home and collapse on the couch, I suit back up and head out in hopes to hang with the fast cats on their road bikes. 

Towards the end of the week, the days at work get insane. So in between back to back long days of no lunch and not hydrating at all, I head out for a night on the town with some friends to cut loose.

Which only goes on to hurt me more when work is finally finished and the doors finally locked. Famished, grumpy, and very dehydrated I head home and collapse after the long week, only to wake up early Sunday and force my not wanting to ride butt out for a solo 50 miler. Keeping the bike pointed away from home the first 6 miles is a real struggle.

I'm tired.
My legs hurt.
The tank is empty.
There are myriad chores needing tending to at the farm.
I don't feel like riding.
The wind sucks.
These damn hills suck.
My legs hurt.
The tank is empty.
I'm tired.

It's hard, but I force myself on, not only on, but up. I force myself to change my attitude. That's the best simulation for miles 150+ at Kanza that I have available to me at the moment. The wanting to throw in the towel but need to keep moving despite seemingly endless reasons to quit feeling. I call it my mental toughness training.

That plan still leaves me horribly low in weekly hours and miles on the bike, but I'm trying hard not to fret about it and adopted the "any time on the bike is time on the bike" theory to training. So to take advantage of a brief 30-40 minutes of light before dark, I'll take a fun spin out with JD. Any time on the bike is time on the bike, right? Besides it reminds me to keep it fun.

The struggle to adapt has been part of the challenge for me. Getting the balance of work, home, chores and responsibilities, as well as play to all work out can be daunting and sometimes feel overwhelming, but the past couple months I've embraced the adaptation. Will it work and deliver me to Kanza ready to compete and complete? We'll have to wait and see.