This year, luckily, the Milk Money was back in action because it is IMO the perfect bike for a long endurance SS ride. My nutrition plan was to eat candy. Lots of it. I just can't eat real food while exercising, and I can't survive something this long without something.
I met everyone just before 800 at Costco, and we were off promptly.
I faded to the back of the back to sort of "sweep" the Dells and try to help keep people on course. I learned the hard way last year that while I can stay with the race leaders in this familiar to me terrain, it is not a good idea because I suffered badly after burning all my matches in this section.
(Watson Lake)
I entered the Dells last and almost immediately hit a conga line of folks on the first up. I did not think this boded well for their day.... I passed about 20 folks just cruising along, saved one guy from a wrong turn, then came upon Chad with a burped tire and non-functional pump. I loaned him my pump and was re-passed by about 5-10 riders.
I started down over-the-hill (not recommended for bikes:)) intent on cleaning all the downhill switchbacks. On the third not so hard one, I endoed, but landed gently on a boulder and continued on. I believe Chad was behind me and did a great job cleaning a few difficult tech moves on sight.
(the up section of Over-The-Hill)
(Chad on the catwalk)
(unknown on the catwalk)
I stayed pretty much where I was pack wise until out of the Dells, and proceeded across town to Granite Basin at my own SS pace. I was passed by a few more faster riders, then pretty much on my own for an hour or so.
(Willow Lake in the distance)
(unknown rider overtaking me in Pioneer Park)
(Granite Basin Lake)
[My original plan was to take a pic of the bike at all six lakes, but I just wanted to keep going after this, so no more pics. Lame.]
I generally felt quite good in all the Granite Basin section, and re-grouped with a couple SS riders at the water stop. We leap-frogged across to Quartz mountain as they slowly dropped me.
Quartz was way rougher than I remembered and I was thankful for suspension, and thinking I didn't want to go down any more hills that rough because my hands and feet were getting sore.
Regrouped with the SS riders again at the White Spar water stop where they dropped me again.
Finally made it to the Spruce Road climb and had a decision to make: Clean it or walk. I had been dreading this moment the entire race, but decided to go for it, and started inching my way up the road at nearly a walking pace. Incredibly I was able to clean it. I then enjoyed a nice fully suspended ride down Smith Ravine (walked all the short ups) and 305. In the process, I loaned my pump out again and passed six or so more riders in the process of re-installing wheels after repairing flats. I know it's not sporting, but I really turned on the burners when I caught those folks. I was not getting passed on my home trails going mostly downhill! As it was, seven riders came in within 5 minutes of me.
I was delighted to see everyone at Costco, but bummed to hear about Dan's DNF. I am really thrilled with all the finishes and I am in awe of Scott's amazing time, as well as the tenacity of those folks who were out there for much longer than me!
I ate about 1000 KCal in Snickers, Kit Kats, and Mike & Ikes and didn't feel so good for a while. It did the job though because I never bonked. I went home with an intense craving for chicken soup:) The next day I told my wife to not let me do this again next year, but a week later, I am now thinking to myself....maybe I will.
For me, this year's ride went about as well as it possibly could go for me. I felt generally well, and had zero mechanicals. Realistically I will never achieve a faster time without a lot more training, and I am simply not motivated to do that sort of thing. I am thankful to be generally fit enough right now to finish this thing and survive.
Times:
2011 8:29
2010 9:13
2009 7:40 (no Dells)
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