Last weekend I went up to Lake Norman State Park. After racing Anne Springs a few weeks ago, I figured that Lake Norman has about the same elevation climb as Ann Springs, minus the roots, plus the mileage. Win-Win. I awoke early Saturday and headed out there for some big miles, at least for me. I ended up doing the entire 3 loops and Mombo before I finally was able to ride with a friend of a little bit. In case you're not my face-friend, here is the go-pro. Be warned, it's not very exciting as there are not any crashes, but it does show the great and flowy trail.
Total mileage for the day, probably somewhere between 55-60 miles. Total time: 5 hours.
Yesterday I met up with my former Queen City Cycles teammate Russ for some early morning fun at the WWC. We have always passed each other either getting on or off that trail at ridiculously early hours so I knew the 7:15 start time would be no problem for him.
I really wasn't feeling it the first 2 laps (they were not full laps, we did skip weigh station and gas line in case he reads this) but at over 10 miles a lap, regardless of options, it was a rough time for me. I didn't eat very well the night before and it came back to haunt me. We took an abbreviated 2nd lap to get back to the parking lot as he had a honey-do list for his new home, and I was picking up a new riding partner, Josh, at 9:30.
Josh and I hit up the new East Main section first, then went on to ride the entire WWC (minus the weigh station because I hate it). It took some time but my stomach finally started feeling better around the 3 hour mark and I was beginning to find some flow and lucky for me Josh was having a hard time finding his lungs, but after a while we started to get some pace under our belts. We had a good ride talking about nothing and everything in particular, stopping when we wanted to, going as fast or as slow as the conversation dictated. Total ride time for the day...4 hours.
You might be wondering why I am putting so many hours in on the bike. Even if you're not I'm going to tell you anyway, the Tree Shaker 8 hour mountain bike race. I could have just signed up for the 4 hour version, but I am not that smart. This event will also tell me if I can do the 24 Hours of GA in the end of October without too much suffering.
Finally, there is always room for a new equipment review. Guess what it is yet?
Still confused?
Sexy looking
I ordered a set of Xpedo SPD pedals. I sent an email thanking them for sponsoring a Charlotte riding for the winter short track, and they sent me a coupon code to try their product.
I ended up ording their lowest level of pedals, but to my surprise they still weighed less than the Shimano XT pedals. Winning again.
I left them on their easiest setting for the first time and had no problems getting into them. I do need to adjust the tension to make it a little harder to get out but that isn't the pedals fault, that is just me making sure I don't use them to strap myself to the bike and can't get out. They adjust ability of the pedal is very easy as well. Just one hex wrench and I am good to go. After 4 hours on the trail, I think they are a solid investment and will serve me well. I think that's it for the day, I might have some better stories for next week, I mean, I will be on the bike for 8 hours, something funny or painful has to happen to me - right?
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