It all started...way to damn early in the morning. Waking up at 530 to make sure that I got my food in me. Bagel, cheese, turkey, egg bagel, with banana and orange juice. Not a bad breakfast before 6. I had most the food and drinks loaded up in the car the night before, all I had to do was make sure I got the burrower food and ready to go out the door and then went to pick up Big Dave.
He was outside his homestead unit with bike ready and waiting for the sufferfest. We arrived around 8 am for the 9 am start, and found a nice pit place right on the trail, just past the start/finish line. We proceeded to stake our claim the the shade tent, chairs, picnic table, coolers....I was a little tired just setting up the area.
8:45 was the role call and pre-racers meeting. It was a cool morning and the trail was dry. It was going to be a fast day (for everyone but me)
9:08 AM the race started up the fire road. Not realizing that it was a slight uphill due to the excitement, I was in a wrong gear and struggled to get momentum. .2 miles in a 55 mile race and I was already doing stupid stuff. What else is new.
The first lap went pretty well, it usually does in these sort of things. Everyone is happy and joking. The fast guys are already miles ahead and I was just strolling along. The air was cool still, the trail fast, and I found my place where I belong in the pack. As I started the last 3 mile section of singletrack I caught a glimsp of the leaders making the first turn. Yes, they were over 4 miles ahead of me on an 11 mile course. Sort of discouraging, but in the end, I am only racing myself.
Photo credit - the burrower
I came in to the pits, found some Honey Stinger waffles, fruit snacks, got 2 new water bottles and went out. I ended up with the a group of guys and we ended up riding along for a few miles until they past me. I was then out there all alone for lap 2. I was feeling good still, no cramps, no stomach problems and just kept pedaling along.
After lap 2 I came in and got off the bike for a bit. I had my temporary pit crew member help me adjust my tire pressure. Thank you to Cat (one of my coworkers daughters)
By this time I still hadn't gotten past by my passenger for the ride up, Big Dave. As I left the pits for lap 3, he was just coming in. I waved and continued on my lonely way. I would like to think that something exciting happened during this lap, but it didnt, expect I did get to see the leaders passing me. Disappointment at its best, I was hoping to make it to lap 4 before the past me. I was a about full lap and a half off.
Aftering finishing lap 3, grabbing some food, fluids I went out and completed lap 4. By this time I was almost ready to be done. I came in and sat down for a few minutes to try and regain my composure and grab some more food. I talked briefly with the pit next to me who was entered in the corporate challenge. Basically an office team who decided to try their luck at one lap each. I think this being their first mountain bike race they were really impressed with how friendly people were, even in competition. At one point they even took over our entire tent taking all the chairs. They did offer to move when I came in but I just wanted to sit on a hard chair so it would give me motivation to get up. One of hte guys was also impressed with the amount of different food in which we had. Granola bars, clif bars, fruit snacks, jel packs, bananas, nuts, gel shots, honey waffles. I had to explain to him sometimes you just don't know what you want to eat at the beginning of a race, so you bring everything and hope it works out.
Also, 44 miles in I really didn't want to go back out, but having come this far and wanting to finish since last year, I really didn't give myself a choice and went back out for lap 5. To my surprise I still felt pretty decent and still never got into the granny gear. That is a personal accomplishment considering the climbs in which Uwharrie has to offer. Almost done, the trail cleared out and it seemed there was no one left on the trail. At the last climb of the day I finally felt the cramps start in my legs, I willed them away and muscled up the final hill and let out a girlish scream full of glee. (Yes, it probably did sound that high pitched). Finishing was in my sight as I pushed myself to dig and finish the last 4 miles strong.
The last section of singletrack the burrower was there waiting with the camera.
Thanks again burrower for the pics
I emerged from the last section of singletrack and really tried to push it up the fireroad. The burrower was there to welcome me and capute the momment.
Yes I posed for this, but dammit, I deserved it
6 Hours and 8 minutes for 55 miles. Goal was 6 hours, but I guess I did 50 miles in under 6, so that has to count for something. After looking at the results I was one of the open men and ended up in around 13 of 16, with 2 people that didn't finish. There were some really good national and local pro's competing in this class. I should have signed up for the novice class. Considering I only ride about 2 times a week and those are for enjoyment I couldn't be condered a sandbagger. I would have taken 2nd in that class. Oh well, next year either train harder, or just sign up for the lesser class. Ill make that decision when it comes.
Id like to thank the burrower for coming and keeping me fed and watered and for finding some enjoyment of sitting in the middle of an open field for 6 hours. We did stop at 3 vineyards on the way home, so I repaid some of my debts.
Depending on my schedule in October I might be doing the BMCC trail ride, all 3 of them, Dark Mtn, Warrior creek, and the other one, which I can't remember. So stay tuned.
