Monday, June 4, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sarah's Over the Hump Race Report: How I got schooled by the Expert Men
So, after nagging Matt and David (OTH race organizers), they agreed to let me race in the Expert Men category. This might seem insane or arrogant or both. I get that. But I assure you, I had good reasons.
Basically, I am training for 50-milers, so I wanted to do 4 laps, not 3. Only the Expert and Pro men do 4 laps. And Matt told me that I would have to race with the men, if I wanted to do 4 laps. Moreover, I didn't think it would be fair for me, as a Pro woman, to race against the Cat 1 girls. (OTH combines the Pro and Cat 1 women, and pretty much all of the women in this combined class are Cat 1's.)
But most importantly, I'm doing some of these races so as to work on my "limiters" - i.e., raw power, short distance speed, passing and strategy skills, being more aggressive, etc. I actually don't have the requisite "racing skills," this being my first season of mountain bike racing, save for a handful of endurance races I did 5 years ago. So, what better way to quickly develop these skills than to race with the Expert and Pro men?
Well, at least that was my thinking. As it turns out, I wasn't able to keep up with most of them!
So, since these races are "training," I didn't taper at all for this race. I put in a 14 hour week, plus 2 tough interval sessions. I was pretty worked going into this event, but I imagine most people were. I doubt many Cat 1's or Pro's make OTH their "A priority race." But anyway, my expectations weren't extremely high gong in. Also, I knew the course would not play to my strengths. Put me on a steep, long fire road that goes on for scores of miles and I am competitive with the Expert men any day. But put me on a short course with lots of ups and downs and loose, sandy turns ... and, well, I'm not so competitive anymore ...
I arrived early and pre-rode the course slowly with Kimmi. We scoped out lines. I then pre-rode the course again with Ted and some junior racers. We kept a good pace, but nothing crazy. Ted pointed some good lines out to me, for which I am/was thankful. I then headed off to the start line ...
I lined up pretty close to the back of the Expert Men pack. I chatted nervously with 19-year-old Joel (who got 2nd place in Pro men!!!) and Danny (who is doing a 104-mile mtb race this weekend!). I guess I was just nervous about getting in some guy's way and pissing him off. I was also worried about getting trampled. Nervous smile:
As it turns out, the trampling worry wasn't completely unjustified. Everybody sprinted out of the gate, and because I was toward the back, all the dirt and mud got kicked up into my eyes. My contact lenses were not liking it, and I could barely see a thing. I knew I would run into somebody (everybody was so packed together!), if I didn't fall back a bit. So, I fell back. Also, I was spinning out. I didn't have a tall enough enough gear on the flat section, but when we hit the hill this was no longer a problem. I started charging up the first hill vying for a better position (Ted had told me to "dig deep" here) when I saw Alison Jones pass me. She rocketed up the hill, which didn't exactly do wonders for my confidence. We have done a couple races together - she beat me once, and I beat her once. Both races were close. (We had a nice chat after the race; she's super nice.)
Anyway, Alison flew by, and I couldn't quite keep up. I gained some momentum on the second part of the hill and passed a few guys. Then the twisty downhill single-track began, and I made a wrong turn and lost a couple positions. Doh! I was too entranced by the wheel in front of me.
When I exited the single-track I knew I was at the back of the pack. Darn. So much for a strong start. And I pretty much remained at the back for the rest of the race, averaging 20 minute laps. I crashed on the first steep, sandy chute on my second lap. Basically, I got self-conscious (a guy was watching) and stupidly took the wrong line and grabbed some brake and went over the bars. I knocked my head and scratched my ankle and number plate. I had to run down the whole hill. It wasn't pretty. Guys kept asking if I was okay. I lost a lot of places. But I hopped back on and continued on.
I ended up "racing with" a lot of Cat 2 men. I was pretty competitive with them. I went back and forth with several guys. It was really fun, actually. My heart rate was through the roof. My friend Cheryl had recently given me her old Garmin 305 (thanks Cheryl!), and (unbeknown to be) she had set it up to ring like mad whenever her HR exceeded 185. So, basically, the thing was ringing off the hook! It was quite funny, because my "competition" could always hear me behind them - so much for stealthily sneaking up on guys! (I actually lost one place at the finish, because a Cat 1 man heard me behind him!) So silly. Some race shots (thanks Keith!):
Anyway, by the last lap, there were far far fewer people on the course, and I gave up a little, which I regret doing, because it cost me about a minute. I sort of lost the will to go hard. I assumed I was in last place, because I couldn't see any Expert Men. (Toward the end I did catch one, however.) I also lost my focus a bit. When I saw the ambulance I completely missed my turn onto the single-track from the bridge and had to cycle back.
In any case, to motivate myself, I reminded myself of when I was 7 and in Brownies (the precursor to Girl Scouts - the female equivalent of "Cub Scouts"). I was a runt at that age (some things never change!). I was part of a relay race during the Girls Scouts/Brownies "Olympics." I was not a fast runner. At all. I was to complete the final leg of the relay race. My team was doing just fine, until the baton was handed to me, the runt. All the girls sprinted off and promptly crossed the finish line. And there I was, slowly crawling along. "Should I quit?" I thought. I should mention, there was an entire stadium of parents staring at me. Seriously. And when you're 7, stadiums seem like a small country. But anyway, I kept going. There was no way I was going to quit - I was going to cross that darn finish line! I was stubborn and still am. So, I marshaled a bit of that stubbornness and pride during that last lap to get me through it. Me in my Brownies uniform in 1991 (can you see the stubbornness?):
In the end, I was glad. I finished 22nd out of 24 Expert Men finishers. The good thing about such a sorry finish is that I can only go up from here! I was surprised at my optimism at the finish. Far from feeling demoralized, I felt happier than ever. I had A LOT of fun, I got my HR up way higher than I've been able to in training lately (so it was good training), I learned a ton, and now I have something concrete to work toward. The finish line (smiling!):
Unfortunately, OTH will be on hold for me for the next few weeks, as I have a bunch of races - the 50-miler this weekend in Big Bear, 12 Hours of Temecula duo (with Heidi Volpe) and CA State Championships. It is a full plate indeed, but when it's all over I'll be excited to return to Over the Hump for a re-do! I am stubborn. :-)
Sarah
Basically, I am training for 50-milers, so I wanted to do 4 laps, not 3. Only the Expert and Pro men do 4 laps. And Matt told me that I would have to race with the men, if I wanted to do 4 laps. Moreover, I didn't think it would be fair for me, as a Pro woman, to race against the Cat 1 girls. (OTH combines the Pro and Cat 1 women, and pretty much all of the women in this combined class are Cat 1's.)
But most importantly, I'm doing some of these races so as to work on my "limiters" - i.e., raw power, short distance speed, passing and strategy skills, being more aggressive, etc. I actually don't have the requisite "racing skills," this being my first season of mountain bike racing, save for a handful of endurance races I did 5 years ago. So, what better way to quickly develop these skills than to race with the Expert and Pro men?
Well, at least that was my thinking. As it turns out, I wasn't able to keep up with most of them!
So, since these races are "training," I didn't taper at all for this race. I put in a 14 hour week, plus 2 tough interval sessions. I was pretty worked going into this event, but I imagine most people were. I doubt many Cat 1's or Pro's make OTH their "A priority race." But anyway, my expectations weren't extremely high gong in. Also, I knew the course would not play to my strengths. Put me on a steep, long fire road that goes on for scores of miles and I am competitive with the Expert men any day. But put me on a short course with lots of ups and downs and loose, sandy turns ... and, well, I'm not so competitive anymore ...
I arrived early and pre-rode the course slowly with Kimmi. We scoped out lines. I then pre-rode the course again with Ted and some junior racers. We kept a good pace, but nothing crazy. Ted pointed some good lines out to me, for which I am/was thankful. I then headed off to the start line ...
I lined up pretty close to the back of the Expert Men pack. I chatted nervously with 19-year-old Joel (who got 2nd place in Pro men!!!) and Danny (who is doing a 104-mile mtb race this weekend!). I guess I was just nervous about getting in some guy's way and pissing him off. I was also worried about getting trampled. Nervous smile:
As it turns out, the trampling worry wasn't completely unjustified. Everybody sprinted out of the gate, and because I was toward the back, all the dirt and mud got kicked up into my eyes. My contact lenses were not liking it, and I could barely see a thing. I knew I would run into somebody (everybody was so packed together!), if I didn't fall back a bit. So, I fell back. Also, I was spinning out. I didn't have a tall enough enough gear on the flat section, but when we hit the hill this was no longer a problem. I started charging up the first hill vying for a better position (Ted had told me to "dig deep" here) when I saw Alison Jones pass me. She rocketed up the hill, which didn't exactly do wonders for my confidence. We have done a couple races together - she beat me once, and I beat her once. Both races were close. (We had a nice chat after the race; she's super nice.)
Anyway, Alison flew by, and I couldn't quite keep up. I gained some momentum on the second part of the hill and passed a few guys. Then the twisty downhill single-track began, and I made a wrong turn and lost a couple positions. Doh! I was too entranced by the wheel in front of me.
When I exited the single-track I knew I was at the back of the pack. Darn. So much for a strong start. And I pretty much remained at the back for the rest of the race, averaging 20 minute laps. I crashed on the first steep, sandy chute on my second lap. Basically, I got self-conscious (a guy was watching) and stupidly took the wrong line and grabbed some brake and went over the bars. I knocked my head and scratched my ankle and number plate. I had to run down the whole hill. It wasn't pretty. Guys kept asking if I was okay. I lost a lot of places. But I hopped back on and continued on.
I ended up "racing with" a lot of Cat 2 men. I was pretty competitive with them. I went back and forth with several guys. It was really fun, actually. My heart rate was through the roof. My friend Cheryl had recently given me her old Garmin 305 (thanks Cheryl!), and (unbeknown to be) she had set it up to ring like mad whenever her HR exceeded 185. So, basically, the thing was ringing off the hook! It was quite funny, because my "competition" could always hear me behind them - so much for stealthily sneaking up on guys! (I actually lost one place at the finish, because a Cat 1 man heard me behind him!) So silly. Some race shots (thanks Keith!):
Anyway, by the last lap, there were far far fewer people on the course, and I gave up a little, which I regret doing, because it cost me about a minute. I sort of lost the will to go hard. I assumed I was in last place, because I couldn't see any Expert Men. (Toward the end I did catch one, however.) I also lost my focus a bit. When I saw the ambulance I completely missed my turn onto the single-track from the bridge and had to cycle back.
In any case, to motivate myself, I reminded myself of when I was 7 and in Brownies (the precursor to Girl Scouts - the female equivalent of "Cub Scouts"). I was a runt at that age (some things never change!). I was part of a relay race during the Girls Scouts/Brownies "Olympics." I was not a fast runner. At all. I was to complete the final leg of the relay race. My team was doing just fine, until the baton was handed to me, the runt. All the girls sprinted off and promptly crossed the finish line. And there I was, slowly crawling along. "Should I quit?" I thought. I should mention, there was an entire stadium of parents staring at me. Seriously. And when you're 7, stadiums seem like a small country. But anyway, I kept going. There was no way I was going to quit - I was going to cross that darn finish line! I was stubborn and still am. So, I marshaled a bit of that stubbornness and pride during that last lap to get me through it. Me in my Brownies uniform in 1991 (can you see the stubbornness?):
In the end, I was glad. I finished 22nd out of 24 Expert Men finishers. The good thing about such a sorry finish is that I can only go up from here! I was surprised at my optimism at the finish. Far from feeling demoralized, I felt happier than ever. I had A LOT of fun, I got my HR up way higher than I've been able to in training lately (so it was good training), I learned a ton, and now I have something concrete to work toward. The finish line (smiling!):
Unfortunately, OTH will be on hold for me for the next few weeks, as I have a bunch of races - the 50-miler this weekend in Big Bear, 12 Hours of Temecula duo (with Heidi Volpe) and CA State Championships. It is a full plate indeed, but when it's all over I'll be excited to return to Over the Hump for a re-do! I am stubborn. :-)
Sarah
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Andy's Race Report: Over The Hump Round 2
“Wow.”
That’s not what I really said when I found out I came 2nd in my
class this week.
After
last week’s race, I just wanted another top 10, so I did intervals
on Thursday on the trainer:
On
Friday I rode with David and Keith and looked at lines, which was
important, truth be told. Overall, I picked good, fast, clean lines.
(During the race someone called out “nice lines Cannondale.”)
They always push me to my limits. I road biked Saturday and did a
short (but fast) MB ride on Sunday. Then I was resting again on
Monday.
Changes
for this week's race plan was to try and stay closer to the front of
my group at the start (I was about 10th in my class out of 40+ when
approaching the first climb I think), avoid traffic hold up's (which
I mainly did - catching B4, B3 & B2 riders on the first climb),
pass when possible (I did a couple of cool passes, including on a few
turns thanks to David’s tip on cornering – but I still need to
perfect it).
I
needed to drink more, so I used a small Camelbak, which sort of
worked, except I mixed the drink too strong and so felt a bit sick in
the second half and so finally drafted on the straights.
That
did not work out so well; the guy in my class I tried to draft kept
weaving. So I tagged on the back of David’s group for about
100yards on the back straight, then got dropped. I got to the climb
just behind the weaver, blew past on the climb and stayed in the top
ring. That fixed him!
My
times were quicker all around, and I'm not sure where I passed people
in my group. I felt overly tired on the second lap, and cramped right
at the end again while avoiding the fire truck. But I was clear of
any riders, so I coasted over the line...
I
thought I got 3rd in my class and said “no way,” but I found out
it was second. I still can’t believe it!
Another cup!
So,
before we know it, it will be race time again.
Andy
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Andy's first mtb race in 20 years: Over the Hump #1
1993!
That’s when I last did a solo Mountain Bike Race, I did maybe four
or five Races in around '92/'93 in Muddy old England
with my friend Chris:
Now
almost 20 years later and inspired by Sarah, Keith, Ryan & David (we were the original Team Margarita for last year’s 12
Hours of Temecula in November), and a new bike, I decided it was time to try some solo
races.
So
after pre-riding the course, I knew it was going to be fun! I
got a prep talk before the start from my loyal supporters - Sarah,
Keith & Ryan - and lined up with about 35 others in my class (Mens beginner over 50).
Each
class starts with about a minute or two between them, and I knew it
would be congested after doing the start at the 12 hour last year. What
I did not expect was to be catching on the first climb riders from
the classes starting ahead of us (so it was a little more than congested), but I passed quite a few!
After
the climb it drops down towards the lake, and the riders split on the
course, with beginners going right. Here loads of people fell and I
had to stop, walk/run around a mess and up the next slope to get
where I could get back on the bike.
Then I was down onto the beach, with constant traffic to pass, and then again I got caught up with people falling again. This would happen 3 times on
this lap, each time with me having to get off the bike. Note
to self: next time either pass them earlier or give more room.
I
found on the flat that I could pass people and also up climbs, so I
think I had a good pace … .
Then I was back towards the beach where Team Margarita was cheering, and I pulled off a cool pass right in front of them and into the single track.
Again, I had someone fall right in front of me and not a lot of space to overtake, and then I was into the second lap……
This
went well and I just passed people when I could, shouted at one guy
who almost stopped in the middle of the single track to ‘keep
going,’ but I had to slow down and got passed by two guys in my
class. I passed them on the next climb, then saved all my energy for a
flat road section, as it seemed to be fast there.
I was a little tired by now, so I settled for a steady pace, caught a couple of
riders in the single track section, but could not pass, and then I was into
the last open section and passed like 10 people as soon as the track
widened.
I got a cramp in the last 100 yards, but it made no difference, as no one right
behind me.
So
there we are - 9th
in class, slightly faster 2nd
lap and needed 2 minutes a lap more to win class, so entered this
Tuesday race and will try again.
My prize:
My prize:
Andy
Monday, May 21, 2012
US CUP Sagebrush Safari, UET #2
I was going to take a weekend off of racing (having raced the previous 3 weekends), but I couldn't resist the second race of that national Ultra Endurance tour. Also, the Pro purse was tempting.
I have to admit I was nervous about the heat. I had a horrible race in Vail 2 months ago. The heat almost broke me. But David and Annabelle were willing to carpool with me (in David's jeep), so I figured it would be a fun trip, even if it wasn't a fun race. I had heard good things about the course, though, so I expected that the single-track would be fun.
We arrived about an hour before the race start at 10 am, and it was already 80+ degrees out. I didn't have much time for a warm-up, because I still needed to register. Heidi introduced me to the SoCal Endurance team, and Jason Ranoa kindly offered to hand me my bottles at the main aid station, which we would be passing four times. (The course is a figure 8.)
I lined up early, staking out a spot at the front. As Tom explained the complicated course, an older male racer in a Bear Valley Bikes jersey lifted his bike up over the tape and plopped it down in my spot, forcing me backward. When I complained to him he remarked, "I'm doing the 50-miler." Well, sir, aren't we all?! My ire prevented me from hearing everything Tom had to say about the course, and so I knew I'd need to pay special attention to course markers and ask people where to go.
There were about 50 of us, and we were soon off. We started on a road climb and stayed together for the first few miles. Being so close to Pua at the start on a road climb reminded me of the Whiskey 50.
As soon as the really steep climbing began, the group began to break a part. At that point, two male racers who had overheard my exchange with the older racer told me that what he had done was wrong, that they didn't like the guy and that I would be seeing him bent over on the side of the trail!! I felt very heartened by the fact that the guys were so apt at identifying BS sexist behavior. It made me reflect that the vast majority of male racers actively welcome women into the sport and that only an unenlightened minority perpetuate outmoded behaviors.
After the road climb and Four Corners, we hit some AMAZING, flowing single-track. I was riding really smoothly and not getting passed and even doing some passing. Guys were even following me. I was happy to see that my racing was bringing my technical skills back. We then hit a fire road and then more single track. This second bit of single-track had a prolonged hike-a-bike section. Witnessing a male racer in front of me attempting part of it, I followed suit. Bad idea. I fell backward onto my bum, which I badly bruised. Had I pre-rode the course, I would have known not to attempt that.
At this point I can't reconstruct the course in my head. It was just too confusing. The figure 8 thing was different. Also, my spatial/geographical IQ is zero. Seriously.
My general impression was that there was a lot of fire road and road climbing and that most of the descending was awesome single-track - perfect in my book! I ended up racing with the same group of 5-6 guys and/or trading places with them. Jeff Lewis, David and Danny Munoz (who had been hit by a jeep and wasn't having a good race) were among this group. I chit-chatted a bit with some of them, and David was (of course) very encouraging. In fact, David was the only one to pass me on a descent, and he remarked that I have improved considerably on descending!
Oh, and I should mention, I was HOT. Really hot. I was so happy to get water from Jason at the main aid station and to get doused with water by a volunteer. Because of the 90+ degree weather, I really had to pace myself. I could have taken the first Los Pinos climb a lot faster, but I didn't. And that turned out to be a good call, because I started cramping in the last 10 miles, having forgotten my electrolyte tablets at home.
The 3-mile single-track descent from 4 Corners was SUBLIME!!! Even in my (very) painful state, I was able to enjoy it. That says a lot about the course. It was full of fun, swoopy corners.
Toward the end, I was really unsure of where to go, so I started asking people. I almost missed the last turn onto the final small bit of single-track (thinking that I was to go back on the road), but a guy in a car informed that the race finished with single-track. That wrong move would have disqualified me! I think the sun was baking my brain. I was so relieved to get it right. By this time (and for some time prior) I was passing a lot of the amateur racers, but I yelled out my presence way ahead of time, and they were always great about moving over.
The last 10 or 15 miles were sheer pain. The cramps weren't even the worst of it. My stomach was the worst of it. It had expanded to twice its normal size; I just couldn't process all the water I was pouring into it. I had the worst stomach cramps! And I was seriously overheating.
I finally saw the easy ups, which signaled that the start/finish was close. I sprinted the last little bit, and saw Tom wildly signally for me to slow down. I did. The announcer read off my time - 3:57. Yes! Under 4 hours! I thought it would take a good 4.5 hours.
Tom asked me how it went, and all I could manage was some muttering about how hard it was. Sorry Tom! I immediately ran over to the water table and doused myself with two water bottles of water.
After about 10 minutes I had my bearings, and I started socializing a bit and then got cleaned up before the awards. A lot of people had left or were leaving, because they just could not take the heat. However, David (who finished about a minute ahead of me), Annabelle (who finished in sub 5 hours!) and I stuck around until the end. We were having fun, despite the heat.
Annabelle's podium (first place Cat 1 40-49)
David's podium (first place Cat 1 20-29)
My podium (2nd place Open Women) - Monique Pua Mata (1st), me (2nd), Tonya Bray (3rd)
David & Annabelle with their 1st place trophies:
It was really amazing to podium with Pua (my hero!) and to get a $300 check. Also, I was 12th overall, out of about 50 men and women. And David was 10th overall. And Annabelle pulled off a sub-5 hour time. Not bad for the 3 of us!
I also had loads of fun driving up and back with David and Annabelle. It was like a mini road trip. We all plan to do the 50-miler at Big Bear in two weeks time.
Check out the press: http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/us-pro-uet-2-sage-brush-safari-50-2012/results
They point out that Pua obliterated the competition by 23 minutes, while failing to mention that I just turned Pro, have no sponsorship and have relatively little racing experience, save for a bunch of races I did 5 years ago. In any case, Pua gives me something to strive towards, and I'm grateful for that!
'Till next time,
Sarah
I have to admit I was nervous about the heat. I had a horrible race in Vail 2 months ago. The heat almost broke me. But David and Annabelle were willing to carpool with me (in David's jeep), so I figured it would be a fun trip, even if it wasn't a fun race. I had heard good things about the course, though, so I expected that the single-track would be fun.
We arrived about an hour before the race start at 10 am, and it was already 80+ degrees out. I didn't have much time for a warm-up, because I still needed to register. Heidi introduced me to the SoCal Endurance team, and Jason Ranoa kindly offered to hand me my bottles at the main aid station, which we would be passing four times. (The course is a figure 8.)
I lined up early, staking out a spot at the front. As Tom explained the complicated course, an older male racer in a Bear Valley Bikes jersey lifted his bike up over the tape and plopped it down in my spot, forcing me backward. When I complained to him he remarked, "I'm doing the 50-miler." Well, sir, aren't we all?! My ire prevented me from hearing everything Tom had to say about the course, and so I knew I'd need to pay special attention to course markers and ask people where to go.
There were about 50 of us, and we were soon off. We started on a road climb and stayed together for the first few miles. Being so close to Pua at the start on a road climb reminded me of the Whiskey 50.
As soon as the really steep climbing began, the group began to break a part. At that point, two male racers who had overheard my exchange with the older racer told me that what he had done was wrong, that they didn't like the guy and that I would be seeing him bent over on the side of the trail!! I felt very heartened by the fact that the guys were so apt at identifying BS sexist behavior. It made me reflect that the vast majority of male racers actively welcome women into the sport and that only an unenlightened minority perpetuate outmoded behaviors.
After the road climb and Four Corners, we hit some AMAZING, flowing single-track. I was riding really smoothly and not getting passed and even doing some passing. Guys were even following me. I was happy to see that my racing was bringing my technical skills back. We then hit a fire road and then more single track. This second bit of single-track had a prolonged hike-a-bike section. Witnessing a male racer in front of me attempting part of it, I followed suit. Bad idea. I fell backward onto my bum, which I badly bruised. Had I pre-rode the course, I would have known not to attempt that.
At this point I can't reconstruct the course in my head. It was just too confusing. The figure 8 thing was different. Also, my spatial/geographical IQ is zero. Seriously.
My general impression was that there was a lot of fire road and road climbing and that most of the descending was awesome single-track - perfect in my book! I ended up racing with the same group of 5-6 guys and/or trading places with them. Jeff Lewis, David and Danny Munoz (who had been hit by a jeep and wasn't having a good race) were among this group. I chit-chatted a bit with some of them, and David was (of course) very encouraging. In fact, David was the only one to pass me on a descent, and he remarked that I have improved considerably on descending!
Oh, and I should mention, I was HOT. Really hot. I was so happy to get water from Jason at the main aid station and to get doused with water by a volunteer. Because of the 90+ degree weather, I really had to pace myself. I could have taken the first Los Pinos climb a lot faster, but I didn't. And that turned out to be a good call, because I started cramping in the last 10 miles, having forgotten my electrolyte tablets at home.
The 3-mile single-track descent from 4 Corners was SUBLIME!!! Even in my (very) painful state, I was able to enjoy it. That says a lot about the course. It was full of fun, swoopy corners.
Toward the end, I was really unsure of where to go, so I started asking people. I almost missed the last turn onto the final small bit of single-track (thinking that I was to go back on the road), but a guy in a car informed that the race finished with single-track. That wrong move would have disqualified me! I think the sun was baking my brain. I was so relieved to get it right. By this time (and for some time prior) I was passing a lot of the amateur racers, but I yelled out my presence way ahead of time, and they were always great about moving over.
The last 10 or 15 miles were sheer pain. The cramps weren't even the worst of it. My stomach was the worst of it. It had expanded to twice its normal size; I just couldn't process all the water I was pouring into it. I had the worst stomach cramps! And I was seriously overheating.
I finally saw the easy ups, which signaled that the start/finish was close. I sprinted the last little bit, and saw Tom wildly signally for me to slow down. I did. The announcer read off my time - 3:57. Yes! Under 4 hours! I thought it would take a good 4.5 hours.
Tom asked me how it went, and all I could manage was some muttering about how hard it was. Sorry Tom! I immediately ran over to the water table and doused myself with two water bottles of water.
After about 10 minutes I had my bearings, and I started socializing a bit and then got cleaned up before the awards. A lot of people had left or were leaving, because they just could not take the heat. However, David (who finished about a minute ahead of me), Annabelle (who finished in sub 5 hours!) and I stuck around until the end. We were having fun, despite the heat.
Annabelle's podium (first place Cat 1 40-49)
David's podium (first place Cat 1 20-29)
My podium (2nd place Open Women) - Monique Pua Mata (1st), me (2nd), Tonya Bray (3rd)
David & Annabelle with their 1st place trophies:
It was really amazing to podium with Pua (my hero!) and to get a $300 check. Also, I was 12th overall, out of about 50 men and women. And David was 10th overall. And Annabelle pulled off a sub-5 hour time. Not bad for the 3 of us!
I also had loads of fun driving up and back with David and Annabelle. It was like a mini road trip. We all plan to do the 50-miler at Big Bear in two weeks time.
Check out the press: http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/us-pro-uet-2-sage-brush-safari-50-2012/results
They point out that Pua obliterated the competition by 23 minutes, while failing to mention that I just turned Pro, have no sponsorship and have relatively little racing experience, save for a bunch of races I did 5 years ago. In any case, Pua gives me something to strive towards, and I'm grateful for that!
'Till next time,
Sarah
Sarah's Traverse Race Report: How I almost won the Traverse
While I was excited to do my first Traverse and to support a SAW Sports Productions race, I was a little sick of racing. It would be my 3rd weekend of racing, after Whiskey 50 and the Idyllwild Spring Challenge. But I think supporting local races is important, as I emphasized on socaltrailriders. So, I sucked it up and went to the packet pick-up and raffle Thursday night. There was tons of swag, and I won an expensive helmet. Score! And when Saturday morning rolled around, I found myself lined up at the start, with my friend AJ Sura snapping pics of me:
Only about 40 people showed for the full Traverse, with another 20 or so people doing the "light" version (i.e., Blackstar-Motorway). The start was pretty casual. Kirk explained the course and then dropped his hat - the signal to "go."
To my surprise, I was leading, and several guys were drafting me. I recall thinking, "something is seriously wrong with this picture." That didn't last for long, however. Danny Munoz powered out to the front, and three other guys followed. I couldn't hold on, so I didn't get to draft to the dirt, which was a bummer. I shouldn't have started out so fast. I was overly eager.
But, on the bright side, Danny set a fast pace, and I'm guessing he may have blown some of the other guys up. I passed #4 soon after the dirt and #3 at the top of Blackstar. This being my third week in a row of long races, l felt tired. I was just trying to pace myself.
At Motorway I ran into Joel Titius, the teenager who smashed the Counting Coup record, with a time of 3:40!! We rode to 4 Corners more or less together. He was very nice, and we chatted a bit.
Having never ridden that portion, my motivation was sapped. I didn't feel like I had loads of energy. I just wanted it to end. Where the heck was 4 Corners, and why was this taking so long?!
At 4 Corners I stopped for 2 minutes. Seeing AJ there, I regretted not giving her my bottles. I had to mix and refill my bottles myself. I had some Gatorade as well. Thanks AJ for the pics:
The stop must have been good for my legs, because suddenly I had loads of energy. I actually had to reign it in a little bit. I charged up to the Peak, but I could see that #3 wasn't far back.
After Lower Holy Jim I soon spotted #2, Nick. I sort of slowed to his pace for a minute to recoup some energy for the next haul. I judged that he wasn't as strong as I on the downhills and that if I opened up a gap he wouldn't be able to play catch-up on Trabuco. So, I put the hammer down and released my stored energy. Suddenly, I was right behind Danny at around The Wall. Hearing me behind him (he though I was Nick), he sped up.
Still, I managed to get pretty close to him by the top of Trabuco, but I don't think he saw me. I railed Trabuco (I got the QOM!) and almost caught him by the end, but it was too late ... . I knew that I couldn't make up time in the wash. Powering on flats is my weakness for sure. Even so, I kept the gap about the same, and I finished 25 second behind Danny, who very surprised to learn that I was not in fact Nick! Danny had actually had a bad race, getting two flats. Later he told me that he wished that I had won - a woman winning the Traverse would be a first!
Keith and I chatting with Danny:
The most inspirational story of the day (at least for me) was that a mother and daughter duo finished the Traverse. Meet (from left to right) presumably grandma Prazak and finishers Lyndee and Tawnee Prazak:
Later, Keith and I headed over to O'Neil park for the BBQ and award. The dogs frolicked, and the grownups hung out. Me with my medal:
Only about 40 people showed for the full Traverse, with another 20 or so people doing the "light" version (i.e., Blackstar-Motorway). The start was pretty casual. Kirk explained the course and then dropped his hat - the signal to "go."
To my surprise, I was leading, and several guys were drafting me. I recall thinking, "something is seriously wrong with this picture." That didn't last for long, however. Danny Munoz powered out to the front, and three other guys followed. I couldn't hold on, so I didn't get to draft to the dirt, which was a bummer. I shouldn't have started out so fast. I was overly eager.
But, on the bright side, Danny set a fast pace, and I'm guessing he may have blown some of the other guys up. I passed #4 soon after the dirt and #3 at the top of Blackstar. This being my third week in a row of long races, l felt tired. I was just trying to pace myself.
At Motorway I ran into Joel Titius, the teenager who smashed the Counting Coup record, with a time of 3:40!! We rode to 4 Corners more or less together. He was very nice, and we chatted a bit.
Having never ridden that portion, my motivation was sapped. I didn't feel like I had loads of energy. I just wanted it to end. Where the heck was 4 Corners, and why was this taking so long?!
At 4 Corners I stopped for 2 minutes. Seeing AJ there, I regretted not giving her my bottles. I had to mix and refill my bottles myself. I had some Gatorade as well. Thanks AJ for the pics:
The stop must have been good for my legs, because suddenly I had loads of energy. I actually had to reign it in a little bit. I charged up to the Peak, but I could see that #3 wasn't far back.
After Lower Holy Jim I soon spotted #2, Nick. I sort of slowed to his pace for a minute to recoup some energy for the next haul. I judged that he wasn't as strong as I on the downhills and that if I opened up a gap he wouldn't be able to play catch-up on Trabuco. So, I put the hammer down and released my stored energy. Suddenly, I was right behind Danny at around The Wall. Hearing me behind him (he though I was Nick), he sped up.
Still, I managed to get pretty close to him by the top of Trabuco, but I don't think he saw me. I railed Trabuco (I got the QOM!) and almost caught him by the end, but it was too late ... . I knew that I couldn't make up time in the wash. Powering on flats is my weakness for sure. Even so, I kept the gap about the same, and I finished 25 second behind Danny, who very surprised to learn that I was not in fact Nick! Danny had actually had a bad race, getting two flats. Later he told me that he wished that I had won - a woman winning the Traverse would be a first!
Keith and I chatting with Danny:
The most inspirational story of the day (at least for me) was that a mother and daughter duo finished the Traverse. Meet (from left to right) presumably grandma Prazak and finishers Lyndee and Tawnee Prazak:
Later, Keith and I headed over to O'Neil park for the BBQ and award. The dogs frolicked, and the grownups hung out. Me with my medal:
Sarah's Idyllwild Spring Challenge race report
I have been wanting to do this race for years, and I finally managed it! The race was remarkably well organized, and the course was fun (as well as excruciating) in places. There was a very good Pro payout (equal for men and women) as well. Even better, it wasn't too hot.
So organized:
They even had a free doggie daycare. Our dog Teddy is the little tan dog:
However, I didn't have the best start or the best finish. It was a learning experience. This race didn't go exactly as planned, despite the fact that my legs felt pretty good. (I had raced Whiskey 50 the week prior). I lined up at the start in front. In hindsight, I should have lined up behind Allison Mann, which is exactly what Tonya Bray (a local Pro) did. I realized my error immediately. Allison Mann was off and in the lead, with Tonya trailing her. Leslie Patterson and I were close behind. Very quickly Allison Mann started to pull out a gap, but Leslie and I had nowhere to get around Tonya, because the race starts on single-track. Finally on Keen I got around Tonya and tried to catch Allison up. I very nearly did, but she hit the descent before the meadow before I could catch her.
Start (8 Pro women):
Bottom of Keen Camp w/ Leslie Patterson trailing:
There went my race plan. I knew that Allison knows that course inside and out, and I was hoping to hold onto her on some of the downhills so as to get a time advantage. Sure enough, she pulled way away from me on that descent.
Leslie was still close behind, so I was really working it. I didn't know at the time, but Leslie Patterson is the 2011 (and now 2012!) Xterra World Champion. I am sort of glad I didn't know this at the time, as it would have freaked me out. Anyway, I tried to stay ahead of her on the fire road after the meadow, because I knew that narrow single-track would follow shortly. I was happy that I managed to do this. For the next 15 or so miles I didn't see Leslie. I had (fortunately) pre-rode the infamous Lower Southridge trail, so I rode that really smoothly (save for one minor fall), and I think I opened up a pretty big gap there and got back onto May Valley Road in good time.
By this time, I was going back and forth with a Pro man, Derek Hermon. He was a lot faster on the descents, and I was a lot faster on the ascents. We would be trading places for the remainder of the race.
When I hit the Saunder's Meadow Rd. & Pine Ave. climb (the steepest, most sustained climb on the course) I was very glad that I had rode the 7 Sisters a lot in training. This was worse. Definitely. I think I put in a good effort, despite feeling like I might have to get off. (I didn't.) At the top someone informed me that I was 2 minutes behind Allison Mann.
This information had the opposite effect of what it should have had. I should have tried to chase her down, but instead I figured that there was no way I could possibly beat Allison Mann and I just ought to settle for 2nd place, which I figured I had in the bag at this point. That black jersey I spotted way down the road may or may not have been Leslie, but in any case I figured 2nd place and $500 was mine.
At this point there was a good deal of up and down single-track until the finish, but at least the sustained climbing was over. I started to ride slower, and the guys I had passed on the pervious climb came flying past me. In addition, I was starting to bonk in a big way. Darn Heed! I just was not riding that smoothly or efficiently. Up and down riding always saps my energy, as I'm more accustomed to long fire road climbs of the sort we see in the Santa Anna's. So, this is definitely something I need to work on.
In any case, I paid a price for my slowness and for letting my guard down. Out of the blue Leslie was right behind me, maybe 5 miles from the finish. I stayed ahead for a couple miles, but she was right there. I couldn't lose her, despite my best efforts. I really did speed up considerably, but it was too late. In addition, I was riding sloppy. I rode up to a big rock drop which I shouldn't have attempted but did (in my panic). I crashed and lost my chain. While I was scrambling to put the chain back on my bike Leslie kindly asked whether I was okay. She assured me that I would catch her back up, and then she took off. What a nice girl!
But I was demoralized and running out of steam. I started reeling some of the guys back in, but I couldn't find Leslie. I knew she had to know I was close behind and was giving it her all. I started to give up. Still, I was happy to be 3rd in a field of 8 Pro women, and I crossed the finish line with a smile. I learned a few lesson both about nutrition, starting and the mental game of racing, and I hope to apply them in the future! Also, getting beaten by a minute-and-a-half by an Xterra World Champion isn't so bad for my 2nd Pro race. :-)
After the race, Leslie introduced herself. She's Scottish, and her husband is English. Keith is also English, so we had a lot to chat about. I congratulated her and was proud of myself for being so sportsmanlike.
That evening Keith and I got some good food at one of our favorite restaurants, Gastronome in Idyllwild village. Afterward we hung out with the Mann's at their fire pit, which was really nice.
Then we crashed early, and Teddy and Keith snuggled up to each other for warmth:
The next day we left Teddy at the campsite for two hours (he's remarkably well-behaved and sought shade in the tent) and did a mellow ride.
I was pretty exhausted afterward. Two weekends in a row of racing was catching up with me:
We managed to squeeze in a hike with Teddy, who was very happy. I donned my Vibram trail shoes:
All in all, it was a really fun and relaxing trip, even if it wasn't my best race. You can read Allison Mann's writeup of the Idyllwild Spring Challenge on MTB Race News: http://www.mtbracenews.com/news/idyllwild-spring-challenge-tinker-juarez-allison-mann-california
So organized:
They even had a free doggie daycare. Our dog Teddy is the little tan dog:
However, I didn't have the best start or the best finish. It was a learning experience. This race didn't go exactly as planned, despite the fact that my legs felt pretty good. (I had raced Whiskey 50 the week prior). I lined up at the start in front. In hindsight, I should have lined up behind Allison Mann, which is exactly what Tonya Bray (a local Pro) did. I realized my error immediately. Allison Mann was off and in the lead, with Tonya trailing her. Leslie Patterson and I were close behind. Very quickly Allison Mann started to pull out a gap, but Leslie and I had nowhere to get around Tonya, because the race starts on single-track. Finally on Keen I got around Tonya and tried to catch Allison up. I very nearly did, but she hit the descent before the meadow before I could catch her.
Start (8 Pro women):
Bottom of Keen Camp w/ Leslie Patterson trailing:
There went my race plan. I knew that Allison knows that course inside and out, and I was hoping to hold onto her on some of the downhills so as to get a time advantage. Sure enough, she pulled way away from me on that descent.
Leslie was still close behind, so I was really working it. I didn't know at the time, but Leslie Patterson is the 2011 (and now 2012!) Xterra World Champion. I am sort of glad I didn't know this at the time, as it would have freaked me out. Anyway, I tried to stay ahead of her on the fire road after the meadow, because I knew that narrow single-track would follow shortly. I was happy that I managed to do this. For the next 15 or so miles I didn't see Leslie. I had (fortunately) pre-rode the infamous Lower Southridge trail, so I rode that really smoothly (save for one minor fall), and I think I opened up a pretty big gap there and got back onto May Valley Road in good time.
By this time, I was going back and forth with a Pro man, Derek Hermon. He was a lot faster on the descents, and I was a lot faster on the ascents. We would be trading places for the remainder of the race.
When I hit the Saunder's Meadow Rd. & Pine Ave. climb (the steepest, most sustained climb on the course) I was very glad that I had rode the 7 Sisters a lot in training. This was worse. Definitely. I think I put in a good effort, despite feeling like I might have to get off. (I didn't.) At the top someone informed me that I was 2 minutes behind Allison Mann.
This information had the opposite effect of what it should have had. I should have tried to chase her down, but instead I figured that there was no way I could possibly beat Allison Mann and I just ought to settle for 2nd place, which I figured I had in the bag at this point. That black jersey I spotted way down the road may or may not have been Leslie, but in any case I figured 2nd place and $500 was mine.
At this point there was a good deal of up and down single-track until the finish, but at least the sustained climbing was over. I started to ride slower, and the guys I had passed on the pervious climb came flying past me. In addition, I was starting to bonk in a big way. Darn Heed! I just was not riding that smoothly or efficiently. Up and down riding always saps my energy, as I'm more accustomed to long fire road climbs of the sort we see in the Santa Anna's. So, this is definitely something I need to work on.
In any case, I paid a price for my slowness and for letting my guard down. Out of the blue Leslie was right behind me, maybe 5 miles from the finish. I stayed ahead for a couple miles, but she was right there. I couldn't lose her, despite my best efforts. I really did speed up considerably, but it was too late. In addition, I was riding sloppy. I rode up to a big rock drop which I shouldn't have attempted but did (in my panic). I crashed and lost my chain. While I was scrambling to put the chain back on my bike Leslie kindly asked whether I was okay. She assured me that I would catch her back up, and then she took off. What a nice girl!
But I was demoralized and running out of steam. I started reeling some of the guys back in, but I couldn't find Leslie. I knew she had to know I was close behind and was giving it her all. I started to give up. Still, I was happy to be 3rd in a field of 8 Pro women, and I crossed the finish line with a smile. I learned a few lesson both about nutrition, starting and the mental game of racing, and I hope to apply them in the future! Also, getting beaten by a minute-and-a-half by an Xterra World Champion isn't so bad for my 2nd Pro race. :-)
After the race, Leslie introduced herself. She's Scottish, and her husband is English. Keith is also English, so we had a lot to chat about. I congratulated her and was proud of myself for being so sportsmanlike.
That evening Keith and I got some good food at one of our favorite restaurants, Gastronome in Idyllwild village. Afterward we hung out with the Mann's at their fire pit, which was really nice.
Then we crashed early, and Teddy and Keith snuggled up to each other for warmth:
The next day we left Teddy at the campsite for two hours (he's remarkably well-behaved and sought shade in the tent) and did a mellow ride.
I was pretty exhausted afterward. Two weekends in a row of racing was catching up with me:
We managed to squeeze in a hike with Teddy, who was very happy. I donned my Vibram trail shoes:
All in all, it was a really fun and relaxing trip, even if it wasn't my best race. You can read Allison Mann's writeup of the Idyllwild Spring Challenge on MTB Race News: http://www.mtbracenews.com/news/idyllwild-spring-challenge-tinker-juarez-allison-mann-california
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