Hammer Head

This was my first time competing in the Hammer Head 100.  Of course...I didn't sign up for the 100 miler, instead I entered in the 25 mile open women class. Going into the race, I had no expectations for a podium finish, and I just figured it would be a great way to get a training ride in.  Prior to the race, I did a couple 25 mile road rides on my MTB, and I also managed to squeeze in a couple extra sessions on my trainer.  So, with the exception of waking up at the butt crack of dawn on race day, I was feeling great!!!

After arriving at the Landbridge Trailhead, I was really surprised to see so many riders. There was 105 racers competing in the 25 miler (only 12 of them were women).  And I was super happy my Dad was going to be racing with me.  He's gotten a little slower these past few years (because he works about a gazillion hours a week and has no time to train), but we had a plan.  He would ride with me until he felt like his legs would fall off, and then I would pull away.  I just liked knowing he was behind me in case anything happened.

The race began with a controlled start for about 2 miles.  This gave me a chance to get ahead of 2 women before reaching the single track.  So, I'm pretty sure I was the 5th girl going into the woods.  After about 7 miles in,  I was finally able to pass another woman on a climb (she was super fast on the flats but was struggling with the technical stuff).  I, then caught up with Connor (Leroy's CycleYouth teammate) around mile 17, switching positions with him for a couple miles. Ditched my Dad at mile 20.  While trying to keep up with Connor's fast pace, I ended up passing 2 more women, finishing the race in 2nd place.





I officially met Duffy who rides for the Rose Bandits.  She's super cool and gave me these awesome glasses.

 

Alafia Classic 6 Hour

I signed up for the Hard Course knowing exactly what I was getting myself into.  I knew that I would be up against some super fast ladies, but I was okay with that.  I liked the HC much better and figured if I had to ride for 6 hours, I might as well have some fun.

It's been a long time since I did a 6 hour race SOLO.  So-I must confess-during this race, I made lots and lots of mistakes. Proper nutrition and pacing myself- those would be the biggies.

Lap 1- Very slow start, I practically had to walk my bike through River Loop because there was so much bike traffic.   Now, before I go any further, let me ask you something. Did anyone see that pedal sticking out of the ground at the beginning of Roller Coaster???  Well, unfortunately I didn't and ended up flipping over my bars, bruising my thigh, and hit my head.

Lap 2-Moving on, I was being pushed by some speedy lady. I later found out that she wasn't even in my class.  All that wasted energy to stay ahead of her, and for what, so I can burn myself out.  That was dumb!!  Break time again, needed to recover.

Lap 3- I started to get some killer leg cramps, and my back was in bad shape from all those roots on River Loop (a full suspension bike would be nice)  So, off the bike again for a short break. Got "the talk" from my Mom and Dad about staying hydrated.  And I have to admit they were right, I only had a half of a water bottle during my 3 laps.

Lap 4- Slowed down the pace.  I knew I didn't have a chance at a podium finish, so I was working towards my personal goal.

Lap 5-  A little motivation (bribe) from my Dad had me continuing on.  Yep, not ashamed to admit.  I was promised a set of ceramic bearings for my skateboard.  So, I kept pedaling.


Lap 6-  Well, there was no lap 6 for me.  Missed the deadline by 6 minutes. Maybe next year!! 

Meet Josselyn!!  Here's one of the rare times I get to see her, usually I'm eating her dust!!  Thanks for being so awesome!!!