Race Summary-2019

I hope ya'll enjoyed the little gift.  I decided to leave that post for a while and it appears to have had quite a few views.  What a great way to start the day.  I seriously had that in my head ALL DAY!

Generally speaking, this year was completely different.  From the loss of a principle donor, to limited rides.  All things considered, it seemed I got exactly what I needed, when needed - from start to finish.  There is stuff I need to do for next year, but I'll worry about that later.

The Start to Montpelier

At start time, we had nearly 60 riders in our assigned group.  Everything from some dang good riders, to the lowly Cat V's, like myself.  At the line, nobody wanted to be upfront.  There was seriously a five-foot gap between the starting line and the group.  From the start the group really never did form-up well.  The front of the pack was dangerously mixed.  About 1/3 the way back, it finally got into two lines.  This was too much like 2015 when we had the big crash 24 miles out.  We reeled in several stragglers early which was kind of weird.  At least one of our guys fell off before Preston, which again was very odd.  At the point where the Sportive riders met with us, we had a very large group.  The first two climbs just before Riverdale was a bit nerve racking.  Somehow, on the last climb prior to the fast descent, I fell way to the back of both groups and found myself trying to catch up on the downhill.  At the turn, I knew I would be in no-mans-land if I couldn't catch them, so I spent about 15 minutes trying to close the gap.  Every time I would get closer, they would gap me again.  I finally knew my limits, and realized I would be stupid to think I could afford to spend that kind of energy that early.  I let them go and settled into to what I knew would be a lonely climb to the top.  The groups I could catch were too slow.  The groups that came by, were too fast.  That's what happens in the early part of the race.  But for me, my race was over - 20+ miles sooner than I would have liked.  For the next hour, I counted as the groups behind me managed to catch and pass me, until I got to the false summit.  Coming over the top, I passed the neutral feed zone (as usual) and set my sights on the first fast group to come around me.  Right off the top, at the big curve, a string of maybe 25, mixed and very fast riders came to my left.  I simply couldn't position myself to catch a wheel - safely.  At this point, we had a real race and I was losing.  I pushed it hard trying to make the gap, but again, they were just a tad far and way fast.  I had to settle for some smaller, less aggressive groups, that still got me into Montpelier feeling healthy, but a little defeated.  In the end, several of the guys that stayed on the main group fell behind me, due to the energy they spent trying to hang on.

Montpelier to Afton

Out of Montpelier, I managed to get over Geneva summit without any problems.  My max speed came on this descent at only 52 MPH.  The hop over to salt River and KOM was not too bad either.  I did stop for a maybe a minute to get water at the water neutral, as I didn't want to hit KOM dry.  I didn't need it.  My KOM time was pretty slow, as I stopped to help a guy from our group that was locked-up.  Bad idea on my part, as my time was rolling and he was well past help.  Over the top, it was a stiff head wind all the way into Smoot, pedaling my guts out, trying to hold 45 MPH down the back side, that I've pegged at over 55 MPH without any effort in the past.  Groups forming together heading toward Afton helped make up time.  By the time we were about a mile out of Afton, another group of about 30 jumped on us making it sketchy.  I backed off with only a couple minutes to the feed zone.  A good thing, as a guy I had been trading time upfront with, crashed going into the feed zone.  Big bummer.

Afton to Alpine

Going to Alpine was terribly windy with hard hard gust out of the west.  Some groups were better than others, but one in particular dang near took me out.  A larger group merged into our group and made a real mess of things.  With heavy traffic and rumble strips on the left, it is hard to roll back off the front.  Somehow, the group pushed me into the soft shoulder on the right, but I managed to ride through - without hitting a deliniator.  From there, I gassed it and pulled well away from those idiots.  Better tired, than picking gravel out of my elbows.  Alpine was a pretty good clip and I actually felt healthy.

Heading for the gate - Alpine to Teton Village

The final push up Snake River canyon was steady.  I managed to make the top in pretty good time.  Knowing what I needed to finish, I pounded a small RedBull and pushed into Hoeback.  At the narrows, I was behind a group of women riders that were leading those of us behind into every pot-hole in Wyoming.  I'm not sure, but I think the guy behind me crashed because of this.  Suddenly, he just wasn't there.  As soon as I could, I jumped out past the group and pushed hard to the highway crossing.  For once, I had plenty in the tank.  More like, I didn't feel sick, as was the case the past three years.  At the bike trail, I was getting a little impatient, with the sun still showing on Wilson.  I hooked up with another guy that I know and pulled him within about a mile of finish.  I told him to jump off and go in hard, but he was pretty cooked.  We both finished together.

Post Race

At the trail walking back, I felt great.  My time wasn't terrible, just not good.  But I didn't feel bad at all.  I actually threw my four-year old on my shoulders and carried him out to the truck.  It was a pretty good day.

The next morning we left Driggs and headed out to Swan Valley.  What a beautiful drive.  The rain let off just long enough to stop in Randolph at the reliable City park.  Driving back over Monte, it kind of hit me......the season was over and I likely wouldn't see this road again until next year.  That's the way I wanted it to be; ending, but wanting a little more. 

Back to the Dirt.......

Time to ride the dirt............and the dirt we did ride last weekend.  Swing back in a day or so for a little update on our dirt ride this past weekend.  It was a ton of fun.

Thanks from the Porpoise

Thanks to all the supporters that made this all happen.  You are what makes the Porpoise the machine it is.

Stick around.......there is still a lot of riding to do this fall.

Click here - OH WELL......Part 1

Ride HARD!

A gift

Click here. It's okay - sing along "Mr. Blue Sky"

Pass this one along - please.  It's a good day.

........"please turn me over".

Prep Day

A little better look at Ben Lomond from last nights MTB ride

 Picked up the packet last night and completed check-in.  Conditions look to be.........whatever they will be.  At this point its all about execution, discipline and luck.

Had a new chain put on the Six13 this afternoon.  Apparently I rode more and harder than I thought.  Swapped out one tire with another R3.  Swapped out the seat-wedge (tool bag) with the smaller one for the race.  Attached the frame number and a quick lube and minor check........ready to ride.

I won't bore you with the usual "night before" details.  You can go back and look at one of the last couple of years.  I'm very nervous as usual.  There is soooo much that can happen, and that much more that has to happen.  I know there are a handful of very fast, very good riders in my group.  I'm hoping I can find a group that fits my effort and stay with them.

I think I've over caffeinated the past couple of years.  This year I plan to simplify my nutrition and feeding.  I'll carry two Ensure Plus out of each feed zone, including the start. Two Gu's under my cuffs for emergency energy.  A couple bananas early.  Pineapple at Afton.  Cinnamon bears, fruit snacks and Cliff Blocks in my left pocket - all the time.  Hydration will be almost exclusively Power Ade, with maybe a mix of Cytomax and Tang.  Pickle juice at all three support stops, with an 8 oz Redbull in the pocket for Hoeback junction and maybe one out of Montpelier.  I'm figuring an average of 800 calories an hour, which is hard to replenish.

Overall, I'm excited, but more, I'm impressed with all the support that has rolled in, over the past few days.  I'm overwhelmed and somewhat worn down by everything.  It will be good to get past this one.  Thanks for showing up - again.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow morning for a little something to make you smile.  Please pass it along after you do.

It's okay to turn this one up to 11..............

Click here "KEEP THE FAITH!"

Keep it!

Last minute details...........

See the explanation below

Assessment

Time is running short, so tonight I took the road bike out for a quick tempo ride.  This is traditionally where I get my last look at all the critical equipment - myself included.  I didn't like the way the bike was shifting, but other than that, it ran fast.  My overall time was two full minutes faster than last year, with lower heart rates all around.  This was compared to my tempo ride almost exactly one year ago to the minute.  A few edges to knock off, but for the most part, I know where I'm at........ oh boy.

Important stuff  - Read This!

So, the image above is kind of where it all started several years ago.  If you recognize the name, go to the donation tab and see the relationship (even if you choose not to donate).  The year before this picture was taken, I first decided to ride for Huntsman.  I think it was my fifth year riding LOTOJA - or something like that.  If I remember, it was early that summer when I decided to send and email out to as many relatives as I could find contact information.  It was shortly after that, I learned my cousin Mindy had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Some type of cancer anyway.  So I struggled through that year and made it work.  The next year I started the "Porpoise" with great designs and ideas - what did I know?  It kind of sputtered...........okay, was barley getting any views.  The night before the race, I was pinning my number on my jersey and spontaneously had the idea to write her name on my left sleeve.  I was riding a men's Cat V, that started just about 07:30 in the morning.  Just before I rolled to the line, I had my support crew take this picture and send it to my sisters - since I don't do the social media thing.  That race was brutal and having that on my sleeve was a reminder of what it means to suffer for something beside myself.  It kept me focused.  That was Saturday.  The following Monday morning I got word she had lost her fight with the "big-C".  I'll leave it there..............

Whether it is for Melinda, Marion (her husband that also was taken by cancer the next year), Jill, John, or Hadley "my hero", it is why I ride.  It is why I need your support - whatever you may have to give.  As I've said before, if you can't give to this cause, buy a cup of soup for that guy on the corner.  Help an elderly neighbor.  Whatever it is, give to make a difference.  Do it while you can, because you can.

What to expect........

Tomorrow is packet pickup and registration.  The next post will be Friday, with some details of the pending race plan.  A special Post Saturday morning, as a gift from the "Porpoise" to everyone that checks in.  I promise, it will make you smile.

Click on this one and Enjoy the moment........

Ride HARD!

Details

Bike mechanic

Gave the road bike a good cleaning and going over yesterday.  I need to get out for a solid tempo ride to check all the details.  Last night was a pretty good mountain bike ride over Mules Ear.  I had set my goal to knock a solid 4 minutes off my best time registered on the Garmin.  Pretty darn close, less than 30 seconds off my target.  Still, my heart rate wasn't nearly as high as I'd hoped and my fatigue was only marginal.  So why didn't I beat my time?  Good question.  The climb to the summit was the fastest I've ever climbed it, but I had to back-off on the descent.  The north side trail is getting pretty chewed up, making it too risking to go "full wide open".  I still think I could beat the time I was after, but that will have to wait until after race day.

Prep notes

Talking to one of the other riders this afternoon, we were comparing notes.  Funny how nobody ever seems to be ready for race day.  I was reading one of my previous riding logs from 2013.  The night before packet pickup, I had written "ready as ever".  That was on top of 2500+ miles and a ton of preparation.  Since then, I've never quite felt up to the task.  Last year with the broken flipper, I really felt lacking.  This year I haven't kept track of any road miles, and only rides with my Garmin.  I only made to Woodruff three times this year, down from previous years, but I have a ton more intensity rides with the mountain bike.  At this point, it doesn't matter.  You have what you'll have race day.  The one thing I have is considerable experience.  If I can keep my mind straight, I can make a lot of things happen, but race day has many a "dark place".

Lessons Learned

I've also been reviewing my ride nutrition and hydration.  I'm pretty sure the past three years I've taken in way too much caffeine along the ride.  I need to go back to some basics and throttle back the caffeine early and stay to a predetermined amount at key points.  I was watching some videos of other guys riding LOTOJA and noticed everyone carrying pockets full of stuff they weren't using.  Huh, that's exactly what I do.  This year I'll go with some basics and keep things simple.  I'll also minimize how much I'll consume in the feed zones.  That is always a killer.  You eat way too much, which sends a bunch of blood to the wrong places and then try to make things work.  A solid recipe for the "bonk".  Figuring a burn rate of something like 800 calories an hour on average, it is simply not wise to expect to consume that in a feed zone, all at once.  I can manage 600 calories an hour intake while on the bike, with a little to make up at the feed zones.  After the first three hours, everything you started the race on is gone.  After about five hours, there is no time, nor energy for digestion.  You pretty much have to go straight into the blood stream.  At about eight hours, you need the extra kick - caffeine.  At that point you are on the edge of the bonk - all the time.  Upset stomach, lack of energy, maybe cramping - there is a lot to manage and over come.

Donations

Hats off to my bro Greg and his better half.  As they have done in the past, they came through for the "Porpoise".  So.........he not a bro on the tree, but one that I have learned a lot of life's lessons from over the years.  Still a guy I'm lucky to call a true friend.  Thanks man!

Stick around.

Click Here - "Living in the USA" Somebody get me a cheese burger!

Ride HARD!

The right ride.........

......for the right day

There are times you just seem to have the rigfht ride for the right day.  And boy, does it matter.  There are so many things that have to align - and this year, I've seemed to have had my fair share of them.

Still the greatest ride ever

The 1989 Tour de France final time trial was exactly that.  Greg LeMond (a freaking stud!) had been off the tour for two years from a hunting accident, following his incredible and improbable win in '86.  At this final stage, he is literally only 50 seconds behind the leader, after 21 days and a couple thousand miles of racing.  Most people still don't know that he has something like 35 - 40 lead pellets still in his body - in very dangerous places.  With that setup, watch this video of that final race. 

I don't care what anyone says.  He was "bread and water" (clean) and still an inspiration.

Click Here for the most amazing thing in cycling

Kind of gives "Ride HARD" a different meaning.......

Bring it on home

Last look at this sign for 2019 - at least on the bike......

Making it work

I had planned to ride Woodruff Tuesday, but was still pretty "gummed-up" after the hot weekend.  Modifications to the schedule did put me back on the dirt for some shorter "soaks" with higher intensity stuff.  Frankly, I have a hard time getting my heart rate up on long solo rides.  I either need to do sprint intervals, or just get on the dirt.  Yesterday morning was a pretty intense dirt ride, but also pretty relaxing - if you can have one with the other.  Nobody on the trails, and ieal conditions to put a good burn on the cardio.  After talking to my buddy down the road, it became clear - I needed one last hard ride over the top.

Last minute decision to go....

The ride out this morning was warmer than the last few week weeks.Stupid head-wind well past Red Cliff really made it difficult.  Still, good cloud cover nearly all the way over.  At the top, I still had one full water bottle and maybe a third of the other, so I didn't stop at the camp ground.  I lost about 3 minutes from my previous attempts, passing the camp ground, but was almost spot on at the snow-gate.  In town, I did manage to makeup about a minute overall, but could sense the winds already changing direction for the effort back.  Took a few extra minutes at the store to answer a few messages, but then got right back on the road.  Pretty much like last go around, dang wind right from the second I hit the road.  There were times in the canyon it blew so hard I had to go to the bailout gear.  As much as it hurt, I stayed on it until the camp ground - where I stopped for water.  I didn't have a full bottle, but I new I had a head-wind going down and would likely catch the heat - don't take any chances.  Sure enough, I fought the wind all the way back.  Using the DT Swiss wheel-set has been a tremendous advantage in the wind.  My RXL set with the bladed spokes simple gets blown around too much.  The brakes were literally wide open almost all the way down. I was so tired, I just wanted to put a fork in it.  The wind coming up South Fork was unbelievable.  I was having to go into the drops to duck out of the wind.  Even out of the canyon, it was a struggle.  The overall time wasn't to great, but it did instill some confidence. With just over a week to go, there will be no more of that nonsense.  Maybe a couple tempo rides on the road bike, but some short, fairly intense dirt rides.  May be a couple early morning spins downstairs before work.  Just maintenance at this point.

Looking out toward the Uinta Range, Just before hitting it hard going home.

Monte/Woodruff

I love Monte and the times I get to visit with the people in Woodruff.  This year was a little short on the number of visits, as well as the time chatting, but it is a place like no other for me.  It's always a little melancholy when I know it is the last ride over there for the year.  We typically come home from the race going that way, but it seems so different just driving through on a quiet Sunday afternoon.  Thanks to the truly awesome people in Woodruff.  I can't say enough, nor be complete......so I'll leave it at that.

More to come this week

Should be posting most every day for the next week.  We've gotta fire up the donation machine - before it's too late.

Thanks Kerry

So, I texted my buddy, who is truly an inspiration.  I told him it was either shame, or inspiration that pushed me over that mountain today ( thanks for keeping my head screwed on straight).  I don't know, but maybe I just wanted to make this post with the link that I can never use other wise.

Bring it on Home - Click it  You only get to use this when you finish the year doing it right.

Ride HARD!