Well, after triathlons, marathons, and child birth...this was the hardest event I have ever done! Really, before my ranting goes any further, it was a great experience - but I never expected the body strain due to dehydration that I had. After consuming over 350 ounces of liquid and over 30 Endurolyte pills, I still had muscle cramps starting at the 85 miler marker - all the way in. It was interesting managing your body when it wants to quit (because the cramping doesn't stop), and still trying to drive the pedals forward! I learned about my body in this race more than any other race I have ever done! After reviewing my situation, it became apparent that I did not start my fluid intake early enough - hence I was always trying to catch up to my body and that wasn't going to happen with temps approaching 110F on the blacktop! Enough complaining Weckinator....on with the review and some pictures!!!
David Stoncipher (Cycling God) and I arrived at 5:00am to get in the starting grid. This was a great move because we were about 50 yards from the start-line and only had a 7 minute delay between the start of the race and our actual crossing of the start line. We chilled for a couple for hours taking in the sites and crowd!
The mass of cyclist is really something to see. There were about 12,000 participates in this year's 25th anniversary race. It took some of the people up to 1 hour to cross the START line once the race began. It takes a long time to get that many people with bikes headed down the road.
The longest ride I had done prior to this rally was a 78 miler in Dallas. We did this in the morning when the temps were in the low 80's. I think if I EVER do this race again, I would change my training regime. You really need to do some long, long bike rides in the heat. I had no idea that I would fall so far behind in my hydration. The picture below is right after crossing the finish line - I have even gotten off my bike yet. It looks like I am happy and smiling (which I was), but really it was wincing from the muscle cramps in my legs!
But...all's well that ends well! David and I had a great dinner and a few beers to begin the rehydration process! I know a bunch of HHH100 riders from Dallas didn't make the cut off at Hell's Gate (60 miles into the race). They closed this due to the heat and wind conditions on the course - their reasoning was good, but a lot people were not happy. I got lucky...my first 50 miles went by quickly, but I pay for it in the last 10.
More pictures coming, once I get them developed - yes I took a disposable camera on the ride with me. Until then, I would rather remember this portion of the day!
Here is my time info...
Chip time 6 hours 40 minutes - place was 78 in age group (although LOTS of riders did not wear timing chips.) My Garmin registered 5 hours 40 minutes of true ride time (average 17.8 miles per hour). The difference between these two times is the time I spent at the rest stops during the race. I didn't stop at all within the first 50 miles, but then stopped at 50, 70, 80, 90 mile rest stops. All-in-all it was quite an experience!
