As if 6,000 feet of climbing in 34 miles wasn't enough, I signed up in the singlespeed class for the 3x34 challenge (details here
http://www.NWGASORBA.org) So I basically have to do this to myself three times. OH JOY. hahaha Seriously I swore off racing in the mud during the Fools Gold 50 miler last August, about 80% of the racers that finished had no brakes left when they crossed the finish line. I pedaled up hills and ran down them for the last 3.5 miles that day... and later when my bottom bracket bearings went bad, and I saw how much mud got inside the frame, I realized it was not one of my best decisions.
Last race I went 34 miles in 5:09 and some change, (my garmin track here:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/62581503) this will be my second attempt, and singlespeeding will definitely have it's advantages in the mud and rain we've been having here. The above weather map shows what we've been dealing with today and some of what will come tomorrow. I'm packing some extra chain lube, adding some home-made fenders, and putting on fresh brake pads for this one. I have no illusions of what may happen while screaming down hill on a greasy, peanut buttery like mountain-side. To make matters worse it will only hit 40 degrees tomorrow as the high, and there are two VERY very deep creeks to cross when it rains this much... I'm going to wear trashbags over my socks, but inside my shoes, to protect at least part of me from hypothermia. These creeks are within the first few miles of trail.
Once I pass them it will be mostly muddy hike-a-bike and uphill climbing for the rest of the day.
If I can tie my 5:09 or do better I will be doing well. Mud makes things extremely interesting.... more photos etc. to come.... In the Aftermath! In other news I'm still waiting on Emergen-C to ship me the 500 free packs for the Heritage Park Chainbuster 9/6 hour race coming up next weekend. I could definitely use some of that after tomorrow :)
Dammule
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