Vq/cc

[sailcalifornia]

i guess i will start it.

Rode the CC, perfect conditions for the events. I finished in 6:14, i was very happy with my time and had a fantastic day in the saddle. Saw tons of the STR family out there. Looking foreword to seeing some of the pics posted up later in the day.

And a special thanks to Ann for the fat tire within minutes of crossing the finish line.

[Jman]

I hope everyone rode well, I was out on a boat patrol on the lake hoping you guys weren't to deep in the fog and the drizzle. I'm looking forward to hearing more.

[dubjay]

I finished the CC in 6:38.

There was a little fog and drizzle coming up Blackstar. It kept fogging up my glasses so it was a bit tough to see.

But by the time we got to Main Divide and climbed above the clouds - man..what a gorgeous view. It was like a sea of clouds all around us and you'd just see the various peaks (almost like islands).

Motorway was definitely different. I think it's actually easier to ride now, since there don't seem to be as many loose rocks.

Maple Springs sucked - the asphalt part in particular.

From Four Corners to the Peak was good. My pace actually picked up. Maybe the stuff from the aid station finally kicked in.

Once I got to the top, I was pretty relieved that the climbing was pretty much all done.

Upper Holy Jim was normal - loose and sketchy.

Lower Holy Jim was good - although I did see a few people crash. I saw some people actually climbing Holy Jim as well. Talk about a bad day to schedule a ride there...geez...

Trabuco Creek Road - by this time, I just wanted it to be over with. My back was starting to stiffen up and my hands were aching.

I was definitely happy to finish. It's funny how suddenly you get rejuvenated as soon as you're done.

Thanks for the support at the finish line - and thanks Brewmaster for the beer at O'Neill

[RidetheRAAM4]

I did the CC

I thought it was kind of surreal up there before coming down motorway. I had no clue where the trail was, it looked like the place had been hit by bombs because there were just piles of dirt. You could hardly see anything because of the mist/fog, but some how ended up on some pretty sweet single track.

It was pretty bunched and crowded during the start and I was only holding my light so i just took it easy and stayed in a big bunch. Once I put my light away I started passing some people. After the first aid station I was pretty drained. Went into easy gearing and everyone plus some more passed me back up. Only took one small spill on motorway. One of those where you lean over too far and lose your balance and go sliding into the bushes. Got up without a scratch ( or so I though..... later I realized I had a tiny tiny scratch on my knee).

It was my first time on all the trails out there and I almost cried before that last climb up to the peak and down upper holy jim. I thought we were done climbing when we went around that corner, then I saw the climb still to go. Upper holy jim was awesome and so was lower. The last road to get out sucked. Muddy and wet everywhere.

It was my first time and I was trying to average around 7 mph which would have put me at like 6:15 or so. I average 6.7 and finished in like 6:35. Not too shabby I thought, but I have to go back next year to break the 6 hour mark.

[Jman]

I'm curious is it a 'race' type feeling or just more of group ride type vibe? Are there prizes handed out? Congrats on finishing btw.

[TBlazen]

6:29 CC, ran with my bike the last 1/2 mile or so due to a flat tire; then hopped back on for the photo at the tape.... Dubay and RAAM summed it up pretty well; Surreal, sketchy, Foggy, Sunny, Foggy, Sunny...

Man, the lead pack, in the the dark with their lights shinning from above, very kewl. Those guys were little white dots, hauling Arse up the mountain!

Thank God above for the porto potties at the starting line!

And the support along Trabuco road before the finish was incredible too. Thanks to all that were there cheering!



More later as I'm ingesting beer and sleeping soon !

[bighit8]

I know you get a warriors feather and jersey I think. It is kinda an exclusive group.
I hope to be one next year.

[sailcalifornia]

Originally Posted by Jman

I'm curious is it a 'race' type feeling or just more of group ride type vibe? Are there prizes handed out? Congrats on finishing btw.

Not sure about the prizes, i knew i was not in contention for one. Not a group ride type feeling, very little talking. People just trying to survive.

[RidetheRAAM4]

Originally Posted by Jman

I'm curious is it a 'race' type feeling or just more of group ride type vibe? Are there prizes handed out? Congrats on finishing btw.

I would call it more of a race type feeling. Not a group type ride feeling at all. Even though warriors society calls it a ride and not a race, it really is a race. At least I think so, just no age groups or anything. If it was just a group ride people wouldn't have bags taken to the aid station. They would just fill up their bottles and not just try to fly around. the course. I think they give awards to the top 10 or something.

edit: atleast most of the people are in "race mode" while some just try to survive.

[pitmang1]

My first VQ and I finished in about 9.5 hrs. This has me definitely considering buying a geared bike. Those granny rings and full sussers sure looked nice while they passing my suffering, cramping body up Maple. I feel pretty happy with myself, though, I really wasn't sure if I could do it, and I did.

[bjammin]

Man, what a blast. I found E-dog at the start and as I was about to use a port-o-potty they sent everyone off! Climbing up Blackstar I was able to make it back up to mid-pack and felt really strong coming down Motorway.... until the cramping started...
I guess when I was lifting my bike over the Moto barriers the tension really came to a head because as I was riding past the aid station I started to have a real bad time of it. I had to stop several times and massage my legs back to the point where spinning a higher cadence was all I could sustain. Once I got to the dirt I felt better and had started to make some time back. Coming down Upper HJ was awesome and Lower HJ was no slouch either until I blew out several spokes in my rear wheel trying to ride the second stream crossing. After 10 minutes of smashing my wheel on a rock I got it to spin in the frame and headed down to the road where I was able to spend another 10 minutes truing back to life. As I was getting ready to ride again Evan(E-dog) came flying past me and I caught up with him and we were able to ride in together.
What an awesome day!
VQ for me next year, and a regimented training program as well.

7:05 finish time.