RR: Tahoe Sierra 100

[lukewiens]

Killer race....although it couldn't have been in a more remote area of CA. Maybe next year the race will see a larger SoCal crew...only saw a handful of local kits down there.

Anyway, the full write up with pics is in the blog HERE. Honestly, with nearly 10 hours of racing and 20 hours of driving over the last few days I am whooped...and the 6 brews in the system has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Here is a snippit for those that don't want the lengthy version...(yeah, i know it is still lengthy...must get it from my friends ).

After the initial 6 miles, the climb didn't let down and we started to warm up quickly. The dust was awful though...it was like riding in fog for the first 30 miles....terrible!! I could tell my lungs were getting pissed but I continued forth. The first climb I settled in and as we reached the first descents we were faced with completely blind situations of dust and sunlight....whoa! The course was all fireroad but had a bunch of that moon dust, so you still found yourself searching for the line...up and down! Soccer ball sized rocks where all over the descents to keep you on your toes and it was fast....my kind of stuff. I remember thinking....I will never ride a hardtail again as I rode past people with complete ease on the descents....sitting in the saddle as they fought to maintain control...recovery!

The second time up the initial climb to finish the first loop I cranked up the pace. Overall I kept the pace pretty conservative, but I was pushing probably high zone 2 with occasional zone 3 efforts now. I was passing people one by one....picking one off and then working slowly towards the next. I trusted my ability to keep my nutrition solid....my plan....wing it!! Crazy I know, but I don't have the cash to run all of my own nutrition right now and I figured, let's just listen to the body.....and that's exactly what I did.

I powered forth passing and working the aid stations....Cytomax, HEED, licorice, Hammer Gel...a lot of new products for me. I had a rough idea of what I needed to take in and trusted my knowledge. After passing the 50 mile mark, the field went out the window and I found myself alone. For the rest of the race I would see about 5 other athletes in total.

Most of the time I was worried that I was going the wrong way....only to come accross another white arrow with its accompanied relief. I began to enjoy myself at this stage.....being alone in the race is an indicator of doing well...so I have learned. I knew the "Never-ender" was coming up and I pressed on, taking in the scenery and the fact that I was able to push....hard!

The "Never-ender" was the name I gave to the section of the race between mile 65 and 90 which was a solid climb from 3900 to 7000 over the 25 miles. Of course there were some quick recoveries to undo your work...but only long enough to regret...no benefit! At the bottom of the climb the heat was starting to crank up, and a mild head ache sank in. I was concerned about my sodium intake with some of the watered down drink mixed I had been given. I found some endurolytes at an unmanned aid station and grabbed a handful to begin popping them every hour throughout the rest of the race. I also decided to break from my 24 oz./hour hydration schedule and crank it up to 32/hour...I was getting dehydrated.

On and on the climb didn't let up....still worried at every unmarked offshoot that I wasn't going the right way and then we hit the pavement. A 3 mile section up to the mile 79 aid station.....and there was Mom (loyal number one fan and self acclaimed coach). I guess she had picked up the job as working the drop bags....I was stoked to see her! I still looked and felt good which I am sure brought her some relief. She saw the worst in the athletes at that aid station...the toughest point in the course. The guy there offered me a shot of Coca-Cola, I took it and proceeded to walk over to the table and take about 5 more.

I was off before I had a chance to accept any sort of comfort....off to END the "never-ender"! Finally at mile 90 I summited the beast to make the 10 mile descent to the finish....it was on!! I put everything I had into the last few miles to cap it off. On the descent I was surprised that my back and triceps were still holding up as compared to Vision Quest. It was here that I realized I could go further...the legs were fine.

After making one final sweet pass on the descent I crossed....big ring, out of the saddle coming down the last road. Hand off of the bars I cruised it in as the poperazzi (mom) got some more shots. 9:27 in total.

[maxwell]

Congratulations!! Very cool!

I'd like to try a 100 miler on of these days. Although I'd need to find one that's not a race!

[Pain Freak]

Awesome RRR (Race ride reprt).

I've done 1 hundred mile race (mountain biking) and I don't think I'll do another. It's kind of hard to convey the difficulty in races like these.

What was your placing?

[lukewiens]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

What was your placing?

Thanks!!

I came in 22nd in the Open Mens Category.

[ghixon]

Damn Luke! Way to go.

Mark Weir - look out.

[xhuskr]

Way to go....you deserved the 6 brews and then some. What a great accomplishment and kudos to you mom for being there!!

[mp3]

Very nice job! Congrats.
I think you'll a great 24 hour race at Hurkey in
a couple of weeks.

[slayer]

great job luke. good luck in the 24 solo.

[Pain Freak]

Nice, good job!

[1x1clyde]

I like turtles.

[Mudman]

I like Rice.