Me too--I've been averaging 2 hours from Beeks to Motorway in training... I'm probably only going to have a 10 minute cushion at the bottom of Motorway, I expect I'll get there after 9am and the cutoff is 930. My average lately on Maple to 4 Corners has been 1:40--on fresh legs, not after having done B*Mwy...so it's going to be very close... I may have to use my light at the beginning AND the end of the "race"!!!
Wish i had your nerves. I'm just glad the first 2mi is a warm up. If it started with the climb from the gate, i fear an adrenaline dump will have me bonked by mile 3. I know by the time i get up the first mile of climbing, i'll get sorted and in a groove. At least until i get to the Pain Divide and the HAB starts. Note to self, "Its ok to walk and save your legs for the additional 3500ft+ of climbing. BTW, this is supposed to be FUN." About 12hrs till i show up to B*. WooHoo!
Chris: you are an incredible rider - you don't have to be fast, you just have to be strong and smart! The cut-off times will be easy for you to make, then relax after that. I'm not nervous bc I've ridden these routes enough that certain landmarks helps me know how close I am; if I were riding an unfamiliar trail then I'd be nervous. The adrenaline rush will hit everyone once the gun goes off...remember: Start Slow or you'll burn out. I'm starting w only one bottle and a saddlebag. At MS, I'm switching to my camelbak. We're starting so early, I won't need too much water (I've been hydrating like crazy the last few days). Once it warms up, I know I want to sip sip sip and not have to reach for a bottle. I'll have a chilled Growler of The Bruery's Grant is Pale after the ride, come by for a cup!!
Hay Strobe your a friend of Roxy's so you got to be OK Hey I had the same thoughts before I did the CC on the SS. Seriously a) don't try to set a PR on B* and it does feel good to get that under your belt...and B) Definitely jump off "early" on the Divide Steeps... doing that with the fresh legs I had I set a PR to bottom of Motorway...then I had plenty to do MS to the Peak... good look to you and Roxy. I agree with Roxy (cause I am a MOPer anyways) start steady and finish strong! You're gonna have a great day. And for you folks that are coincerned about cutoffs on the CC...ride your pace not someone elses and for gods sake eat and drink!
Along the lines of what everyone is bringing, I've changed up my plan for this year. Last year was an 11 lb. camelbak full of stuff and 100 oz. of water. Talk about a monkey on your back. This year it'll be 2 bottles. A small wallet with multi tool, chainlink, zipties, and Co2 head. 2 Co2 cartridges stashed in my seat post. Fresh tube taped to frame. Food in jersey pocket. Let's get it! Everybody good luck.
Is everyone having a heavy/solid dinner tonight ? Pasta, pasta and more pasta with dessert on top of it.
Yup. Time to heat a bowl of steel cut oats and load up the bike. Its race day. Have a blast everyone. "i think i can, i think i can, i think i can!"
Eating breakfast and getting ready myself. After doing VQ the last few years, I decided to do CC on the singlespeed. We'll see how it goes! See you all out there. Best of luck!
