Vq/cc

Discussion in 'Racing and Training' started by sailcalifornia, Mar 1, 2008.

  1. Vickie

    Vickie Ride to ride again

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    Now that I have ... ...

    ... ... more oxygen in my brain, I will write about my experience with the Counting Coup. First and fore most, the Thank yous!!

    Thank you to Chris Vargas who is responible for creating such a wonderful organization, the Warriors Society and who is responsible for putting on this awesome test of will for each of us to participate in.

    Thank you to the WS members and volunteers who supported us out there along the trails and the aid stations - you all are the bomb!

    Thank you to the Trail Angel cheer leaders who were patiently waiting for each of there sisters to cross that finish line - who had warm dry clothes, beer and food other than Gu, Hammer Gel, Cliff Bars, or Cytomax!! You ALL ROCK!!!

    Thank you to the STR family members who too were at the finish line with "adult beverage", welcoming smiles and loud cheers!!

    Thank you to John and Jordan for all the finish line photo's, as well as all the others who took pictures.

    Hugh, thanks for the Uncrustable - sorry I didn't catch it at the parking lot of Holy Jim, but I was on a mission to finish...it was my first time doing something such as this "race" and I really wanted to do well!!

    Sam thanks for the beer, chair, and table for me to eat my chicken dinner on at the park!!

    My day started at 3:20am - when the alarm went off. I wanted to get breakfast, then head to the starting line in pleanty of time - more to organize myself than for any other reason. Once there I ran into Tim (jasonmason). It was nice to see him all calm and collected. It really helped me stay calm too. As more and more people started to show up, I started seeing so many others who were doing this "adventure" - Dave, Chris Taylor (ta), Jacke (ta), Carrie (ta). I was looking all over for Deb (db250f) my wonderful, beautiful friend who I trained so hard with. I wanted to wish her and Donna the best of luck...but as luck would have it - I never saw them. It was time to line up, and get ready to roll.

    When the buzzer rang, and all the bikes took off I had to keep telling myself, don't get sucked into a pace that is not yours. Don't try to keep up with somebody who is riding harder....Ride your own ride. With my asmtha I try to keep my heart rate, believe it or not, below 160 so I don't wheeze. That's right...,my climbs are only maxed out at 160. Although I would have liked to ride Blackstar faster, especially this ride - I made it to Beeks in 1 hour 13 minutes, about 5 minutes slower than my best. Just tells me I have some time to make up somewhere else.

    As I started up the MD, I was accompanied by an old friend of mine who was doing the CC on his SS. I was surprised to run into him, it had been over 6 years since I have seen him. We rode for a while, then eventually started playing leap frog. When he would have to get off to walk a steep section of a hill, I would drop down and still spin up. Eventually thought he was gone and I was left to my own thoughts and the music playing in my head. I kept thinking how perfect the conditions were, and how beautiful the clouds were laying in between the mountain crevases. I remembed all the training rides, the amout of vacation days i expended in order to get an extra ride in, and all the times I thought to myself...ARE YOU CRAZY!!!

    When I reached the Motorway Tim (Switchback) was there chatting with some other riders. I rolled on not wanting to stop as I knew I had a nice down hill where I could hopefully make up some of that time from Blackstar. I have only rode the Motorway one other time, it was when we had our guided ride an I have to say THANK YOU to Gene, Ned, Matt, Chip and who ever else worked on it before the race. It was in GREAT shape. I flew down!! :lol: Thank you too to the riders who moved when they heard me coming. Thanks to Reed for lifting my bike over the crazy barrior the FS put up last week.....whew, there is the Aid station 1!!

    Here I topped off my water, had Andy (Rut) put a Ben-Gay heat pack on my lower back, stuffed a sandwich in my face and basically took off. I think I was there a max of 8 minutes. Sister Trail Angel Chris Taylor was there re-adjusting too, we took off at the same time. She is a strong climber, and was out of my site in no time. Dang!!!

    Maple Springs was about as thankless (the paved section) as I remembered it when we did the guided ride. Again, it was another first for me during the guided ride. I stopped about 2 miles into the pavement to take some advil. My legs were still feeling good, the last thing I needed was to have them start cramping so I chewed up some tums while I was there too. At about a mile from 4 Corners, Tim from Switchback rolled by again - I asked him 1) If he knew what time it was ( I was really getting worried I wouldn't make my cut off) and 2) if he had seen Deb (db250f) and Donna. He told me they were about 30 minutes ahead of me. I just kept praying Deb was on a schedule that she would make her cutoff at WHT.

    When I turned the last corner and could see the trucks and people at 4 corners I had this completely overwhelming feeling come over me, I instantly started crying knowing I had made my second cut off. I was so happy. Thinking back at what I had accomplished - and the work it took me to get there. I was just elated.....really, reallu HAPPY!!

    I stopped at 4 corners just long enough to stretch my back, then I was gone. I remembered what Deb told me about the rest of the way to the peak. For me it was not easy terrain, but it was mostly doable, an when it was not, I walked. My back was tight and it just felt better to walk some of it. After the first set of towers, and coming around the bend to see the large peak I was in awe.....the clouds were so thick and fluffy, it looked like you could float if you walked out on them. It was beautiful. And to see sections of the mountain sticking up here and there made the entire scene look, majestic.

    When I came around the last corner on the peak and was descending the backside of the mountain I was almost giddy, with a re-newed energy!! It was sweet!! I thought, this is it...UHJ, LHJ and your done....whoo hoo!

    When I dropped into UHJ, I managed to get around a few of the switchbacks and then ran into Tim (jasonman) - checked to make sure he was ok, then continued down. Tim was right behind me when we came out onto the road and headed over to LHJ. We all walked the drop in...then headed out - pretty fast...well, fast until I heard my tire pop and go flat. YEP....I flatted on LHJ. I was bummed, completely bummed for two reason....1) I really really wanted to do a GREAT time for my first attempt at the Counting Coup and 2) It was my rear tire and I've never, ever changed my rear tire before #-o I know, I know....I just have always been fortunate...or so I thought, that there was a trail male to help.

    Well.....several people went by and ask if I was ok...I told everybody yes, and they kept on. I, in the mean time proceeded to take my wheel off, then got the tire off....got the tube in ... and then I had a brain fade....I'm chalking it up to the to fact I lacked oxygen!! Anyway....this nice guy comes by, this one my Saving Grace....or should I say my Saving tbowren....Yes, it was me you saved!!! and YES!!!, he is right, I did tell him....I have never ever put a rear wheel on before and I get confused with the chain and the derailure, etc. But I also said that I didn't want to mess up his time. He was nice, said UHJ already did that and he helped me finish with my tire!! He was awesome...and sir, I thank you for helping me.

    He took off while I gathered my stuff and got everything together. I tried, with full desperation to flatten the bad tube so I could roll it up and put it in my pack, but as luck would have it....it would not flatten so I decided to wear it around my neck the entire way down HJ. All I could think of was..."I wonder what would happen if a branch snagged the darn thing" :-k thankfully I never found out.

    So, now that I"m on my way I start hauling A*$ down. I had a lot of time to make up. I was so happy just a short time ago that I made my cut offs, and now this!! I'm not sure where I passed tbowren....all I know is once I left the HJ trail head, I was flying. There was nothing stopping me, not even Hughs Uncrustable :bang: at the parking lot. I flew past him cranking in my top ring. I didn't care about the mud in the road, or the water crossings, or even the huge holes in the road...I just peddled and peddled and peddled. The mud was flying up in my face, I had no glasses on.....but nothing was going to stop me....nothing until the fire trucks were in the road. Dang, what was I to do...I slowed down and theh tbowren pass me. I thought, heck if he can do it so can I......I tried to catch him, but he was definitly on a mission.....We both had to manuver through more cars, but all in all Trabuco Road is a blur to me.

    One thing that I will keep etched in my mind forever, the crowd at the end of the road. All the friends who were there to cheer us on...the cowbells ringing....and my feather, my first Counting Coup feather. \\:D/

    Most of my thanks are done, however, I do owe one more. I thank God not only the strengh and endurance he gave me and my friends on this day, but for the strengh and endurance he gave to each and every rider. It was memorable day for all!!

    PS - the best way to overcome your fears is to face them....SO, today I cleaned my bike and even took my rear wheel off...and put it back on.......:clap:

    Love and peace to all!!
     
  2. Vickie

    Vickie Ride to ride again

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    Sorry, didn't mean to get that wordy
     
  3. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej Well-Known Member

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    I guess you learned a few lessons yesterday......

    1. You can conquer anything you put your mind to

    2. Changing a flat is not thaaaaaat hard :wave::p


    Way to go.
     
  4. Vickie

    Vickie Ride to ride again

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    That was me.....THANK YOU so much for your help. I can't believe of all times to get a rear flat...and not know how to put your wheel back on....Dang. I guess I've always been fortunate (or maybe not) that a trail male has always been riding with me and usually, for the most part takes over....:-s

    I didn't mean to turn our last 5 miles into a race, that was so NOT my intention. I just was on a mission to finish with a relatively good time for my first attempt at the Counting Coup.

    Thank you again for your help.... :clap:
     
  5. Waldo

    Waldo Lebowski Urban Achiever

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    Awesome thread! I had to pull out of the event due to a family emergency (Mom's making good progress, thanks). The events of this weekend combined with reading everyone's experiences have me feeling more fired up than ever. I went for a short, high-intensity ride this evening that reminded me how much I've progressed in the past 6 months, thanks to a great degree to some good friends and great training rides. I'll be trying to treat this as my new baseline and hope to be there next year feeling strong.

    There are so many great stories in this thread. Huge congrats to everyone who finished, who tested themselves, who redefined their self-image, who contributed in the camaraderie of the day. You truly are all winners.

    :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
     
  6. GeorgiaOfTheJungle

    GeorgiaOfTheJungle THE Penultimate Mtb'er

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    Thanks to EVERYONE that was out yesterday!!!! The volunteers, riders, support, was all great. And, I think the weather was perfect climbing weather!

    To those that may look at the CC/VQ riders as having attained some unreasonable goal by merely thinking of riding in these events, let me review my riding history:

    2004: Got on a mtb. Rode up STT, to the first turn, yep, the one to the right that you can see from the road, stopped and walked for a bit. I think it took about 5 hours to get to the flag. Someone told me about the CC/VQ and I was amazed that people would be that crazy stupid to do either event.

    2005: Entered the CC. Finished in 9:43. Reiterated how crazy stupid these people are and swore off the event forever.

    2006: Volunteered. We broke a truck at the top of Four Corners and I learned that you just can't predict anything with the CC/VQ, even your finish time as a volunteer. Again, these people are just crazy stupid

    2007: First VQ. Swore that I'd never do it again if I made the cut-off. Made the cut-off, finished in 9:51--the penultimate rider. Thought, that sucks and everyone really is crazy-stupid, but if I trained a bit better, I could cut off a bit of my time. Volunteered at the Traverse and after driving it thought THESE guys are even more crazy stupid that the CC/VQ--there's less fun downhill here!!

    2008: More serious about my training program, actually HAD a training program. Swore that I'd stop and never do this again if I finished at least an hour shorter than last year. Finished in 8:48--one flat and a fall. Next year I'm volunteering and NOT riding the VQ!!!!!

    I was sketchy on the downhills, even fell on Motorway (where Allison and Justin and a few other passed me). That shook up my confidence even more when I hit Upper Holy Jim and I walked a LOT. But, Holy Jim and Trabuco were great (aside from my flat).....which got me to thinking.....the Traverse doesn't have as much of that downhill.......

    Congrats to all the finished, cut-off of not, you are all amazingly crazy stupid riders and I'm proud to have been crazy stupid out there with you! ;)

    Special thanks to Allison, Justin and Steph, who were so encouraging each time we passed each other :)
     
  7. queenwilhelmina

    queenwilhelmina God Save the Queen

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    Bob, I was truly saddened when Gene told me you weren't able to make it. I know how hard you worked this winter. I'm glad your mom is doing OK though. I guess it's just a reminder of what matters the most.

    I really enjoyed our training rides together and I'm looking forward to many more for CC '09. :)
     
  8. Waldo

    Waldo Lebowski Urban Achiever

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    You meant VQ 2009, right? ;)

    Looking forward to riding with you again as well, and congrats on your finish. Great job!
     
  9. dirtmistress

    dirtmistress AKA Roadiemistress

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    Congratulations to one and all! All of you that did this or attempted it and all the volunteers (without which there would be no event) are absolutely fantastic!
    Lucky me! I realized huge endurance mountain bike events were not for me and I didn't even have to try one to find out! But I am envious of your strength and fortitude and I wish I did want to do something like this!
    You guys are all incredible! I'm so happy for all of you!:bang:
     
  10. Vickie

    Vickie Ride to ride again

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    I was right behind you. For my first attempt at this, I came in at 7:32!! Thanks again for your help! :beer:
     
  11. slayer

    slayer New Member

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    good news: i finished the CC course

    bad news: i signed up for the VQ

    bad leg cramps, which i never get, at mile 11, plagued me all day.

    crash on motorway ,due to leggs locking up, jacked up my rear derailluer which caused shifting problems all day.

    due to those i missed the cut off at LHJ.

    i'm extremely dissapointed in my performance. i've been in a fog all day. i trained my ass off for this. failure to complete the VQ never crossed my mind, because i knew i was ready. the one day my body decides to F. with me was the one day i needed it to perform. but i'll be back next year for sure. now it is time to get ready for the traverse.

    congrats to everyone who gave it their all.

    big thanks to the warriors and everyone who helped out.
     
  12. bvader

    bvader Long Live The Gorn!

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    One last thing that totally cracked me up, there a certain sense of humor that goes along with these events.

    I am a couple minutes out of AS #1, riding with a girl making a little small talk, when I rip of a decent burp. I say "Excuse Me", probably not needed but its just a habit.

    She looks at me and says "Whadya Kiddng Me!" for a moment I'm like uh-oh what did I do. Then she says "I've be doing Snot Rockets all day and you say excuse me for a Burp!".

    Life on the CC trail.
     
  13. aosty

    aosty New Member

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    I think that's just biking (road and dirt) in general! 8-[ :drunk:


     
  14. tbowren

    tbowren New Member

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    You are most welcome! Now that I know what a famous STRer you are, I feel honored to be able to help.

    It's so great to get to hear your story. Those last 5 miles were the most fun I've had all year.


    Great job on your first CC. I'm sure we will meet again.
     
  15. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    Yes he did :clap:. We grew up in Fullerton together. :bang:

    Yup, she came in with another T/A and Warrior, STR's Carbon Carrie :clap:.

    Her name is Jody. Glad you enjoyed your ride. I'm sure it was you you expected and more. Congrats. :clap:


    I guess cramps got to a lot of people. I kept taking mustard everytime I felt that twitch. The feeling would go away in less than a minute.

    No doubt bro. Tim(m210) told me you called it in at the second aid station. Looking forward to the Traverse as well!
     
  16. CaDownhilldoll

    CaDownhilldoll New Member

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    Well, it's almost midnight Sunday, post CC. I should be sleeping, but, I haven't done much of that in the last few days...I just got home from my drive from Hemet to Mission Viejo, a drive that I could do blind folded. Might be better as I tend to get road rage from all the freakin' traffic.. Anway, I was scheduled to ride my 4th VQ. this year. I started training... Then was scheduled to work more days, hence less riding, then I caught that little bug that was going around,, so, rested some, then I decided to do a XC race at Fontucky,, a come back after a 2 year hiatus.. (placed second Yippy!) Well that Fontucky smog polluted my lungs. I coughed for days.. Then my Superman decided to do a Superman in DH practice and was injured.. So, I took care of him for a couple of weeks. work, driving to Hemet, playing nurse, needing a nurse, etc.. I thought VQ would be too much for me so I dropped down to Counting Coup... Fast forward Friday night 2/29/08. I host a pre-ride dinner like last year. We had pasta and salad and bread and brownies and fruit, and great conversation. Debbie B. and Paula were comitted to VQ so we ended our dinner early.. I got up 5 times in the middle of the night to pee!! 8-[WTHeck! I was just in half sleep all night. Well, those who know me, will know that I just can't be fine with a mere ride.Training or no training. So, I gather Paula and Debbie up close to the front of the pack at the start gate thinking I want them to get a go at it.. and when the gate opens. I'm off!! I rode with Gene a bit with his bright light(thanks:bang:) and pedaled on.. I felt really good.. I was waiting for that let down feeling.. like OMG what did I do?!! But it never came...However, as I tried to shift gears, my #2 did not work.. clunk clunk,, gone !!all day!!!!! Before I knew it, I was at the MW.. I loved passing people. a few pulled over for me,, Thank You! and I reached the bottom quicker than last year! (must have been those winds last year) then took a quick break, lubed my chain, emptied my bladder and hit the road. I remember thinking "3 miles of road" "4 miles of dirt" and as I counted the miles off, I was at MD! then up the shaley rocky section, then flying down the fire road and a small climb and being so thankful to hit the towers.. Again, no mercy on the open fire road down to UHJ.. I was following some guy who had given me props for my skills on motorway..He stopped and I kept going. I rode that sandy trail like I knew it,, then came upon the guy who had crashed and hit his head. there were two others there so I went ahead and told the course marshall that there was a rider down. then He came riding out as well. I hit LHJ and was ahead of last year's time by 20 minutes!! I couldn't believe it!! I love the down hill and had so much fun going as fast and safely as possible.. hard to do as my brakes were glazed.. It was hard to slow down...I also saw the guy who broke his wrist.. what could I do? He said he was ok, but broken, what could HE do???I made it through the water crossings, and out of LHJ by 11:33. I was so SAD!! last year I made it at 11:50! and was the Very LAST RIDER to make the VQ cutoff!!! I would have made it again! I got to the check point and heard Deb's hubby yelling at me :clap:and I started pedalling hard. I had a few whiffs of grief,#-ofor dropping down,,(yes, I cried) then pedalled my hiney off to the finish line.. I made it in 6:20 or so. and prayed that Deb made the cut off, although, I knew with her mind set and training, that she did. I was so happy to see my Trail Angel friends riding in on their bikes and taking photos and my hunny, Steve, at the finish line. and to get my CC feather to add to my collection. (I know, in the 2004 video I said never again!!) but next year!!!!!???? Thanks everyone for a great day! Perfect conditions eh? I'm so impressed with everyone!!!!
    Happy Trails,
    Donna
     
  17. pitmang1

    pitmang1 Member

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    So was I.
     
  18. sailcalifornia

    sailcalifornia Member

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    Anyone know when they will have the finishing times posted up on the warriors website? I am very interested to find out how I finished compared to the field.

    Thanks,
     
  19. deja vu

    deja vu done dirt cheap!

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    hey don't feel bad at all. I was DNF three years ago (2005), missed it by 10 minutes. At first I was kinda pissed, but then quickly realized I was in bad shape (bonked + two bad crashes), and in all reality they were doing me a favor. Took it as experience and planned a little (ok, a lot) better for the next year. VQ is a really (really!) tough race.
     
  20. ShinKen

    ShinKen STR BUB!!

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    quick 1!

    I was there! started somewhat late. Going up BS was cool!! no traffic and riding on the dark was king of better than having a light. from beeks to Motorway It sucked big time. Did allot of walking but I'm good with that:clap: I was flying down Motorway!:bang: Felt good all the way till 4 corners#-o I kept telling Tim and my self there's beer @ the end of this painfest right?:lol: where's the IPA? Upper HJ was sweet!! but got a flat. the rest was soo much fun! i really had a great run. :bang:

    over all great ride, no accidents, felt strong most of the time. I'm gladd I didnt try the Vq! i couldnt go any faster!! :lol:
    Thanks to all that helped and to all that made this a better experience for all of us!!:beer::bang:

    Sam!! u get the big Gracias for hooking us all up with all that great beer!!:clap::beer: on me next time ehh!!:wave:

    great job to everone!!! even those that didnt make the C-OFf times!! there's always next year.
     

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