The stay in a cabin with ten fellow racers the day before the race (thanks to Charlie and his family) set the perfect atmosphere for a successful gravel race weekend – preparing race food, discussing bike gear and talking race tactics.
Every gravel race is different. With gravel worlds still in mind I was lining up at the start line with two water bottles. With refueling stops at mile 40 and mile 70, two bottles would last – so I thought at least. What I didn’t take into account was the fact that everyone else seemed to have a camel bak, which would mean the chance that someone would refuel at mile 40 would be low.
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| Deek giving instructions at the start line |
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| Roll out. |
So I treated this as a physiological experiment how far two bottles would get me.
Within the first ten miles, the three leaders were already ahead of the group.
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| The leaders. |
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| At around mile 40 we were still a big group |
Our chase group of about 15 dabbled along for a while; no one with a strong incline to burn matches.
I was sitting on my chosen wheel while we were passing mile 40 – a gas station and first opportunity to stop for water.
My group chose to continue so did I.
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| A lot of rollers. |
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| Some “technical” double track |
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| Dusty! |
I was already running low on bottle number 2 but I knew mile 70 would be the next stop. Until then, so I hoped, the group would be smaller, which would make it easier to convince everyone to stop for water.
But for now, another 30 miles to go. Half a bottle had to be enough.
It became hotter. Dust stuck to sweat running from face, arms and legs. The gravel was deep asking for a lot of effort for little forward-motion. The sudden change of gravel depth required continuous concentration. Slowly but surely, the energy level of the group started draining.
I kept riding my own pace and at mile 50 I was by myself.
Twenty miles to go. Nothing left in the bottles. I started feeling the effects of dehydration: overheating, headache and hot feet.
Finally at mile 70 I made it to the liquor store to stop for water. Equipped with two bottles, a Gatorade and a snickers bar I was back on the road. That should be enough for the last 30 miles.
I entertained myself with old racing stories and started singing the first line of all five songs I remembered. I tried to solve my biochemistry homework, which gave me headache and caused a drastic slowdown of my riding pace.
So I focused on the race and the potential whereabouts of all other racers. I had no
clue but it gave me enough to think about until mile 93.
clue but it gave me enough to think about until mile 93.
I realized all of a sudden that I was VERY tired. “Monika, you are riding a bike, stay focused!” It became harder to hold the grip of the handlebars. My body told me to stop and sleep. I slowed down to seemingly walking pace. The only songs that came into mind were the German and American anthems which kept me upright for the last seven miles. That was a tough race!
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| Yep, I was thirsty. |
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| We were all exhausted. |
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| Deek handed creative awards out. |
Results are here.
Thanks to Deek Surly and the volunteers for a great event and for taking pictures!