I sent an email out last night to my friends and family making it officially the real deal!
The Message reads:
Some already know about my Epic plans for this year but now it is becoming very real!!! Starting June 13th I will ride my mountain bike from Banff Canada to Antelope Wells. My goal is to complete the race in under 25days! I have to carry all of my own gear and naviagte 2700 miles and 200000 feet of climbing.
I wanted to send out an email providing you with a link to my blog, a link to my tracker, a link for my check in recordings, and a link for information about what I am doing!
You can read about my prep and my gear choices on my blog:
http://jessicagreenrides.blogspot.com/
About the Ride and the rules:
http://tourdivide.org/the_race
Watch the movie Ride the Divide on Netflix and get the fever!
http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/
I will check in on the ride and you can hear my recordings after June 13th at
http://mtbcast.com/site2/
My Spot Tracker Link"
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZxylCvuSOl1S6LNJsXsNOsV4bkB4EG49
If the link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it to your browser's address bar.
While you are reading this email I will most likely be setting up my bike or riding my bike Feb 18th to the 19th for it's 1st fully loaded test run!! I will ride about 50 - 80 miles out. Set up Camp and ride back home on the 19th.. Hope it is a success! This 1st trial ride makes it very real to me and prompted my desire to send this message out to my family and friends!
Thank you and Please Send up your Prayers!
Monday, February 17, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
19 weeks and counting!
I spent the last three days knocking down some miles and getting my head into the reality of this is really going to happen. I have to get ready in 19 weeks!
While reading and researching today I found an excellent article written by Kent Petterson on his blog (Of which he is way better at blog managment than I am) Frequently asked Questions about the divide. His words touched a belief that I have held and helped me put words to it. In the question? How does one train to ride the divide? I top my helmet to the answer Kent gave, "I practice!"
So, I spent the last three days practicing for Ride the Divide! I put in about 110 miles and did some rain riding with my rain jacket. Which does keep my dry but is very warm and toasty... I used my Helly Hansen Women's Voss Jacket. I like the fact that it keeps me dry and the hood fits over my head under my helmet and provides a bit of a visor. I still need better rain pants too. The stuff I have stays dry for a while but if it comes down hard it sneaks in. I plan to purchase a pair of North Face Venture Rain Pants
I found the camera I plan to purchase too!! Olympus Stylus TG-830 iHS Digital Camera
As the days tick by I realize I need to get all of my gear on the bike and go for a test ride/camp. My new frame will be here Wednesday so I plan to build up the Stumpy and load here up for a ride next Weds and Tuesday. I will post a blog after my adventure!
While reading and researching today I found an excellent article written by Kent Petterson on his blog (Of which he is way better at blog managment than I am) Frequently asked Questions about the divide. His words touched a belief that I have held and helped me put words to it. In the question? How does one train to ride the divide? I top my helmet to the answer Kent gave, "I practice!"
So, I spent the last three days practicing for Ride the Divide! I put in about 110 miles and did some rain riding with my rain jacket. Which does keep my dry but is very warm and toasty... I used my Helly Hansen Women's Voss Jacket. I like the fact that it keeps me dry and the hood fits over my head under my helmet and provides a bit of a visor. I still need better rain pants too. The stuff I have stays dry for a while but if it comes down hard it sneaks in. I plan to purchase a pair of North Face Venture Rain Pants
I found the camera I plan to purchase too!! Olympus Stylus TG-830 iHS Digital Camera
As the days tick by I realize I need to get all of my gear on the bike and go for a test ride/camp. My new frame will be here Wednesday so I plan to build up the Stumpy and load here up for a ride next Weds and Tuesday. I will post a blog after my adventure!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Dirty Dozen 12 hour Race / Mental preperation for Ride the Divide
A specialized Epic 2013 World Cup! I have never really ridden a full suspension bike so I was very worried I could really break this one. In fact I only got to ride the bike 5 miles before the race. I had to swap my pixie bars over, recharge the tubeless setup, and get the shocks sort of set up for my style of riding. Which after 5 laps / 35 miles I realized I need to adjust it more. The other challenge of the new ride was its equipped with Shimano and I am used to Sram for mountain. You should see the blisters on the inside of my palms. I will pass posting a photo of those for you!
I decided that I need to enlist some moral support for the race so I invited Cesar and Kevin to come suffer with me! The created Team Blueberry and signed up for the 12 hour two person team and took 4th place and landed in the money too!
The weather was perfect. You could not have asked for a better day. Overcast with a few sprinkles here and there but never a full out rain shower. The temperature was between 60 - 75 for the whole day. It was great day for 12 hours of saddle time. I was able to get off to a great start and maintained a 39 min to 49 min lap time for 11:15 mins. I took 2nd place!
My goal was 10 laps but the day and everything just came together and I was able to put in 15 laps. Kim Jennings and I were neck and neck and made a great race of it! The 1st lap was a log jam, the 2nd lap started to open up a bit, the 3rd and 4th laps were still bunches of people you would have to ride around, my 5th lap was blissful with me and the trees and no one in my way. I Loved the flow and started to really get to know the bike. Laps 6 to 13 blended into a flow and me thinking about the ride the divide and the hours I have to be in the saddle. I set myself an 11.5 mph pace and held it. Just watched my average speed and kept going.
When I hit lap 13/101.4 miles I wanted to stop and be done. My left forearm muscles were really giving me a sting and my left foot was feeling a blaze! My husband and Sonya (Cesar's wife) told me I had to keep going. Kim was only 11 min in front of me. I took the challenge, hit the Porty pod, and then jumped on the bike feeling somewhat better. I had reached a point where I couldn't really eat anymore. After completing lap 13 they told me I was still on her and she was starting to slow. Reluctantly, I set my music on my phone to some hard heavy death metal and launched into my 14th lap. As from whom the bell tolls blared in my right ear I cranked my pedals as hard as I could and pushed to catch her. About half way into the lap my stomach started to cramp and when I breathed deep or had to put out a hard effort I would feel that I was about to barf. After completing Gas Pass which is a technical high speed down hill I did leave it all on the course. The effort made me barf. Which I did while riding off the side of the bike to the right and kept going. It was dark and no one saw me thankfully :) Adds a whole new meaning to leaving it all on the course. After suffering the climb back to the check point and completing my 14th lap there was an 1:37 min left on the clock. I had to do another lap. I had to force her to complete a 16th lap. After all I felt better after my barf break. It was fun doing the last lap cause you could see the people really suffering and you could see those determined to race the clock riding hard next to you! Finally after 11:15 mins I got to get off the bike and walk. I immediately took a shower and drank some muscle milk. I was proud to ride that long and happy knowing that when the divide comes i can ride 12 hours and know what it will feel like. Today I feel sore but I know if I had to I could go ride!
Cesar, Kevin and I looking Refreshed after our 12 hours. I think we could have kept going!
Congratulation to Kim Topp, Ali Wilkerson 5th place 2 person 12 hour, Jessica Green 2nd place solo, and Kim Jennings 1st place solo.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Tentative Gear List and Equipment for Divide Ride
My gear list for the 2014 Tour
Divide:
Airfare for my husband there and back to see me off: $980.00
Ground transportation for two from Calgary to Banff: $106.00
http://www.banffairporter.com/
My Bike and it’s Parts:
- Specialized 2012 Stump Jumper E5 Aluminum Frame (I paid 1700 for the bike but have upgraded a lot of it)
- Chris King Hubs $700.00 http://www.bicyclehero.com/us/chris-king-bike-bicycle-iso-disc-hub-set-6bolt-red.html?
- Stans ZTR Arch EX 29 front and rear rim $150.00 https://www.google.com/shopping/product/15108525786191627707?sclient=psy-ab&q=stans+arch+ex+29&oq=stans+arch+ex+29&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&biw=1087&bih=600&bvm=pv.xjs.s.en_US.EeLgqkzqnSg.O&tch=3&ech=5&psi=pB_LUsvLIeLk2AXx2IDwBw.1389043790031.1&wrapid=tlif138904379003110&ei=wyDLUv3cOebM2AXV9oGoCw&ved=0CIoCEKYrMAg
- 50/50 blend of stans and slim- Stans is good at getting the sealant to the hole fast, Slime is better at sealing it. (a trick from some who have already done the tour divide)
- Specialized Purgatory Grid 2bliss Tires front and Read $120.00 http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/mtb-tires/all-mountain-tires/purgatory-grid-2bliss-ready
- Specialized Rockshox SID Brain 29er Fork – got it from a co-worker who never used it for $500.00 http://www.bonanza.com/listings/Specialized-Rock-Shox-SID-29er-XC-Fork-with-BRAIN-tech-90mm/131297495?gpid=21297750541&gpkwd=&goog_pla=1&gclid=CLa4oJbB6rsCFTEV7Aod5WIAdA
- Phenom Mountain Bike Saddle $130.00 http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/saddles/mtb-saddles/phenom-expert
- Connex 10 speed chain $80.00
- BOTTOM BRACKET SRAM PF30, OS press-in bearing, sealed cartridge – came with bike but I really like it!
- Crank set : Custom SRAM S-1250, 7050 alloy arms, 10-speed XC double, PF30 spindle, 175mm – came with the bike and I love it.
- Seat Post – Thompson Elite! $100.00
- Grips – Eargon GP1 – size small
- Profile design aero bars – $120.00
- Profile design aero bars computer mount - $10.00
- Plan to upgrade drive train front and rear derailleur plus shifter to Sram XX 1 month before ride cause my stuff is getting worn out with the training and the two years of racing http://www.sram.com/sram/mountain/family/xx
- Plan to upgrade brake system to shimano slx. I have had issues with my Avid breaks in cold and wet conditions seizing up and not releasing the bad. I have had to actually ride without a front break for 60 miles cause of it. Very frustrating so the upgrade is a must.
- Revelate Tangle Frame Bag Size Medium - $70.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Frame-Bags/Tangle-Frame-Bag
- Plan to buy - Revelate Jerry Can back top tube bag – $38.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Cockpit/Jerrycan
- Revelate Gas Tank Front top tube bag- $55.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Cockpit/Gas-Tank
- Revelate Feed bag x2 - $80.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Cockpit/Mountain-Feedbag
- Revelate Viscacha Seat Bag - $ 135.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Seat-Bags/Viscacha
- Plan to buy. Out of stock now and may have to find an alternative. Revelate Sweatrole $89.00
http://www.bikebagshop.com/revelate-designs-sweet-roll-p-3330.html
REI Lumen Sleeping bag $150.00 http://www.rei.com/product/794797/rei-lumen-sleeping-bag
Big Agnes insulated q core - $140.00 http://www.rei.com/product/828412/big-agnes-insulated-q-core-pad
Nemo Gogo Elite Bivy Sack $300.00 http://climbhigh.com/nemo-gogo-elite.html?gclid=CM758bS67LsCFQISMwodOUQAiw
So the race is free but don’t be
deceived the ride comes at a heavy ticket! Close to $9000 for the estimate. The benefit is that I have been riding and hoarding and gathering gear for a long time. Some I already had and others I have had to purchase. I have had help from my family and I have wonderful benefits working in the bike industry for Bike Barn in Houston Texas. I am blessed to have such a great support group. Some of the items in this list have been gifts and donnations from friends or vendors. Thank you all!!!
This list is to give all considering the idea of riding an idea of what to expect cost wise.
Getting there:
Airfare for myself one way Houston to
Calgary: $450.00 + 100 for the bike to flyAirfare for my husband there and back to see me off: $980.00
Ground transportation for two from Calgary to Banff: $106.00
http://www.banffairporter.com/
Passports for both of us! We already
had them but if you need one they are about 100.00 a piece. Hotel stay for five days - three
before and two after (my husband wanted to stay a few days to take in the views
and see some of Canada) $400.00 US. Staying at: Rocky Mountain Bed and
Breakfast http://www.rockymtnbb.com/
Ok… now we are there!!!
My goal for the actual weight of my
set up is under 45 pounds.
Here is the list:My Bike and it’s Parts:
- Specialized 2012 Stump Jumper E5 Aluminum Frame (I paid 1700 for the bike but have upgraded a lot of it)
- Chris King Hubs $700.00 http://www.bicyclehero.com/us/chris-king-bike-bicycle-iso-disc-hub-set-6bolt-red.html?
- Stans ZTR Arch EX 29 front and rear rim $150.00 https://www.google.com/shopping/product/15108525786191627707?sclient=psy-ab&q=stans+arch+ex+29&oq=stans+arch+ex+29&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&biw=1087&bih=600&bvm=pv.xjs.s.en_US.EeLgqkzqnSg.O&tch=3&ech=5&psi=pB_LUsvLIeLk2AXx2IDwBw.1389043790031.1&wrapid=tlif138904379003110&ei=wyDLUv3cOebM2AXV9oGoCw&ved=0CIoCEKYrMAg
- 50/50 blend of stans and slim- Stans is good at getting the sealant to the hole fast, Slime is better at sealing it. (a trick from some who have already done the tour divide)
- Specialized Purgatory Grid 2bliss Tires front and Read $120.00 http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/mtb-tires/all-mountain-tires/purgatory-grid-2bliss-ready
- Specialized Rockshox SID Brain 29er Fork – got it from a co-worker who never used it for $500.00 http://www.bonanza.com/listings/Specialized-Rock-Shox-SID-29er-XC-Fork-with-BRAIN-tech-90mm/131297495?gpid=21297750541&gpkwd=&goog_pla=1&gclid=CLa4oJbB6rsCFTEV7Aod5WIAdA
- Phenom Mountain Bike Saddle $130.00 http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/saddles/mtb-saddles/phenom-expert
- Connex 10 speed chain $80.00
- BOTTOM BRACKET SRAM PF30, OS press-in bearing, sealed cartridge – came with bike but I really like it!
- Crank set : Custom SRAM S-1250, 7050 alloy arms, 10-speed XC double, PF30 spindle, 175mm – came with the bike and I love it.
- Seat Post – Thompson Elite! $100.00
- Grips – Eargon GP1 – size small
- Profile design aero bars – $120.00
- Profile design aero bars computer mount - $10.00
- Plan to upgrade drive train front and rear derailleur plus shifter to Sram XX 1 month before ride cause my stuff is getting worn out with the training and the two years of racing http://www.sram.com/sram/mountain/family/xx
- Plan to upgrade brake system to shimano slx. I have had issues with my Avid breaks in cold and wet conditions seizing up and not releasing the bad. I have had to actually ride without a front break for 60 miles cause of it. Very frustrating so the upgrade is a must.
- Revelate Tangle Frame Bag Size Medium - $70.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Frame-Bags/Tangle-Frame-Bag
- Plan to buy - Revelate Jerry Can back top tube bag – $38.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Cockpit/Jerrycan
- Revelate Gas Tank Front top tube bag- $55.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Cockpit/Gas-Tank
- Revelate Feed bag x2 - $80.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Cockpit/Mountain-Feedbag
- Revelate Viscacha Seat Bag - $ 135.00 https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Seat-Bags/Viscacha
- Plan to buy. Out of stock now and may have to find an alternative. Revelate Sweatrole $89.00
http://www.bikebagshop.com/revelate-designs-sweet-roll-p-3330.html
My
high class sleeping arrangements
Event Waterproof fabric stuff sack - $45.00 http://www.rei.com/product/730882/sea-to-summit-event-compression-dry-sackREI Lumen Sleeping bag $150.00 http://www.rei.com/product/794797/rei-lumen-sleeping-bag
Big Agnes insulated q core - $140.00 http://www.rei.com/product/828412/big-agnes-insulated-q-core-pad
Nemo Gogo Elite Bivy Sack $300.00 http://climbhigh.com/nemo-gogo-elite.html?gclid=CM758bS67LsCFQISMwodOUQAiw
Clothing
includes warm weather wear and my cold wear:
- Specialized S-works Prevail Helmet $230.00 http://bikebarn.com/product/specialized-s-works-prevail-155485-1.htm
- Prescription Ray Band Cycling Glasses and
my prescription everyday glasses.
- Bontrager Head Band $15.00 http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-headband-155288-1.htm
- Bontrager Balaclava $20.00 http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-sport-balaclava-62343-1.htm
- Bontrager Arm Warmers $29.99 http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-arm-warmers-155281-1.htm
- Bontrager Knee Warmers $39.99 http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-knee-warmers-155282-1.htm
- Bontrager Base Layer $49.99 http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-b2-long-sleeve-baselayer-155258-1.htm
- Bontrager Convertible Wind shell $99.99 http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-convertible-wsd-windshell-womens-179591-1.htm
- 2 pair of Bontrager Race Wool Socks $30.00 http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-race-wool-5-socks-179851-1.htm
- Bontrager Water Proof and Warm RXL Windshell shoe
covers http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-rxl-windshell-shoe-covers-194842-1.htm
- Specialized BG Gel Gloves short finger and long finger $70.00
for both http://bikebarn.com/product/specialized-womens-bg-gel-gloves-180529-1.htm
- North Face Winter Gloves
- Bike Barn Primal Jersey http://bikebarn.com/product/bike-barn-bike-barn-primal-jersey-9309.htm
- Bike Barn Primal Bib Shorts http://bikebarn.com/product/bike-barn-bike-barn-primal-bibshort-9310.htm
- Specialized Rim Shoe $180.00 http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/shoes/mtb-shoes/rime-mtb
- Gore Phantom Jacket with Zip off Sleeves 80 – 180 if
you get it on sale and it will be worth every penny you spend!! Best Bike
Purchase ever! http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_JWPHAW.html?utm_source=google&utm_term=GB_JWPHAW&utm_campaign=datafeed_compshopeng&utm_medium=productLink&skuID=GB-JWPHAW-5099-XXL&gclid=CNLZ5YTB7LsCFdE-Mgodp04Amw
- T-shirt and pair of underwear to sleep in
Rain
– Still Shopping in this department. I have tried options I have but nothing
seems to be comfortable. I feel like I am going to overheat and pass out most
of the time.
- I need a jacket
- I need pants
- I need glove option
Stuff
to fix bike when things go wrong (which they will)
- Two spare tubes 29er with presta valve
- Three spare spokes with nipples attached
- Park Tool Tire boots
- Four spare chain ring bolts
- Extra derailleur hanger and bolt
- 10 speed quick link
- Two spare tubeless valves
- Small bottle of 50/50 stans and slim mix
- Two spare brake pads
- Two spare cleat bolts
- Bottle of chain lube – I use dry lube picks up less
sand and grit
- Specialized Tire Levers
- Park tool patch kit
- Zip ties and gorilla tape
- Extra shifter cable and cable end
- Gear Cleening Brush $4.99 http://bikebarn.com/product/park-tool-gear-clean-brush-40837-1.htm
- Spoke wrench
- Specialized EMT Tool http://bikebarn.com/product/specialized-emt-mini-multi-tool-5176.htm
- CO2 20 gram cart x 2 and CO2 valve adapter
- Bontrager HV hand Pump http://bikebarn.com/product/bontrager-air-support-hv-179260-1.htm
Maps
and Directional Guidance
- Garmin of some kind – still working on
my option
- Garmin Mount
- Spot GPS tracker GEN3 with the annual
service Unit $150.00 Service $175.00 http://www.findmespot.com/en/
- Adventure Cycling Maps for the route
great divide Canada and Great Divide Us Sets $15.00 Canada http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-canada/
$89.00 US http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/
- Map TXT download and Map Mount $20.00
Lights, Batteries and ways to charge
stuff.
-
NR Lumina 700 $139.99 http://bikebarn.com/product/niterider-lumina-700-195821-1.htm
-
Serfas Taillight with spare
batteries $20.00 http://bikebarn.com/product/serfas-tl-stn-seat-stay-taillight-183075-1.htm
-
Goal Zero Solar Charger $120.00 (watch
the video the product is legit) http://www.rei.com/product/827121/goal-zero-guide-10-plus-adventure-kit-solar-charger
-
Head Lamp
-
USB charger cable and wall plug
-
My phone – Verizon HD Maxx Razor
with music loaded on a huge memory card. Battery in phone with screen off last
for about 24 hours but my solar charger can charge it continuously.
-
Small Camera that can be charged
with USB too
Hydration – So, I am allergic to
iodine so I have to find an alternative. Usually I carry bleach which takes about
30 mins with a few drops per litter but the water always taste yucky. I still
plan to carry a little dropper bottle.
-
Three to four 20 ounce bottles
-
Small bottle of bleach
Keeping Clean and Healthy with:
-
Vitamin I (Ibuprofen)
-
Benadryl
-
EpiPEN (allergic to bees)
-
Bronchial dilator(I have asthma when
it is cold and wet)
-
Chapstick
-
Sunblock
-
Eyedrops
-
Chamois butter individuals
-
Travel brush, floss, toothpaste
-
Deodorant
-
Small bandage kit with Neosporin
-
Small bag of wet wipes – bathroom use
and cleaning
-
Bandana for the runny nose and stuff
Other Stuff
-
Passport
-
Debit card and credit card (my dad’s!!
He has generously offered for the use as much as I need to for a warm nights
sleep)
-
100.00 in cash
-
Road ID Bracelet with my allergies
and emergency contact information
- Bear Spray and my CRKT Knife
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
2700 miles, 200000 ft of climbing, 1 pair of shorts
Lol! Hopefully two pairs of shorts. I got a nook today for Christmas. Now I have no excuse to blog. Got it with me all the time.
Christmas vacation has allowed for some saddle time. Starting in January I will be upping the miles to an average of 700 miles a month all on the mountain bike. The last two weeks all of my rides have been on the mountain bike. My road bike misses me and I miss her but the clock is ticking and I have to get used to it. My next race is next weekend. The excruciation exam. Half on single track and half on road. Close to 86 miles. https://www.bikereg.com/Net/the-ss-trails-excruciation-exam
Take a look! My next report is going to feature the gear I have for the ride and what I still need.
Christmas vacation has allowed for some saddle time. Starting in January I will be upping the miles to an average of 700 miles a month all on the mountain bike. The last two weeks all of my rides have been on the mountain bike. My road bike misses me and I miss her but the clock is ticking and I have to get used to it. My next race is next weekend. The excruciation exam. Half on single track and half on road. Close to 86 miles. https://www.bikereg.com/Net/the-ss-trails-excruciation-exam
Take a look! My next report is going to feature the gear I have for the ride and what I still need.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Slacker at Blogging but not at Training and Preparing!
Ok, I admit. I started strong on the blog and then my training just took over! Preparing for this ride financially, emotionally, and physically is a huge under taking!
Last time I posted I was getting ready to take on the 24 hours of Rocky Hill! Which was a lot of fun!
Here is a photo of me having some fun!
http://www.bobcat13photo.com/TerraFirmaRacingEvents/24-Hours-of-Rocky-Hill-October/Solo-Open-Female-24-RHR-2013/32860602_S7VN9Z#!i=2855407330&k=bt2ZXp7&lb=1&s=A
and some more fun!
http://www.bobcat13photo.com/TerraFirmaRacingEvents/24-Hours-of-Rocky-Hill-October/Solo-Open-Female-24-RHR-2013/32860602_S7VN9Z#!i=2855439199&k=9q5SHpS&lb=1&s=A
The race was tough! The week before the area got lots of rain which caused us to cross about 8 streams each lap. A lap was about 9.5 miles long with a mile of climbing right at the start of each lap. I completed 8 laps which was about 86 miles. On lap 8 I had a major mechanical that I didn't even know about until I was coming back through the lap station. My front fork was no longer holding air. I had one of the Bike Barn Mechanics at the even fix my fork for me. Sadly while I was waiting I got really cold. Night temperature was about 43 degrees. Cold and Wet. I tried to eat some food and prepare to head out when I decided to change and lay down a bit. When I laid down my asthma kicked in and I had a serious event. Medic pulled me out of the race. I was in a strong second place.
I came in 6th overall and 4th in the multi speed class. I rode 10:35 mins strait. I know if I hadn't had the issue with my asthma I would have done a lot better but I am proud of my achievement.
Since the race I have purchased a new SID RockShox 29er fork and I am having new wheels being built. My wheels should be completed and back here next week. I will post a photo! The wheels are being made by http://www.lacemine29.com/index.html. I sent him my parts. Stans Arch hoops and a set of Chris King hubs. Fast and lighter than what I have. Better built too. Mike Curiak has an amazing reputation as one of the best endurance racers in the world! I feel proud to have him building my wheels. You can learn more about this great athlete at:http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/The_Journey_of_Mike_Curiak_3311.html
In addition to pimping my ride with gear I have been purchasing the gear I will need to complete the journey. I have got my huge seat bag, frame bag, and gastank (food bag) from a company called Revelant Designs. http://revelatedesigns.com/, a compression bag for my sleeping bag, my spot tracker is on order, a steripen and emergency water straw, and a solar panel to charge my lights and GPS. Among new shoes and stack of tires to train and finally do the event on. This event may be free to start and cost nothing to participate in but the overall cost of all the things I am putting together to do the ride is astounding!
Training has been going great! I got my 1st overnight ride in last weekend. I rode from my house is Cypress, TX to Millican, TX. I had a 23 mph head wind, rained on me four times, and my break on the front seized up twice and I had to fix it in the rain and cold. My loving and supporting husband Nathanael picked me up in Millican. It took me 4h 44 mins to ride 60 miles on a mtn bike. We stayed at a nice B & B and had an amazing dinner at a restaurant that Caters to the Gluten Free Cursed. The food was wonderful. http://www.pmaddens.com/ I want to go back! In the morning Nathanael took me to Gibbons Creek Reservoir and I rode home. 65 miles with a tail wind, cold, and rain on my hills. It took me about 4 hours and I rolled up at my house as soon as the rain started to fall. It was a long hard trip but I learned so much about being on a mountain bike alone an in some nasty weather. So proud of my self! Next ride will be loaded with more gear and a few more miles!
I will post again sooner than last :) Happy riding!
Last time I posted I was getting ready to take on the 24 hours of Rocky Hill! Which was a lot of fun!
Here is a photo of me having some fun!
http://www.bobcat13photo.com/TerraFirmaRacingEvents/24-Hours-of-Rocky-Hill-October/Solo-Open-Female-24-RHR-2013/32860602_S7VN9Z#!i=2855407330&k=bt2ZXp7&lb=1&s=A
and some more fun!
http://www.bobcat13photo.com/TerraFirmaRacingEvents/24-Hours-of-Rocky-Hill-October/Solo-Open-Female-24-RHR-2013/32860602_S7VN9Z#!i=2855439199&k=9q5SHpS&lb=1&s=A
The race was tough! The week before the area got lots of rain which caused us to cross about 8 streams each lap. A lap was about 9.5 miles long with a mile of climbing right at the start of each lap. I completed 8 laps which was about 86 miles. On lap 8 I had a major mechanical that I didn't even know about until I was coming back through the lap station. My front fork was no longer holding air. I had one of the Bike Barn Mechanics at the even fix my fork for me. Sadly while I was waiting I got really cold. Night temperature was about 43 degrees. Cold and Wet. I tried to eat some food and prepare to head out when I decided to change and lay down a bit. When I laid down my asthma kicked in and I had a serious event. Medic pulled me out of the race. I was in a strong second place.
I came in 6th overall and 4th in the multi speed class. I rode 10:35 mins strait. I know if I hadn't had the issue with my asthma I would have done a lot better but I am proud of my achievement.
Since the race I have purchased a new SID RockShox 29er fork and I am having new wheels being built. My wheels should be completed and back here next week. I will post a photo! The wheels are being made by http://www.lacemine29.com/index.html. I sent him my parts. Stans Arch hoops and a set of Chris King hubs. Fast and lighter than what I have. Better built too. Mike Curiak has an amazing reputation as one of the best endurance racers in the world! I feel proud to have him building my wheels. You can learn more about this great athlete at:http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/The_Journey_of_Mike_Curiak_3311.html
In addition to pimping my ride with gear I have been purchasing the gear I will need to complete the journey. I have got my huge seat bag, frame bag, and gastank (food bag) from a company called Revelant Designs. http://revelatedesigns.com/, a compression bag for my sleeping bag, my spot tracker is on order, a steripen and emergency water straw, and a solar panel to charge my lights and GPS. Among new shoes and stack of tires to train and finally do the event on. This event may be free to start and cost nothing to participate in but the overall cost of all the things I am putting together to do the ride is astounding!
Training has been going great! I got my 1st overnight ride in last weekend. I rode from my house is Cypress, TX to Millican, TX. I had a 23 mph head wind, rained on me four times, and my break on the front seized up twice and I had to fix it in the rain and cold. My loving and supporting husband Nathanael picked me up in Millican. It took me 4h 44 mins to ride 60 miles on a mtn bike. We stayed at a nice B & B and had an amazing dinner at a restaurant that Caters to the Gluten Free Cursed. The food was wonderful. http://www.pmaddens.com/ I want to go back! In the morning Nathanael took me to Gibbons Creek Reservoir and I rode home. 65 miles with a tail wind, cold, and rain on my hills. It took me about 4 hours and I rolled up at my house as soon as the rain started to fall. It was a long hard trip but I learned so much about being on a mountain bike alone an in some nasty weather. So proud of my self! Next ride will be loaded with more gear and a few more miles!
I will post again sooner than last :) Happy riding!
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