69 Days

I was just reminded that there are only 69 days until the shotgun goes off for the Leadville 100 mountain bike race. It seems like only yesterday that I was submitting a check in hopes of getting selected. I had to re-apply for this race (though some think I am crazy), because I was cut-off at the last check point. Missed it by 15 minutes. I flatted early in the race and I spent about an hour trying to get a tubless tire back on the rim. Ugh! By the time I got the tire on, rode to the next check point (with a partial flat), and then struggled up Columbine, I was far behind. Therefore I am determined to not only finish but make it under 10 hours!!! We shall see.

Thus, I was out on the trails yesterday with the intent of putting in around 40 miles. This was my first time riding near Cochiti Reservoir, so I printed the map of Loop 1 of the Cochiti 100. Started with a climb and look for the trail 424. Hmm. Where the hell is it? Oh well, so I climb and climb and climb. 8 miles later and about 20 stream crossings later, I am at an intersection that I know is the return trip of loop 1. Somehow I missed it. I guess it wasn’t all that bad, I got some good climbing in. I ended up finding trail 424 and climbed that for a bit, before heading back. In all, I rode about 30 miles. I am hoping to get out next weekend for the actual Cochiti 100 and ride 1 or 2 loops.

Ok so this is the first time that I will promote Hammer Nutrition, but definitely won’t be the last. A mixture of Perpetuem and Sustained Energy in a water bottle, with an occasional shot of Hammer gel is all you need on endurance rides. THIS STUFF WORKS!!!!

until next time . . . .