Last week, for some reason, I started musing about doing the Silver Rush 50 Mile Mountain Bike Race on July 16. I did it years ago and ended up having one of those Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad days. I (we) trained hard that year. The course starts at an altitude of 10,000 feet and goes up from there. Riders hit the 12,700 foot mark four times on the out and back course. We trained on parts of the course three times before the race, spent lots of time over the weekends riding at altitude in Winter Park and Breckenridge ranging in altitudes from 9000 to 12,000 feet. I drug Steve on so many 40+ mountain bike rides it's not even funny (he is a good sport). Most were fun and scenic, and some were not-so-fun," just get-er-done, rack-up-the-hard miles" kind of rides. Quite frankly, I was well trained, confident (which I normally am not), and expecting a good ride. My goal time was 6 hours, 15 minutes, which was quite realistic and doable on an average good day. My "secret" goal time was 6 hours (5:59, really) - possible on a perfectly fantastic day which I thought COULD happen! Long story short, it wasn't a good day. Among a few other little maladies, altitude sickness was the "big one" that got the best of me which was odd considering the amount of altitude training we did. My actual ride time recorded on the bike computer WAS 6:15 but the elapsed/finish time was 55 minutes over my goal time. Embarrassed and demoralized, I tried to put on a happy face but was feeling far from the gracious countenance I tried to project. Bummer. Big time.
Deerfield Reservoir - Black Hills, SD
Over this past year, I finally realized that the poor ride that day was the sub-conscious catalyst for my move away from the bike. So now, I MIGHT be ready to get back on the bike and redeem myself - never mind I haven't been on a bike for over two months. We'll have to hope for intelligent muscle memory, right? :-) Who knows - once I get a few rides in (hopefully it warms up soon), this whole notion of redemption and Silver Rush might get thrown out the window - my desire to ride just hasn't been there much over the past years. But, maybe the desire won't wane and the bike training might commence. My initial "training" plan will be to trail run 3 or 4 times a week and ride twice - starting first on the road bike, concentrating on just building miles in the legs (and bottom side) - one long mileage day and one shorter. We'll see if two days on the bike is sufficient. And hills. Lots of hills. We live in a great area for hill training. I used to be a decent climber - hopefully this older body can re-capture some of that efficiency. Eventually, the mountain bike will be the main tool for the long ride. Of course, we will be FORCED to do lots of rides and runs up high - a fantastic excuse to head to the mountains!
Mid Mountain Trail - Park City, UT
Now we'll see. Maybe. Maybe not. I reserve the right to change my mind. Possibly several times. :-)
Happy Trails this week!
13 comments:
That is Awesome K! You go girl... KEEP Musing!! It's quite the challenge, but you are so strong.. you'll rock it!
You can do the Manitou Incline in some insane 33 minutes, you are DEFINITELY a hill climber, whether on the bike or on the trail shoes, it's in your blood! :) I think you need redemption girl...and what an excellent way than with the race that knocked your spirits down! I have a redemption race in mind one of these days, too! And good lordy, look at all this snow...excellent mountain bike riding I'd say. Perhaps a little Chilly Cheeks ride on teh 26th, too?? :)
Awesome! Do it! Rock it! I will live vicariously through y'all. Bikes on mountains, awesomeness!!
Mmm...I've been off the bike for a few years now, but that is after a friend died in an accident. I'm still not sure if I will ever get back on. Feel free to change your mind as often as you like. Who knows, maybe you inspire me.
I think that is a great idea! We do have some great hills to climb so you will kill it! One of my "words" for the year is "hills." I am not a good climber so I am trying to remedy that.
I could just substitute the Houston marathon for your bike race and humidity for altitude and this would be my story. I hope you do ride in a bike race again. Like you, I like a challenge - once I get over the disappointment!
Good luck! You can so do it! That last picture is terrific. What an appealing trail! I see myself walking up it though not biking it full speed ahead like you! This will be a fun journey to follow you on!
My last marathon was not at all what I wanted. I have not had a redemption one because I was injured for the one I signed up for last fall. Some day....... For now I am LOVING half marathons. Absolutely my favorite distance!
Johann,
We have been a bit nervous riding in traffic the past few years after a few people we know have been hit by cars. One gal was riding in our area (which is a good area to ride with wide shoulders, bike lanes, and quiet neighborhood roads) and was T-boned by a doctor on his cell phone. It almost severed her one leg below the knee. She had been a road racer and has vowed to never ride again. We are very picky about the roads we ride on and try to be very careful and aware of the cars near us.
enjoyed the musing and I love the thoughts of fresh challenges. I know you can do it. You are much better than "fine wine"
Do be safe! Bikes scare me - on or off road - but I'm not tough like you guys!
Those snow pics are Brrrrr!!!
I just started following here and it is neat to read of your musings regarding the Silver Rush. My wife decided to enter her name in the lottery for the LT 100 mtb race and her plan b if not chosen is the 50. Altitude issues are come and go and that one bad day is behind you. I'm certain that you've learned enough the first time to be able to capture your goal!!
Happy V Day HT!
You know, it's all about the training anyway and it sounds like you're up for that! The hills, the trails, the mountains...that's what it's about!
AND, if you decided not to do it a few times, that's okay...I love that attitude :) !
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