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| (Photo credit Cheryl Dralle) |
The race started at 10 am with temps in the mid 20's and cloud cover. The group of 125 racers rolled out together for the first two miles and then racing began.
The first 30 miles went by with out any major issues (held a 15 mph avg on a single speed). When I reached the half way check point the great volunteers took my number and restocked my supplies (thank you).
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| (Photo credit Cheryl Dralle) |
I knew standing around at the check point wasn't a great idea so I was in and out in under five minutes. Around mile 40 the gravel turned to a sloppy mess.
My Salsa Selma 29er Single speed didn't let me down. I knew finishing wasn't going to be a real issue; it was just going to take time and perseverance. (32 x 15---suckas)
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| (Photo credit Jeff Cochran photography) |
The gravel became so thick that I couldn't carry any speed from the downhills into the uphills. This resulted in me walking some hills between miles 42 and 52.
Around mile 52 the gravel got a LOT better! Started rolling pretty good again. Kept my head in the right place and some good techno playing.
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| (Salsa Selma after a hard day) |
Rolled into the finish in 5hrs and 44 minutes. LONG DAY!! I ended up 4th in the single speed category and with encouraging numbers for the day. Congrats to fellow Team Metal rider Kent Carlson on the Single Speed win.
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| (All smiles after it's done) |
Just goes to show- Gettin' dirty can be fun
