So... After a great breakfast followed by reflection by the water and morning prep, we rode about 4 km to the staging area. Appropriately positioned in the gate we awaited the gun with a similar plan as the day before. Go out solid but not crazy and build as we were able. Fortunately there was some gravel before hitting the trails as it dissipated the zealousness of some of he pack. Before too long we were climbing technical doubletrack and the mud sections began. Early in the races it can be a bit of log jam before people sort out their position. If you aren't aggressive enough it can result in your rhythm being thrown off and settling into too slow of a pace. Turbo and I kept h other in sight as we rode amidst the groups, sometimes changing leads when one would take a bad line through the slop. At one point I tripped up on a section and BurnE went by. Turbo was actually Rodin between him and Stew, unknowingly, until a chain problem.
The hours and kms slowly passed as we chugged along the course, continually off and on the bikes, through the swampy and flooded sections. Most of the day was actually a connect-the-dots of these bogs. Turbo stayed ahead for quite a while in order set the team pace, which he described as slightly uncomfortable. Throughout the day we would see many of the same people plodding along. Occasionally a wipeout in the mud as well as near complete submersions. Often we'd just take a run at the bogs making it through part of the time and failing spectacularly on others. Today I wore new "Specialized Defroster" boots which are somewhat insulated and waterproof. I soon learned that the problem with waterproof boots is that when they do get water in - it doesn't come out. I did dump them at every aid station but mostly rode with fishbowls on both feet.
Today we stayed quite close together and kept a steady pace throughout. There were few big climbs on roadsections (which were welcomed) and one massive downhill had us hit a coasting speed of 81 kph!!!! That is rolling over the top and no drafting- just aero coasting - which is the fastest speed which i have ever hit on a bike.
Happily the course ended a few kms sooner than we were told and we high-fived through the finish. We were met with chocolate milks and Subway subs and some familiar faces. Camp White Pines is an upscale camp with excellent accommodations. Large clean restrooms and showers, cabins with electricity (ours was close this time too) and a dining hall that fit everybody. A great meal followed by awards including first places for Iain as well as B&S. Tanya pulled off a great day arriving ahead of our dual teams, scoring her a 2nd.
Like many others, I'm quite banged and bruised up, with lots of little cuts. While my cardio effort was likely less than most, the long hours of tough terrain has taken its toll including worsening the pre-existing knot in my back which won't stretch out.
The bikes have taken a severe beating and most have completely worn through brake pads. Mine were new before yesterday and were down to the metal. One of the pics below shows a crew of riders fixing Turbo's...
So...
Our cabin all were in bed by 9:30 anticipating a big day tomorrow. There is a loon which is calling out in the distance right now.
Tonight there is probably going to be a continual flow of people to the restroom but most will sleep through it.
Tomorrow is supposed to be dry and great riding. I certainly hope so.
Thanks for reading - I'm going to sleep now.
UM
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