Against my better judgement, after nearly a month off the bike and two weeks of that being spent barely able to walk, I bit off a doozy on my 4th day back riding… And it went surprisingly well despite my weight being up and power being down after that lull combined with some gloriously gluttonous vacation eating.

Last year I finished second in a time of 4:12. It was a muddy one, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I took notes of what I could improve and… forgot them. Where I struggled last year is where I would struggle again this year.

And where is that might you say? The nasty climbs. There are three climbs that sustain a 12% grade for an extended period. The first is 40 minutes long, the second about 16, and the final only about 10. I’m pretty good at climbing, but you know what isn’t? My eight year old mountain bike drivetrain. When I purchased the bike it was the last of the old technology. As such, its gearing is horrid for that kind of climb. Normally not a problem because prior to moving here I never encountered stuff like that, but I wasn’t able to keep any cadence as every pedal stroke became an anaerobic effort. The first day the bike shop opened in town, I placed an order to modernize things. That will be nice.

Anyway, things went well. I shaved 28 minutes off my time. I’m not entirely sure where as my climbing segments didn’t move too much, but 28 minutes is 28 minutes. I finished 4th, just a few seconds behind the podium. With the right gearing (I had to walk a final section) and not missing a turn (cost about a minute), I’d have had it, but this isn’t actually a race and I was really only going against myself.

I did cramp around mile 30 after a super long descent, which might be inevitable. I’ve been there before and knew to drink, drink, drink. Except I ran out of liquid. I had 80 ounces at the start, which should be enough for a four hour ride, but it was a hot one and I always underestimate how much I drink. It was enough to stave off the cramping and finish. Do better, Michael.

I do maintain this ride rivals Leadville. Far more elevation per mile, far more gnarly terrain. It’s a tough day just with simpler logistics.

No photos because I’m a turd. Post-race beer, music, and lentil soup were divine.

Looking forward to spring-boarding off this effort with another good Peacham Fall Fondo to come and a solo Overland attempt after that to round out the season.

Notes to self: get that new drivetrain installed, mountain bike more than three times each year, always one bottle more water than you think, pay others to pull weeds.