| Saratoga 12/24 We all met at the motel at about 4 PM. We spent the next two hours unloading the gear, working on bikes, shopping for food and checking in. We even spent time catching up with each other over dinner. We spoke about race strategy, as well as the prospect of the crew bouncing between two riders. It was a good feeling. Race morning dawned with Sheets of RAIN!!!! of course, every time Bud and I ride together it RAINS. As I reflect on this, maybe it was just a way for us to train effectively for this day, which paid off in Bud's case. HE rode a whopping 241 miles in the 12 hours. I had issues with an old injury and was forced to make a decision, bail on the race, or bail on the season. I did learn a great deal about my body, capabilities, etc. It was an awesome ride. Dave, Frank and Matt wired us up for sound. They were very encouraging the whole time we were out there. They played leap frog, teaching me about nutrition, and cautiously watching my form...coaching as I pedaled along. The coolest part about this was that I would not see them and all of a sudden a voice would be in my ear- you are looking good, you haven't drank in awhile, what about eating?... It was like I had a tangible conscience. Unfortunately my hip started to act up again and I had to bail at the 121 mile mark, but not without getting hooked on ultra's! As for Bud's race, I actually was greatful that my attempt to complete the 12 was thrawted. I was able to watch him for 5.5 hours as he cruised to the 241 mile mark. Watching him ride for awhile without being under stress myself was a new experience . This allowed me some insight into how to keep things safe on his cross state attempt. I also learned that the guys seem to know how to turn fatigue into drive. It was simple things, like being goofy about the way they handed out a pretzel with peanut butter, making just the right of the cuff remark, even slipping up on some of those remarks to have to attempt them 5 or six times and still not getting them correct, the pin-ups seemed to work wonders for lifting spirits as well. I really hope that we can have them along next month. After all was said and done I somehow found myself up at 2AM keeping the checkpoint volunteers company for the next 2.5 hours. It was really interesting to see how riders were at 2, 3, and 4 in the morning and after 18 plus hours of saddle time. I am thinking this challenge is one that I can not wait to take, but realize I have so much more to LEARN about the world and art of ULTRA cycling. All in all this was a race that I will certainly attempt again. Hopefully, I will have a similarily wonderful experience! HERES TO ATTEMPTING ROUTE 22 in 22 hours or less! <<<back to Bud's page <<<back to my page |