Bike race (gravel) 8:54:31 [4] 98.9 mi (11.1 mph) +4422ft
ahr:126 max:158 shoes: Motobecane Fantom X Team Ti
DK100
Rolled into Emporia later than desired Fri. eve @ 8:30PM but the race is the secondary story here...
The main story centered around my conundrum of how to fix a severely damaged car tire (happened right after check-in!) while alone in a town that has no tire repair services on Sun. And, barring an emergency situation, I really needed to be at work Mon. morning. I was resigned to miss the race in order to get repairs done Sat. Sad.
BUT, in swooped one of the owners of the Emporia RV Park and Campground - my usual accommodations while in town. She set aside her personal plans to help me, a perfect stranger, w/ Subaru roadside assistance (midnight Fri. night!), insisted I sleep in her home both nights (very comfy) and arranged to have my car repaired Sat. while I rode. Above and beyond!!!! So a big shout-out to Charlotte and her husband - cyclist-friendly owners who care. So, so grateful.
So anyway, the race...delayed start due to a thunderstorm, 1-2 mi. of bike-carrying through mud, and a high of 91F, but still the great vibe and fantastic scenery that I love about this event. I felt fabulous for the first 50 mi., meh for 20, awful for 30, and ended up pace-wise right about where I deserved based on iffy training the past couple months. My L leg barked quietly (yipped?) all day, but I didn't think I was doing additional damage. I was super careful during the bike carrying parts to not slip and activate the area that is healing. Leg held up! Enjoyed lots of chit-chat w/ fellow riders. Minimal stops - ~1-2 min @ checkpoint (mi. 50), 1 min for water stop @ farm (mi. 80) & 2-3 min to wait for train about 5 mi. from finish. No flats or any other bike mechanical issues. Made it home Sun. w/ no car tire issues. :)