Training Log Archive: kgeisen

Last-minute decision to go to Rocheport when other plans were cancelled. I've done this race three other times (though all the 50-mile version), and while I wasn't stoked about driving there by myself I knew it would a) be a challenging ride and good training and b) give me a good objective look at my current bike fitness vs previous years at this time.

I didn't get around to cleaning my bike from last weekend's slop-fest until Saturday afternoon, and I forgot that my front derailleur wouldn't shift down into the smaller ring until I hit the first climb of the day, about .25 mile from the start. So that was how my day went, an accidental big ring challenge.

Basically the whole race passed me on that first climb, but I spent the rest of the race gaining on and picking off people. The gravel was wet but overall solid, and almost like pavement after it dried. Weather was sunny but still cool and a steady 8-10 mph SSW wind. We had about 5 minutes of tailwind, but minimal headwind as well. I managed to find a few people to tuck in behind in the open areas, but I rode most of the race alone.

No major problems, no mechanicals. Ate probably a little less than optimal but enough to get by without any bonking. Pretty bad quad cramps for the last 20 miles and awful the last 10. Overall, though, I had a good race. Until that last 10, when I was really being a big baby about my legs, I did a good job of staying focused and keeping a move on. I walked up one ridiculous hill (and would have with a small ring, too) and the last little bit of one of the rollers towards the end after I didn't downshift enough. I stopped once to check my cue sheet when I wasn't sure about a turn and once to look for ibuprofen for a total of 2 non-moving minutes. Tons of PRs. I feel pretty OK about where I am for now. Definitely need to start adding in some miles before Coast to Coast, but now I'll be tapering for LBL.

C • Nice race! 3

Sweet spot training (short)

Lost all 6 games of our doubleheader.