Training Log Archive: revy

We decided to stay in Whistler for a few days after the race. Today we tackled a Westside loop with Milo. River run, cut above, darwins, flank, rockwork orange, korova milk bar, 27 switchbacks. River run was better than I remembered and had some interesting sections but only worth doing as a connector to complete a loop - not a stand alone must do trail (which 20 years ago it was...). Nice to get up high for the views. Sunny weather and quite warm though the trails were in great shape due to the recent moisture. The Element proved quite capable on the rock rolls. Obvisouly not ideal but much better than the Epic. I had to change the tires and was running them with tubes so the slightly higher pressure was a little annoying. Milo did well after his initial km of craziness and we found enough water to keep him cool.

Event: Nimby Fifty
 

Raced the last Nimby Fifity today. After a ten year run the organizers decided that it was time to pull the plug. I think they were getting tired and the numbers had been drifting down. Of course since they announced that it was the last one many people came out and the race ended up sold out at 650 people (way more than the usual 420 limit). Initially they were only going to allow alumni to race but that changed and I luckily checked right before registration sold out and was able to grab a spot. It had always been on my to do list but the timing had never worked out.

Did not feel 100% in the morning - fighting a mild viral infection - but not terrible. A very civilized 11am start meant that I could even sleep in. A cool and rainy day which meant that my tire choice wasn't ideal but good temps for racing. In general I was a little under gunned with the Element on these descents but not terribly (this is a very technical race course). Beefier tires would have been an adequate middle ground. It is an interesting race as there are lots of Sea2Sky non xc racers who show up for their token race so a varied mix of spandex and baggies, race bikes and enduro bikes. Usually in a typical XC race I am around people who are slightly worse than me on the technical stuff but that was definitely not the case here - goes to show that there are lots of fast riders who don't race XC. Also proves that although my technical skills are good they are not enduro good... Funniest moment was on the last road km when I got passed by a dude with a paunch, riding a Chromag hardtail, wearing a tank top and baggies. I was like wtf?

Anyway race itself went OK. Seeded myself in a good spot in the corral (though still 1/5 of the way back). Used the first climb as a warm up (though the proper strategy is to hammer this to improve your traffic situation). Fun first descent in a conga line. One close call on a slick rock/root drop that reminded me that I was riding a XC bike... The long climb was fairly chill due to traffic. I felt like I was riding at about 85% of the pace I wanted to. Probably good for pacing as I felt like I started running out of the steam near the top (it was a really long climb). Only a couple road sections where I passed a handful of people each time.

The descent down Ruedi's was more fun than I remembered. For the most part I kept up to the riders ahead of me and let a couple guys go by. Overnight Sensation the traffic picked up for the first half - a couple spots with traffic jams but otherwise able to ride at speed. Periodically some crazy dude would fly by me. Had to walk the multiple choice rock slab due to traffic but rode every other drop (including the last chute). Fun descent despite the traffic. Headed over to Mosquito Lake - skipped the unofficial aid station offering pickles and pickle juice. A buddy grabbed some juice thinking it was gatorade... the new course is much less punchy on this side than it used to be. Overall the course is quite pleasant climbing for the amount involved (although the last punchy bit up to No Err sucked). A descent down No Err and then Dark Forest to complete the course. Unfortunately cut my back tire a km from the end of the single track. A good example where paying the slight weight penalty for better rubber would have been the better choice. Thought it might seal so gave it one shot of C02 but it kept leaking so ended up putting a tube in. Cost me several minutes and my goal of sub 3 hours/top 100. Had to ride pretty casually to the end as I think I was only riding about 20 psi.

Realistically time was OK. Paced and fuelled myself OK and was still able to push at the end. Maybe a few percent slower due to being slightly sick? In good shape I should be closer to some guys I know that rode 2:40-2:45. It is hard to know how much the traffic influences everyone's time though (beyond the top guys) so comparisons aren't great.

C • Pickle juice gatorade 7

Running with Courtney along the greenbelt in light drizzle. Felt a bit sluggish today. Scratchy throat - hopefully not getting a cold.

Stimulus out and back with Milo. A handful of faster sections to wake the legs up.

Quick run on the greenbelt with Milo. Too many people out in the afternoon which makes running with the dog harder. He is still a bit excitable and wants to say hi to everyone.

Easy ride on Toaster with Courtney as she demo'd some bikes. Gave me a chance to play around with some settings on the Element.