Training Log Archive: 'Bent

Mohican 100
Bash, FB and I that went down for this one.



Unlike last time it had rained the days before, and the morning was dark and foggy. I seemed to move up a bit more in the pack at the start, as riders were having issues in the slimy wet clay puddles.
The actual Mohican singletrack was fairly dry, but with slippery roots. I was riding better than last time in a faster section of the pack. The singletrack was great, about 40km of nice flowy forest trails.

Unfortunately on one shift I heard a loud clunk, and my rear hub sounded like I was grinding rocks back there.
I had to pull over into the bush and poison ivy and take apart my drivetrain. With my riding contacts I can’t see close up. Luckily I had some folding reading glasses in my tool kit. I struggled with the quick link on my chain, gave up and used the tool to break it. I was hoping it was a jammed idler or the clutch was stuck, but no luck, the freewheel was jammed.
Trying to reassemble the chain my quick link flew off into the poison ivy, but I carry 2 so I got it back together.
I managed to get back on, and as long as I didn’t coast the bike worked ok despite awful sounds, but I was now behind a lot of riders who had to get off or fall on obstacles that were rideable for me. I managed to nurse it into aid station 1, but knew it would fail completely if I continued, so the day was done. I did have a lot of fun on the nicest singletrack.

Amazingly, Zach the volunteer mechanic was keen to have a go. He took off the wheel, and tore apart the cluster and hub at amazing speed, with parts all over the table. He disassembled the freewheel, pulled out the jammed pawl and managed to service and rebuild it in minutes, and shockingly I was OK to continue. It looks like I lost 30-35 min max.

After that I was back on, even though I had mentally checked out. I slowly worked my way back up the field a bit. It was hard for me to pass folks on slippery roots or rock gardens, but some let me by and I was able to ride some of the long climbs where everyone else at this part was walking.
I think everyone had to dismout a bit on sections that were rideable last year - I certainly was walking more.
I still took my time aid stations, where the voluteers were first class. I was able to drink some coke, eat some fruit and chips, and carry on. I made good time on the gravel sections, but dialed it back a bit ln some downhills as 60 kph on loose gravel could really hurt. I rode all the massive climbs this year, but was low on energy for the final singletrack.

In the end I was around 25 min slower than last year, but still mid pack despite the mechanical problems. My riding time was actually faster. The free craft beer went down well!



Bash finished looking good, and FB toughed out the 100 miler looking no worse for wear. Again, a well run race, but plenty tough.

C • Nice work 4

Knee's a bit sore and weather's a bit dicey, so BZdog and I drove (gasp) to work.

Quick little dash on the hills of K-bash and Wheelie to test some bike fixes.

Part of workout 2 and rehab.

Easy commute with AD. FDFs are coming out, but also had daylight for the “night” run home.

Started a bit sluggish, but soon felt good and had a quick commute in the cool morning with AD.

C • Not cool now! 2

Easy hike/jog in the steamy heat with AD.

Just a little active recovery to test a different seat conguration for Mohican.