Upon arrival, the guidance from the park and race officials was very good, and they were very patient with my newness of this experience, often having to explain things two or three times regarding packet pickup and parking. We (a neighbor of mine whom I convinced to try this event as well) picked up our packets and dropped off our "pit" gear (it was 35 degrees, so I brought lots of layers), parked, and rode our bikes back to the start. First disappointment was that our packet was a number that went on the front of the bike. No t-shirt or other goodies. Now, I realize this is a race, but most races provide a "trophy shirt" at a minimum.
The start was a LeMond start. We set our bikes out on the driveway, walked back into the woods and when the whistle blew, we had to run to our bikes, jump on them and go. It was a madhouse. I simply walked to my bike, knowing I would not be at the front of the pack.
The course was well marked. They diverted us around the most rockiest part of the course to avoid major crashes. Although there were some challenges along the way such as steep drops and climbs, rocks and roots, it was hard (for me), but not extreme. I completed my first lap in 1:16 and after using the bathroom in the pits, my neighbor pulled into the pits at 1:18. We agreed to try to do three laps at this point.
The second lap felt easier and faster than the first, but I now had fast racers starter to lap me, so I had to keep pulling over to allow them through on the trail. This brought my lap time nearly equivalent to the first. I refilled my Camelback and started my third.
On the third lap, my legs started to feel fatigued (my longest off road ride to this point had only been 2:30). I again was being passed by faster riders and started to notice that where I had difficulty going at higher speeds over rocks and roots, my shoulders and arms trying to absorb the shock of the trail, they were able ride over that stuff as if it were flat ground. This is where I realized if I were going to stick to this sport, I needed a new bike (I was on a Schwinn Protocol 1.0).
I finished three laps in 3:51; technically I could have started a fourth, as they allowed as many laps as possible as long as you STARTED your last lap before 3:59:01. I was concerned that if I pushed another lap, I may end up injured. My neighbor was already in the pits, even though I had been riding ahead of him. He called it quits after two laps. At this point was my second disappointment--no food or finisher party.
Lessons learned:
- layers were good to adjust for the temperature throughout the race
- bring all your own food, including post-race meals
- bring chairs for before and after the race
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