Long rides
I haven’t written anything here for a while now. I had intended to post up something about gear and equipment for the Colorado Trail Race, but I’ve been lazy putting it together. Might be a bit more than most would find interesting anyway!
The Twenty Four Hours of Moab is coming up. I’m entered and reasonably well prepared. It was not a major goal for this year. The multi day events earlier this summer were my bigger concern. I just figured I’d enter 24HOM if I felt up to it. I feel pretty confident about meeting my goals there at this point. Right now the course seems slow, so my goal of a certain lap number may need to be adjusted. Everything will be determined this weekend.
Structured training isn’t something I’ve attempted this year at all. For the last five or six weeks I’ve had a pretty simple plan of prep for the 24hr. Try to fit in as many big rides as possible, attend the Saturday group rides to hopefully speed me up, then taper down in the weeks leading up to the race. The Saturday rides were a good idea. I should have started them earlier maybe. It’s really fun, and harder than I expected.
The long rides were something I would have enjoyed whether I was gearing up for a race or not. I might not have fit so many good ones in otherwise, so no matter what happens this weekend I’ve already done well. Some highlights are: a Burro Pass loop from town hitting Flat Pass and Squaw Springs on the way up. The same ride minus Flat Pass as recon. The Telluride to Moab hut route done as an overnight straight shot. A big loop around the Gemini area involving Long Canyon and lots of green dots, blue dots, and painted lizards/jeeps (Thanks Craig). The Centurian was of course a high point, but two weeks out from the 24hr might be pushing it a bit. Still it was a fun day. Thanks Rich, Kathy, Monty, Mike, Chris and everyone else helping out.
For the three or four folks still reading, here is where I beg a little. I need support folks at the 24hr race this weekend. I have Dan and Susan running the show. Susan could use company Saturday night. She’ll be up for her second night straight (after baking Friday night) out there. It doesn’t neccesarily need to be a commitment of any kind, or extended hours. Just company for those there, maybe checking on results, or charging batteries. Any time or help would be EXTREMELY appreciated. Apologies for the grovelling..
Stories of glory… or agony, on tap!
Fred
