Thursday, September 22, 2005

 

408.3 Miles, 23,000 (sore) feet of Climbing




A Long Story Shortened

OK I get a lil' long winded but I have a need to put this one to rest.
I got 'er done with the above stats. I was the first (and only) to finish 3 laps and I did it self supported. This by default gives me some kind of course record which I feel totally unworthy of. Most of the 4 lap guys with their support crews were ahead of me when I finished. I put up a bunch of pictures here.

Some stats:

Stuff ingested :

With all done and most said it was an amazing experience that pushed me to, through and beyond my mediocre limits. The low points were :

The high points were :

Riding the last 75 miles. What was the big turnaround? I went into the last checkpoint with a bag of stuff I'd just purchased from a local store in Winchester - chips, candy, Pepsi, Tylenol, Advil, and RedBull. John C asked me what's in the bag. I just said "Something in here is going to help me 'cause I need it bad." I'd never messed with "alternative energy drinks" like RedBull or Rockstar before but they sure seemed to give me what I needed to get me home.

After cresting the last climb out of Keene Valley I was spinnin' like a mad man as Rodger came up along side and asked if I needed anything. At that point I was sure I had it licked at smiled and told him I felt great, I see him at the finish (35 miles ahead). Man those are some bipolar mood swings.

I was sure the lead 4 lappers would pass me coming in, probably on the Keene Valley hill. I actually was hoping to get a picture or 2 of them. Once I made it over that, it became a battle to stay ahead. With about 5 miles to go in the pitch dark Jaroslav passed me , with support vehicle in tow. I could just see the summit of the last climb as the blinking red tail lights of his support van crested it. I was spinning SO fast up that hill I knew if I stopped my right knee would seize up. The sky was finally clear at that point in time only, clear enough to see a beautiful full moon over Ticonderoga. The final downhill had tears of a different kind blowing out of the corners of my eyes.

RideOn

JB


Comments:
Yo,

That is freaking awesome!! Congratulations. That is one hell of an accomplishment. You should be super proud of youself. I can't imagine doing that.

Take care and take your time recovering.

Jason
 
Thanks for the comment, finally feeling on the way back to normal and may go for a ride tomorrow! We have a trail work day in the AM.
JB
 
Very nice photos John, and you said they didn't come out good!
You guys have a nice sight there.
 
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