Vermont 50 MTB!

The solid racing continues. A race report from our resident mountain biker..

7th Expert Vet, 17th Overall Vermont 50 MTB:

The VT50 is always a tough race, throw in this year's 45 degree
starting temps and hard rain....at 6:15 AM and it makes it even
tougher. Moreover, I had a serious stomach bug on Friday and Saturday
that seemed to have developed into an alien being living in my bowels,
my energy levels were less than optimum.

Our group was the first to start and it was close to pitch black with
the low clouds, fog and rain. We blasted down the first three mile
section of dirt road and were immediately covered in water and muck.
The first climb which is usually "just doable" was now totally
un-doable. It was at about this point that my aspirations for a podium
spot changed to meerly finishing the race, my body was just too
tired. The miles continued to slowly pass as we pushed through the
power sapping mud and puddles. Did I mention there was a bit of
climbing in this race, 9000 vertical feet to be exact. I was now
separated from the front group of eight riders and was in the second
group of about 6 riders. I was feeling the effects of my stomach
issues and did not want to push myself too hard only 12 miles into the
race so I let the second group get a little distance on me. Finally,
after eating some Cliff Shot Blocks and some Hammer Gel I felt I could
put a bit more force on the pedals. I managed to catch the second
group of 6 and actually ride by them. I was on my limit a bit and
back offed on a 6 mile stretch of climbing, two of my group members
passed me and looked to be making their moves. I could not respond
and kept spinning at my own pace and hoping to minimize the gap. The
second group was now exploded and tattered along the trail, I was on
my own. I basically pedaled in survival mode for the 30 mile
remainder of the race and was passed by a dude or two who came up
through the wreckage of the race. Finally, after 5:30 of the wettest,
hardest hours on a bike I pulled across the finish line in 7th place
in Expert Vets and 17th overall. It definitely did not go as well as
I wanted but I must say it felt good to cross the finish line. I
think I will take a few years break from this race so I can forget
about how hard this thing is. See you in Gloucester!