Hanging out and hanging on at Simi

I'll be heading out to do the well known SoCal Simi ride this Saturday. My legs need to get used to the burn again and this ride will definitely do it. It's described by Velonews as one of the toughest preseason rides in the country. The SoCalCycling site's description states, " This ride is famous for not only it's beautiful scenery but also for the riders it attracts. In the 80's riders such as Greg LeMond and Andy Hampsten were reported to have frequented this awesome ride. Today it's a who's who of National and International pro's especially in January when the ride grows to an amazing 250-300 riders.. "

The goal will be to finish with the lead group, but I know that's pretty lofty for my first time at this training ride. I'll hang on as best I can and save a little juice for the hilly sections in the latter half of the ride. I'll probably switch out the 21-11 for the 23-11 just to make sure that I don't blow my legs out too soon. That way if it does come down to me and a couple of the Discovery boys, who might be down from Santa Barbara, I can pull a Petacchi.

Louise's take on her favorite race

Louise Kobin is a regular on the endurance racing scene. She's participated in a number 24-hour solo races, 100 mile events, Europe's toughest marathon event -- the Salzkammergut Trophy and numerous stage races. Lou's raced in The Cape Epic, The Transrockies Challenge and The Transalp Challenge. Last weekend she raced her first 12-hour solo race to get in some training for the upcoming Cape Epic.

In '04 Lou finished an impressive 36th overall at La Ruta and this year she became the first three time La Ruta champion. I think a lot of that has to do with the back-to-back 8-10 hour training rides with plenty of climbing that she does in preparation for the race, not to mention the group road rides she does on her mountain bike sans slicks.


M: What years did you race La Ruta? Does it get any easier? Did you finish all of them?
L: I've raced in Costa Rica in 2003, 2004 and 2005. I've finished every year but it doesn't get any easier.

M: Which year was the hardest?
L: The first year in 2003. I missed the start on the second day and had to make up a lot of time, but I finished with a 4-minute lead by the end of the race.

M: Why do you keep going back to La Ruta?
L: I like it because the days are long and hard. I also like that you get to cross a whole country and meet the people.

M: Was it your first multiday race--is that part of it?
L: No, my first stage race was the Transrockies Challenge in 2002, the first year it was held. I like La Ruta because it's a little low key compared to something like the Transalp. I like that you have to "wing it" a little bit down there.

M: Do you prefer a hardtail or suspension for that race?
L: I prefer to use a full suspension. I've used one every time that I've been down there. The backside of the volcano on day two and the railroad tracks on day three are the main reasons behind my choice.

M: The finish rate at CR is about 2/3 to 3/4. What do you think is the most important determinant for a first timer finishing?
L: Don't underestimate the difficulty of the race. Prepare with very long training days. A bike that's in good working order with new or fairly new components is required. It's very important that the bike be able to withstand all the mud.

M: You've won the woman's category three times in a row. What does it take to put together 3 good days?
L: I think it's necessary to include blocks of hard training days. For example, train for three days in a row on a long weekend. Learn to ride on tired legs and include plenty of climbing on your rides.

M: Did you train differently this year as opposed to last year?
L: No. I did long back-to-back training days.

M: What items are the most important to take with you each day while racing?
L: Thermotabs, Sustained Energy, Hammer Gel and thick lube. If the lube isn't thick it won't stay on at all.

M: I had bad cramps on day 1 the last time I was at La Ruta in '04. How do you deal with cramps down in CR?
L: Thermotabs.

M: How do you deal with all the mud down there?
L: I dunk the bike in as many stream crossing as I can and try to keep the chain lubed.

M: What's your favorite day or part of the race?
L: I like riding up the volcano on day 2. I was 10 minutes faster this year compared to last year!

M: Do you think multidays are more fun than 100 milers, 12-hour races and 24-hour races?
L: Yeah, since they last longer.

M: Will you be going back in 2006?
L: You bet!

M: What are some of the other races are you will be doing this year?
L: The Cape Epic, The Ironbike, the Transrockies Challenge and The Cascade Creampuff 100 to name a few.

M: Any tips for the racers? Do's or dont's?
L: Eat a lot after each stage as soon as you finish to refuel for the next day; I eat twice after each stage. Have fun, enjoy the challenge and don't get stressed out. Be flexible if things don't go right or as you planned...that's part of the challenge!

Stage Racing Experiences

I thought it would be interesting and useful to get input from other endurance racers in addition to posting my own experiences with stage racing . So with that in mind, I've asked a number of friends about the various MTB stage races they've done. I hope to give the reader some useful information for their next or perhaps very first stage race. I'll be posting the feedback that I've received over the next few months. Louise Kobin will be the first racer and the first race that I'll cover is my favorite race, La Ruta del los Conquistadores. La Ruta is a very popular test of metal that's held every November in Costa Rica. From there I'll move on to the 2-person team races like the Transrockies Challenge and the Transalp Challenge.

To tow or not to tow

Towing a teammate while either cycling or running is common in adventure races. It’s legal to do at the more popular multi-day two-person mountain bike stage races, but opinions vary widely on its use. The idea is to help the slower rider as much as possible so the team can reach the finish line faster. In MTB stage races it’s generally employed by mixed teams, not all mixed teams, just some. I have seen a female team towing on a couple of occasions.

There’s no disagreement on the pushing or pulling of a teammate during a stage. By pulling, I mean one rider hanging onto the bike or, as is more common, the camelbak straps of the other rider. I’ve pushed and pulled teammates who have bonked or have broken their rear derailleur. No problem there. There also doesn’t seem to be a problem with using a make shift setup in emergencies. I’ve seen a first place open men’s team using inner tubes when one of the pair was essentially left with one gear.

The issue lies with the use of a specific setup on every stage, not just emergencies, to hook riders together while on the bike. The two most common are a standard dog leash fastened to one rider's seat/seat post and the other a pole of some sort that swings from the back of one bike. The former are more popular at the Transalp and the latter are more common at the Transrockies race.

I think the pole setups are dangerous, especially the ones where the pole sticks out 3-4 feet behind the bike and swings from side to side. They shouldn’t be allowed. I was almost impaled by one at the Transrockies race a couple of years ago.

So if I were on a mixed team would I make use of a dog leash type towing system? Tough question. I think it depends on the race. I’d never tow at the Transrockies. There’s a very short list of female mountain bike endurance racers that I’d ever do that race with and none of them need to be towed. The Transalp race, on the other hand, is a different story. At that race even the strong mixed teams (Team Rocky Mountain’s Andreas Hestler & Alison Sydor for example) were towing to stay in the money. If my partner and I were in the money then I’d be willing to tow SOME of the time. I have a problem with having to tow on every climb or every other climb every day. Then it’s like my partner was tagging along (or more like dragged along) for the ride rather than actually racing with me. Anyway, if we weren’t even close to top five then I probably wouldn’t bother.

I don't think mens, masters or womens teams need to tow at all. Now what about spouses that are racing? I'm not even going to go there...

Training, Work, Cycling Karma and the Jedi Arts

Been practicing the Jedi power of suggestion. I don’t do the hand waving thing, a bit too cheesy. A smile works so much better. I got my co-worker, Dave, a free breakfast by suggesting it to the cashier in the cafeteria at work. I’m going to REI this weekend to get some hiking shoes and I’ll see how far I get with “you’ll throw in a Garmin Edge 305 with those boots.” :-) I want to collect the route data for both the Cape Epic and the Ironbike. I’ll probably post and share them on Geoladders site.

I’ve been far too busy at work and it’s eating into my training time; lost all of Monday. It’s starting to stress me out. I don’t normally get too upset with bozos behind the wheel but I encountered three on today’s early morning’s ride; it was uncharacteristically cold for SoCal. Anyway, there’s something about the universal hand sign that just isn’t there with any other gesture. Pumping a fist in the air falls a little short but what else could I do with lobster gloves on? "Nanu-Nanu" & "Live long and prosper" didn't exactly convey my intended message. Lightning from the hand would have come in handy… the temptations of the dark side.

It’s probably cycling karma. Last Friday Lou and I went riding and not 10 minutes into it I basically took her out and she crashed very hard on the pavement. Fell on her elbow that she shattered last year in the Cape Epic and lost some skin on the knee as well. Lou being Lou, we continued on for a fun ride. But what comes around goes around. During the ride I jacked my wrist when I came unclipped while out of the saddle, I tweaked my ankle and got cow crap on my leg. Tuesday I almost had my head taken off by a gate that’s not normally open while on my usual noontime training ride.

I'm looking forward to a nice long uneventful ride tomorrow.

Seconds

Saturday was the second time I raced with Dean on the same team. Last time we raced on the same 4 man team for the 24 Hours of Temecula. It was our second time racing on the Temecula course. We came in second behind Team Sho-Air that time (26 laps vs 25). We raced Manny and George again, both from Sho-Air, for 12 hours and finished second (14 vs 13 laps) on Saturday. I had a great time on a great course on a sunny day. What better way to celebrate my birthday than on a MTB? There's still plenty of work to do before the Cape Epic.

Both Monique and Lou got in 11 laps (first and second respectively) as did Desert Dan. Former teammate, Jason, got in 10 laps for third in the solo men's category. It's good to see friends do well at a race.

Since Dean won't be racing the Transrockies this year I suggested that he do the Ironbike and Lou seconded the idea.

My second race of the year will most likely be a XC race in a couple of weeks-- the second weekend in February.

Firsts

This is a week of firsts. Went on my first group road ride on Sunday; I forgot to take the Starbucks card. Today was the first time I'd been on the mountain bike in about two months, it felt strange. It was the first time that I used Stans in my tubeless tires. Saturday is my first race of the year. It's my first time doing a race in January and the first time racing in the duo category. It'll be the first time I get to see my bud, La Ruta Lou, since the Transrockies; she's racing solo. I looked at the Cape Epic site in detail for the first time. From the start list, there will be several familiar faces in the pack. I got the first set of answers to the questionnaires that I sent out to friends that have done various multi-day races. I'll start posting the first of those next week. Now I've got to clean the chain on the road bike for the first time in a year!

Technically...

I suppose I should include MTB in the blog description since there are plenty of ultra events for the inner roadie. The Furnace Creek 508 might be in store for next year. I'd like to see a power file of that ride! Besides being so close to home, it's a RAAM qualifier. Not that I'm actually thinking about RAAM. I think I'd need more time to ride across the country and have a little more fun. Something along the lines of The Big Fix would be good.

Think La Ruta with more than twice as much climbing and less mud

Last year's Ironbike race attracted contenders from Holland, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Brazil and Nepal.

The 2005 Ironbike had 8 stages covering 611 km & 21,000 vertical meters of climbing or 379 miles and 68,897ft.

Last year’s finish rate was 43% and in 2003 it was 46%. That’s far worse then La Ruta’s average finish rate of 75%. Just like La Ruta it gets harder each year. It’s not uncommon for it to be raining, cold and sometimes there's snow present on the peaks of some of the harder stages. Also like La Ruta, the reigning woman's champion, Sandra Klomp, is a 3-time race champ. My money is riding on La Ruta Lou in this match up (no pressure Lou).

This race has special tests each day and the start is totally different from anything I've ever raced. Participants leave in 1-2 minute intervals everyday in reverse order. Sometimes there can be a two-hour difference between when the first pair left and the last pair left. The fastest riders leave last.

Last year’s event:

Day 1 - Prolog
Stage 1 - 57km, 2180 m vertical
Stage 2 – 97km, 2942m - 3rd longest stage with 3 mountain passes.
Stage 3 – 122km, 3519 m
Stage 4 – 30km, 1136 m
Stage 5 – 147km, 4517 m - The “big” day with 5 mountain passes
Stage 6 – 86 km, 3415 m
Stage 7 – 70 km, 2180 m
Stage 8 – Some racers had their bikes stolen during the night so this day was not counted as a race day.

Photos 2002-2005

General questions to ask when going to a new race

Some friends and I will be racing the Ironbike in Italy this summer. Unlike other races that have an English language version of the race web site, the Ironbike site is mostly in Italian and the one English page only describes the rules and the required gear. I had numerous questions even after viewing the entire site with Google translator and I needed several things confirmed.

Rich Dillen and I independently sent the race organizers a number of questions. Turns out that the questions eventually became part the Ironbike FAQ on the redesigned site. The combined list follows:

- What is the closest airport to the Start location Saluzzo?
- Is there a shuttle available from/to the airport?
- What type of food is available for breakfast and dinner each day?
- Will we be given event bags (like the Transalp) or do we need to use our own?
- Is an extra smaller bag needed for high altitude camps? If so where do we leave the big bag on the high altitude days?
- How long must the light/head lamp last? 3 hours? 6 hours?
- Is there a route book? Will GPS data of the stages be available?
- Is there a bike wash, showers/bath, mechanics, message, food at the end of each stage?
- How many food stops (aid stations) each day?
- Where are the bicycles kept at night (I ask this because my bicycle was stolen at the Transalp race this year)?
- Where do the racers store their bike transport cases during the race?
- Are the base camps in or near towns or villages?
- Art.10: The competitors are obliged to sleep at the base camp. So all competitors must sleep in the camp every day or just the first day? Companions can sleep in the town or village or camp correct?
- From the English page a tent and mattress are suggested items. Are they suggested or required? If we don't bring a tent or mattress will one be provided?
- Is there a race specific hotel the night before the race? If not, are there lots of hotels near the start and the finish?
- Do most of the racers stay in a hotel (very) near the start and finish?
- Would you be able to suggest a hotel for the day before and night after the race?
- Are there any meetings that the racers need to attend the day before the race?
- Does the race start in the afternoon of the 22nd?
- Has anybody ever completed the race on a single speed bike?
- If I choose to rent a cell phone (from Ironbike) do I need to arrange that before hand or when I get there?
- Would it be hard to get around only speaking English?
- Is there a DVD available? If so how do I buy one?

Training for the Cape Epic

Since the CE is right around the corner and the Ironbike is right after that, I won't be doing any 24 hour solo races until after July. So I'll miss the Old Pueblo race and the NORBA 24 Solo race too. That's a real bummer since I really wanted to do the NORBA race again--never been to Wisconsin. I'll still be racing but all my races leading up to the CE will be for training; some local XC races, a 50 miler (the Vision Quest), and some 12 & 24 hour duo/team efforts. I'll be working on my starts--the pace for the first 1-1.5 hours. From my recollection, my CE partner tends to start out faster than I usually do.

I put the new Powertap on the road bike and have been on a few rides with it. I wish I'd listened to Lynda and got one of these things last year. Now I can take the guess work out of how much I need to eat to cover the workouts. It comes out to about 1600 extra calories/day. That's (Lynda if you are reading this please skip to the next paragraph) an extra doughnut for breakfast, a slice of pizza to go with lunch, some M&Ms when I get hungry around 3pm, and ice cream after dinner.

Now I'm thinking about getting one for my mountain bike...if only there was a hub for disc. The only thing that I don't like about the PT is that it downloads data via a serial port...inconvenient for newer boxes.

The Link software that the Powertap comes with is a complete waste. After a couple of minutes playing with it, I downloaded the CyclingPeaks software. It's has much more functionality than the Link software. The only problem is that if you want two copies of it, say one for work and one for home (or one for a desktop & one for a laptop) then 2 copies of the software need to be purchased. Dave LaMay, from CP, helped me out and I'll be able to get the second copy for 50% off which isn't bad.

More Opportunities for Adventure

I found a few more races to add to the list:

- Arizona Trail 300 - A new self supported race in April.
- El Desafio Extremo - A 2-day race in Argentina in December that covers 400+ km
- Guanaride - A 4-day race in Costa Rica in July. Unlike La Ruta, this one runs North to South along the Pacific Coast.
- Iron Biker Brazil - A 2-day race in Brazil in October.
- Vuelta a Osona - A 2-day race in Spain covering 220 km with 7100+ vertical meters of climbing. Definitely one for the climbers.
- Vuelta Internacional a Valladolid de BTT - A 4-day race in Spain in March with short stages that XC racers will love. A brief description of the stages and a report of this years race.

I've listed all the races I've found to date into two main categories below. So far I have not heard about or found a 2-person self supported race. Maybe it defeats the spirit of those types of races. It would be interesting to see what races have been done on a single speed, a 29er and a tandem.

As far as I know, La Ruta as been completed by 2 persons on a SS; Lee Heckman ('02 & '03) & Rich Dillen ('04). Rich is the first person to finish the Transrockies on a SS ('05). I believe the Alaska Ultra Sport race had been completed on a SS. The GDR will be attempeted on a fixie ('06). Tandem teams have done La Ruta as well as the Croc Trophy. I don't know anyone doing any multi-day on a 29. Maybe Dave Harris will be the first.
Update: Gary Fisher rode a 29 in the 2002 Transalp.

Solo
Supported
El Desafino Extremo
Guanaride
Ironbike
Ironbiker
La Ruta de los Conqistadores
MTB Himachal
Super Travessia - semi-suported
Temple to Temple
Tour dAfrique
Vuelta a Osona
Vuelta Internacional a Valladolid de BTT
Self supported
Alaska Ultra Sport
Arizona Trail 300
The Grand Loop
The Great Divide Race
TransIowa

2-Person Team
Supported
Alpen Tour
Bike Challenge
Cape Epic
Transalp
Transcreta
Transrockies
Transwales
Self supported
None

Solo/Team
Crocodile Trophy (supported)