Grampian Challenge Race Report Part I

I call this race report on the Grampian Challenge, "Part I," not because of how long the report is, but because it's been a long day: up at 5 a.m., drive 2:30 race 2:45, drive 2:30, family stuff, etc., etc., So for now, I will be brief.

The Grampian was 78% gravel road, 10% singletrack and 10% doubletrack and 2% me praying for an untimely heart attack or something. (That may be a bit strong).

I sucked ass today. Like big, hairy, shirtless,, fat, perv guy in the park ass. It was cold, very blustery, wet, super muddy and I had super dead legs. The gun went off, the Expert class took off and I pedaled like I had weights (beyond my gut) strapped to me. I waved bye-bye to them and rode most of the race solo or with folks who I was in no way working with due to me not being as fast as them, or them not as fast as me. It was not good.

Sure, I have excuses beyond my lack of talent and fitness: stressful week as a solo dad with Wifey in D.C., lack of sleep, no riding this week due to weather and time, not properly hydrated, etc., But in the end it was just a bad race for me. I can deal with that.

The race as 40 miles long (39ish really), my legs came around about mile 25 and left about mile 35. There were some amazing parts; the last section of singletrack in Addison Oaks was great, some of the gravel was kick ass, and with the exception of one section of course where they marked the course with tap ACROSS the trails (WTF?), it was well marked and easy to follow.

The course was also WAY hillier than I expected, especially after having just raced down that way last weekend. The gravel roads had me wishing for my cross bike, but the single track had me thanking God I didn't try to race it!

Not sure how I did overall, but in the Expert Men Open I finished 31st out of 38 in time of 2:46 something. YIKES! I find it hard to believe that 7 other dudes sucked more than me today. Yikes again! 'Cuase I SUCKED.

I ran into my friend Juan from the Cleveland-ish area. I first met him at the Stony Creek 6 Hour way back in the Spring. He's a good dude and one of those folks that you talk to and leave feeling better about life and stuff, he just has a good energy about himself. I like it. Nice seeing you Juan!

Well, well.. this report went longer than expected. I guess this will be it, no need for part II... barring updating with some pics later. BTW, the kicker was to drive back home to find the weather sunny, less windy and not a cloud in the sky here in M.P.. Nice. Real nice.

Later.