Comments on The Soiled Chamois: 2008 12 Hours of Cranky Monkey Race Report

Funny post, had me laughing. It is pretty hot in ...

2009-08-14T07:42:39.569-04:00

Funny post, had me laughing. It
is pretty hot in VA. I must do this CM race next year. Lucky the heat doesn't cramp me up. Just did a 101 road miler in Manassas in 96+ degrees, no shade, and breezy. Still had legs at the 6 hours end. Cold rides cramp me. Got early cramps in VT in May. Lincoln Gap's 20+% mile with cramps blows. Maybe you have overtrained and need a week off to recharge?

Sometimes you kick, sometimes you get kicked... It...

2008-07-02T12:47:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you kick, sometimes you get kicked... It was the venerable pop band INXS that gave me that pearl of wisdom, and it's a lesson that's come in handy over the years, especially the last 18 years racing bicycles.

Cramps are one of those "kicks" you never really get used to either... They just suck.

I've gotta' tell you that I've been going through a bit of a lull lately myself, and I've kind of hung up my race legs for a bit... I've just been laying low, figuring out how the rest of the season is going to play out. I'm going to go out and do Guitar Ted's Death Ride Invitational, but beyond that, I'm not sure what other races I'll end up doing. Whatever seems fun I guess is the answer...

Just focus on the fun and everything else will sort itself out. Good luck my friend.

Cheers,
MG

OK, I just laughed so hard, A$$ sweat, what a grea...

2008-07-01T17:33:00.000-04:00

OK, I just laughed so hard, A$$ sweat, what a great and accurate post of the weather etc. DO NOT take a break due to weather or what you may deem a poor performance (browse my journal if you get a chance). There are good days and bad and I felt pretty much the same except I was on a team, how much do I suck to have only done 2 laps. It was tough for most folks too but you made it up those killer climbs that most folks walked. There were times when I thought I was going so fast only to be stuck in the mile 4-7 Bermuda Triangle! You will get your MoJo back it may not be when you want it and most likely when you least expect it. Cheers.

Bad cramps do suck the big one. Hang in there man....

2008-06-30T17:36:00.000-04:00

Bad cramps do suck the big one. Hang in there man.You do seem to enjoy this way to much to stop.

I managed 2nd despite riding like an old woman. I...

2008-06-30T07:54:00.000-04:00

I managed 2nd despite riding like an old woman. I guess everyone felt bad out there.

Bob and Stu crushed it. Overall winners by about 40 minutes--as duos. Stu had a 51 minute lap and all the laps were under an hr. They did 12 laps in 11:15 or something.

sorry about the cramps man. heat can do weird sh*...

2008-06-30T06:40:00.000-04:00

sorry about the cramps man. heat can do weird sh*t to the body. Another day it might not have bothered you. Hang in there. Maybe it't time for you to get a team together for a 24 hour. Go out there, have some fun and not kill yourself in the process!

Sorry to hear about the bad cramps, bro. It is def...

2008-06-29T21:06:00.000-04:00

Sorry to hear about the bad cramps, bro. It is definitely tough riding in those conditions. But like other posters have mentioned, hang in there for the season or try a different format - that might freshen up your mojo! In any event, keep blogging - you certainly get me laughing on a regular basis.

Metro- yeah, I can't say that hot, head wind ride ...

2008-06-29T20:11:00.000-04:00

Metro- yeah, I can't say that hot, head wind ride sounds too good. But i guess in the end a ride is a ride. Beats sitting on the couch.

Pete- where did you end up? results aren't up yet. You rocked it man! Nice job. 9:45? eesh. I think I was already asleep! ;)

Yeah that sucked, brutal conditions. I felt like s...

2008-06-29T20:02:00.000-04:00

Yeah that sucked, brutal conditions. I felt like shit pretty much the whole time. No power, stomach issues waning desire. I guess attrition was high cuz I rode like doodoo yesterday.

Too many enduros will bring anyone down. I am now into the XC part of my season and it couldn't come soon enough. Can't wait to redline it for 1.5 hrs and go home. Maybe that would work for you too? Much less time training and suffering. Recharge a bit?

Don't worry about taking off, we didn't get out of there til 945 as it was. I would have gone straight to the AC if it was me.

Good seeing you again. Hope to tour Boyce one day soon!

Damn man sorry you had to bail on the race, cramps...

2008-06-29T19:00:00.000-04:00

Damn man sorry you had to bail on the race, cramps are a real mother. I can ALMOST one up that experience though. I just spent the last week at the beach trying to get in some road training rides for the W101. The low was 88 with the high of 109, the roads were pancake flat (I did manage to gain 22’ of elevation on the “Big climb”) with nothing to look at but miles and miles of telephone poles and tumble weed but, there is a regular 15 to 30 MPH wind that blows through. (The wind surfers love it!). The short days were 80 miles long. Honestly after 5hrs & 49min, 80 miles of pedaling into a 28MPH headwind in 100 degree direct sun exposure (no trees) trying to hold a 17 MPH pace on flat land I was ready to quit biking all together. Don’t throw in the towel yet. Get out for the rest of the season with some good friends and beer and f’ the goals. Have fun with it. Oh and check out the daily updates on the BC bike race, then tell me you don’t want to go and race that!

Peace,
Metro