Each year, after the last N.U.E. race (aka 100 mile racing series), I make a good resolution that I will train specifically for Iceman. However, I allow myself a break of about a week and here lies my demise. After this period of simply riding for fun, all my motivation to get prepared vanished. The days were going by and when finally I snapped out of it and was ready to train I got a bad cold. That completely derailed my late training effort. At some point, my wife asked me if doing no exercises was my new super secret training strategy…
After a very nice call up to the line, I thought I could manage a better start than my previous attempts. I soon realized that even for me it was a sub-par performance as I entered the double track around the 35th place. In fact, in a desperate attempt to get in some training, I worked out harder until the day before the race. I over estimated my recovery capabilities resulting in an immediate soreness in my legs.
I had no other choice than settling down into a large group of approximately 20 riders. As usual, there was the typical traffic jam when such a large group enters the single track… we were losing quite a bit of time to the lead group. However, the speed of this group as slow as it was at times was still barely manageable for me.
At some point, I thought that if I could cross the finish in the top 5 of that group, I will be satisfied. At each flat and open section, I braced myself for the hard effort. 3 or 4 times our group of 20 split and each time I found myself in the last position. Fortunately, each time the group reformed and we arrived to a more hilly terrain. Despite the lack of training, there was still some strength in my climbing legs. The next time the group split, I was in the 1st group.
With 3k to go, it was down to only three of us and with 2k I made a final move and distanced myself. The cheering fans was the only thing that kept me going. It was great to get so much cheering even 7 minutes after the winner arrived.
I am satisfied to arrive in first place of our original group of 20. Of course, I know that with proper preparation I can easily improve on my 24th place. Count me in for next year.
My ride can be found on strava.com
it was great meeting you on the bus ride back to Kalkaska. My wife and I got a photo with you and enjoyed hearing your race stories and advice etc. Keep up the NUE dominance and take it to them next year at Iceman!!