In previous years, both of us have competed with other teammates (Jeff teamed up with Brandon and I rode with Anne A.) and have completed this event as a solo rider. I find the team competition especially difficult because every lap is like doing an interval. You must warm up, cool down, and nourish between each lap while being careful to pace yourself throughout the event. This year would mark the first time that both Jeff and I would compete in the duo/co-ed division. Who else better to do this with than your trusted and beloved spouse?
We arrived Saturday in Ellicotville with plenty of time to preride and found the course to be nearly identical to that of year's past. A loop is about 10 miles in length, starts with a moderate climb across a couple of ski slopes and once on top, there is flowing single track. The descent down off the mountain is broken up into segments and undulates in and out of wooded sections before dropping you off at the bottom of a ski slope. We did our preride with a lot of relaxed conversation about our first few years together.
Sunday morning arrived and as expected, it was clear and dry. The weather forecasted temperatures to be near 90 later in the day, but the morning air held a refreshing chill. We went through our regular morning-of-the-race routine and headed over to the ski area to meet the rest of the team. EJ, Jimmy, and Tommy arrived and we immediately went to work setting up the 'pop-up' tents and organizing our stuff. Jason B. along with his brothers also made the trip, as well as Dougie, and a few others from the Buffalo area. All told, team Crankskins would have 10 riders competing in multiple categories.
Setting up camp
Our faithful supporters
Prior to the race, Jeff and I did the math based on previous year's times and worked out a plan that we hoped would pan out over the six hours. As a teacher, I always need a plan to work from for these longer types of events. Jeff would do the LeMans start and take the first lap and by doing so, he would end up with an extra lap at the end of the day. Barring any unplanned events: Jeff would ride 4 laps and me, 3 laps.
Jeff smartly positioned himself towards the front of the group for the LeMans start. We decided that his strength and speed would provide us with a strong start which is needed in an event such as this. As the gun went off, Dougie, one of the Crankskin riders, took off and eventually 'won' the run and Jeff mounted his bike in about 6th position. This was a great start for us.
Jeff at LeMans start
I began my warm ups and soon enough, Jeff was spotted hurling down the final descent. We had a smooth hand off and exchange of words, "You're doing great....I love you!"
Waiting for Jeff in transition area
At the transition
After our first two laps, we had a good sense of where we were running in the larger scheme of things. We were running within minutes of the other co-ed/duo team and when I recognized their names from the WV state series, I left Jeff a note back at camp, "We need to stay on it...these people are serious contenders." EJ has a great system devised for these types of events. Knowing that teammates don't actually have time to speak to one another, but still need to communicate, he posts a large piece of paper so we can record lap times and other important information.
Throughout the six hours, Jeff maintained 45-50 minute lap times and I consistently rode sub-60 minute laps (approx. 58-59 min). At the start of my 3rd lap, we were only 1 minute ahead of our competitors and I knew that there was no lull towards the end. I rode the best I could (despite one minor crash that bent my derailleur hanger that restricted me to a limited gear range) and stayed under 60 minutes for my lap time. At the final hand off, I said to Jeff, "Stay on it, babe!" knowing full well that our competition was within hearing range and was waiting for his rider to come in. I have seen Jeff in these situations before and he never ceased to amaze me. I stayed at the start/finish line until I saw our competition hand off and at that point, we had 6 minutes. At the end, Jeff would keep our first place position and the competition would take back 3 minutes on Jeff. What a thrilling finish! I was waiting for Jeff as he came across the line and threw my arms around him. His parents who joined us for the afternoon were ringing cowbells to signal their pleasure and congratulated him with hugs. We were all hot and sweaty, but it didn't matter.
Collectively, Team Crankskins had great results. Jimmy and EJ would win their category; Jason and Tommy got 2nd; and, Jeff and I won the co-ed/duo division. This event traditionally does not offer anything exceptional for prizes, but for us, just winning the category was satisfying. Our friends, Paul S., Margaret T., Tamara L, and Tracy competed in the solo division and all did really well in their respective divisions.
Afterwards, racers were treated to a pasta meal and watched the 6 Minutes of Power Children's Race.
Heading home along the NYS Thruway, we were both exhausted by our efforts. I dare to say that even today, I am still feeling the effects of Sunday's race, but as we move through these summer months, this type of racing is excellent training for the upcoming mountain bike races.
Ellicotville is a great area to ride and a great place to visit. The race director holds several events in this area throughout the year, as do several local organizations. I would encourage anyone looking for a weekend get-a-way to consider Ellicotville.
To see additional photos from the weekend, click on the Flickr link at the top of the page. EJ took some great photos!
Next up for the Jeffina: The HardCore 24 Hour Mountain Bike race with Team Crankskins. We are competing in the 5-person category with EJ, Jimmy, and Tommy.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com
No comments:
Post a Comment