6 Hours of Stony Creek (Chris's Perspective)

It ended up being a busy weekend and preparation was on the low side for this event.  I had just completed school last Monday.  My graduation ceremony was held Friday.  My parents intended on staying town Friday night.  I used Wednesday and Thursday to finish building up my bike and installing new parts (brakes pads, new cables, etc.) since Cohutta’s destruction (see prior post).  The event was a typical 6/12 hour format with multiple categories.  Since Eric and I are in the middle of training for the Mohican 100 (3 weeks away), it worked as a perfect training run.  One of the reasons I decided to do it last minute was because Eric and Ben were going.  So I knew it would be fun to all be out on course.  To add icing to the cake, Rachel and Kristen came.  And of course even though it seems like it couldn’t get any better, Mom and Dad showed up with my dog, Peaches.  She was all trimmed up and tumor free.  My one big plan this time was to attempt to a complete the 6 hours on a liquid diet instead of consuming the usual (cliff bars, PB sandwiches, oreo’s, and anything at an aid station).  Other than that, I wasn’t to concerned.  Eric and I have put in so much time on the saddle, my legs could spin down a course with my eyes closed for any period of time.

So what can happen in 6 hours?  All sorts of stuff.  Here is the breakdown:

Kristen and I showed up, at which time Eric, Rachel, and Ben already had the tent up and the pit ready to go.

I still didn’t have my bike shifting right after switching cables that morning so Eric (he’s the honorary bike mechanic for me) dialed that in while I changed my clothes.

We took some pictures and discussed plans, which I knew probably wouldn’t hold up.

We lined up …. I started pedaling … We sat in a train of people for a while.  That became a problem since I had calculated a specific pace to make the cut off with enough time to go back out for a final lap.

I started passing people, probably a little over aggressive for only 3 miles into a 6 hour race, but I knew I wanted the time.  Worst case would be early detonation and leg cramps, but I was prepared if that happen.

Luckily, Eric followed.  The next laps went off with out incident.  Him and I talked about everything under the sun… politics, the new supreme court justice nominee, bikes, the Tour of California, girlfriends, racing, other racers, other racers bikes, trees, a butterfly, Frayer, Gallagher, Mom, Dad, Alicia … it all comes out eventually.  Despite the fact everybody probably thinks where nuts, we easily keep each other entertained.

Eric and I switched off and on during the first five laps to save energy for each other.  Eric did a phenomenal job.  I always checked to make sure we weren’t riding over our heads. 

At some point he did have to peel himself off the ground from a crash coming out of the pit.  I have no clue how it happened.  I just know I turned around and he was no where in sight.  I started pedaling back towards the pit and found him just getting up, looking pretty hit.

It was not until we only had an hour and half left I realized I needed to pick up the pace.  At that point Eric and I started the lap accelerating a little.  We came back by Danielle (she had the most steady pace) and headed into the singletrack.  At that point I turned around and realized Eric was not keeping pace, but I figured he could have a fun time with Danielle anyways.  I rode the lap by myself and started the second intending to put in another good effort until I rode past Jeff, the gentleman currently in the lead.  I realized right away he had no urge to help work and only wanted to sit on my wheel the entire time.  It can be frustrating as a rider when that happens, but I knew my true purpose was for training anyways.  I stayed in the front while he drafted me on the straight-aways.  Regardless of how I feel, tactically he made the better decision.  I suppose the part that frustrated me the most was I knew what he was doing.  Had the race been more important I would have played the end a little different.

Eventually he attempted to take off up a climb in some singletrack right after we passed another rider.  It was a good move on Jeff’s part.  It just so happened I round the second corner of the climb to catch back on and shanked my pedal on a rock, breaking the clip-in portion.  Without the ability to clip-in my right leg it was difficult to apply all the power and keep my shoe connected.  I had little choice but to stay seated and just apply as much pressure as I could.

In the end, Mom, dad, Kristen, and Rachel were at the finish line.  I also was able to see Eric come into the finish.  He looked good for just riding 6 hours.  I was proud we were able to take the second and third spot.  We have spent a lot of time training together on our mountain bikes and this was the first time we actually were able to race together for 2/3rds of the event.  I also appreciate everybody who came and for the continued support monetarily or emotionally from those unable to make it.  Racing has been a great time this year.  I’ve been able to share it with people I had no clue four years ago would ever care or be around.

As far as 100 mile races, I suppose the Mohican 100 is up in 3 weeks and we will be there to represent weather permitting.  However, it seems Eric and I both agree 100 milers might not be our thing.  Regardless if its 24 hour races or 2 hour time trials, I’m riding bikes and doing it with the people I love in life.

Ben came in shortly after Eric and we all gathered to clean up the pit area.  We ended the day with some subs with Mom, Dad, Kristen, Rachel, Eric, and Ben in spirit (he decided to sleep in the car) which resulted in the typical light hearted conversations.