With the trusty old Monocog out of action there were only two choices (i) bag the weekly night ride completely or (ii) ride MLW's bike - as if there was a choice! O.K.'d it with MLW and all was set. It's not as though I've never ridden MLW's bike - it was the bike I started Mtbing on 4 years since, so I had assumed that after a brief period of reaquaintance it would all be good and that I would achieve a "karmic-oneness" with MLW's Litespeed.
Karmic-oneness my arse! The damn bike clearly hates me and did everything in it's power to bloody kill me. My Grandad always said that there was "no such thing as bad beer", some beer he would concede was better than others but none of it was bad (wise fella my Grandad), I (in my turn) had adopted a similar philosophy towards bike rides. Well this night ride was as close to a "Bad ride" as I have every come.
The portents were poor from the off. We hit Small Intestine first and the trouble started immediately, I assumed that with all that "gearness and frontshockicity" at my disposal I would glide like a "glidy-thing" over the obstacles and no hill would be too steep. Instead I found the lack of rigidity at the front end very disconcerting and the gears just reduced me to a fumbling idiot changing gears at random on the off chance that I'd get it right (think monkeys, typewriters and Shakespeare). And to cap it all off MLW's bike decided it would grip my cleats with a sloppy vengeance that would make unclipping impossible. Beautiful.
Over the Belmont Road and I hit a mud puddle that buries my front wheel to it's hub and stops the bike on a dime. My body meantime tries not to stop at all and wants to fling itself over the handle bars, oh but that would require unclipping wouldn't it!! Instead I land in the mud puddle still attached to and twisty tangled in the bike. Well at least Brian enjoyed it, he being the absolute Gentleman he is realized at once I was having "bike issues" and insisted on staying with me to (i) make sure I didn't get lost/hurt and (ii) laugh when I fell off (I don't think he has ever laughed so much).
The pattern was established, every obstacle I would make a complete dog's breakfast of, fail to unclip and fall over. Great fun for all the family. I even managed to fall off on some completely flat sections for good measure. It was so bad that I avoided any obstacle that I could and progressed at a pathetically slow pace. The ride took us the usual big loop Rockburn Branch, Ridge and Cascade. Half way round Ridge on a sharp uphill I fell badly for the first time of the night, misjudged gears and fell on the end of the handlebars! I repeated the effort 20 min later by which point I was thoroughly disheartened and just wanted to go home, it's amazing how having the end of a handlebar jammed repeatedly in your groin can reduce the fun from almost any activity. The Guys were golden in the face of my ineptitude, abandoning there planned ride (both sides of the Park) and instead riding a very "Vanilla" route on HC side back to the cars. The Litespeed's attempts to eviscerate me have left me feeling like I have been gored by a bull and I never, ever want to ride that bloody bike ever again! If that is what gears and suspension feel like then you guys can keep em!
I'm sure the other guys (Todd, George and Brian) had a pretty miserable ride too (but they probably are not as sore as me this morning).
Cheers
DogzBollux
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Clyde's American 10k 2008 (Race Report)
Redemption!
Well O.K. maybe that's a bit strong but, after the disappointment of the performance at the Hat Run and the feeling that the 2008 season was dead before it began, this weekend was likely to set the tone for the rest of the year! Oh Yeah pressure!
Clyde's 10 k (30th edition) on 20 April 2008, I've run this race twice before, and put in reasonable efforts. But this year with serious doubts about my fitness level and with 12 hours of Lodi Farms only two weeks away this race had significance beyond it's 6.2 mile distance.
Preparation had actually been pretty good - right up till Saturday night! SWMBO was out of town competing in the Nemocolin Adventure Race (more later) so I had a night to myself. On top of this the British (O.K. Welsh) fighter Calzaghe was figthing Hopkins in Vegas. So all things being equal it should have been a night of drinking too much beer and watching the fight. Two problems (i) couldn't actually get the fight on pay per view, so ended up "watching" via text updates on the web and (ii) the bloody 10 k race was the next day! Compromise - the art of making nobody happy - prevailed, couple of beers and too late to bed. So woke up not hung over but mildly jaded.
Up at 6:30 for breakfast with Child #3 (Child #2 at a sleep over - Cheers Mona) and after dropping her off at friends (Cheers Running Sean) the day is my own. Weather is absolutely bloody perfect, bollux! This means there's no excuses. I'm actually stupidly nervous, to the point that I am seriously contemplating never running another 10 k race ever, I just don't enjoy the pre-race period any more.
Race starts at just after 8:15 and the first mile is pretty much all up hill, not steep but draining. Lots of human traffic but by the right turn just at the mile mark things are thinning out. I end up running behind two guys with no shirts, both look like they know what they are doing so I decide to tuck in and try to relax. The next mile is fairly flat and instead of trying to push the pace I sit back and relax knowing that there are some, not huge but challenging, hills ahead. At about two and a half miles the next challenging section begins, bareback man #1 has dropped off the pace but #2 is looking strong and looks like the guy to tow me to the finish (and so it proves). Past the golf course on Columbia Road, toward Rt 108, is the hardest but least talked about section of this course - everyone moans about the hill on 108 but this is only bad because of the hill past the golf course.
On Rt 108 up the hill I realize that this is my last chance to get rid of bareback man #2 - it's apparent that he is faster than me on the flat but is hurting on the hills. I try but can't break him and at the top of the hill I am resigned that barring a heroic sprint effort at the end he has me. One benefit of our little tussle is that we catch and overtake one other runner (looks to be a HCS). Miles 4 and 5 pass in a vaguely nauseus blur - trying to keep some kind of form, this section has a net downhill (so I'm told) but has a couple of inclines that really burn tired legs. At last we drop out back on to Little Pautuxent Parkway and it's less than a mile to the finish. But the course hasn't surrendered yet - oh no - there is a nasty little incline that takes you to within quarter of a mile to the tape, and it hurts! I know that if I am to take bareback #2 I need to be on his shoulder, but I'm not and I have neither the will or capacity to try any heroics. So I settle for finishing behind him - thanking him at the end for towing me round.
After the race there is the usual great food and drink - open bar at 9:30 am on a Sunday!! Oh yes, three beers in but 10:00 am and the rest of the day is looking all fine and dandy.
Final stats - 37 min 56 sec, good enough for 17 overall and 2nd age group. Although this is the first DB podium spot for two years it is tempered with the realization that in 10 k races the age group places are a bit like the WBF boxing belts - for people not good enough to win anything more prestigious. This is rubbed in further when I look at the results and notice I am actually the 3rd runner in the 40-44 age group but that the first guy took the "overal masters" award (think IBF belt) meaning that me (#3) and 40-44 age group #2 move up to first and second. Hell, I'll take it though - it's not like I win enough awards to turn any down.
Mrs Bollux on the other hand comes away from Nemacolin with a "proper" award - 3rd Ladies Team!! Well done my girl.! the race started inside with competitive, head to head, climbing on a climbing wall (two people climbing at the same time trying to ring bells on wall first to score points) and then progressed to orienteering, night-riding and even obstacle courses in the dark.
After welcoming MLW home and a great family meal (with champagne to celebrate the Bollux-family sporting successes) I find myself at 8 pm on Sunday out in the road outside our house, in the pouring rain, catching earthworms!! MLW needs them for an Earth Day project at school - she is setting up a wormery! Fantastic- what an end to a perfect day.
Cheers
DogzBollux
Well O.K. maybe that's a bit strong but, after the disappointment of the performance at the Hat Run and the feeling that the 2008 season was dead before it began, this weekend was likely to set the tone for the rest of the year! Oh Yeah pressure!
Clyde's 10 k (30th edition) on 20 April 2008, I've run this race twice before, and put in reasonable efforts. But this year with serious doubts about my fitness level and with 12 hours of Lodi Farms only two weeks away this race had significance beyond it's 6.2 mile distance.
Preparation had actually been pretty good - right up till Saturday night! SWMBO was out of town competing in the Nemocolin Adventure Race (more later) so I had a night to myself. On top of this the British (O.K. Welsh) fighter Calzaghe was figthing Hopkins in Vegas. So all things being equal it should have been a night of drinking too much beer and watching the fight. Two problems (i) couldn't actually get the fight on pay per view, so ended up "watching" via text updates on the web and (ii) the bloody 10 k race was the next day! Compromise - the art of making nobody happy - prevailed, couple of beers and too late to bed. So woke up not hung over but mildly jaded.
Up at 6:30 for breakfast with Child #3 (Child #2 at a sleep over - Cheers Mona) and after dropping her off at friends (Cheers Running Sean) the day is my own. Weather is absolutely bloody perfect, bollux! This means there's no excuses. I'm actually stupidly nervous, to the point that I am seriously contemplating never running another 10 k race ever, I just don't enjoy the pre-race period any more.
Race starts at just after 8:15 and the first mile is pretty much all up hill, not steep but draining. Lots of human traffic but by the right turn just at the mile mark things are thinning out. I end up running behind two guys with no shirts, both look like they know what they are doing so I decide to tuck in and try to relax. The next mile is fairly flat and instead of trying to push the pace I sit back and relax knowing that there are some, not huge but challenging, hills ahead. At about two and a half miles the next challenging section begins, bareback man #1 has dropped off the pace but #2 is looking strong and looks like the guy to tow me to the finish (and so it proves). Past the golf course on Columbia Road, toward Rt 108, is the hardest but least talked about section of this course - everyone moans about the hill on 108 but this is only bad because of the hill past the golf course.
On Rt 108 up the hill I realize that this is my last chance to get rid of bareback man #2 - it's apparent that he is faster than me on the flat but is hurting on the hills. I try but can't break him and at the top of the hill I am resigned that barring a heroic sprint effort at the end he has me. One benefit of our little tussle is that we catch and overtake one other runner (looks to be a HCS). Miles 4 and 5 pass in a vaguely nauseus blur - trying to keep some kind of form, this section has a net downhill (so I'm told) but has a couple of inclines that really burn tired legs. At last we drop out back on to Little Pautuxent Parkway and it's less than a mile to the finish. But the course hasn't surrendered yet - oh no - there is a nasty little incline that takes you to within quarter of a mile to the tape, and it hurts! I know that if I am to take bareback #2 I need to be on his shoulder, but I'm not and I have neither the will or capacity to try any heroics. So I settle for finishing behind him - thanking him at the end for towing me round.
After the race there is the usual great food and drink - open bar at 9:30 am on a Sunday!! Oh yes, three beers in but 10:00 am and the rest of the day is looking all fine and dandy.
Final stats - 37 min 56 sec, good enough for 17 overall and 2nd age group. Although this is the first DB podium spot for two years it is tempered with the realization that in 10 k races the age group places are a bit like the WBF boxing belts - for people not good enough to win anything more prestigious. This is rubbed in further when I look at the results and notice I am actually the 3rd runner in the 40-44 age group but that the first guy took the "overal masters" award (think IBF belt) meaning that me (#3) and 40-44 age group #2 move up to first and second. Hell, I'll take it though - it's not like I win enough awards to turn any down.
Mrs Bollux on the other hand comes away from Nemacolin with a "proper" award - 3rd Ladies Team!! Well done my girl.! the race started inside with competitive, head to head, climbing on a climbing wall (two people climbing at the same time trying to ring bells on wall first to score points) and then progressed to orienteering, night-riding and even obstacle courses in the dark.
After welcoming MLW home and a great family meal (with champagne to celebrate the Bollux-family sporting successes) I find myself at 8 pm on Sunday out in the road outside our house, in the pouring rain, catching earthworms!! MLW needs them for an Earth Day project at school - she is setting up a wormery! Fantastic- what an end to a perfect day.
Cheers
DogzBollux
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Monocog's Last Stand!
Weather is perfect!
So the mid week nightride was a no-brainer this week, the usual email circular went round and the time/place was confirmed as same as last week. Everything as normal - expecting the usual trio, Todd, Brian and Yours Truly BD but when I got to the launch site what dio I find? Four other cars already there! George has turned up to give the new Nomad it's inaugural noctural outing and Brian has coerced a frien (Mike) to join the marry throng! Spot on - the ride was already looking to shape up to be a classic. Mike it transpires has never riden at night before and is sporting his LW's light that she uses for early morning road rides.
What is more there are murmurs among the group of a "New,New Trail" all hush hush so as not to spoil the surprise for those of us who have not experienced this yet! New riders, new trails and a damn near full moon, am I dreaming?
Head of along the New Trail and then just after the stream crossing we take an unexpected left turn onto (for me) virgin trail. This new section is ace! Very different to much of Patapsco, it is very narrow, twisty and hellaciously loggy! No big obstacles but a considerable struggle to keep the momentum going. Fun trail and we will be visiting it again on a regular basis. Due to it's tight windy nature the New New trail is almost christened the Small Intestine, we'll see how well that monica sticks. The Small Intestine dumps us out at the top of the Belmont hill and we Whoop and Holler our way down this section catching air at every little drop off. Up and over then the decsion is made that we have to cross to the BC side, so down the fireroad and off to Soapstone.
We came we saw we conquered Soapstone climb for second week running geared guys leading out with Todd and me on SSers bringing up the rear. Then continue the climb past the water tower and then the loop past the Community College. Climb #2 just after the CC is also dispatched (almost with disdain - wow the summer legs are kicking in) and we regroup at the top to discuss what to do next. Mike is having a great time, riding like a seasoned night rider, though he does admit to the fact that he is finding some of the sections a bit on the terrifying side. Group decesion to hit House of pain down then Vineyard up. George is George and screams down House of Pain on the Nomad at suicidal speed. Rest of us take it a bit more sedately. Riding to base of Vineyard and we ride as a loose pack taking the chance to chat, I recall my first nightrides with George and (the now entirely absent Spence) and how I spent the whole time terror stricken praying for it to end. Mike concurs that this is a similar experience for him.
Up Vineyard - god I love this climb, no real tough bits but just a steady grind which is absolutely perfect for SSers, as a result Todd and I lead this section and the "Shifties" trail behind in granny gears chatting away. At the top we take a group decesion to hit another new peice of trail (Bloody hell what's gotten into us), so instead of heading to the tiop of Soapstome we cut left down a sketchy downhill which meanders down eventually drops us on the section of Soapstone leading to the Park N Ride. This section is notable for two reasons, (i) the kin enormous built up log that we try (I fail) that leads to a dead end trail and (ii) just after said kin enormous log the Todd man concluded it was time to go stealth!!!! Big moon, probabaly the last time with no leaf cover till nect fall so their was no good excuse. Off went the lights and the rest of the decent (sketchy in places and completely new to me) was done stealth.
By the time we hit the carpark at the base of the Soapstone fire road climb Mike was campaigning so heavily for beer that I suspect beer could have beaten both Obama and Clinton if the Pennsylvanian electorate had been with us! So instead of another climb up Soapstone we headed back HC side and up the fireroad. Here we "lost" George - amazing jow easy it is to loose a ride in the dark. We looped back to find him but nothing doing so eventually we headed back towards the cars assuming we would find him at some point.
In the absence of George we didn't hit Small Intestine backwards as had been the plan but headed straight for home - just as we approached the cars we encountered a very large group of deer on the trail, which we took as a fair sign that George hadn't come this way in the recent future. This was confirme when back at the cars there was no sign of George - few minutes thinking what we should do, go and look for him, give him a few minutes or Sod him lets just drink beer when some bright spark suggested "Hey whay don't we just call him on his cell" DOH! George doesn't actually answer but before we can discuss next best idea his light hoves into view and we all let out a communal sigh of relief.
With the group back together it's out with the chairs and beer and the social aspect of the night ride kicks in. Turns out we have ridden for over two hours and covered probably in excess of 15 miles! A truly classic ride, new trail, new rider, stealth riding.
As it turned out this was to be a fitting final ride for the Monocog!! Few weeks back I noticed a ding on the top tube, closer inspection last week whilst washing the bike suggested it was more like a crack than a simple ding. Called Bike Doctor (Linthicum) and was told, yep covered by warranty (good news) and "NO I shouldn't ride it" (bad news). Well with no option the night ride was a risk but a fitting end - inspection after the ride showed the crack had extended significantly and the next day I took her in for inspection. Knackered after the previous nights exertions and the wrench in the Bike Doctor doesn't endear himself to me when he announces the damage to the frame suggests it's been crashed (i.e. voiding warranty). I decide to simply smile and point out the obvious - all original parts (in good nick) and even the wheels are still true (not a crashed bike). In the end the Manager comes over and doesn't even bat an eye - "leave it with me" she says and I'll phone when I know more. She called less than an hour later and my new frame will be in next week!! Good show! Hopefully the ne Monocog will be back in action in time for 12 hours of Lodi farm (3-4 May).
Shame about the Monocog - loved that bloody bike! And the frame is supposed to be bombproof - ironic that the components all the reviews question - seat post, bottom bracket, headset - have all kept on keeping on through thick n thin and the frame should have an issue. Guess just a dodgy peice of tubing, and Redline/Bike Doctor have made it right so I have no complaints.
RIP my old green Moncog - it was good while it lasted!
DogzBollux
So the mid week nightride was a no-brainer this week, the usual email circular went round and the time/place was confirmed as same as last week. Everything as normal - expecting the usual trio, Todd, Brian and Yours Truly BD but when I got to the launch site what dio I find? Four other cars already there! George has turned up to give the new Nomad it's inaugural noctural outing and Brian has coerced a frien (Mike) to join the marry throng! Spot on - the ride was already looking to shape up to be a classic. Mike it transpires has never riden at night before and is sporting his LW's light that she uses for early morning road rides.
What is more there are murmurs among the group of a "New,New Trail" all hush hush so as not to spoil the surprise for those of us who have not experienced this yet! New riders, new trails and a damn near full moon, am I dreaming?
Head of along the New Trail and then just after the stream crossing we take an unexpected left turn onto (for me) virgin trail. This new section is ace! Very different to much of Patapsco, it is very narrow, twisty and hellaciously loggy! No big obstacles but a considerable struggle to keep the momentum going. Fun trail and we will be visiting it again on a regular basis. Due to it's tight windy nature the New New trail is almost christened the Small Intestine, we'll see how well that monica sticks. The Small Intestine dumps us out at the top of the Belmont hill and we Whoop and Holler our way down this section catching air at every little drop off. Up and over then the decsion is made that we have to cross to the BC side, so down the fireroad and off to Soapstone.
We came we saw we conquered Soapstone climb for second week running geared guys leading out with Todd and me on SSers bringing up the rear. Then continue the climb past the water tower and then the loop past the Community College. Climb #2 just after the CC is also dispatched (almost with disdain - wow the summer legs are kicking in) and we regroup at the top to discuss what to do next. Mike is having a great time, riding like a seasoned night rider, though he does admit to the fact that he is finding some of the sections a bit on the terrifying side. Group decesion to hit House of pain down then Vineyard up. George is George and screams down House of Pain on the Nomad at suicidal speed. Rest of us take it a bit more sedately. Riding to base of Vineyard and we ride as a loose pack taking the chance to chat, I recall my first nightrides with George and (the now entirely absent Spence) and how I spent the whole time terror stricken praying for it to end. Mike concurs that this is a similar experience for him.
Up Vineyard - god I love this climb, no real tough bits but just a steady grind which is absolutely perfect for SSers, as a result Todd and I lead this section and the "Shifties" trail behind in granny gears chatting away. At the top we take a group decesion to hit another new peice of trail (Bloody hell what's gotten into us), so instead of heading to the tiop of Soapstome we cut left down a sketchy downhill which meanders down eventually drops us on the section of Soapstone leading to the Park N Ride. This section is notable for two reasons, (i) the kin enormous built up log that we try (I fail) that leads to a dead end trail and (ii) just after said kin enormous log the Todd man concluded it was time to go stealth!!!! Big moon, probabaly the last time with no leaf cover till nect fall so their was no good excuse. Off went the lights and the rest of the decent (sketchy in places and completely new to me) was done stealth.
By the time we hit the carpark at the base of the Soapstone fire road climb Mike was campaigning so heavily for beer that I suspect beer could have beaten both Obama and Clinton if the Pennsylvanian electorate had been with us! So instead of another climb up Soapstone we headed back HC side and up the fireroad. Here we "lost" George - amazing jow easy it is to loose a ride in the dark. We looped back to find him but nothing doing so eventually we headed back towards the cars assuming we would find him at some point.
In the absence of George we didn't hit Small Intestine backwards as had been the plan but headed straight for home - just as we approached the cars we encountered a very large group of deer on the trail, which we took as a fair sign that George hadn't come this way in the recent future. This was confirme when back at the cars there was no sign of George - few minutes thinking what we should do, go and look for him, give him a few minutes or Sod him lets just drink beer when some bright spark suggested "Hey whay don't we just call him on his cell" DOH! George doesn't actually answer but before we can discuss next best idea his light hoves into view and we all let out a communal sigh of relief.
With the group back together it's out with the chairs and beer and the social aspect of the night ride kicks in. Turns out we have ridden for over two hours and covered probably in excess of 15 miles! A truly classic ride, new trail, new rider, stealth riding.
As it turned out this was to be a fitting final ride for the Monocog!! Few weeks back I noticed a ding on the top tube, closer inspection last week whilst washing the bike suggested it was more like a crack than a simple ding. Called Bike Doctor (Linthicum) and was told, yep covered by warranty (good news) and "NO I shouldn't ride it" (bad news). Well with no option the night ride was a risk but a fitting end - inspection after the ride showed the crack had extended significantly and the next day I took her in for inspection. Knackered after the previous nights exertions and the wrench in the Bike Doctor doesn't endear himself to me when he announces the damage to the frame suggests it's been crashed (i.e. voiding warranty). I decide to simply smile and point out the obvious - all original parts (in good nick) and even the wheels are still true (not a crashed bike). In the end the Manager comes over and doesn't even bat an eye - "leave it with me" she says and I'll phone when I know more. She called less than an hour later and my new frame will be in next week!! Good show! Hopefully the ne Monocog will be back in action in time for 12 hours of Lodi farm (3-4 May).
Shame about the Monocog - loved that bloody bike! And the frame is supposed to be bombproof - ironic that the components all the reviews question - seat post, bottom bracket, headset - have all kept on keeping on through thick n thin and the frame should have an issue. Guess just a dodgy peice of tubing, and Redline/Bike Doctor have made it right so I have no complaints.
RIP my old green Moncog - it was good while it lasted!
DogzBollux
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Fools, Damned Fools, and Cell Phones!!
It is one of those things that really gets on my nerves - not just when I'm riding my bike (though it is worse then), but all the time! Car drivers using cell phones! I mean who would want to be concentrating on what they are doing when they are in sole control of half a ton of metal and glass travelling at 60 mph - Nah! It's far more vital that they call their friend to discuss dinner plans, etc.
Anyway as you may be able to detect I have an issue with people driving and using their cell phones.
Last night driving home from work - yes I know I should commute by bike but getting kid #3 to preschool prevents this at the moment - I am cut up, not once but twice by drivers using their cell phones. You know how it is, no use of signals (cos they have one hand on steering wheel and one holding their phone), general obliviousness (cos the conversation they are having is soooo riveting) and besides, they just don't give a damn (the selfish bastards who put peoples lives at risk by talking and driving don't really give a sh*t about anyone else). So I'm getting pretty steamed up!
I consider starting a "hall of shame" in this blog; containing photo's of drivers using their phones. Two problems (i) I have left my camera at home and (ii) there is a slight contradiction in objecting to people using their phones then me driving whilst taking photo's - you decide.
Either way fortunately no-one was hurt, no photo's were taken and once I got off the highway my blood pressure returned to normal. Just then I pass my LBS - great store, great selection of bikes, knowledgeable staff and supportive of the loal bike scene. However on a Tuesday at 5:30pm they host a group ride from the store. So just as rush hour hits it's peak a large group of (fairly novice) bikers spill out onto a pretty busy suburban commuter route. Fan-bloody-tastic! I fear it is only a matter of time until someone gets hurt! Tonight luckily everything is hunky dory and although they are riding three abreast the traffic is well mannered and gives them space by forming a single line around them. Me (being a cyclist) make sure I am 100 % considerate and pass leaving plenty of space and smiling in a friendly fashion to any rider who makes eye contact. (I'm a nice guy aren't I!)
As I approach the head of the pack I see the guy leading the ride is riding up the street, sat up without hands on bars. Bit strange I think - probably just stretching out his back ready for a good old fashioned workout! As I pull level though I discover............. No he is actually sat up with his cell phone pressed to his ear in the middle of an animated converstaion!
The moral here my friends is.... just because someone is a cyclist, doesn't mean they are not a d*ckhead as well.
Keep the rubber side down and the cell phones in pockets
DogzBollux
Anyway as you may be able to detect I have an issue with people driving and using their cell phones.
Last night driving home from work - yes I know I should commute by bike but getting kid #3 to preschool prevents this at the moment - I am cut up, not once but twice by drivers using their cell phones. You know how it is, no use of signals (cos they have one hand on steering wheel and one holding their phone), general obliviousness (cos the conversation they are having is soooo riveting) and besides, they just don't give a damn (the selfish bastards who put peoples lives at risk by talking and driving don't really give a sh*t about anyone else). So I'm getting pretty steamed up!
I consider starting a "hall of shame" in this blog; containing photo's of drivers using their phones. Two problems (i) I have left my camera at home and (ii) there is a slight contradiction in objecting to people using their phones then me driving whilst taking photo's - you decide.
Either way fortunately no-one was hurt, no photo's were taken and once I got off the highway my blood pressure returned to normal. Just then I pass my LBS - great store, great selection of bikes, knowledgeable staff and supportive of the loal bike scene. However on a Tuesday at 5:30pm they host a group ride from the store. So just as rush hour hits it's peak a large group of (fairly novice) bikers spill out onto a pretty busy suburban commuter route. Fan-bloody-tastic! I fear it is only a matter of time until someone gets hurt! Tonight luckily everything is hunky dory and although they are riding three abreast the traffic is well mannered and gives them space by forming a single line around them. Me (being a cyclist) make sure I am 100 % considerate and pass leaving plenty of space and smiling in a friendly fashion to any rider who makes eye contact. (I'm a nice guy aren't I!)
As I approach the head of the pack I see the guy leading the ride is riding up the street, sat up without hands on bars. Bit strange I think - probably just stretching out his back ready for a good old fashioned workout! As I pull level though I discover............. No he is actually sat up with his cell phone pressed to his ear in the middle of an animated converstaion!
The moral here my friends is.... just because someone is a cyclist, doesn't mean they are not a d*ckhead as well.
Keep the rubber side down and the cell phones in pockets
DogzBollux
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Back on the Monocog (at last)
It's been far, far too long, but at last me and the faithful Monocog 29er finally got a couple of rides in in the past week. The last time I had ridden her was at McKeldin with Todd and George so it was fitting that the first ride was a night ride.
Lovely night - warm and dry - it won't be long before the night temps will get so high that we will be sweltering and won't be able to remember the bitterly cold winter night rides when the ice covered the bike frames and shoes after the first water crossing and the post-ride beer was curtailed due to the fear of frost bite and hypothermia. Best make the msot of the current lovely weather rode in shorts and summer jersy for the first time in 2008 and was absolutely comfortable.
The conspirators this week were Brian and Todd (George off climbing or some such daftness - even though the Nomad is back in action! What can I say?). As it's been so long we headed of on what had been the "usual route". Up over Belmont (where the trail is seriously boggy!) and then down the fun downhill. After the usual climb to the cossroads at Ridge, Mrning Choice, Rockburn Branch and the fire road the decsion was made to hit the BC side. Smashing! Over the road and the Soapstone climb beckoned us. I was the "rusty wheel" as so often but in a blazing show of defiance (to my early season lack of fitness) I crawled my way to the top without cracking! That is one serious climb, just when you think it is nearly done the trail just keeps getting steeper. So a fine start to the ride with all three up the climb and pushing on. Past the Community College and climb two was likewise vanquished by all three of us - turning into a classic effort this ride. At the top we were so full of exuberance that we decided to take the long route home so straight on down the Superhighway (first time in ages) and onto the Charcoal trail. Nearly lost here cos it's all been redirected but with Brian's local knowledge the correct trail is identified and off we head toward the big decents! Just as we head to the top of the decent we rather startle a young courting couple! I think they assumed that at that time of night they would be fairly safe and undisturbed deep in Patapsco State Park. So they were probably a bit shocked when three lycra-clad guys on bikes with lamps attached to their heads came bombing down the tail. That'll learn em! Get a room!
The decent (sorry forgotten it's name) was steeper and far more skethy than I remember - a bit of the but clenching side at times - and the back wheel was felt to rise a bit on the high side on a couple of occasions. Fortunately I got my arse back far enough behind the saddle (normally a shortcoming of my riding) to avoid disaster. As always by the time I got to the bottom I was a bag of nerves and the final steep drop was an obstacle too far and I bottled it! Needless to say Todd and Brian were sat at the bottom of the hill getting cold by the tiome I got down - those two having bombed down the trail at fearsome speed!!
Over the swing bridge and traverse the waterfall back to Casade - nice ride back past Landing Road - cleared both the Big Rock (first time in bloody ages) and the Rooty Stump - before taking the rail back to the car via the "New Section" with the big obstacles - by the time we got here my bar light was gone and I was relying on my helmet set up only! Makes life interesting.
Back at the car and it was all smiles! Great ride, beautiful weather and no-one is in a rush to get home. Few beers loads of chat and plans for a ride from Todd's house in a couple of weeks to celbrate the grand opening of his new hot tub!
Sunday and despite some bad weather late in the week the trails are deemed ridable - Small group - just Richmond and me! Richmond turs up having forgotten his helmet and despite my pleas otherwise he insists on riding without one! His dreaa sense is a little left field as well! Jeans and a sweater! Makes me feel a bit stupid in all my bike gear to the point where I forgo my shin and elbow pads and hope for the best!
First big climb and two bikers are far less than happy to be (i) overtaken by me on a rigid single speed and then (ii) to be overtaken by a guy with no helmet and dressed more for church than a Sunday moring ride.
We organize the ride to avoid the bits of trail likely to be boggy so it is a series of small loops on the HC side - take in the Big Rock on cascade twice (the "yip" is history) and all the fun bits of trail. Ride for about 80 min then time for Richmond to go to work and me to head home and prepare for the "Mommies Gone Wild" Roadride #2. Same course as two weeks ago similar issues with bikes and nerves - consensus appears to be forming that everyone wants to get road bikes and dispense with the hybrids - so a deal of time will be spent on CraigsList in the next week or so trying to find decent roadbikes at sensible prices!
Cheers for now - enjoy the nice weather!
DogzBollux
Lovely night - warm and dry - it won't be long before the night temps will get so high that we will be sweltering and won't be able to remember the bitterly cold winter night rides when the ice covered the bike frames and shoes after the first water crossing and the post-ride beer was curtailed due to the fear of frost bite and hypothermia. Best make the msot of the current lovely weather rode in shorts and summer jersy for the first time in 2008 and was absolutely comfortable.
The conspirators this week were Brian and Todd (George off climbing or some such daftness - even though the Nomad is back in action! What can I say?). As it's been so long we headed of on what had been the "usual route". Up over Belmont (where the trail is seriously boggy!) and then down the fun downhill. After the usual climb to the cossroads at Ridge, Mrning Choice, Rockburn Branch and the fire road the decsion was made to hit the BC side. Smashing! Over the road and the Soapstone climb beckoned us. I was the "rusty wheel" as so often but in a blazing show of defiance (to my early season lack of fitness) I crawled my way to the top without cracking! That is one serious climb, just when you think it is nearly done the trail just keeps getting steeper. So a fine start to the ride with all three up the climb and pushing on. Past the Community College and climb two was likewise vanquished by all three of us - turning into a classic effort this ride. At the top we were so full of exuberance that we decided to take the long route home so straight on down the Superhighway (first time in ages) and onto the Charcoal trail. Nearly lost here cos it's all been redirected but with Brian's local knowledge the correct trail is identified and off we head toward the big decents! Just as we head to the top of the decent we rather startle a young courting couple! I think they assumed that at that time of night they would be fairly safe and undisturbed deep in Patapsco State Park. So they were probably a bit shocked when three lycra-clad guys on bikes with lamps attached to their heads came bombing down the tail. That'll learn em! Get a room!
The decent (sorry forgotten it's name) was steeper and far more skethy than I remember - a bit of the but clenching side at times - and the back wheel was felt to rise a bit on the high side on a couple of occasions. Fortunately I got my arse back far enough behind the saddle (normally a shortcoming of my riding) to avoid disaster. As always by the time I got to the bottom I was a bag of nerves and the final steep drop was an obstacle too far and I bottled it! Needless to say Todd and Brian were sat at the bottom of the hill getting cold by the tiome I got down - those two having bombed down the trail at fearsome speed!!
Over the swing bridge and traverse the waterfall back to Casade - nice ride back past Landing Road - cleared both the Big Rock (first time in bloody ages) and the Rooty Stump - before taking the rail back to the car via the "New Section" with the big obstacles - by the time we got here my bar light was gone and I was relying on my helmet set up only! Makes life interesting.
Back at the car and it was all smiles! Great ride, beautiful weather and no-one is in a rush to get home. Few beers loads of chat and plans for a ride from Todd's house in a couple of weeks to celbrate the grand opening of his new hot tub!
Sunday and despite some bad weather late in the week the trails are deemed ridable - Small group - just Richmond and me! Richmond turs up having forgotten his helmet and despite my pleas otherwise he insists on riding without one! His dreaa sense is a little left field as well! Jeans and a sweater! Makes me feel a bit stupid in all my bike gear to the point where I forgo my shin and elbow pads and hope for the best!
First big climb and two bikers are far less than happy to be (i) overtaken by me on a rigid single speed and then (ii) to be overtaken by a guy with no helmet and dressed more for church than a Sunday moring ride.
We organize the ride to avoid the bits of trail likely to be boggy so it is a series of small loops on the HC side - take in the Big Rock on cascade twice (the "yip" is history) and all the fun bits of trail. Ride for about 80 min then time for Richmond to go to work and me to head home and prepare for the "Mommies Gone Wild" Roadride #2. Same course as two weeks ago similar issues with bikes and nerves - consensus appears to be forming that everyone wants to get road bikes and dispense with the hybrids - so a deal of time will be spent on CraigsList in the next week or so trying to find decent roadbikes at sensible prices!
Cheers for now - enjoy the nice weather!
DogzBollux
Friday, April 11, 2008
New York, New York!
Well my recovery from the HAT Run was far quicker than anticipated. I suspect my absymally low level of fitness for the HAT actually prevented me running hard enough to do any real damage. Whatever.... by Sunday although a little on the achy side I was able to take a limite role in the inauguaral "Mommies Gone Wild" Irongirl triathlon preparation road ride. A group of six or so of the "Mommies Gone Wild" assembled at the Bollux mansion (I wish) and after some degree of tinkering with bikes (saddle heights, brake adjustments, tire inflation etc) we set off. I was on the faithful old fixie and took the "Lanterne Rouge" position. Turns out one of the girls hasn't been on a bike since she was 17 years old! And has never ridden a bike in traffic! Despite this after an initial dodgy start - which allowed the rest of the group to disapear out of sight never to be seen again - she actually made a really fine attempt. We didn't make it too far but she overcame the obvious terror she experienced at riding on a road with cars and by the end she was looking a far more accomplished rider. The rest of the group successfully completed the 12 mile hilly route taking in Homewood Road, Folly Quarter and Tridelphia Road. All good and lots of smiles on the ladies faces at the end.
Then last weekend we took a weekend away (sans kids!!) to New York! Bloody great - using Hotwire.com got a reasonable deal on a hotel on 42nd street (right by the Chrysler Building - which is probably my favorite building in NY). Did all the usual tourist things - too much eating/drinking, took in a show, walked all over Manhatten and even managed a jog around central Park. Got home Sunday night absolutely knackered - but still forced myself to take the "Tomac" Rockhopper out of a 1 hour "nightride" around Columbia (mainly bike trails but some bits of single track too). I need the bum on saddle time in preparation for Lodi. Haven't even sat on the Monocog for 3 weeks now. : (
Talking of Lodi - it is only a couple of weeks away and I finally committed the entry fee (solo SSer again). Could be interesting cos apparently there will likely be no rental lights this year so I will have to rely on borrowing units from non-participating friends. Ho Hum.
Oh well I best get out and do another run!
Cheers
DogzBollux
All smiles after the inaugural "Mommies gone Wild" training ride
Then last weekend we took a weekend away (sans kids!!) to New York! Bloody great - using Hotwire.com got a reasonable deal on a hotel on 42nd street (right by the Chrysler Building - which is probably my favorite building in NY). Did all the usual tourist things - too much eating/drinking, took in a show, walked all over Manhatten and even managed a jog around central Park. Got home Sunday night absolutely knackered - but still forced myself to take the "Tomac" Rockhopper out of a 1 hour "nightride" around Columbia (mainly bike trails but some bits of single track too). I need the bum on saddle time in preparation for Lodi. Haven't even sat on the Monocog for 3 weeks now. : (
Talking of Lodi - it is only a couple of weeks away and I finally committed the entry fee (solo SSer again). Could be interesting cos apparently there will likely be no rental lights this year so I will have to rely on borrowing units from non-participating friends. Ho Hum.
Oh well I best get out and do another run!
Cheers
DogzBollux
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
HAT Run 2008 (Race Report)
Saturday broughtthe 20th running of the HAT Run (www.hatrun.com) up in Northern Maryland - in Sesquehanna State Park. Now training had not gone well for this edition of the race, with injury (Feb) and illness the week before the race really taking its toll. The enevitable conclusion was that this year was not likely to be a PR performance, but what the hell. THe decsion (against MLW's better wishes) ws that I would throw my hat (no pun intended - honest) into the ring and just see what happened. I was still kind of hoping that divine intervention may come and save me.
So Saturday arrived and with it the early alarm call, up in the dark, creeping around the house desparately hoping (on pain of death) not to awaken the kids. Outside waiting for Sean by just before 7 am. I was hoping to avoid any last minute nerves by being as organized as possible - new lace locks on my shoes, carefully wrapped Cliff Blocs and Cliff Shots in my rear pockets and enough clothes to outfit a bloody army - "just in case". Of course that time on a Saturday raffice wasn't an issue and we were at the venue (the Steppingstone Museum) before 8 am. Registration, bathroom breaks and other preparations were complete well before 8:30 leaving us 30 min to chat to other runners, meet up with some other "Columbian" runners and generally get bloody cold! The Hat Run is always a tough one to judge clothing wise as at 9am it can be (and this year was) bloody cold but with the prospect of running until mid afternoon too many clothes can be a killer. With my lack of preparation I was feeling wuzzy so I went with gloves and two shirts - shorts are a must for this race irrespective of temperatures because of the water crossings. The race package this year was it's usual spectacular self! I am never quite sure how they do it - for the relatively modest entry fee they put on a fantastic race and still have a race package which is far the best I have ever come across - this year a cotton HAT Run baseball cap, a neon green "six pack" cool box and a neon green Brookes heavy weight long sleeved running top.
Conspicuous by it's absence this year was the ususal "spot prize"-give away of hats that usually preceeds the race, one of a couple of subtle changes that I noticed that probably reflects the involvement of two new Race Directors this year.
At a couple of minutes after 9 am the HAT Run started in it's usual very informal fashion - a guy with a loudspeaker just sayiing "Runners Ready - GO!". I was aware from the website that the start had been changed and was ready for an openning loop rather than the out and back road section, so was a little surprized when after extending the road section about quarter of a mile we turned round and headed back to the start. I assumed I had misread. So then on to the usual filed turning into forested single track and the steep decent to the river (which is usually the first water crossing). Then surprise #1 for the day, instead of turning right across the river we turn left up a steep hill - O.K. so this is the new openning loop. Sean and I run together for most of the openning loop before he tells me to go ahead and not wait for him. Two or so miles of trademark HAT Run rooty climbs and decents and we are dumped back on the field and head back to the pavilion. Half an hour in and now the real running starts as we head back out on the first loop proper. Back down the single track decent to the river but this time as expected we ford the river (mid-ankle deep and cold) and head up the opposite bank. By this time I have joined up with James (another Columbian runner with injurry woes). James and I trade stories of torn muscles, IT band issues and minimal training as we trek our way up and down rocky and rooty single track before bursting into the field section that happnes a short way before the first feed stop. I try and relax on this flat untechnical section as I realize I am exerting too much effort at this early stage. After the field it's back into the woods and then a left up another steep climb on a new section. When the terrain flattens out onto a fairly wide grassy trail James asks if we have to do "all those hills" again on the second loop. I feel bad having to tell him no only "yes" but that we haven't actually got to the hilly bits yet! At the station I stop only to get my bottle filled in an effort to chip off seconds from my final time. After the first aid station the fun really starts first a gradual grinding hill, a steep decent then a couple of good climbs that have most people walking at least sections. By now I am beginning to get pain in my right leg which is a bit worrying, but more sinister is the fact that I am starting to feel a bit tired! It is far too soon for that in the HAT run - I try and justify it by reminding myself that we did an extra 3 mile section at the start - but the truth is I am in trouble. The hills after aid station 1 are too much for James and he and I part company - for good as it happens - and I trudge on alone. On the gravel road section just before Aid station #2 (a scetion I really hate) I try to keep it smooth but have to admit to myself that my legs are tired. At Station 2 I am caught by Jesse - a super strong runner who I had figured would break 4:30 easily this year. I decide that if I can latch on his back and keep him in sight at least I would be in good shape. With this in mind I expend far too much energy on the toughest part of the course (the 6 mile section back to the start pavilion). By the time we (Jesse and me) arrive at the unmanned aid station I am essentially done. I hope against hope that we will turn directly back to the start and the final loop but my prayers go unanswered as we are send down another paved downhill section. Jesse loves this but I hate it and by the time we turn back onto single track he is well ahead. On the climbs I crawl back to his shoulder but the reality for me is that "its all over" and I have no chance of staying with Jesse, even finishing is looking an unlikely prospect. As we approach the end of the fist big loop I am tempted to just pack it in and go home. I am trying to convince myself that I can justify this because of the pain in my right leg.
But for some reason when I get to the start/finish area I merely take off my gloves, grab some M&M's and head straight back out. Jesse is still running strongly and soon the gap has formed and will not close again today! The second loop is hell! The uphills are just about impossible and even the flats are difficult enough to keep running on. I try and relax as much as I can and get my heart rate under control but everything hurts. As the end of the fourth hour approaches I decide I will walk for 5 min - regardless of hills or flats - to try and gather myself. But again against my better judgement I end up running almost immediately when the trail flattens out (there must be something about my subconscious that really hates me). After the aid station and I know the work is really going to start; the first climb is O.K. but the second is a long slow drag - the only thing that makes this bearable is the fact that the other runners I see appear to be as bad shape as I am. Some pass me, I pass some but there is little or no talking beyond gasps of encouragement. At the top of one hill I know therev is a large block of exposed quartz that is a landmark for me and when I pass it this time I bend down and give it a tap as I know this means the worst of the climbs before the gravel road are done.
On the gravel road just continuing to run is an exercise in mental and physical endurance. I try to run with no effort, as slow as slow, but even this is difficult and again the urge to just stop is hard to resist. The only thing that keeps me going during this section is the thought of the nice green running top in the race packet. I really want to use it! A DNF would mean I could never wear it so I am determined to finish irrespective of my time. By the time I get to the last full aid station my left leg is cramping - so I take only a short break, grab some Coke and head back off. I ask a steward how far to go and am told 5.2 miles - but three big hills. Oddly I relax on this (the hardest section) and with the glance at my watch confirming that a sub-5 hour run is out of the question I just decide to get through this last section. I run (kind of) all the flats and even some bits of the hills and before to long I am back on the last road downhill with only 1.4 miles to go. As I turn back into the forest I catch a glimspe of a runner ahead in white. Keeping my eye on him helps me pull myself through the last technical section and out onto the field within half a mile from the finish. The guy in white is struggling I can see - he stops once or twice obviously suffering from cramp. I slow and determine not to try and "knick" a place from him at this stage. But as we hit the last little road section he stops again and I reach him. "Cramp?" I ask, "yes" he confirms but makes no effort to start running again so I continue leaving him behind as I climb the last little paved hill to the finish. 5 Hours 7 minutes and it is all over!
Jesse is at the finish, having finished 12 minutes ahead of me - yes he took nearly a minute a mile from me on the last loop - but he looks in worse shape than I have ever seen him! He is clearly sore and cold. He confirms that the course appeared to be very much harder than previously and slow times were the rule rather than the exception. His 4 hr 55 min was good enough for 27th and my 5 hr 07 min for 46th. Saen was the only person I spoke to who actually ran faster this year! So a really fine performance by him. Poor James had a tough time - the IT band flaired up after 12 miles and meant he couldn't even bend his leg - forcing him to stop. He asked me before he left "So..... As I didn't actually finish. Can I wear the race shirt do you think?" What could I say? "Of course" I lied.
So the Hat Run is behind us and a pretty poor start to the racing season for the Dogzbollux Racing Team. THe aim for this race had been a 4hr 20 min run which I hoped would be enough for a top ten place and an age group podium spot. Nowhere near in the end - but even if (despite the harder course) I had pulled out a sub 4 hr 20 min run I would maybe have just about scrapped the top ten but I still would have been about 7th in the 40-49 age group!! Bloody Hell.
Got to say a huge thank you to all the organizers and the volunteers who help put this fantastic race together - it is one of my favorite two races of the year and I will definately be back next year to see if I can get anywhere near 4:30 on this new course - the logical bit of me says "no way".
Cheers
Dogzbollux
So Saturday arrived and with it the early alarm call, up in the dark, creeping around the house desparately hoping (on pain of death) not to awaken the kids. Outside waiting for Sean by just before 7 am. I was hoping to avoid any last minute nerves by being as organized as possible - new lace locks on my shoes, carefully wrapped Cliff Blocs and Cliff Shots in my rear pockets and enough clothes to outfit a bloody army - "just in case". Of course that time on a Saturday raffice wasn't an issue and we were at the venue (the Steppingstone Museum) before 8 am. Registration, bathroom breaks and other preparations were complete well before 8:30 leaving us 30 min to chat to other runners, meet up with some other "Columbian" runners and generally get bloody cold! The Hat Run is always a tough one to judge clothing wise as at 9am it can be (and this year was) bloody cold but with the prospect of running until mid afternoon too many clothes can be a killer. With my lack of preparation I was feeling wuzzy so I went with gloves and two shirts - shorts are a must for this race irrespective of temperatures because of the water crossings. The race package this year was it's usual spectacular self! I am never quite sure how they do it - for the relatively modest entry fee they put on a fantastic race and still have a race package which is far the best I have ever come across - this year a cotton HAT Run baseball cap, a neon green "six pack" cool box and a neon green Brookes heavy weight long sleeved running top.
Conspicuous by it's absence this year was the ususal "spot prize"-give away of hats that usually preceeds the race, one of a couple of subtle changes that I noticed that probably reflects the involvement of two new Race Directors this year.
At a couple of minutes after 9 am the HAT Run started in it's usual very informal fashion - a guy with a loudspeaker just sayiing "Runners Ready - GO!". I was aware from the website that the start had been changed and was ready for an openning loop rather than the out and back road section, so was a little surprized when after extending the road section about quarter of a mile we turned round and headed back to the start. I assumed I had misread. So then on to the usual filed turning into forested single track and the steep decent to the river (which is usually the first water crossing). Then surprise #1 for the day, instead of turning right across the river we turn left up a steep hill - O.K. so this is the new openning loop. Sean and I run together for most of the openning loop before he tells me to go ahead and not wait for him. Two or so miles of trademark HAT Run rooty climbs and decents and we are dumped back on the field and head back to the pavilion. Half an hour in and now the real running starts as we head back out on the first loop proper. Back down the single track decent to the river but this time as expected we ford the river (mid-ankle deep and cold) and head up the opposite bank. By this time I have joined up with James (another Columbian runner with injurry woes). James and I trade stories of torn muscles, IT band issues and minimal training as we trek our way up and down rocky and rooty single track before bursting into the field section that happnes a short way before the first feed stop. I try and relax on this flat untechnical section as I realize I am exerting too much effort at this early stage. After the field it's back into the woods and then a left up another steep climb on a new section. When the terrain flattens out onto a fairly wide grassy trail James asks if we have to do "all those hills" again on the second loop. I feel bad having to tell him no only "yes" but that we haven't actually got to the hilly bits yet! At the station I stop only to get my bottle filled in an effort to chip off seconds from my final time. After the first aid station the fun really starts first a gradual grinding hill, a steep decent then a couple of good climbs that have most people walking at least sections. By now I am beginning to get pain in my right leg which is a bit worrying, but more sinister is the fact that I am starting to feel a bit tired! It is far too soon for that in the HAT run - I try and justify it by reminding myself that we did an extra 3 mile section at the start - but the truth is I am in trouble. The hills after aid station 1 are too much for James and he and I part company - for good as it happens - and I trudge on alone. On the gravel road section just before Aid station #2 (a scetion I really hate) I try to keep it smooth but have to admit to myself that my legs are tired. At Station 2 I am caught by Jesse - a super strong runner who I had figured would break 4:30 easily this year. I decide that if I can latch on his back and keep him in sight at least I would be in good shape. With this in mind I expend far too much energy on the toughest part of the course (the 6 mile section back to the start pavilion). By the time we (Jesse and me) arrive at the unmanned aid station I am essentially done. I hope against hope that we will turn directly back to the start and the final loop but my prayers go unanswered as we are send down another paved downhill section. Jesse loves this but I hate it and by the time we turn back onto single track he is well ahead. On the climbs I crawl back to his shoulder but the reality for me is that "its all over" and I have no chance of staying with Jesse, even finishing is looking an unlikely prospect. As we approach the end of the fist big loop I am tempted to just pack it in and go home. I am trying to convince myself that I can justify this because of the pain in my right leg.
But for some reason when I get to the start/finish area I merely take off my gloves, grab some M&M's and head straight back out. Jesse is still running strongly and soon the gap has formed and will not close again today! The second loop is hell! The uphills are just about impossible and even the flats are difficult enough to keep running on. I try and relax as much as I can and get my heart rate under control but everything hurts. As the end of the fourth hour approaches I decide I will walk for 5 min - regardless of hills or flats - to try and gather myself. But again against my better judgement I end up running almost immediately when the trail flattens out (there must be something about my subconscious that really hates me). After the aid station and I know the work is really going to start; the first climb is O.K. but the second is a long slow drag - the only thing that makes this bearable is the fact that the other runners I see appear to be as bad shape as I am. Some pass me, I pass some but there is little or no talking beyond gasps of encouragement. At the top of one hill I know therev is a large block of exposed quartz that is a landmark for me and when I pass it this time I bend down and give it a tap as I know this means the worst of the climbs before the gravel road are done.
On the gravel road just continuing to run is an exercise in mental and physical endurance. I try to run with no effort, as slow as slow, but even this is difficult and again the urge to just stop is hard to resist. The only thing that keeps me going during this section is the thought of the nice green running top in the race packet. I really want to use it! A DNF would mean I could never wear it so I am determined to finish irrespective of my time. By the time I get to the last full aid station my left leg is cramping - so I take only a short break, grab some Coke and head back off. I ask a steward how far to go and am told 5.2 miles - but three big hills. Oddly I relax on this (the hardest section) and with the glance at my watch confirming that a sub-5 hour run is out of the question I just decide to get through this last section. I run (kind of) all the flats and even some bits of the hills and before to long I am back on the last road downhill with only 1.4 miles to go. As I turn back into the forest I catch a glimspe of a runner ahead in white. Keeping my eye on him helps me pull myself through the last technical section and out onto the field within half a mile from the finish. The guy in white is struggling I can see - he stops once or twice obviously suffering from cramp. I slow and determine not to try and "knick" a place from him at this stage. But as we hit the last little road section he stops again and I reach him. "Cramp?" I ask, "yes" he confirms but makes no effort to start running again so I continue leaving him behind as I climb the last little paved hill to the finish. 5 Hours 7 minutes and it is all over!
Jesse is at the finish, having finished 12 minutes ahead of me - yes he took nearly a minute a mile from me on the last loop - but he looks in worse shape than I have ever seen him! He is clearly sore and cold. He confirms that the course appeared to be very much harder than previously and slow times were the rule rather than the exception. His 4 hr 55 min was good enough for 27th and my 5 hr 07 min for 46th. Saen was the only person I spoke to who actually ran faster this year! So a really fine performance by him. Poor James had a tough time - the IT band flaired up after 12 miles and meant he couldn't even bend his leg - forcing him to stop. He asked me before he left "So..... As I didn't actually finish. Can I wear the race shirt do you think?" What could I say? "Of course" I lied.
So the Hat Run is behind us and a pretty poor start to the racing season for the Dogzbollux Racing Team. THe aim for this race had been a 4hr 20 min run which I hoped would be enough for a top ten place and an age group podium spot. Nowhere near in the end - but even if (despite the harder course) I had pulled out a sub 4 hr 20 min run I would maybe have just about scrapped the top ten but I still would have been about 7th in the 40-49 age group!! Bloody Hell.
Got to say a huge thank you to all the organizers and the volunteers who help put this fantastic race together - it is one of my favorite two races of the year and I will definately be back next year to see if I can get anywhere near 4:30 on this new course - the logical bit of me says "no way".
Cheers
Dogzbollux
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