12 Hours of Sundance

Although the 12 Hours of Sundance is not a huge race, it is a lot fun.  One of the things making this race so great is you can see all of the riders riding by as they head to the finish line.  You cheer for those coming in, those going out and watch in awe all those tackling the 12 hours solo.

This year my goal for this race was to match or come close to what I raced last year.  I have been feeling better lately (minus the ribs), and I felt this would be a good indicator of any little extra thing I might need to do for Moab. 

About 2 days before the race it dawned on me I had not had any chest pain for at least 2 weeks!  It had faded away so  discretly I didn't even notice.  I felt this race would be good opportunity to see where my recovery for my heart is.  In all races thus far I have always had chest pain during the race.  This race we would see if the chest  pain comes back, or if it is gone for good.

My first lap was good.  I went out at a good pace and was able to hold it the whole time.  My downhill was tentative, but I expected that as I haven't done a lot of mountain biking since injuring my ribs.  I finished my lap and discovered I was 5 minutes slower than last year.  I felt good about that.  I haven't been able to ride like I would like, and I am carrying 20 pounds of extra weight more than last year--not too bad considering all things.  After my lap I cheered Dennis out and began to prepare for lap 2 that would be coming up.  It was during this time I got my infamous "aura" that blinds me and then the migraine comes.  Great timing when I still have more laps to do.  Luckily I brougt a fold out mat and pillow, so I laid down and rested waiting for my next lap to come.

I have to thank the guy that was riding behind me on Archies for my improved 2nd lap time.  I don't know if I would have pushed as hard if someone hadn't been behind be.  I really didn't want to impede the rider, so I went as fast as I could, figuring if I wasn't fast enough he would ask to pass.  Luckily he didn't need to pass until Scott's Pond just before the log stack.  I kept going strong this lap.  As I watched my clock I was sure I was going slower even though I felt faster.  It turns out I was going faster and improved my lap time by one minute making me only 4 minutes slower than last years 2nd lap! 

Third lap I was tired, but still able to ride and clear everything, although maybe not as quickly as my previous laps.  On the last hill climb I was passed by a solo rider.  I was so humbled to see him pass after riding all day long and this was only my third lap.  I told him so, and his reply "it's always a great day when your on the bike."  I couldn't agree more.  I finished my 3rd lap strong and my downhill was finally back to what I like.  My lap was 3 minutes slower than my 2nd lap, but I don't know what it was in comparison to last year.  I forgot to look and it's not posted. 

Anyway, all in all it turned out to be a great day to race and ride.  Our team was entered in the Masters Coed.  We took 2nd in our division, and an overall 2nd against all the other coed teams--yeah for us!  Oh and the good news, no chest pain!  Looks like the heart is starting to heal.

Team Scared Shiftless - James, Me, Tiffany and Dennis

Won a bicycle pizza cutter.

What a RUSH

Last night was ladies night for a night ride, and what a great turn out there was.  I forgot to count how many came, but there was 12 to 14 chicks out for a ride in the dark.  Whitney led the ride--I think she could ride those trails blind folded, she know them so well.  She took us up Clarks, down Rush, and on a bunch of other trails that led us eventually down to the parking lot, but I don't know the names of any of them. 

All I have to say is awesome!!!  The ride was awesome, the trails were awesome and I absolutely loved riding down RUSH.  This trail has great bermed switchbacks, lots of good ups and downs and jumps, and is a fun downhill trail.  I didn't do any jumps, first time on the trail and in the dark--yeah I don't think so.  The trail was so much fun, I can't wait to go back and ride it in the day.  Unfortunately it will have to wait until next week, because 12 Hours of Sundance is this Saturday.  That's okay, because I am counting the days.

On a final note.  For several of the ladies it was their first time riding at night and everyone did great, some close calls with birds and flat tire, but all was well.  I hope they all had a good time and I hope that want to do more.  See ya' next week!

Only photo of the night, unfortunately it does not show everyone that came.