Blood, Sweat & Gears: I’m ready to climb!
Well, it’s almost here. Last year, at this time, I was preparing to ride my first ever mountain century event…
Blood, Sweat & Gears.
This Saturday, I’m heading back for the second time and I hope to best my time from last year. It’s works out to be 103 miles with a lot of climbing. 
Here’s the description of the course: “The route roughly circles Boone through the outskirts of Watauga County, the heart of North Carolina’s High Country. The terrain is constantly changing with hills of all lengths and curves too numerous to count. The cumulative climbing elevation is 13,000+ feet, with the climb up to the gap at Snake Mountain, milepoint 63, reaching an 18-20% grade near the top.”
I finished last year in 6 hrs. 26 mins. Again, that was the first time I’d ever ridden an event like that so I feel I’ve learned some things where I can improve my ride. I’ve had some strong training rides the last 3 weekends of 70, 94 and 60 miles. The 60 I pedaled yesterday was a solid ride averaging 19.3 mph. I plan to take it easy this week and not push it. Right now, the weather for Saturday looks pretty good… becoming cloudy in the mid 70’s. Now, I focus on my rest, sleep and diet.
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Comments
Have fun! I wish I could be riding this too as it is one of the climbfests on the East Coast I have yet to do.
Ian– Thanks Pedalman! I just wish I could dance like Contador.:)
Sprocketboy– Thanks Leslie… I do look forward to the fun and getting the adrenalin going. You’ll have to get this one on your schedule. I believe you would really enjoy it. Although, I really like the Bridge to Bridge ride (that ends at the top of Grandfather Mountain). It’s in September. That’s also on my schedule. I should be tuned up for that especially after Cheat Mountain Challenge.
Chris– Loco… maybe. But once you ride one you’re hooked! You should try it. Although, on some of the climbs this Saturday… I just might be wishing I was on your wheel in a crit.
Donald,
This will be our first shot at BS&G and to say the least I am a little freaked out by it. We have spent a couple of weekends training on Brushy Mountain…hope it was enough. Living here in Lake Norman area we get some decent hills as part of our normal rides but nothing like Wilkes County.
Any suggestions on diet for this week?
See ya this weekend and good luck with beating last years time.
Jim & Laurie
Groover– I have a 39/27… no compact. It’s what I used last year on three mountain centuries and survived. Although, I remember a couple of times wondering if I could make my bike shift into a magical “11th gear” or a triple ring. Oh well… it’s just made me stronger.
Hi Jim & Laurie,
Great! First… you’re going to have a lot of fun. Don’t freak! be confident in your training.
Quick reminder… I think you have commented before. Do you live near Charlotte? Send me an email: djones@wncn.com
I’ll talk with you about food, etc. It might get too long here in the comment box. Look forward to hearing from you guys and maybe we’ll meet up at BS&G.
Will– Thank you … I will do my best to keep smiling and remember that when it feels tough you’ve got it even tougher in the Alps! Allez… Allez… Allez!
Hey Donald, good luck at BSG. I did the ride the last two years and I’ll be there again this year. I hope the spectators are up on Snake Mtn again w/ the cowbells. That really helps to get up that climb.
Tell Bill Reh he has to promise it won’t rain until everybody finishes.
Rob– Thanks so much. Best to you as well! The cowbells certinaly helped… it will be nice if they’re there again! You must live in or around the triangle if you see Bill Reh’s forecast. Where do you train on the bike? If you see me at the ride give me a shout so I can meet you.
Jeff– Thanks buddy! Yeah , “The Snake”… If you go into it without thinking too much about the pain… it goes pretty fast considering the length of the ride. I just have to keep reminding myself… ” the pain is only temporary.”
Now we need a few rides like this in Oz. Then again this would require me to do some training and as its winter in my neck of the woods… training is not high on the agenda.
It looks like a great day out. Remember to attack out the back take more skill than most think. Timing on when to let go of the wheel you are following is critical. Now heading down the other side of Snake Mountain is where I would excel.
Go hard Don. You’re living the dream.
Arlyn & Primal–
Thanks so much… you guys and everbody else have me really fired up. It’s like my own crazy fan base yelling Allez… Allez… Allez… from around the world. You all will definitely be a factor in my mind getting me up those climbs.
Cheers!!!
Donald
Best of luck this weekend. That is some serious grades you end up riding. The weather sounds good for a day of climbing. Keep the rubber side down and dance on those pedals.