We make it down to race start on time for a cool morning start. We proceed through Invermere in a melee of a peloton that was indicative of a recreational mountain bike race in all the wrong ways.
Dre was kind enough to lead the pack out for the first 35 minutes, stretching peloton out from a 2 lane bunch out to a 100 people single file down to a group of 50 then 25 then 15 then 10. Guys were red lined and popping off the back at 1 minute intervals. Mckee's giverator monitor was reading 97% of max for a while, so we elected to spin a few minutes to recover. 3 minutes of that and we were good to go, Dre eventually dropped back and rode with us for a while, as well as Nikki Cassels who had caught up. That 4 some lasted for 15 minutes or so, then we passed check stop 1.
The singletrack was sweet, fun to ride and we passed a few technically inept riders. The grueling rain soaked hike a bike from last year was waay easier coming down, the route book said less than 50% rideable, but we found it was 95%, Jon took it up to 97% with some badass descending on a 30m scree slope with three drop off ledges thrown in just for fun.
Jon, Craig, Mike and I worked together for the gravel road, including Trev Williams for a while. The gravel section was a good eating spot to fight off pending bonks.
The last 15k were single track and XC trails. Lots of rolling hills that took the last bit of gas out of the legs. Eventually we saw Pat (not Doyle) at the side of the trail saying only 1km to go. Last year it was Mical who was the guardian angel who'd see us into the end, PND is built a little different, but it's great to see him, we know we're near then! Mike cranked it up a few notches, and we worked together to hold it to the end.
Jon and Craig finished 9th I think, and Mckee and I held in for 12th.
Pat and Ed came in as the 4 of us were waiting for burgers. Pat bunnyhopped Mike's arm as he was stretching, and for the five minutes we chatted, I don't recall Ed saying anything. He did mumble something uninteligible. Pat acknowleged that Ed's digging deep, real deep.
Gerry and Lloyd came in in fine position, as did Tim and Mike. I hadn't seen either around tonight as the camping is spread out, but Gerry was missing half the bike short on his right cheek, not sure what that was about. Sounds like Tim and Mike had a great day. I don't have detailed reports of the day, but did talk to Trish and Linda as they dropped by for massages... sounds like they're making the men earn their keep!
Cindy and Tori have their giggle-e-ators in fine form. From a team meeting this morning to pick which matching pair of socks to sport for the day, to crossing the line with no new bloodshed, it seems like all is bliss on the deadgoat girls team.
The shower truck wasn't ready when we arrived, so we swam in the pond. Jon's known for being a tad on the forgetful side, and he didn't have his shorts... so skinny dipping it was.
If anyone wants case studies in morale, friendship, and how big challenges can be more than suffering alone, the deadgoat guys and girls all seem to be having a blast out here. Teams are digging in for each other, and inter-team help has been abundant too. Weather has been great so far. I can't speak for the others, but I'm having a blast.
So we've done a 30k day and a 60k day, next two days are 90k and 113k. We're nibbling for about 6-7 hours each day post race, plus massage and sitting around telling tall tales, and watching cycling videos, including the CSC teambuilding video. Jens Voight has some totally priceless lines in it... "Tomorrow is a hard day Jens". German accent reply "I just try more."
Don't really mean to leave on a negative note, but meal service hasn't been impressive this year. TransRockies knows the number of meal tickets in advance, and shouldn't have a hard time meeting those obligations. Many of us bought meal passes as backup, but are feeding ourselves first, which actually lowers the burden n the organizers, and they're still falling short. All other aspects of inconvenience and hardship can be overlooked with good food.
Nice results thus far. You shouldn't have given Trev his shoe back; those dudes are right behind you... Stupid triathletes! Hahaha
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