E2

E2, or what they call, the Excruciation Exam, lived up to its name Saturday as myself and 126 other riders toed the line up at Brush Creek Ranch for this years installment. The list of characters was impressive, as there were riders from Trek/VW regional team, Subaru/Fischer, and all the top guys from TX there to dish out their best.

So here's the low down. Gun went off and the usual frantic pace ensued. After about a mile on the ranch road, we were funnelled into some nice single track. The whole first group was together for the first 8 miles, as the top dogs made a small gap as we left the ranch.

As we hit the road, I found myself in a large group of about 15 riders or so, which was perfect for the long road section to Rocky Hill Ranch (about 30 miles away).We were doing the usual pace line stuff, sharing the work, yadda,yadda,yadda. Even though there was so many of us, the pace was staying real high. I was working pretty hard, but the legs were reacting as I wanted them to. We were moving along pretty good (23-25 mph) for most of the trip out. Just as I made my turn up front and was moving back in line, Kieth Gray (who won my class) made a huge effort that put all of us in the red. Unfortunately, I was on my way to the back and missed the surge. I helplessly dangled off the back by the last bits of elastic I had left in me. I looked down at my Garmin and it showed I was almost at my max (191 bpm). That was enough for the elastic to snap as I drifted off the back of the group with about 5 miles to go to Rocky Hill. I had some company though, so we hooked up and made the best of it as we cursed Mr. Gray's effort.

Once to Rocky Hill, Adrian(my new found riding partner) and I looked forward to 20 miles of tight single track to bring back some of those damn roadies that made us suffer, and bring back some of them we did. I was by no means an easy 20 miles, but we made good time throughout, picking off some riders at a good pace. Having someone to work with and keep the tempo up helped. We took turns at the front throughout RHR and as we exited the ranch to go back out onto the road, we were ready to make up more time.

First up out on the road was a nice little climb that kind of broke up a few guys that were with us. After that it was a pretty steady dose of rollers and the occasional headwind to make it burn just a tad bit more. Adrian was doing his best to share the work, but I was carrying most of the load. Eventually, he was cooked. After some coaxing to try and get him back on, I had to keep going. There were guys up ahead that we could see, and some of the guys behind us weren't going away.

So the rest of the way on the road I was by myself, which worked out OK. I was able to pass several more riders that had gone with the break on the way out and who were now hurting. I have to admit, it was nice passing those guys, knowing that I did the right thing by not blowing myself up too early. Through the last checkpoint, I was 14th overall,with two more riders up ahead. Passed the first one quickly, then made the pass into 12th as we headed into the final 4 mile single track section back at BCR. I managed to ride steady enough to put over a minute into the rider behind me, the last thing I wanted was a sprint finish after 81 miles.

Finished up E2 in 5hrs, 31 minutes. 12th overall, but more importantly 2nd on 30-39 open which kept me in the overall state marathon series lead.

I hung around and was able to chat with Adrian, Kieth Gray and some of the other riders. Overall a good group of guys.

Some of the totals: 81 miles, top speed-32.4 mph, total climbing-3800 ft., max hr-191bpm, avg hr-166bpm. Look at all the fun I had in 5 and a half hours of racing!

Next up: Miles of Dis-Comfort at Flat Rock Ranch. 50+ miles of single track, rocky,rooty technical and more climbing than E2 and almost half the miles. I bet we don't get all the roadies out for that one......ahhh, come on out guys, let me return the favor.

Farm