My goal for this race was to start getting used to my MTB after a few months of neglect (IM training)...and not to get my ass handed to me by my girl, who was also racing but was a bit tired from her 1/2 IM last weekend.

As my group started, the guy in front of me nearly fell because of uneven surface. He started cursing and complaining. I wonder what part of being in a mountain bike race he didn't understand?

I decided to pace myself on the flats but ended up passing a lot of people in the 28 (!) river crossings. Most went in with gears too hard, others shifted as they crossed and broke their chains, many walked or carried their bikes.

So I ended up riding a little harder than I wanted to but couldn't miss my chance to pass a few other riders; however, most riders I passed went right by me again in the endless 6.5k climb. I can't believe the distance was so short but it took us so long.

About 40 min. into the race and the huge climb begins. I hit the granniest of the granny gears 95% of the way up. Many people walked. In fact, I had the same guy walking his bike a few feet ahead of me for about 20 minutes...and I was on the bike!

Reached the top in 1 hr 55 min. and descended in 31 minutes. Crossed the river 11 more times before the finish line. Could have gone downhill faster but my brakes didn't feel right. Apparently the rivers had eaten up my brake pads. I figured this had happended to mostly all other riders with no disc brakes, but I still didn't want to risk it. Flatted (again in a race, unbelievable) close to the finish line, but rode it out.

The first rider in my AG was done with the whole race ten minutes before I even finished the climb. Not good.

Train more on the MTB and at high heart rates. After all the IM training, my body has no idea what anaerobic is. My plan was to keep the HR above 170, but it was extremely uncomfortable.

I felt fresh afterwards and a little angry I couldn't push harder up the hill.

I know this is my first race back on the old mountain bike, but deep inside I wanted to show myself that, even against all logic, I was still a good rider.


More time on the saddle and in the dirt. Need to regain downhill technique and be comfortable at high heart rates for these short races.

I want to be competitive again.


The location was fantastic and the course was brutal. I wish I had been in better shape to enjoy it more.

Mayde came in at 2:59:04 and placed 5th in her AG. Just a week after her 1/2 IM!