This was a good early season endurance test. I decided to practice my nutrition and see how I felt on the run as a result, as well as work with pacing and minimizing rest. The amount of riders for this event was impressive- probably around 2k. we had a mass start at 7:30 and rode through chattanooga and onto the hwy 27 bridge, and it was amazing to see the mile long or so parade of cyclists from atop the bridge.
The first climb (signal mtn) was a cupcake really. It was the longest, but pretty much felt like 5 miles of willeo rd. There was an immediate descent after the climb where I let all the people I passed on the way up, pass me (I really need to get over my descents). I passed on the first aid station and tried my best to jump in a few pacelines to the 43 mile rest stops. It was hit and miss and I spent a lot of time between groups, whick killed my efficiency cause it was windy as hell.
Somwhere around mile 45 we hit Alabama and the roads turned to shit. Climb 2, Sand Mountain was upon us- It was very much like wolfpen with a worse rd surface. I started feeling quite a bit of fatigue after this climb, and expected to descend shortly after (used to the gaps), but it was around 12 miles until I hit the descent- thankfully the roads improved.
Around mile 83 was the rest stop before the ascent of lookout. I was pretty tired at this point and was pretty beaten down from the heavy winds. There was about a 3 mile climb to the top of lookout so I decided to dump the water bottles. The climb was moderate until the last 300 yards where it was basically a wall. I sucked it up and averaged around 3mph on that part at max HR. Thank goodness for the cowbellers halfway up, and there were pleny of walkers. There were about 10 miles of rollers until the descent of lookout where around mile 90 I had to battle some thigh cramping. I sucked it up and struggled the last few miles to the descent, which was the most technical and fun (I layed off the brakes- too tired to go slow) the last 3-4 miles in chattanooga to the finish I picked it up and finished strong. I crossed the finish, promptly went to the car and put on the running shoes for a 10 mile t-run
Nutrition- around 1400 calories
3 feed bottles- carbo pro & gu2o 360 cal each
4 gu's
handful of chips
Nutrition was good. the only thing I took from sag is the handful of chips, which were awesome. I will plan on taking some salty snack for future events and the sweet shit becomes unbearable

My longest ride was 67 miles this season, so I cant complain. It was basically a litmus test of endurance and nutrition planning. Nutrition was good and I recovered quickly

not much. I did a t-run and probably should have stretched. I felt suprisingly ok despite earlier cramping


Mileage, lack of mountain riding


Great event. Most impressive was the amount of traffic control at every turn- and there were a lot. I didnt stop once- that had to take some serious coordination in 3 different states too. Great well stocked sag and good post ride activities (which I skipped) Best supported ride I have seen