This race was fantastic! The weather was great. I was a little concerned about riding with 8,000 other people, but it wasn't bad at all. It was a bit cold when we started but I had plenty of warm gear. Pace started out good, around 18 mph, then at mile 8 we hit the first dry river crossing. It was super dusty and sandy. We had to carry our bikes over the crossing because of thorns. There was an aid station there and mariachis playing. it was pretty festive despite the dust. Got across the crossing and had to take my shoes and socks off to get the dirt out. Headed out then around mile 13 there was rider down, the bike patrol was around him directing the riders around the accident. Paramedics were there too. Poor guy, he was in rough shape. I continued riding and hit the 30 mile aid station. Got some water and pretzels and headed out. There were "go Tucson Tri-girls" signs along the way and PirateGirl and Trigirls were standing there with a cowbell. (Thanks Elaine and Holly!) It is nice to have a cheering section. Started the first big climb to Old Spanish Trail and Freeman at the Saguaro National Park. There were more Tri-Girls signs up there and at the top of the hill were two more tri-girls cheering. Made the climb up the hill easier. Then a fast downhill to Sabino Canyon and the next river crossing at Canyon Ranch. This crossing was narrower than the first but not as dusty. There was an aid station there, so I stopped and got some oranges and water. There was no gatorade at any of the aid stations. Got the pavement and cleaned out my shoes and socks again. Then the most hellacious hill at Snyder Hill. It was short, but really steep. There were people falling off their bikes and some walking up the hill. Got over that hill and continued on to the next aid station at the Fire Station where they were making pancakes. This aid station was at the halfway point, and I have to say I got a little emotional here realizing I was actually doing this race and that I was halfway done. Got over that little drama and continued down Ina to Oracle. Then started the next climb to Rancho Vistoso. After this climb I noticed my legs were getting tired so I broke out the endurolytes. Love those endurolytes. I felt much better and continued down the fast descent on Tangerine to the I-10 frontage road. I drafted off and on as groups went by and made some really good time here. Stopped at one more aid station for some fruit and downed a hammer gel. Got my legs back and continued the 13 miles to the finish. I was sooooo happy to see the finish line. I got a little emotional as I got the finish line, my lower lip was probably quivering, and I couldn't believe it that I actually rode the 109 miles. During the race I kept telling myself I was never doing this again, and that I was going to stop training for a while, and that I was not going to do that half-marathon next month. But after it was all over, and having thought about it the next day, I loved every minute of that ride, even though I did all of it solo. I think I talked to two people the entire ride. I had estimated it would take me 7 hours to finish, and I finished 3 minutes within my goal, but I missed getting gold by those 3 minutes. Well, I guess I have a goal for next year.

This was an awesome race. I would recommend it to anyone to loves to ride in gorgeous weather and scenery. The aid station volunteers were wonderful. The aid stations were well stocked. The course was marked very well and the law enforcement was incredible. The only thing I would do differently is not carry so much food with me. I had a gel flask full of gel, 3 packets of gel, two packets of clif-bloks, a bottle of perpetuem and a bottle of heed and a camelback with water and two peanut butter and honey sandwiches. I only ate the clif bloks and two hammergels. Having all of that on my bike made it heavier to carry across the river crossings. What can I say, I don't like to be hungry.

Went up to my office, which was right next door to the start line, and cleaned up and changed clothes, drank some recoverite, and went back to the finish line to pick up my medal and get some food.


Probably all of the extra food and water on the bike.


There were aid stations every 8-10 miles. Very well stocked, but no sports drink, just water. Lots of fruit, cookies, pretzels. As soon as you came to an aid station, a volunteer would greet and hold your bike for you while you stayed at the aid station. This was fantastic! They had pitchers of water to fill your waterbottles or camelbaks. The aid stations were fantastic!! One of the aid stations at a fire station were cooking pancakes!