Race #1: Barry-Roubaix

First race of the season done.  Use primarily for a training race, but still a race.  How did I do?  I finished.  That's what counts right?  (Please say yes).

My time was 2:24:24 or 14.5 avg mph.  There is good news and bad news with that.  I had an 18.23 average going into the last 7-8 miles.  That bad news?  I didn't finish with 18.23 average mph.  So what happened?  For starters, I'd like to say my ass hurt.  It hurt bad.  Like really bad.  All this time on a bike trainer doesn't prepare your for the rough terrain you get on a mountain bike.  There were times I literally stood up, even on flat terrain, just to give the booty a rest. The only spots where that would affect my speed was on flat terrain and down hill.  On flat terrain, I prefer to go into triathlete mode: get low, get fast.  Instead, stand-up, rub ass.  Down-hill, same thing, get low, get in big ring, get fast.  Instead, stand-up, rub ass.  I also forgot to put cream on too so I rubbed myself raw.  Despite this, I'm not sure it really cost me significant time.  Maybe 1 mph average.

The real issue was leg cramps, specifically in last five miles.  I didn't actually get cramps, but I was at that threshold where I knew if I pushed, I would be on the side of the road crying.  This REALLY hurt me on Yankee Springs road.  LONG smooth road and I could barely break 10mph.  I remember last year actually increasing my average on this portion.  About 100 yards from the finish line, they finally cramped.  There is nothing more painful than trying to pedal through cramps while acting very casual.  I honestly didn't think I was going to make it.  I went into praying mode.  All these people, don't collapse 10 feet from the line.

Other than those minor issues, I had fun.  Weather was crazy cold.  I had brain-freeze for 2.24 hours.  Head sweating and 19 degree wind hitting it, I had a constant head-ache.  Nothing can really be done about that. I heard others complaining about it as well.  Also, one more thing, I can't decide if cross-bikes provide much of an advantage.  I passed a ton of the bikes on the hills and on the downhills (until my ass started hurting).  The flat terrain they could hold a higher gear and cruise away, but enough of an advantage?  Don't know.

In the end, I 'm happy with my performance.  My climbing was VERY strong.  My heart rate was quickly controlled in recoveries and my bike worked perfectly.  I think my front fork is a piece of shit, but not much I can do about it.  It's a specialized shock that is complete mush.  Look in the picture below.  I'm climbing, yet the shock is completely compressed.  It's suppose to have the 'brain' to prevent some of that. Last time I sent it in, it was costly to fix it.  I think I'll eventually sell this bike this summer and be done with Specialized.  I'm thinking Felt is my next bike.





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