29 September 2012

12 hours of Dauset and stuff


 Casey, Thomas, Gavin, and I went to Amerson water works park today and completed "O" coarse #1 (beginner coarse) set up by Andi Berger. She has set up four total. Each getting more difficult. They are designed to be navigated without a compass, so as to teach the kids to use land features instead. 



We did well, and had fun, and had a little detour at the river. Thomas, and Casey wanted to try coarse #2, but Gavin was having none of that...err and I was tired of caring him around like a "sack of taters". So we had a picnic and played on the playground. 



 If the kids want, we might try a real orienteering meet this winter. Andi is hosting one in November at FDR state park. This would be a good one, but that's Pinhoti 100 weekend. 


 Oh ya, 12 hours or Dauset. You get out of a race what you put into it. Meaning, not much training, not much racing. I only completed 6 laps. My hands, neck, and back were killing me. Every lap got more painful, so it was pointless to me to press on. I remember thinking "I might need to write my name at work on Monday". Then I could hear Dave of Gone Riding on the P.A. "spaghetti is ready" that's all it took. I was done. Five Dauset races, and the first time eating the spaghetti. Mmm! It was a good time anyway, Hanging out in OMBA town. Well, training starts Sunday for next year....Later

10 September 2012

NOT prepared, NOT ready

  12 Hours of Dauset, 2012 edition. I will be racing on pure guts this year. At this point last year I had 1880 miles on the mountain bike, and 396 of that at Dauset. This year I have 289.9 miles on the mountain bike, and 28.4 at Dauset. OHHH! THIS RACE IS GOING TO HURT. But I must race, this is my favorite of the year. Iv'e done this race 4 times (12 hr. solo), last year being my best.

Photo by Mark D
Ray and I put in some miles at Dauset recently. We rode a steady pace, and my back and upper body felt better. (I rode 28 miles out there the week before and that hurt bad!). All of the road racing I did this year really made me soft. So I must pay my penance (a punishment in token of penitence for sin). Road racing is very fun, and fast, but endurance mountain biking is fun, satisfying, and really test ones toughness. 
 I have one more week to "cram for the test". I think I have the fitness, just not sure about the toughness! And I won't have a crew this year, so it will be a true solo race. I think I will be fine here. I just have to make sure all of my nutrition and gear is ready to go for quick pit stops. Like I will use bottles this year instead of a pack. Now I need to come up with 13 or more bottles. 
 What ever happens it will be fun and tough...Later