New Shoes

After six years and the attentions of one of our dogs it was high time for a new pair of shoes. Found these Gary Fischer shoes on the Internet for well over 60% off retail even after shipping costs. Went one size smaller which is fine when I wear the performance socks. This should make a big difference. My old shoes were so worn and loose... now I get all that lost energy back into the bike. We'll see how the climbs at Crystal Ridge go.

The Blufflands Epic was a wonderful event. They had some water bottles for the participants and I picked one I thought my wife would like since I already have several. My wife said they are "happy colors." Trek and Bontrager were a big part of its success. Bontrager providing some carbon cranks for some prizes.

I woke up and checked the internet and realized it was a much longer trip than I thought. Had to rush to get out in time. Found the new shoe on the front porch but as it turned out there was no extra time to get the cleats on. If only I had got up when I woke up a good hour before my alarm was set.

I had a couple pieces of toast and then a sandwich on my way there. Also a bottle of PowerAid and a small energy bar. No air conditioning in the truck and it was hot. I had no recovery on the first lap and planned to stop after the second if that didn't change. My body responded and I did three laps. A good time on the second and was careful on the third cause I just didn't have any energy. The heat, lack of proper preparation and being unfamiliar with the course I wasn't going to push for four laps but under better conditions I certainly could have done four with some time to spare.

The course had a great rhythm. Very well balanced with plenty of well placed difficult elements. I enjoyed it more each time around. I was satisfied with my performance on the long climbs and if I had any extra spark I would have challenged all the elements but chose to dismount at points. Great variety of up/down switchbacks and almost any element you can imagine was there. Also tended to just plain stop to let faster riders by.

I gave some miscreants a good scare. Not by intention. I skidded to a stop before a narrow section followed by a switchback to let a faster rider behind me pass. At the same moment a young guy and his buddies let me have it with a super soaker. I think they thought I was upset. I should have told them I only stopped to let him pass and thanked them. It felt soooo good. They had a water balloon prepared for the competitor behind me and to his chagrin they missed. Now I know how the twelve hour racers keep their sanity. The good deeds of others.