Final Prep before Heading to Utah Mixed Epic

First, I want to thank everyone who has donated to support Kids on Bikes. Every bit makes a difference. I will be proudly wearing a “Kids on Bikes” jersey throughout the race. This will help motivate me when things get tough. A big reason I am doing this race, aside from the adventure, is to raise awareness and support for this great organization. I have very strong connection with their mission. I grew up in a family that could not afford a bike. I cobbled together an unsafe raggedy bike from bits and pieces I could find, and it became my gateway to freedom and whole other worlds. Without biking and running as a teenager, who knows where I would have ended up. The race is scheduled to start on Sep 4, one day before my 63^rd birthday; Sep 5. I hope to make that an epic day within an epic ride. We shall see. But what I really hope is that we can really up the ante on support for Kids on Bikes. Every bit makes a difference!

 

Some how I got all this plus on the bike! (Except Gemma the dog)

I did my final ride this morning, before heading to Salt Lake for the start of the Utah Mixed Epic on Friday. Bike is packed and ready to go. I feel good, but nervous. The course description sounds pretty brutal, but I feel I’m ready to take it on. There is ton of climbing right out the gate, so I hope I haven’t packed too much. Could be a lot of pushing? My biggest concern is lack of water over the long desert sections with no resupply sources. I’m set-up to carry up to eight liters (2 Gallons) of water if I need to. I think that should get me through those sections. Temps are looking to be in 100s at the lower altitudes, so I may do a lot of night riding. We shall see.

Packed and Ready

From the Cockpit

 

The Utah Mixed Epic TrackLeaders site is now up, from which you can follow the race.

 

Thanks for reading and thanks for your support to Kids on Bikes!

 

-larry

Almost Full Throttle

Good Morning Colorado Springs

So far my healing and recovery has been nothing short of amazing. In the emergency room, the doctor said 4 - 6 weeks, and based on my age, probably closer to 6 weeks. This morning, exactly 3 weeks from the crash, I did a 4 hour ride with over 5,000 feet of climbing. I did this on the bike I will be riding the Utah Epic with partial packs to add weight while climbing. My back felt relatively good, with some muscle or tendon pain when I stood to pedal. Over the last week, I’ve been picking up the intensity and distance, and feel like I am well on the way to getting my fitness back. If things keep going as they are, I should be fit and ready on race day. One of my biggest concerns was not coming through for Kids on Bikes. I feel really strongly about KoB and what they do for kids. Of course there will be more challenges along the way, the race itself for example, but at least this is one challenge that is almost behind me.

These last few days have been incredibly positive. Saturday, I participated in a Zwift virtual 100 mile ride called the The BMTR Fundo (A). My training log notes from that ride: “Flat, fast, and hard! A total sweat fest. I think I flooded my basement! It seems my back is well on its way to healing. Didn't seem to be an issue today. 29th out of 400+, although not all 400 went the whole 100 miles. Bonked with about 18 miles to go and got dropped by the group I was with. Started cramping and feeling nauseous, which has never happened on an indoor ride. The next group was 20 min behind, so was able to hold them off despite really struggling to get to the finish.” Needless to say, I was super happy with that ride.

Early On - Big Group - About Mid Pack 

My Avatar Long Hair and an S-Works

Last Climb and less than 2 miles to the finish

One Tired Puppy 

Since my back didn't bother me Saturday on an intense indoor ride, thought I’d try outdoors on Sunday. Rode up Rampart, a dirt and rough in places road, but once it started getting rough, I could feel it. Turned around and came down really slow through the rough sections. I'm definitely not ready for that. So hit Santa Fe Trail to Palmer Lake, and aside from being wiped out from Saturday's ride, it went pretty well. 5.5 hours, 65 miles on mostly dirt. I'm super excited that I am recovering faster than expected. 

Rampart with Pikes Peak in the Distance

Quick Pit Stop at Ice Lake

Took Monday off and on Tuesday rode 1.5 hours on the indoor trainer at endurance pace. Felt really good, still a little rough getting on and off the bike, and I even contemplated riding my bike to work. However, in the end decided not to, I’m pretty sure my back is not ready to carry a heavy backpack.

This morning was incredible. As I mentioned at the beginning, rode for 4 hours. It was mostly dirt with a lot of climbing and I felt strong. I returned to the seen of the crime and saw no deer. I have to admit, I was very apprehensive about crashing during this ride. Even a small crash would be extremely painful. I contemplated riding on the trainer vs outdoors, but decided to chance it and glad I did. It was so nice to be back out on such a gorgeous morning.

Halfway up High Drive

Red Rocks Open Space

I’m super excited to be back on track and partnering with Kids on Bikes. I know with COVID19 there is a lot of uncertainty right now, and I’m betting that the families and kids that KoB serves are even more affected by the impact. I and everyone involved appreciates all and any contributions big or small. Thanks for everything.