Twin Buttes 60 mile solo race

I decided to try a local endurance mountain bike race. Trails2k.org facilitated a race at Twin Buttes, Durango CO during the Pro Challenge weekend. I entered the 6 lap solo men’s 60 mile race as racer 433! Each lap was approximately 10.5 miles with 1500 elevation gain each lap.

This was a last minute entry and I was apprehensive as I have not been training to ‘race’ 60 miles; however, I have been doing base road rides between 50-60 miles.

This race course was awesome! Surrounded by pines and great views, the trail provides big-ring spinning opportunities with a couple of climbs sprinkled in keeping the most avid climber honest. The trail finishes with an unavoidable ear-to-ear grin downhill descent.  The entire course was perfect for my Scott carbon hardtail 2x10.  

The quick and dirty:

I was finishing my 5th lap and looking forward to the 6th lap when the race got cut short due to heavy rains and lightening. However, I was able to pull off a podium finish of 3rd place with just under 50 miles completed.

This race challenged me mentally especially on the 4th lap; after working through serious leg cramping, a crash, and vomiting (It was my first time power-puking while racing. It is sort of interesting puking and riding, as you don't want to stop your bike nor get yourself or clothing sprayed with vomit while pedaling!! I obviously did not have my nutrition or hydration dialed in for this type of event.) I miraculously was able to hold down some key nutrition and started feeling strong again starting my 5th lap. I guess the bike and life lesson here: keep pedaling no matter how bad you feel, things will get better...

Durango Herald link:
http://durangoherald.com/article/20120819/SPORTS/708199931/
Strava link below of the race details:
http://app.strava.com/activities/18957882