Monday, April 14

Almost ready

This weekend I got to race my first TTT ever which was a lot of fun. The Ride Against the Machine Cat 4 team did great for all of our first time. Number one lesson learned? On a TTT, a strong lead guy can go as hard as he wants on a downhill but it's much harder to keep everyone together on the uphill sections. I'm still kicking myself a little bit for not also racing the ITT but I felt really good during the TTT and will be pumped up for CCTT#3 when I return from Arizona.

Other than racing and a ride on Sunday I was preping for the big ride. Most of my gear, food and bike stuff is ready. A little more tinkering tonight and I should be ready to go. I'm definitely starting out lighter than I was at the Grand Loop last year including carrying my SPOT beacon. More importantly, I've got a very significant amount of weight off my back. It's going to be quite a bit warmer at times than it's been in Colorado so far this year but I've got plenty of electrolytes packed and plenty of water storage capacity so hopefully I will adapt okay. At least I have some solid experience to draw from after last season. It also appears I am the only singlespeeder (and rigid) in the race. That's probably a bad thing for me but I'm sticking with it this year and we'll see how it goes. I leave Wedneday night to pick up Jefe in Gunnison but I'm sure I'll post again before then.

7 comments:

Chad said...

Did Fred buy a geared bike?

The headlines in a week.... first person to finish the AZT on a rigid singlespeed!

Dave Harris said...

Have a great ride Chris, I look forward to hearing about it. Chad tell's the course isn't that bad, lots of super fun singletrack. Good way to spend an April long weekend!

Marni said...

I can't wait to take you out for a big, fancyshmancy congratulations dinner when you get back. (good job on the TTT -- it sure was fun to watch!)

Fonk said...

Good luck! Can't wait to read the race report.

Just curious - what was the driver behind your decision to go rigid?

Chris said...

Fonk,

It's pretty much the theme for the year off road. Rigid is a big challenge but it's definitely slower so far. Hopefully as I adapt more I'll get a bit faster with it.

Ed said...

Chris - I'm jealous. You're ready, have fun, good luck and be safe!

Looking forward to hearing the stories.

Ed

Dave said...

Chris - I am jealous too! Way to make it happen early in the season. Have a great ride and be safe.