TEXAS RAAM QUALIFIER - MARBLE FALLS - March 24 -2018
Suddenly, delightfully, and totally unexpectedly, Race Season is here!
Within just a few weeks of my husband’s passing, and a concurrent bout with pneumonia, I was contacted by Team RRT4G to see if I’d be willing to fill a spot on their first ever All Girl team entry into RAAM Qualifier Texas, 500 miler. This type of racing was something I’d been considering, and I was honored to be asked. I pondered my decision overnight, and discussed with organizer Teri Barrow my obvious shortcomings at this moment ~ I’m grieving, sick, and out of shape. But she was willing to take a chance on me, and my good race buddy Robo said it would be the best thing for me. And so, I called back and said YES. This would be a whole new race experience for me, totally NOT long hours of steady focus. The proven fastest way across the country with a 4x team is...20 minutes riding, 20 minutes resting/eating, while your two other riders have a 4 hour rest break for a”short” race (yes, 500 miles is short in ultra cycling!). Or, just rotate all four racers every 20 minutes. And yes, you read that right - every 20 MINUTES, not miles! It sounded like chaos, but I can confirm, it worked like clock work (details coming).
Once I said Yes to this wonderful opportunity I had two things to do: Train. And pack. Training was the easier of these tasks! Even when they predict perfect conditions, you are guaranteed to need whatever jacket, gloves, or leggings you left home. Bag and label everything, pack, repack, and repack one more time. We will each have a bin for everything we bring, and I stuff it all into zip lock bags. Training was improving, and I had just one new and critical workout left to do - a 20/20 4-hour ride at Z4/5, resting in a chair between rides to simulate the van. Sitting was weird, but the riding was exhilarating, and of course, I rode 5 hours, just because. I found out I was 10-20 years older than my teammates and I don’t want to let them down.
And soon I’m on a plane to Texas! I haven’t flown commercial in...thirty years, so a new adventure awaits. And SW Airlines has the prettiest paint of all the airlines! Once they figure out my first name issues, I’m on board. Right after I have to toss my $1 water and buy a $5 water on the inside of TSA ~ oops! It will be the first of many times that I realize how out of sync I am. I need to get out more! Did you know they have butterfly crackers?!?!!!
In moments we are high above the clouds. It’s beautiful ~ and it strikes me that if this is what heaven looks like, Will is finally at peace. His typical pre-race message (Race till ya puke) soaks in and I’m excited to get this show on the road. Of course, my goal is to Not Puke, but I will race with all out intensity every 20 minutes and see what happens. Will took pride in my racing - as long as I won. No pressure there ~
RRT4G warmly welcomes me into their home and settling in with my crew is easy. I’ll meet my team tomorrow; for now I enjoy Ruby’s company ~ Teri and Tim’s real cool bulldog. Thursday is Pack The Van Day, and our crew is amazingly efficient in finding a place for everything. Race van (Yoda) has been customized to accommodate gear, sleeping, microwaving, and charging for lights, Garmin, and phones — for 4 racers plus crew...simultaneously. It’s so impressive that when they race RAAM , other racers take pictures of their set up. Decals finish off race set up and Tim graciously rides 20 miles with me to shake out my legs, and my nerves. Windy! We are expecting more of the same, and in my book, if it’s under 17 mph, No Big Deal. Smile and Ride.
And FINALLY - Friday is here! Bluebonnets line the road to Marble Falls (apparently they are called weeds here, but they are beautiful!) and FINALLY our team of four is together: Cheryle lives in Texas, Carol and Caroline flew out from S. Carolina and Florida. Linda, our crew chief reviews procedures, safety, and tactics with the four of us, and after a quick recon of road construction at miles 8-11 we all turn in early for a 3:00 am wake up call. My pre-race nerves had kicked in when a racer over dramatized the severity of the construction zone, but I settled in once I knew it was nothing in comparison to the road construction in last summer’s 508. I’m embarrassed at my over reaction, but relieved that it was minor. Whew!
IT’S RACE DAY!! In a flurry of organized chaos, we say a quick prayer for joy and safety, and we’re off and racing! Carol leads out into darkness, with our follow van lighting the road. I’m next up - and her 20 minutes is done real quick. I bounce out and clip in, we tag, and I roll. I’m racing in a 500 mile RAAM Qualifer! I’m not normally too excited about night racing, but RRT4G has added huge lights and I’m feeling secure enough to ride hard at race pace. Last night’s recon was valuable, and I was able to steer clear of the worst patches. It was dark. It was hilly. It was exhilarating! My 20 was over way to soon, and Caroline was up next.
You might ask: How does this work? It’s not complicated. Race. Eat. Rest. Repeat. Do all three as fast as possible.We predict 30 hours, with the pattern repeating about 20 times. With four racers, my break is 60 minutes. Eating and drinking are crucial, and it saves time to do it on break, not on the bike; my goal is to stay ahead of it and fuel sufficiently to avoid stomach and energy issues. My Hammer Nutrition is: Fully Charged every 4th shift, and espress gel, Endurolyte and Anti Fatigue Cap preceding every ride. It’s warm and humid here, so electrolyte replacement will be crucial. Every second shift I’ll eat normal food; for me that’s pbj, red jello, a caffeine chocolate square, and a cheese square or 1/2 banana. My first off shift includes oatmeal with protein and seeds mixed in. I’ve planned to eat this a few times during the race…we will see if my stomach panhandle that.
I have just two night shifts for now, and my second one includes a Fun Water Crossing! Race directors have allowed riders to hop on the running board, bike in hand, to scurry across several slippery, mossy stream crossings that have resulted in broken bones in years’ past. I’m so happy I get I one! Maybe they’ll take a picture of me looking like a dork while hanging on board.
Dawn is here, peacefully welcoming a windless beautiful landscape. We grow accustomed to our routine and high five each other on our return to the van. My teammates are quite professional - we are each here to give out best to the team and set a course record. Our crew is extremely proficient at getting our handoffs synced, and remind ing to eat and drink. The hours grow- the miles stack up, and we reach land marks.
Twelve hours in, I grow weary. I wonder if maybe I’m really just good for only twelve hour races. My stomach is annoying…intense race pace does that, and it makes eating a problem, but I remember that ginger tabs and chewing gum work, so I give it a shot, down a pbj — and I’m back!! My next leg is a long, fast, easy descent and it’s on good pavement with good tunes, and a half moon -- so i’m exhilerated, in heaven, and scream by at 30 mph! If we are flying, we get to go longer than 20 minutes, so I gleefully wave and fly by ~ loving the extra minutes.
The shifts become a blur, and we grow quiet in the night. Our crew continues tirelessly, driving, navigating, checking air pressure, turning in stats at time stations, and they work in shifts as well, occasionally getting some much needed sleep. They are fabulous, humorous, generous and keep us from getting too serious. There are times they don the most outrageous costumes, just to be sure we are awake! It works - A happy rider is a fast rider.
Meanwhile, my teammate Caroline has not only been blasting up the climbs, but scoring on wildlife as well. By dawn, she’s ridden right through herds of goats, sheep, llamas, and she’s even seen an armadillo! I’d LOVE to see an armadillo and that becomes my goal. Well, that and riding Fast! This routine of FAST 20s is working out all right! Get on the bike and GO! Really there is not so much to do in the van, and my teammate Carol has learned to sleep until her 10-minutes-to-go cue. She’s is also a FAST racer (like Caroline) and I work hard to not let them down. They are 10-20 years younger, but it doesn't feel that way right here in the race. We each ride as hard as we absolutely can and then gobble down a snack and rest. Cheryle is our only experienced Relay Rider, and she offers encouragement and tips throughout the race.
Poncho Potty! Team RRT4G has come up with a unique solution to potty privacy! This is the first time I’ve tried wearing a poncho, and it works! (Unless its super windy!) I have finally gotten used to the ultrcycling world of potty stops.
Landmarks! 100 miles! Dawn. 200 miles! Dusk! Half Way! 300 miles - now I’m excited. I plot when we will finish and note that I officially smell bad. Really bad. We all have several kits, and zip lock what we take off, but…well, it’s not working. Crew says, well, you should be here when we do RAAM! They talk a LOT about RAAM in fact, and I think they are sending a subliminal message ~ RAAM is The Ultimate Goal of a True Ultracyclist. Hmmmm…
Midnight - I not only smell bad, but my eyes are barely hanging open. I race, eat, and make myself sleep all at race pace, — and when I awaken, I’m totally our of it. Cheryle is talking to me, but she’s out of it, too, and we just laugh at ourselves. Our crew is right behind us at night, which makes me Go Faster Than I Think I Can - I don’t want to let anyone down. I’m super happy that our night temps are in the 50s - amazing! Last summer I raced at a low of 18! This is better! Way better!
As tired as my brain becomes, my legs are perfectly willing to just go round n round, and so we roll through the night, and I know that when it gets light we will have just a few hours to go. Setting little goals and noticing landmarks breaks up a 500 mile race into pieces, and I think only about the one I’m in. We all agree: I (we) can do anything for 20 minutes. Bring it ON! I race without music as dawn approaches and enjoy the peaceful froggy sounds as I roll.
Fog! Dawn is beautiful, on peaceful empty ranch roads..but also foggy, and filled with cattle guards. Now, I’m normally fine with cattle guards, but slick, wet cattle guards are another matter. And in my 28 hour trance, I’m scaring myself. Crew is patient and encouraging as I step out of the van into the morning mist. I round a corner and face my first wet cattle guard - and will myself to zip over it at speed. i breath a sigh of relief, and look out onto a beautiful misty morning and decide to concentrate on enjoying that. It is peaceful, and, with just a few hours to go I hope I am still riding fast.
Hungry! By 10 am I am finally HUNGRY! Had I not been riding for the last 29 hours, I’d have eaten more than I have so far. But I’m not barfing either, so it will all work out. I’ve been told that to be successful in ultra racing, you must train the gut, as well as the legs. This year’s goal is to continue my No Barf Plan, while increasing calories to maximize my output.
RRT4G has made this adventure AMAZING and it is about to come to a close — we each take one very short last pull, then ride together into the finish line, jubilant at our effort ~ it is an automatic win, as no other female teams are here, but our celebration was really about our own achievement - four experienced cyclists racing together to Go Fast As One and we hope our course record will prove to be challenging for our successors. We cross the line with big smiles, take photos with our amazing crew … and prepare to head home. Ultras do not attract big crowds, and there is no band, no fanfare. It is a race organizer hanging a well-earned medal around your neck - large enough to break a rib - and you and your crew breaking down the vans. It is all inside, that feeling of accomplishment and new friendships. I am far happier than I am tired, and we are soon packed up and enjoying a team lunch before we each quietly head our separate ways. I am headed back to the Barrow’s, and so I get to enjoy the post-race glow for an extra day. My hosts, team organizers Teri and Tim Barrow, have welcomed me into their home and I am so grateful for their trust in me to race for their team.
Flying home. My adventure is wrapping up — but as I enter the baggage area at the end of my journey, I realize my journey has just begun. I see departure signs: Denver, Seattle, New York, Chicago -- I could go ANYWHERE! I am far more HAPPY than I am tired, and I am EXCITED for the races that are on the horizon.
RAW - I have been home barely 24 hours, and have just been asked to crew a friend for Race Across The West - and suddenly I have the opportunity to learn the other side of racing! I can’t WAIT!
Life is good. To my sponsors and friends who continue to believe in me - Thank you!
#HammerNutrition - Endurolyte, gel, and AntiFatigue cap for each 20 minute ride, with Fully Charged every 4 hours. #RudyProjects for great helmet and glasses (comfortable and visible). #VolerApparel - NO saddle sores!
Race Notes:
500 miles - 30 hours, 20 minutes
129 miles, 5710’ of climbing, 16.5 mph, SS 496, 269 in the red - much time spent in Z3/4/5.
No stomach issues, no night issues. Anxiety - improving.
My Real Food: 3 pbj, 5 cheese squares, 5 jello cups, 5 caffeine chocolate squares, 1 1/2 bananas, 1 oatmeal w protein/seeds, 2 Kind Bars, chewing gum, ginger tabs, and countless bottles of water. No stomach issues, no headaches. That’a a win!
To my teammates and crew: Crew chief Linda Dabbiero, and crew members Tim and Teri Barrow, Dan Rocco, Forrest Goodwin, Hoyt Johnson,, and Glenn Barrow : this was an Amazing Experience with ya’ll and your joy and expertise made my job as a rider easy. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity to race with you and of course, I would jump at the opportunity to do so again!
Suddenly, delightfully, and totally unexpectedly, Race Season is here!
Within just a few weeks of my husband’s passing, and a concurrent bout with pneumonia, I was contacted by Team RRT4G to see if I’d be willing to fill a spot on their first ever All Girl team entry into RAAM Qualifier Texas, 500 miler. This type of racing was something I’d been considering, and I was honored to be asked. I pondered my decision overnight, and discussed with organizer Teri Barrow my obvious shortcomings at this moment ~ I’m grieving, sick, and out of shape. But she was willing to take a chance on me, and my good race buddy Robo said it would be the best thing for me. And so, I called back and said YES. This would be a whole new race experience for me, totally NOT long hours of steady focus. The proven fastest way across the country with a 4x team is...20 minutes riding, 20 minutes resting/eating, while your two other riders have a 4 hour rest break for a”short” race (yes, 500 miles is short in ultra cycling!). Or, just rotate all four racers every 20 minutes. And yes, you read that right - every 20 MINUTES, not miles! It sounded like chaos, but I can confirm, it worked like clock work (details coming).
Once I said Yes to this wonderful opportunity I had two things to do: Train. And pack. Training was the easier of these tasks! Even when they predict perfect conditions, you are guaranteed to need whatever jacket, gloves, or leggings you left home. Bag and label everything, pack, repack, and repack one more time. We will each have a bin for everything we bring, and I stuff it all into zip lock bags. Training was improving, and I had just one new and critical workout left to do - a 20/20 4-hour ride at Z4/5, resting in a chair between rides to simulate the van. Sitting was weird, but the riding was exhilarating, and of course, I rode 5 hours, just because. I found out I was 10-20 years older than my teammates and I don’t want to let them down.
And soon I’m on a plane to Texas! I haven’t flown commercial in...thirty years, so a new adventure awaits. And SW Airlines has the prettiest paint of all the airlines! Once they figure out my first name issues, I’m on board. Right after I have to toss my $1 water and buy a $5 water on the inside of TSA ~ oops! It will be the first of many times that I realize how out of sync I am. I need to get out more! Did you know they have butterfly crackers?!?!!!
In moments we are high above the clouds. It’s beautiful ~ and it strikes me that if this is what heaven looks like, Will is finally at peace. His typical pre-race message (Race till ya puke) soaks in and I’m excited to get this show on the road. Of course, my goal is to Not Puke, but I will race with all out intensity every 20 minutes and see what happens. Will took pride in my racing - as long as I won. No pressure there ~
RRT4G warmly welcomes me into their home and settling in with my crew is easy. I’ll meet my team tomorrow; for now I enjoy Ruby’s company ~ Teri and Tim’s real cool bulldog. Thursday is Pack The Van Day, and our crew is amazingly efficient in finding a place for everything. Race van (Yoda) has been customized to accommodate gear, sleeping, microwaving, and charging for lights, Garmin, and phones — for 4 racers plus crew...simultaneously. It’s so impressive that when they race RAAM , other racers take pictures of their set up. Decals finish off race set up and Tim graciously rides 20 miles with me to shake out my legs, and my nerves. Windy! We are expecting more of the same, and in my book, if it’s under 17 mph, No Big Deal. Smile and Ride.
And FINALLY - Friday is here! Bluebonnets line the road to Marble Falls (apparently they are called weeds here, but they are beautiful!) and FINALLY our team of four is together: Cheryle lives in Texas, Carol and Caroline flew out from S. Carolina and Florida. Linda, our crew chief reviews procedures, safety, and tactics with the four of us, and after a quick recon of road construction at miles 8-11 we all turn in early for a 3:00 am wake up call. My pre-race nerves had kicked in when a racer over dramatized the severity of the construction zone, but I settled in once I knew it was nothing in comparison to the road construction in last summer’s 508. I’m embarrassed at my over reaction, but relieved that it was minor. Whew!
IT’S RACE DAY!! In a flurry of organized chaos, we say a quick prayer for joy and safety, and we’re off and racing! Carol leads out into darkness, with our follow van lighting the road. I’m next up - and her 20 minutes is done real quick. I bounce out and clip in, we tag, and I roll. I’m racing in a 500 mile RAAM Qualifer! I’m not normally too excited about night racing, but RRT4G has added huge lights and I’m feeling secure enough to ride hard at race pace. Last night’s recon was valuable, and I was able to steer clear of the worst patches. It was dark. It was hilly. It was exhilarating! My 20 was over way to soon, and Caroline was up next.
You might ask: How does this work? It’s not complicated. Race. Eat. Rest. Repeat. Do all three as fast as possible.We predict 30 hours, with the pattern repeating about 20 times. With four racers, my break is 60 minutes. Eating and drinking are crucial, and it saves time to do it on break, not on the bike; my goal is to stay ahead of it and fuel sufficiently to avoid stomach and energy issues. My Hammer Nutrition is: Fully Charged every 4th shift, and espress gel, Endurolyte and Anti Fatigue Cap preceding every ride. It’s warm and humid here, so electrolyte replacement will be crucial. Every second shift I’ll eat normal food; for me that’s pbj, red jello, a caffeine chocolate square, and a cheese square or 1/2 banana. My first off shift includes oatmeal with protein and seeds mixed in. I’ve planned to eat this a few times during the race…we will see if my stomach panhandle that.
I have just two night shifts for now, and my second one includes a Fun Water Crossing! Race directors have allowed riders to hop on the running board, bike in hand, to scurry across several slippery, mossy stream crossings that have resulted in broken bones in years’ past. I’m so happy I get I one! Maybe they’ll take a picture of me looking like a dork while hanging on board.
Dawn is here, peacefully welcoming a windless beautiful landscape. We grow accustomed to our routine and high five each other on our return to the van. My teammates are quite professional - we are each here to give out best to the team and set a course record. Our crew is extremely proficient at getting our handoffs synced, and remind ing to eat and drink. The hours grow- the miles stack up, and we reach land marks.
Twelve hours in, I grow weary. I wonder if maybe I’m really just good for only twelve hour races. My stomach is annoying…intense race pace does that, and it makes eating a problem, but I remember that ginger tabs and chewing gum work, so I give it a shot, down a pbj — and I’m back!! My next leg is a long, fast, easy descent and it’s on good pavement with good tunes, and a half moon -- so i’m exhilerated, in heaven, and scream by at 30 mph! If we are flying, we get to go longer than 20 minutes, so I gleefully wave and fly by ~ loving the extra minutes.
The shifts become a blur, and we grow quiet in the night. Our crew continues tirelessly, driving, navigating, checking air pressure, turning in stats at time stations, and they work in shifts as well, occasionally getting some much needed sleep. They are fabulous, humorous, generous and keep us from getting too serious. There are times they don the most outrageous costumes, just to be sure we are awake! It works - A happy rider is a fast rider.
Meanwhile, my teammate Caroline has not only been blasting up the climbs, but scoring on wildlife as well. By dawn, she’s ridden right through herds of goats, sheep, llamas, and she’s even seen an armadillo! I’d LOVE to see an armadillo and that becomes my goal. Well, that and riding Fast! This routine of FAST 20s is working out all right! Get on the bike and GO! Really there is not so much to do in the van, and my teammate Carol has learned to sleep until her 10-minutes-to-go cue. She’s is also a FAST racer (like Caroline) and I work hard to not let them down. They are 10-20 years younger, but it doesn't feel that way right here in the race. We each ride as hard as we absolutely can and then gobble down a snack and rest. Cheryle is our only experienced Relay Rider, and she offers encouragement and tips throughout the race.
Poncho Potty! Team RRT4G has come up with a unique solution to potty privacy! This is the first time I’ve tried wearing a poncho, and it works! (Unless its super windy!) I have finally gotten used to the ultrcycling world of potty stops.
Landmarks! 100 miles! Dawn. 200 miles! Dusk! Half Way! 300 miles - now I’m excited. I plot when we will finish and note that I officially smell bad. Really bad. We all have several kits, and zip lock what we take off, but…well, it’s not working. Crew says, well, you should be here when we do RAAM! They talk a LOT about RAAM in fact, and I think they are sending a subliminal message ~ RAAM is The Ultimate Goal of a True Ultracyclist. Hmmmm…
Midnight - I not only smell bad, but my eyes are barely hanging open. I race, eat, and make myself sleep all at race pace, — and when I awaken, I’m totally our of it. Cheryle is talking to me, but she’s out of it, too, and we just laugh at ourselves. Our crew is right behind us at night, which makes me Go Faster Than I Think I Can - I don’t want to let anyone down. I’m super happy that our night temps are in the 50s - amazing! Last summer I raced at a low of 18! This is better! Way better!
As tired as my brain becomes, my legs are perfectly willing to just go round n round, and so we roll through the night, and I know that when it gets light we will have just a few hours to go. Setting little goals and noticing landmarks breaks up a 500 mile race into pieces, and I think only about the one I’m in. We all agree: I (we) can do anything for 20 minutes. Bring it ON! I race without music as dawn approaches and enjoy the peaceful froggy sounds as I roll.
Fog! Dawn is beautiful, on peaceful empty ranch roads..but also foggy, and filled with cattle guards. Now, I’m normally fine with cattle guards, but slick, wet cattle guards are another matter. And in my 28 hour trance, I’m scaring myself. Crew is patient and encouraging as I step out of the van into the morning mist. I round a corner and face my first wet cattle guard - and will myself to zip over it at speed. i breath a sigh of relief, and look out onto a beautiful misty morning and decide to concentrate on enjoying that. It is peaceful, and, with just a few hours to go I hope I am still riding fast.
Hungry! By 10 am I am finally HUNGRY! Had I not been riding for the last 29 hours, I’d have eaten more than I have so far. But I’m not barfing either, so it will all work out. I’ve been told that to be successful in ultra racing, you must train the gut, as well as the legs. This year’s goal is to continue my No Barf Plan, while increasing calories to maximize my output.
RRT4G has made this adventure AMAZING and it is about to come to a close — we each take one very short last pull, then ride together into the finish line, jubilant at our effort ~ it is an automatic win, as no other female teams are here, but our celebration was really about our own achievement - four experienced cyclists racing together to Go Fast As One and we hope our course record will prove to be challenging for our successors. We cross the line with big smiles, take photos with our amazing crew … and prepare to head home. Ultras do not attract big crowds, and there is no band, no fanfare. It is a race organizer hanging a well-earned medal around your neck - large enough to break a rib - and you and your crew breaking down the vans. It is all inside, that feeling of accomplishment and new friendships. I am far happier than I am tired, and we are soon packed up and enjoying a team lunch before we each quietly head our separate ways. I am headed back to the Barrow’s, and so I get to enjoy the post-race glow for an extra day. My hosts, team organizers Teri and Tim Barrow, have welcomed me into their home and I am so grateful for their trust in me to race for their team.
Flying home. My adventure is wrapping up — but as I enter the baggage area at the end of my journey, I realize my journey has just begun. I see departure signs: Denver, Seattle, New York, Chicago -- I could go ANYWHERE! I am far more HAPPY than I am tired, and I am EXCITED for the races that are on the horizon.
RAW - I have been home barely 24 hours, and have just been asked to crew a friend for Race Across The West - and suddenly I have the opportunity to learn the other side of racing! I can’t WAIT!
Life is good. To my sponsors and friends who continue to believe in me - Thank you!
#HammerNutrition - Endurolyte, gel, and AntiFatigue cap for each 20 minute ride, with Fully Charged every 4 hours. #RudyProjects for great helmet and glasses (comfortable and visible). #VolerApparel - NO saddle sores!
Race Notes:
500 miles - 30 hours, 20 minutes
129 miles, 5710’ of climbing, 16.5 mph, SS 496, 269 in the red - much time spent in Z3/4/5.
No stomach issues, no night issues. Anxiety - improving.
My Real Food: 3 pbj, 5 cheese squares, 5 jello cups, 5 caffeine chocolate squares, 1 1/2 bananas, 1 oatmeal w protein/seeds, 2 Kind Bars, chewing gum, ginger tabs, and countless bottles of water. No stomach issues, no headaches. That’a a win!
To my teammates and crew: Crew chief Linda Dabbiero, and crew members Tim and Teri Barrow, Dan Rocco, Forrest Goodwin, Hoyt Johnson,, and Glenn Barrow : this was an Amazing Experience with ya’ll and your joy and expertise made my job as a rider easy. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity to race with you and of course, I would jump at the opportunity to do so again!