Going Bonk-ers at Michaux
Race Report: Michaux Maximus 4/23/06
by Evan
Here’s the brief - as you already heard from Mike S. it was rainy, sloppy, slippery. A steep, long road climb quickly stretched our group. I was 2nd into the woods and then took the lead for a while. Got passed by Eric Roman who started a minute behind my group (expert senior) and tried to stay with him. That’s just not happening – that guy was flying (as usual, but now on a geared bike). My glasses fogged and my lack of mtb saddle time became more apparent. Stopped, took off the glasses, and got passed. Now in 2nd, but riding without impaired vision. Conditions worsened with heavier rain and my wee little arms were struggling to control the bike (again - too much road time). Relinquished 2nd and sat comfortably in 3rd going up the 15 minute double track climb - Dead Woman’s Hollow. I had 1st and 2nd in sight most of the climb and couldn’t see anyone behind me….giving me about 3 - 4 minutes on 4th place. At the top we were about 1:45 into the race. Then my world started to cave. I began to have the lightheadedness, drifting concentration, and fatigue that warn of the impending, dreaded bonk. Throttled back, slipped to 4th as my skills deteriorated and I began to cramp a little with every miscalculated technical move. I recovered and caught 3rd place on the final forest road. We must have had 3 miles to go and I wanted to stay with him to the end and pull out a roadie move of coming around for a sprint. Never happened. I cracked like an Easter egg! This time for real. Got passed eventually by the guy in 5th place behind me, putting me into 5th, as I crawled up the road to finish in 3:07.
Disappointing race as I felt really strong for about 2/3 of it (minus my technical riding which will hopefully come around soon). Officially I finished 6th, but a short cut apparently was discovered accidentally by several riders. I never saw anyone else pass me at the end besides the guy in 4th, and specifically not the guy who officially finished 4th - however, in the pain cave it is often hard to see clearly. I think he slipped into our lead group without even knowing it and got passed by the 3rd place rider. On to Greenbrier…
- Posted in : 2006 Race Reports
- Author : Evan Ellicott
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