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Michaux Maximus |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Josh West
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Saturday, 12 May 2007 |
Michaux Maximus
Gettysburg, PA
5/6/2007
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Michaux State Forest that offers some of the best mountain biking in the country. Maximus is the first race of an annual three race series. The races are all point- to- point. Choices for the Maximus this year were 10, 25, or 50 miles. I chose the 50 miler.
We showed up on Saturday around 3PM and set up camp. Then went for a ride that covered the first 7 miles of the course. My derailleur hanger snapped off at around 6.5 miles. Normally I am prepared for this, but I recently picked up an Orbea 29er to race with until MAMASITA gets her head in the game. Anyhow, I didn't bother securing an extra hanger for the Orbea. At this piont I thought I would not be racing. Fifity miles of Michaux on a geared bike turned SS was not something I wanted to volunteer for. I did have a Salsa hanger from my Moto Rapido in my toolbox. Thought I would be doing a lot of filing but it turns out it is identical to the Orbea hanger. Nice! Installed the new hanger and things were as good as new. The replaceable hanger did its job, as the XO derailleur was still pretty and nicely aligned.
Up at 6AM Sun for the 8AM start. There was a 30 minute delay due to a downed powerline blocking the road to the event. (There were some serious gusts during the night). Over 100 riders lined up for the start of the 50 miler. This was my first 50 mile race. I packed 70 oz. of water in my camelback and two bottles full of Accelerade and four gels. This was ample as there were four stocked feeding stations on the course (@ 7, 19, 35, 42 miles). The start of the race was quiet as everyone kind of took it easy and slow. As the pace picked up I felt good and was sitting somewhere around the top ten. The 7 mile feed station was just water. Passed this by. At 19 miles I was still feeling great and decided not to eat anything at the feed station. Stupid!. At around 27 miles I started to bonk heavy. Consumed a few gels. This didn't help and my pace slowed considerably. I needed some solid food but didn't pack any as the feed stations were fully stocked (doesn't help if you don't stop at them). At around 33 miles another rider gave me a Powerbar as we were hiking up a hill. I pulled off to eat and regain focus. After about ten minutes I started riding again, taking it very easy. I knew the next aid station was near. Got to the 34 mile station and had PBJ and a banana. About a half-hour later things got fun again and I was rolling pretty good and gained back a few spots. Should have eaten lunch at mile nineteen. Anyway, it was a great day overall. My end result was 21st place.
Josh West
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