Today marked the longest riding day of camp. The schedule called for 80-90 miles but a few folks talked about doing century rides. The day called for people to pair off in ability levels and start within a 30 minute window prior to 9 a.m. The weather forecast was absolutely perfect.. high around 75 and very little to no wind. The group pulled out exactly at 9 and headed to Lake Mead.
Once in the park three groups formed. Jessie Sund had agreed to run an aid station for us and would be 20 miles out on the Silverman bike Course which was 30 miles from our house. The course we road today is used by several big races in the Lake Mead area.. Ironman 70.3.world championships, ITU long course W.C., Silverman, Leadman (which was being held this weekend) and Rage in the Sage to name a few.
Kathy and I headed in a different direction than the main group and our plan was to pace line as much of the route as possible. About 35 miles into our ride a guy pulled up along side me and asked me if we were doing the Leadman race this weekend. Turns out it was a guy I had gone to High School with over 30 years ago and was in town from Boston to race this weekend. It's a small world sometimes!!
We hit the aid station exactly where Jesse said he would be. There was cold water, nutrition, sun screen and chamois cream. Jesse said most of the group had come through and everyone reported they were have great days. Kathy and I saw the lead two riders coming back to the aid station. We turned around at our designated point and soon ran into Bill who had stopped to wait for Michelle. Bill and Sydney had lead the first group and had ridden pretty hard. We preceded ahead and soon ran into Syd who had doubled back to find some company. The pace picked up at that point and we were working harder than we had all day. We still had 20 miles to go and I began to wonder if I could hold the pace to the end. Thankfully the girls couldn't hold the pace and we settled into a reasonable pace until we got home. We went a total of 82 miles in 4:28. Not bad for a hilly course and on tired legs.
The riders began trickling in and everyone was excited with how the day had turned out. Most of us had ridden 200 hilly/windy miles in the past 4 days and started the day on tired legs. Ride distances ranged from 70 and two campers did 100 miles with Alan riding his first century. Connor did his longest ride ever. the mood at dinner was festive and you can tell there was a great sense of pride in what everyone had accomplished.
Tomorrow is the last official day of camp and will include a morning 3k swim followed by another 50 on the bike. Total miles for the week will be 330 miles on the bike, 9k in swimming and 10-15 miles of running.
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