Today I did the Mellow Johnnys 6hr mountain bike race in Dripping Springs, TX at Lance's Ranch, or should I say Juan Pelota's ranch. This year was the first year that they did it and I will have to say that they did an amazing job organizing it! There were ride marshals out there riding the course, helping people, lots of sponsors, Nuun had their drink, and of course Michelobe was out there. Everything was very well organized, except for the person directing traffic not knowing where packet pickup was and directed me the wrong way! The trail was very well marked and well maintained, though having 250 people on it for 6hrs sure did I number on it!
The race started off Le Mans style which was fun. The course is pretty tough, lots of hills to climb, but very fun as there are lots of screaming descents. It is definitely a course that challenges your physical fitness with the climbing, your technical skills with some tricky spots, and your endurance with the 6hrs+ of riding! Each lap around the course is about 7.5 miles. And takes about 34-60 minutes for people to complete.
I had a great time, though unfortunately I had 2 flats. It took me until the 4th lap to figure out the ideal tire pressure to have good speed, traction and NO flats! I also cramped up at the end a couple times on this certain hill climb. Since it was cool, I wasn't worrying about making sure I was getting enough salts and electrolytes... so I paid for that, but seemed to fix things with some emergency, Nuun, chocolate milk, and some salt pills.
It was very exciting to have Lance Armstrong out there racing. He passed me when I was in the pits after finishing 2 laps, and he was already on 3. But fortunately he only lapped me once, though I think he might have done it a second time if he hadn't have had some knee issues! Hope he's alright. Though from what I hear about him it's his own fault with his running and swimming training... Though me on the other hand with my ACL surgery earlier this year, and having had a nice chuck of my calf cut out with a staph infection had no problems!!! Though I was doing it at my own pace, and not busting my balls like Lance (probably a bad choice of words, sorry Lance)! I could have easily fit in another lap if I hadn't have had my second flat, but we live and learn, and I was going out to have fun, and that I did. Mission accomplished.
I put a lot more thought into making sure my diet was healthy compared to the 24hr race I did. I had 3 healthy sandwiches made, a smoothie which was easier to eat and available in smaller portions than a banana. I tried out this Sequel energy drink, but didn't like it too much and wasn't really convinced that it helped me out much since I cramped up even though I was taking the drink that was supposed to have electrolytes. So I think I will ditch that. Everything else worked well. Chocolate milk and orange juice are becoming staples for rides like these!
Well that's all on that. I would HIGHLY recommend this race for those that like to mountain bike and fell comfortable on more advanced trails.
Here's a picture of the event, there are much more scenic views, but unfortunately I didn't want to stop and take a picture during the race!
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