True Grit 50 Observations

What a weird transition over the last 24 hours.  This time yesterday I was riding the Gooseberry trail just outside of Zion National Park by Hurricane, Utah and it was sunny and downright warm in the low 70's.  Fast forward 24 hours and I am back in the winter wonderland of Montana where the forecast calls for snow over the next few days.  There will be more about the rides in Utah but first, time to wrap up some thoughts on the True Grit 50:

Observations about the Course / Race:

• I had no idea of the level of 'epic-ness' of this event until we got an email update after the race from the  organizer indicating the issues with rider safety and rescues due to conditions.
• There were 9 Epic (50 mile flavor) official finishers 
• 148 signed up for the Epic (an additional 30 or so signed up for the Challenge course of 26 miles)
• The race turned from 'race mode' to 'rescue mode' for some (including volunteers)
• Hypothermia was a real issue for all
• Rescue vehicles could not get to Aid stations due to conditions!
• A dry course would make for a super fun and super fast 'fiddy'
• There were some fairly tekkie sections - nothing too crazy
• The course forced you to stay alert with enough tekkie to keep you focused.
• The mud riding up to Barrel Rolls was just MEAN - it clumped up and wreaked havoc!
• The scenery was spectacular
• Race organizers made the right call by shutting down the race.
• Race organizers did a great job in following up and ensuring everyone got off the course and was accounted for.
• Thanks to all the volunteers
• It would have been nice to have known what was going to be at the aid stations
• I hope to ride this again next year!

Observations about my day:

• I rode 45 of the 52 miles before getting pulled...would have been nice to have been allowed to finish but I totally support the call the officials made.
• I had little to no brakes left due to the mud eating up my brake pads...made descending a little exciting!
• The legs felt surprisingly good (good being relative for the little training and prep)
• I love the new bike build!
• 29r fully rigid singlespeed Vs 26 fully rigid singlespeed....26 and smaller wheels beat you up a lot more!
• Happy about the gear ration for the first event (32X20)
• Yes I was cold, but so was everyone else...deal with it!
• The race trail conditions were not ideal to break in the new bike!
• Maintenance required after the race - bottom bracket removed and serviced
• My body deals much better with cold than with heat (I only drank 1 1/2 bottles of liquids through my 5 hour adventure and was not de-hydrated).
• I have never worn so much mud!
• The body did not crave protein while riding (have always tried to include protein starting at hour 3 of longer rides/events)
• The fully rigid ride really forces you to pick good lines and make you use your upper body to absorb the hits.
• Despite the craziness and adverse conditions, it was FUN...it is what we do and what we signed up for.