MTB Ashland

In an effort to prep for the HC hundie, I have been easing off on saddle time / mileage in order to let the legs rest a little for the long day this upcoming Saturday.  It is always a bit of an art to rest the legs / body in prep for peak performance.  I have yet to figure out the algorithm but am not sure whether it is poor training leading up to the taper, or the taper proper, or the fact that a hundred miles on a mountain bike is going to hurt regardless of what you do.  I am going with the latter but hopeful that I can fine tune the body enough to help maximize performance on 'race' day.

One of the interim rides of the taper came on Saturday where we were able to sneak out for a quick ride.  There was quite an elevation punch in the short ride so it was good to put the legs under a little stress.  Fortunately, most of the climbing was done about an hour into the ride and we were able to enjoy the downhill.  We descended via Toothpick to Caterpillar to Alice in Wonderland to BTI.  It was a good day out in the saddle but it is still weird to wonder how the legs will feel in a few days.  With a little luck the taper and training will have been timed well enough to survive the day.

The new variable in the mix for Saturday's race is the weather.  We had a great forecast for a while and then the hammer dropped a few days ago.  The forecast temps of low 80's have changed to now forecast mid to upper 90's.  This will definitely throw a new element to manage carefully during the day...hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate....My body does not like heat very much so this will definitely be a very real challenge to have to stay on top of.

Some other pictures from the adventure to Ashland and Saturday's ride: