Just A Little Web Surfing

Only a couple weeks until the Dakota Five-0, and I feel like my fitness is as good as it has been since high school, but on a 47 year old body, that will only get me so far. That said, I still have a few goals.

Goal 1 - Finish. It's a long, hard race, and simply finishing is my first goal. JUST FINISH, JEFF!


Goal 2 - Finish under six hours. Unless I have bike troubles, this shouldn't be a problem...as long as I stay hydrated and eat well. Let's say 5:43. Yep, that seems like a good time.


Goal 3 - Finish in the top 20 in my age group. With 700 riders this year, and my age group having the most participants, this will be a stretch. I'd most likely have to come in right around 5 hours, but if my lungs and legs feel good and everything else goes ok, it's possible.

I have to put in a few more hard rides before Sep 4, and today was one of those rides. Road Harmon lake this morning, and in a word, the day was PERFECT! Took a few seconds off the bike to snap a couple photos. It was a little tough steadying myself with my heart rate around 160, but I think they turned out ok.

Did a little editing on this one with Camera+. Gives it a nice watercolor effect, don't you think?

'His Mother Was A Mudder'

Took part in the Harmon Lake Rec Day Hot Lap race today. With 2-3 inches of rain the night before, it was certain to be muddy! 

We pre-road approx one third of the trail to test the condition, and it didn't seem so bad. WRONG! First half was ok, but the second half seemed to be a bit muddier. In fact, it was muddy enough to muck up my drivetrain every 100 feet or so. Spent as much time cleaning mud off the bike as I did riding! Turns out my tires are a little big for the mud, but it was fun just the same!

 An odd thing happened about one mile into the race. I was cresting a hill, and on the short descent my handlebar caught something and I flew over the handlebars hard! The bike and I were ok, but I was a bit stunned. A good crash every so often keeps me on my toes!

Some evidence of the mud... 

Took me a good two hours to clean my bike, but she's shiny now!

Lollipop Loop

Only four weeks until I tackle the Dakota Five-0 for a third time, and looking forward to it! I've put in a ton of miles this year, so I should be able to better my time. I have a goal of 5 hrs 30 min or less.  If I stay hydrated, eat right, and keep the pedals moving, I should be able to meet the goal, but we'll see.

Some family members are also planning on making the trip as well, so I'm looking forward spending some time with them. Their support will help bunches!

The course, as you see below, covers a good portion of the Black Hills in the NW part of Spearfish. Should be fun!!

If I don't hurt when it's over, I didn't ride hard enough!