thanks for the update and keep kickin' arse!
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10,000 + feet of climbing
10,000 + feet of descent
95 degrees
The route organizer described todays stage as very challenging. Come to find out 40 teams decide not to start today. Athletes are breaking down and nerves are on edge.
Most of us felt sick just listening and watching the course being described on google earth the night prior. Stuart from team ireland said he walked out of the room as it was being described.
We decide to ride with Laurie and Chris the entire stage as its survival mode...
Critical points in the stage are 8 climbs, one being a 45 minute hike-a-bike and 3 more major hike a bikes at 90k (just when u think u r finished.
The day wore on and it was a very dusty and dry day. The start was a 10% climb for 4 miles and right into beautiful single track. I did not feel good on the 30k ascent of High Rock Range and someone crashed in front of me and almost took me with him thru a 1 foot deep dust bowl section. I ascended at 4 mph and just kept plugging. Vert was having a good day and had to wait at the top.
We peaked out a few more times, at checkpoint 3 with 30k remaining, I was over heating. Luckily I started dumping ice water on me to cool down.
We recovered and powered the last 30k, Chris and Laurie were climbing like mountain goats and Vert and I took 15 seconds back from team Chantry Fats today on the sprint at the line.
The stage went well for us - though it was beyond hard and almost ridiculous. The athletes were in agreement that they just tried to crush everyone today. We finish in 8 hours.
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