The Hairshirt; Time Earned
It’s coming, I can see it just around the corner. It’s big, ugly and punishing. Few have heard of it, fewer have faced it. It’s utterly brutal, not for the faint of heart or leg. Yup, it’s the Hairshirt. 200 miles of unsupported but insane road racing across southern Ontario.
Despite having suffered through this iconic event in 2012, I have decided to come back for more. In fact, I just registered myself for this absurdity. I mean, really; 200 miles, no outside assistance? Who does that? Why? Oh ya, it’s a cyclist thing. If you ride, you get it. If you don’t, don’t try, we’re a screwy bunch.
As I do for every race I enter, I have set three goals. The first is the same as it is for every event: to finish healthy. Pretty obvious but kind of a big deal. I know I can finish, I just don’t know how long it might take.
Goal two is to better my time from 2012; 10:49. I was very pleased with that result, particularly since I rode about 120miles by myself and I made a wrong turn that added about 30mins. However, my training was much more focused then and I was riding more often. I know I’m in good shape, certainly I’ve got many more miles in my legs since then. But… Sigh; I just don’t know, I’m just not sure I can pull it off. I know I’ve been getting stronger the past month or so, I can really feel it. I just hope I get lucky with the timing and feel strong on race day. Definitely got some self doubt right now. Gotta deal with that nonsense, since survival in an event like this is just as much mental as it is physical.
My third goal is like it is for every race; a best case scenario. If I was untouchable that day sorta thing. If I REALLY do show up the morning of June 21st, I wish to finish with the lead group in record-breaking time. That would mean doing the race in less than 9:33, which means maintaining about 22mph average speed for 200 miles. Insane. Riding with a group is essential for such a thing. I don’t set this goal as something to achieve, rather, something to strive for.
In the mean time, I’ve got a few more biggish rides to complete. Then, we’ll just have to wait and see what those miles have earned me.
Below are a few pictures from recent training rides.
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