Leadville Trail 100 Race Report or, A Passion for Cycling
Friday was registration kit pick-up and the mandatory pre-race briefing. Saturday was race day. Sunday I returned to Salida with a shiny new belt buckle. Since then I’ve had ample opportunity to reflect on the whole experience that is the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race or, as it says on that bad-ass buckle, The Race Across The Sky. So much happened over those three days–including one hundred and four miles in nine hours, forty minutes and eight seconds–that there really is so much I could talk about; the trail conditions and weather, those I met, what I learned about the race, what I ate, my bike or those I’d like to thank. But what really struck me about this race was the passion for cycling expressed by all those in attendance, including those who weren’t even racing.
With over two thousand participants in the twentieth riding of the Leadville Trail 100[aka LT100], you might be inclined to snidely comment that now it’s all about the money, about the super-fast pros; that the grassroots feeling of this fabled race has vanished, replaced with slick efficiency and big corporate sponsors. Sure, there’s probably quite a bit of truth in all those accusations. But you know what, over two thousand people with jobs, families, real-life commitments and even an army veteran with two prosthetic arms, spent innumerable hours and dollars preparing for this day, making sure they’d be ready to give their very best performance. And not because they would make the cover of VeloNews magazine but because they are cyclists who love to ride their bikes.
Events like this offer a unique opportunity for people to throw themselves into the fire, to test themselves against their peers, to participate in something bigger than themselves, to spend a few days frolicking in the wilderness with their lycra-clad kin. Everywhere I went, in town or on trail, looks were shared with strangers in funny little hats and short neon socks. Looks that said you ride, you understand, you are my people. Genuinely enthusiastic conversations would begin effortlessly; “Nice bike.” or “Is this your first time doing Leadville?” or “How much longer is this climb?” While cycling can be a very, very solitary activity, it’s events like these that remind us, in a very real way, that we are a part of a vast, global community. Echoing the sentiment expressed in founder Ken Clouber’s Friday morning pep-rally, it reminds us we are family. It’s a wonderful feeling reinforced by those on the sidelines sharing equally their passion for cycling.
Unlike baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball, auto-racing etc, cycling is one of those particular sports where the fans are usually also participants, kinda like fishing. While there are lots of people who watch football but never get off the couch, most folks who watch le tour on TV also ride. So while most watching Saturday’s race had friends or family competing, we shared a passion for the bike. Two events made this fact quite clear.
The first happened just as I summited the notorious Powerline climb, walking my bike. Just ahead I could see four or five people doing something more than just cheering the weary. As each tired soul began to remount their bike, one of these good samaritans would step behind, hold the bike’s saddle saying “I’ve got you, start rolling and tell me when you’re clipped-in, I’ll give you a push.” And sure enough, some guy in a strange orange outfit held my bike steady as I clipped into my pedals. “I’m in” I muttered. I felt a slight push help get me going. My legs and wheels turned and I smiled with ease. It was wonderful. At the top of this really hard climb and under the hot Colorado sun, a group of people decided they would help all these strangers in a very subtle yet ever-so thoughtful manner. To recognize the value of such an act, these people were cyclists, they rode, they knew.
The second occurred a short while later and after more climbing. Unlike Powerline, most of this uphill section was ridable, though certainly a real tough grind of a climb that seemed to go on and on before finally reaching Sugarloaf Pass, elevation 11,071′. Again, as the grade began to taper, just up ahead was a man in his sixties or seventies doing something more than just cheering the weary. This guy had several cases of Coca-Cola and lots of bottled water. He was bent over, head down, blindly shoving either liquid into the hands of the thirsty. “Water, please” I yelled. A bottle was thrust into my hand. It was cold, it was magnificent and it was just what I needed at that very moment. More than just water to ensure hydration, this selfless act told me I was okay, that everything would be just fine, that my people were here to help. I was among family.
The road back into town is a bit of an uphill. I zipped-up my jersey and broadened my smile. Behind the barriers were lined thousands of people yelling and whistling and ringing little cow-bells. They cheered not just for me but because they are me. They are my people and I am theirs. We all celebrated that day because we all had something to celebrate; the passion for cycling.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering; yes, I am thinking about going back next year to realize a sub nine hour time. For now, however, I am quite content to wear my shiny new buckle with pride.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/357332790
More pictures soon.
Erectile dysfunction remedies include cheap sildenafil tablets natural herbal supplements which are full of vital nutrients and minerals. How do you want your day to unfold? How do want to feel by the end of your day? What do you want to manifest by this time next year? Imagine all the details you need to know. best price viagra raindogscine.com Maha Rasayan canada tadalafil capsule is one of the topnotch herbal pills to improve your sexual life. To achieve an appropriate level, the session takes a broad view of the end-to-end supply chain – how to map it and identify the root cause of your ED before you viagra without prescriptions canada .
 |
| My room for the weekend; huge round of thanks to John for letting me use his house as my home-base. |
 |
| Friday’s rainy road-ride on the Mineral Belt Trail. The cold wet weather of the previous two weeks made way for warm, sunny skies on race-day while providing incredible trail conditions. |
 |
| The vendor’s expo where you could get your bike adjusted, buy all sorts of schwag and get the pro’s autographs. |
 |
| Award Ceremony with race founder Ken Chlouber and Merilee. |
 |
| Punish yourself for 9hrs 40mins and this is your reward. Damn proud! |