Dino 24hr MTN Bike Race

My husband, Todd, Mitch Johnson, Greg Ott, and I headed to Versailles, Indiana to conquer a 24hr solo MTN bike event. We had the ultimate set up with 2 canopies, tents, bike racks, outlets and light switches, and Christmas lights (thanks Mitch!). My competition ended up being a pro female racer who had her own RV, bike trailer full of her bikes, and 3 men who worked for her to change out gear, be a mechanic, or a pacer. But, I was excited to race next to a pro who had many 24hr solo races under her belt. I could learn from this. I also decided to do 24hr solo on my single speed. The race started with a short run but, you had to take off a wheel or saddle (I suppose for those who have lefties and can't take their wheel off) and run with it. I decided to use the ol' pace yourself approach once again. I tried to have 1:30 for the 13mile loops. I was able to maintain this for 1st 5 laps. I started feeling some rubbish with my skin where the chamois is sewn into the short. I have never had this problem before. My legs felt pretty good though. I came in a couple of times to add more Desitin cream to this area. I went out for 3 more laps. I had to come in again. Now the rubbish was turning into missing skin! I attempted to put socks in between the shorts and skin but, it was honestly better without it. Eventually, it just went numb. The night laps added on 10-15 min for me along with the pain of missing skin that at times caused me to stand on my peddles for long periods of time to relieve the pain. It was always motivating having your name and where you are from blasted on the big intercom system along with the rockin music. Of course, it had to rain during this race! Last 2 laps but, it was a light steady rain so trails were just becoming a little slick. Did I mention that I LOVE Indiana's trails?? If you have the opportunity, hit up Brown County or Versailles Park. You will leave with a smile. I was happy with my result, 2nd place (behind the pro) and completing 10 13-mile laps. Todd had a pretty hard crash and called it quits after 9hrs but,still placed 7th. Mitch won 2nd and Gregg got 4th. There will definitely be more 24hr races on my calendar for next year!

Binder Lake 6 Hour

For some reason, racing this race 6-hour solo in the women's divsion on my single speed was harder than the 12hr duathlon and 12hr R.I.M. The race started with wet trails but, the rain had moved on and the trails got better as the day went on. The course was not technically difficult but, many climbs that didn't allow for recovery afterwards. To top it off, the sun came out and humidity played a factor in the outcome for many. But, I was consistent with my laps again without stopping and able to take home 1st place.