Castlewood 8hr Adventure Race

Loreen and I decided to race the Castlewood 8hr Adventure race this year again. At 6:00 AM, 82 total teams loaded the buses liked packed sardines in our cold weather gear and packs. We were given all maps the night before so we knew we were starting out on foot. We were dropped off at Route 66 State Park were we started with a run within the park and quickly found all 6 checkpoints taking us 47 min. We then jumped into the canoe to paddle down to Sherman Beach. We felt pretty strong on the paddle and we pushed through many teams completing the section in 1hr 6min. From there, Loreen gathered the maps taking a quick look at the upcoming checkpoints while I pushed our 2 staged bikes up the beach shore to the trail. We took a quick 40 minute ride for an out and back collecting checkpoints along the Stinging Nettle Trail. We ran into Team Trailmonster who was going the opposite way looking for their passport they dropped somewhere on the bike section. Did I mention it was a very windy day and the temperaturs were dropping throughout the race? My stomach dropped thinking about them trying to find their paper passport blowing around near the swift moving river.

Time to hop back into the canoe again but, this time we had to strap our bikes inside and paddle to Chubb park which was a short paddle downstream. Navigating at Chubb Park is where the race really started. This is very hill terrain and difficult navigation. The checkpoints were more spread out and there are many re-entrants, creeks, ridges, etc that all look the same. My feet were really starting to feel numb due to getting wet which would make it painful to run at times especially, when we were on top of a ridge exposed to the gusty winds. At one point, Loreen and I saw fresh blood all over the ground which was on our bushwacking path for awhile. I kept hoping we didn't look like some 4-legged creature running through the woods too! We made one small navigational error on this nav section ending up in the wrong revene. But, we quickly figured it out and wasted probably 10-12 min. Back to the heavy canoe filled with our bikes for another paddle to Castlewood taking us 47 min. We hadn't seen any female teams for a long time and were still feeling pretty strong going into our MTN bike leg in Casltewood. However, we noticed Loreen's bike had a flat after taking it out of the canoe. She added alot of air to the tire hoping it could hold throughout the last section trying to save time from changing it if she could. We heard we were top 20 some team so we hauled out of there hoping for top 20.

We crossed the finished line with smiles placing 1st in overall female teams and 22 out of total 82 teams. We were happy to see Team Trailmonster found their passport along the river and came across the finish line with smiles on their face too. Kuat came through this year providing free beer at the finish line which was the pre-party to the annual Holtmann bash that my husband and I put on at our house, which is next to Castlewood. I felt a big relief with my last race of the year completing a total of 17 races. Now for some down time and to start planning 2011.

The Berryman Trail Epic race was held on a Saturday this year. They decided to combine the tour and race into one day. I think most enjoyed it better this way since we could party after the race and not bolt home to go to work the next morning.

I got up early on race day and took my own bag w/tubes and cooler to the only feed zone in the race which we would come to twice during the 55 mile race. I decided to do this for several reasons: 250 red bags all look the same on a picnic table, I wanted cold drinks in a small cooler since it was going to be warm, and I didn't want to have to get off my bike since I need a quick transition since my goal was to go after the geared women on my single speed. I placed my little cheap cooler next to a tree in the campground next to the parking lot.

The forecast was calling for rain so, I put a trash bag in my back pocket in case temps dropped w/rain. This is light weight and takes up no space. I mingled my way through the 250 racers at the start line looking for the top geared women. Scott Davis started announcing the race info. Then, 8 minutes till the start, a kind guy behind me pointed out that I had a big blister in my rear tire. Ok, this was bad. As soon as I would hit the rocky single track, this would for sure blow. I had no choice but, to push my way out of the tight crowd of anxious racers. I rode as fast as I could back to the cabin to change out the tire. I looked back and my kind husband was following me to help. I was mad at him for pulling out to help me since this would hurt him but, happy that I could change the tire out faster with his help.

Almost done putting a new tire on and then, I heard the explosion which sounded like dynamite! Race started. I started to panic since I was missing the start. I was saddened to see everyone heading up the hill but, me. My goal all the sudden changed to finishing the race instead of being competitive up with the geared women. Finally, I jumped on my bike and bolted out onto the course like a spooked horse . The first section was hilly gravel roads before getting to the single track. My legs were feeling pretty good climbing and I soon found myself weaving through the racers and catching up with the main field. I think being panicked helped a little.

Riding the single track was fun. I felt like I was back in the game. However, I was definitely pushing harder to get back in. I reached the 1st feed zone. Todd, my husband was standing there for some reason. He said all of my food, drinks, and tubes were gone-stolen. I had 2 bottles on my bike which were almost depleted and 1 bar and GU left. One of the race spectators was so kind to give me her left-over water so I poured it into my bottle. I said, "oh well...I'm going." Todd had quit the race due to his frame cracking.

So, I went from being panicked at the start of the race to pissed off. Who would steal orange filled bottles that looks and smells like crap and little Dixie cups filled with cut up bars and cliff blocks? Not as mad about the tubes since I still had 2 strapped on my bike. I still had a long race ahead of me with little water and food. So, I started looking for dropped bottles on the trail. Gross..I know. I was desperate. I saw a ton of them in the beginning of the race but, didn't find a single bottle when I needed it.

I bonked a little towards the end of the OT trail. Not sure if was going out too hard in the beginning to catch up, not drinking/eating much, or probably both. I was trying to conserve my water but, it was really warming up. Made it into the 2nd feed zone. A couple of racers who pulled out loaned me 1 more bottle with Cytomax in it to make it to the finish. Started feeling good again. I gave it everything I had left at the end. I managed to get 1st in single speed and 10th if I squeeze my time into the geared women results. I was hoping for top 6 among geared women's times but, considering everything that happened, I was happy.

Burnin at the Bluffs

As much as I would have loved to race 12hr solo at Burnin this year, I decided it would be in my best interest to race on a team for 3 reasons. They are I just came off a 24hr solo MTN bike race last month, I will have BT Epic 2 weeks later, and most importantly, I wanted to have more fun since I have done so many endurance races solo this year. Don't get me wrong...I was still going for the BUCKLE!

The team was formed consisting of Carrie Cash, Jamie Valencheck, and myself. Rock on! I was pumped because this was going to be fun and fast race. Our biggest competitor going into the race was Team AB Cycles-Sarah Parrish, Mia Phillips, and Beth Weimer. I have race against these 3 in many races and I know their strengths! This was going to be a close race. These girls are fast. We had a short huddle Friday night and we wrote down our order. Their team said they drew straws and Mia was going first. Are they bluffing? I figured they were and said I bet Sarah will be standing at the start. So, we decided to have Cash take Sarah on for the 1st lap. The plan would be for me to go 3rd so I would ride on the darkest lap since I love night riding and could do a double lap in the end if a 9th lap was needed.

Saturday AM..racers surrounded the start line for a short run to their bikes. Surprise! Sarah Parrish at the start line. This is going to be an awesome race. Gun went off and so did the smoke bombs. You could hardly see your bikes. Cash bolts off the start like a bull with horns are chasing her. Off she goes. After an hour goes by, the guys start coming through from their 1st lap. Among the 1st 15 guys is Cash! She was smokin with a time of 1:17. Oh yeah...that's with changing a flat! Jamie and I completed our laps in under 1:30. I was excited about this because I was so much faster on my 1x9 geared bike than my single speed I usually ride out there.

After we competed our 1st round of laps, Mia came in with a possible fractured wrist from a crash. I saw Beth standing at the start not knowing if she should take off. I yelled to her to just go since still on the clock. Carrie and I walked Mia to the 1st aid tent then, I rode down to her campsite to find Sarah to let her know Mia was injured. Total bummer. Our favorite team lost a member and now they were down to 2 racers. This wasn't the race I wanted and felt bad for Mia. Her wrist was pretty swollen.

We kept riding hard for the rest of the race. Anything can happen and I knew Sarah and Beth wouldn't give up. They have lots of experience in endurance racing. Cash started off our 2nd round of laps. On the trail, she heard something that sounded like a rock hitting the ground. Later, she realized she had lost her shifter when trying to shift. She knew exactly where she heard it so rode backwards on the course yelling "racer coming, racer coming" to try to avoid a crash while riding full speed. She found the shifter and put the front shifter upside down on opposite site so she could shift in the back. She still came in off that lap at 1:22. Wow. Would you believe she flatted on her 3rd lap too? But, that barely slows her down.

Jamie had the best luck. No crashes and smokin times. I had 2 good crashes on my 2nd lap but, no injuries. I went out on the 8th lap not sure if I would go back out for another to make 9. I came in within 10 minutes of cut-off. Cash and Jamie were each standing there with a beer and said I didn't need to go back out. "We won the Buckle!"

Berryman Epic on board next and starting to build my fixed geared MTN bike. New bike just arrived and hub is ordered. Hoping Mia has a speedy recovery.

Friday, September 10th, we hit the road again. A group of us headed to Versailles, Indiana for 24hrs of Dino. This would be my 14th endurance race of the season and my 2nd 24hour mountain bike race for the year. I raced this 24hr solo last year and fell in love with the fast and flowing trail. This year they reversed the direction.

Once we arrived, we quickly set up camp with our traditional canopy with Christmas lights that run off a boat battery. We also have an extension strip so we can charge our bike lights throughout the night. "The boys" wanted to go for a quick ride before dark. Now, I know this means they will end up doing a complete lap which is 12 miles. I declined. I did my pre-race workout early in the AM before we left. Instead I continued prepping for the race. I am very systematic with my gear, clothes, lights, food, and drinks during races. Being self-supported, I don't want to think. My strategy was to swing in every 2-3 laps, switch bottles, and grab my Dixie cups that are pre-filled with cut up bars, 1/8 banana, 2 M & Ms, 1 GU block, and 1 magnesium pill. With this technique, I am able to put the cup in my back pocket and easily grab food while riding.

The boys (Todd, Todd, Greg, and Mitch) arrived back from their pre-ride like it was Christmas morning! Joker smiles on all. They just had a blast on the trail (did whole 12 miles like I thought) especially, since it was reversed. They said the last section was fast and fun! Last year, this was a long and steady climb. I was looking forward to have this as a descent since I was going to race it on the single speed again.

At registration, my biggest competitor, Pro racer, Sally who races for Kenda, was going to be racing on a team this year since she just got back from 24hrs of Leadville the previous weekend. Ok, I might have a chance now. Either way, my goal was to complete more laps than I did last year.

After dinner, more St. Louis folks continued to trickle in. The teams were all talking about their race strategy. The boys were drinking beer. I was just getting more nervous. I knew what was coming...pain and lack of sleep. So, I decided to go to bed and put my headphones on with music so I could drown it all out.

In the middle of the night, I woke up to gentle rain drops hitting our tent. This light rain continued until around 8AM. Then, it was a downpour. I started to worry. This could get real sloppy real fast. But, rain stopped around 11 AM.

12 AM race start! We were all required to start with either a wheel off or seat post off our bike with a short run to our stationed bikes. 1st lap was a little congested and slower than I really wanted but, it was going to be a long 24hrs. The trails were perfect after the rain! In fact, it needed more. The trails were so dry they were cracked in spots so it was like riding on cobblestones! On the 6th lap, I rode with Todd Hecht. Ahhh, to ride with someone is so much more fun! I pushed him on the climbs and he pushed me on the descents. This was my favorite lap!

I came in for a short break around the 12hr mark to change out lights and refuel. Carrie Sona told me it looked like I had 1st locked up already with 7 laps in (84miles). Now, it became more mental. I had to challenge myself. I decided to stick to my goal which was to complete more laps than last year and go beat some men. Got to chat with Zach Brace shortly and learned he won the 12hr. Greg Ott won 3rd and Todd Hecht won 10th. My husband and Mitch were still even and going strong still solo in 24hr also. The St. Louis women's team and Coed team were still cranking out the laps too.

I cranked out a total of 11 laps (132 miles) on the single speed. I won 1st but, due to few women racing I was more excited to complete my personal goal, beat 2 solo men, and men's team, and a coed team. I definitely enjoyed the course direction reversed this year. This was way more fun. My husband, Todd ended up winning 2nd and Mitch 3rd. This was the race within the race. The boys pushed each other so neither of them dared to sleep like they usually do. Todd had fire in his eyes during this race. Was it the pre-cooked quesadillas or grilled cheese he ate (made night before)? Was it the Perpeteum he decided to start using again for this race? I was awesome to see them push each other. I was glad others were staying up with me! See results below. We all had a blast. Highly recommend everyone makes a trip to Versailles Park or Brown County in Indiana sometime. We don't have trails like this!!

12hr- Zach Brace 1st, Greg Ott 3rd, Todd Hecht 10th

24hr solo- Todd Holtmann 2nd, Mitch Johnson 3rd,

Karen Holtmann 1st

24hr teams-St. Louis Coed Team 1st and 2nd overall,

St. Louis women 1st and 6th overall

Binder Lake 6hr

Binder Lake 6hr had a great turn out for the women this year! 10 women raced 6hr solo this time. I felt pretty good going into this race since I was just there for the single speed championships. But, when I saw 10 women registered I got little butterflies before the race. Some tough women showed up. I knew I couldn't go all out 110% since I have 24hr solo in Indiana next weekend. Can't go into that race sore especially, racing my single speed for both races. What do I do? Some great competition that I wanted to stack up against but, looking at the bigger picture. Talked to my coach, Chris Meleski, night before. "Is this an "A" race for you, " he asked? "No but, I will make it my goal to be top 3," I said.

The race started off with a neutral ride down a paved road (no running this time!). They announced the race would start when we reached the grass and when we heard the shot gun go off. Only about 200 yrds in, the shot gun went off while we were all still on the road...race on! I started off with my usual steady pace. I like to work my way up rather than blow up and go down. But, this is always mentally hard for me because you feel so far behind. I keep telling myself it's a long race and need to be steady on the SS. I think I was in 6 or 7th for 1st 3hrs. My back wheel decided to come off on lap 3. Can I be mad at Todd for being so nice to put my chain on and back wheel night before the race? Nahhh...I didn't get hurt.

Before I knew it, I moved up to 3rd. This is where I would be happy when going home before the big race. But no, Mia Phillips wasn't about to give up her 3rd place. Race was on again for my last 3 laps. I would pass her then, she would come out of no where like a rabbit! Where does this come from I kept asking? So, mentally down again. Keep steady keep steady. Came in on 7th lap to find her standing there. Loreen said she's done. Oh yeah! 5 min left...heading out for 8th lap to lock up 3rd. I still was nervous thinking she changed her mind and would still come. So, I cranked out the last lap just in case. Great job Mia! You were strong. Congrats to Stephanie on 1st and Barbie on 2nd.

I had a blast at this race. Went a little harder than I wanted but, didn't go crazy. Perfect before next weekend. We missed you Wendy!

Midwest Single Speed Championship

Last Sunday was the Midwest Single Speed Championships at Binder Lake in Jefferson City, MO. I wasn't sure what I was going up against. I figured a few girls would be there but, had no idea there was going to be 9-10 women racing! Where have they all been hiding these past 2 years. I was very excited to see this many women on single speeds. This is awesome for me. I am so used to racing my single speed against women on geared bikes since there is never a single speed category for women. We are all even.

I decided my goal would be top 5 for this race since not an "A" race for me and more for the training in preparation for my bigger ones coming up. I felt pretty good during the race and finished 4th overall female. There were some fast chicas there to include Sarah Parrish, Christine Ford, and a single speed racer from Columbia who has been racing since 2004. They all finished top 3. So, I was very happy with my finish and was happy to be pushed by these faster women. Wendy Davis was out there too looking strong like she always does.

I've started getting excited about fall racing and will be peaking for some of my favorite races of the year. I felt good in the Spring with my 3 big races in Arkansas and 100 miler in Michigan. I did less racing during the summer since I don't do well with heat and my heart rate problem. Work has also consumed more of my time with longer hours. But, this summer, I started incorporating weekly yoga at Bikram to help with flexibility, core, and balance.

Coming up....Binder Lake, 24hrs of Dino MTN bike race in Indiana, Burnin, and Berryman Epic. Yep..will be doing all on my single speed again. Can't wait!

Rollercoaster

Well, I've had a few frustrating races for me this year. The 1st was Bone Bender and I pulled out due to legs fatigued from doing Syllamo 24hr weekend before on single speed, 2nd was being unable to complete full 12hrs of Berryman Duathlon due to bad heel spur and unable to run on without sharp pain(appointment with surgeon not till August!), and 3rd was longer finish time than I wanted at Lumberjack 100.

My goal at the beginning of the year was to go for the big ones (12hr, 24hr, and 100 milers) and hit the short ones in Missouri when can. It is hard for me to stand there and watch folks race or ask me why I'm not out there. But, I keep reminding myself of my focus.

Seems like I peaked in the spring this year with Ouchita, Syllamo's Revenge, Syllamo 24, and a few shorter ones in the mix. Now, I feel like I'm coming down. I finally realized that I need a short break which is perfect for July! There are only a couple short, 3hr races I will do this month.

I started hitting the road bike to get more mileage and saddle time. My favorite big races are coming up in August, Sept, and October. I've also added paddling into the mix. Those who know me know I love water! I will be racing the 27 mile Marathon Paddle Race in Missouri on 7/17 with Loreen Matson in a tandem. I did one short track dirt crit last week at Castlewood but, will be unable to do anymore of them due to my work schedule. I think the key is to keep mixing it up and have fun. Now, the competitive side of me says go train your buns off. The big ones are coming!! Racing sure is like a rollercoaster ride!