Let me share a few thoughts about this years experience with the LT100 race and Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope. This became more than a race against the clock or a challenge against the altitude and terrain. There were things gained and things lost. And the "race" started way before August 13th, 2011. Let me start with some of the losses and end with the "Gains".
Things lost...
- I started my training weighing in at 165 pounds and "bulked up" from wrestling season and lots of time in the gym. I checked my weight before we left for Colorado and was sitting at a thinned down 147 pounds. Not sure exactly what I weighed after the race but I would guess it was closer to the 142-143 pound mark. When we were back in Chatham, I checked and noted a stealthy 143 pounds! Time to get back to the gym so my pants will stop falling off - is it wrong to be able to put pants on and off without unfastening the buttons? Ha!
- Anyone see a selector lever for a Fox Rear-Suspension Shock? It was blue in color. Darn it!
- I still have the remnants of my July 3rd crash...where I lost several layers of skin from my hip and calf. Not that I am looking to retrieve the old stuff but it sure will be nice if the new stuff could hurry up and finish "recovery"!
Things gained...
- A revitalized life as a Christian! I'm now a teammate of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Endurance and will continue to grow as a Christian and a Christian athlete for the Glory of God!
- An incredible friendship in Gary and Shelli Wilmarth. Although I've known them for many years, the last 3-4 months has grown our relationship and I couldn't be more fortunate to have such wonderful folks as my friends. God Love Them!
- What's it really matter? Does that make sense? It's a simple question and one that I find myself asking often...to myself. When something isn't going just right or something breaks or something changes my plan or my schedule, I simply adjust and continue on...."It is what it is" so why let it become an emotional or physical "issue"? Life is good, life is short, and we simply need to stay focused on the big picture and not let the little things effect us.
- A renewed passion for cycling..."I want a new road-bike"! There, I said it. As much as I'd hate to admit it as a trail junky, now I want a road bike to capture the entire cycling experience. Hmm, tour, tri, or race? Choices...
What did it take to prepare for and then complete the LT100? Miles of riding, lots of sweat, and tons of patience from my family and friends as they endured my ups and downs in preparations...from mechanical issues to physical issues to emotional twists. But when it was over, I could only think about how good it all felt. A little muscle fatigue but hey, after 103.84 miles (on my bike computer the course was a bit longer than 100 miles), everyone will have some fatigue. Physically, I was ready to jump back on the bike the next day! Emotionally, well, still haven't come down out of the clouds. It feels awesome to be part of such a great cause.
And the biggest contribution to our "success"? My Support Krew! From keeping me fed with bananas, turkey slices, cold pizza, gels, and apple slices...some of which were mixed or combined (hey, until you have had "Banana Pizza", don't knock it)...to the humor, the positive outlooks, and the passion for our success, the Krew was more than could ever be asked for. Thank you to all - Jandy, Ken, Jim, Dawn, Jenny, Todd, Celine, and "Bug"! And to Julie, Alec and Brady, you guys are all-stars for enduring everything from the beginning to the end! And a special thank you to Gary and Shelli! We all appreciated you being with us and especially appreciate you letting us be part of your family! Are you all ready for next year? Smile!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Pedal Hard!
TNT OUT-
This BLOG is dedicated in memory of Kailey Wilmarth and in support of Kailey's Krew, a not-for-profit organization. This BLOG will share the story of Kailey as well as my challenge to complete the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. Our mission is to give Hope to other families that need support during their trying times. Your contributions to Kailey's Krew can help us reach our goal.
21 August 2011
For 2012...
So, if I can qualify at a Regional Race or if I get lucky to be drawn from the race lottery again, what could be a new goal for the LT100 2012 race?
Here are a few ideas to throw out there...
- This years' goal was to finish the race - period! The race course got the best of me last year but this year had to be different. I couldn't let it beat me! Goal for 2012...finish under 9 hours? It's not too unrealistic of a goal, is it? 2010 = Did Not Finish; 2011 = 11h08m18s; 2012 = 8h59m59s????
- I went solo for my first two races. Why not take an entire team to Leadville in 2012? A team of "Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope" racers? 4, 8, 11 racers with the common objective to finish the LT100 - BUT TOGETHER, AS A TEAM! Help me get the word out and let's see if we can put together a TEAM to take the challenge.
What are your thoughts? Post a comment or send me an e-mail and give us some ideas. In the meantime, check out the attached video of me in the 2011 LT100 Race...
Enjoy the video and send me a note...thanks!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
Here are a few ideas to throw out there...
- This years' goal was to finish the race - period! The race course got the best of me last year but this year had to be different. I couldn't let it beat me! Goal for 2012...finish under 9 hours? It's not too unrealistic of a goal, is it? 2010 = Did Not Finish; 2011 = 11h08m18s; 2012 = 8h59m59s????
- I went solo for my first two races. Why not take an entire team to Leadville in 2012? A team of "Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope" racers? 4, 8, 11 racers with the common objective to finish the LT100 - BUT TOGETHER, AS A TEAM! Help me get the word out and let's see if we can put together a TEAM to take the challenge.
What are your thoughts? Post a comment or send me an e-mail and give us some ideas. In the meantime, check out the attached video of me in the 2011 LT100 Race...
Enjoy the video and send me a note...thanks!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
Where Are We Now?
I'm back already but not because I forgot anything but because I didn't want my post to get too long and I wanted to keep the topics separate as well.
For starters, the GMS Cross Country Team and the GHS Volleyball Team joined Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope and captured contributions and donations. I have not seen personally seen the pledge sheets but I understand they raised approximately $1,700 for Kailey's Krew! A big "Woo-Hoo" goes out to all team members and thank you so much for your efforts!
In addition, we have the following new members of the "Challengers"...
Harold and Barb Damron
Corinne Greis
Matt Brehm
Susan Coers
Robert & Jeanette Schuerman
Thank you so much for your contributions and support.
And with that, here's the latest on our fund-raising goal of $7,500...
$8,304.50
We made our goal and then some. And the donations continue to come in...will we see $10K? Wow, wouldn't that be great?
Coming soon, I'll post a complete roll-up of all members of the Challengers and of the Peloton. Thank you again to everyone for your generosity, support, and encouragement!
Until the next "post", "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard"!
TNT OUT-
For starters, the GMS Cross Country Team and the GHS Volleyball Team joined Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope and captured contributions and donations. I have not seen personally seen the pledge sheets but I understand they raised approximately $1,700 for Kailey's Krew! A big "Woo-Hoo" goes out to all team members and thank you so much for your efforts!
In addition, we have the following new members of the "Challengers"...
Harold and Barb Damron
Corinne Greis
Matt Brehm
Susan Coers
Robert & Jeanette Schuerman
Thank you so much for your contributions and support.
And with that, here's the latest on our fund-raising goal of $7,500...
$8,304.50
We made our goal and then some. And the donations continue to come in...will we see $10K? Wow, wouldn't that be great?
Coming soon, I'll post a complete roll-up of all members of the Challengers and of the Peloton. Thank you again to everyone for your generosity, support, and encouragement!
Until the next "post", "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard"!
TNT OUT-
A Week Has Past...
It's been a week since the LT100 Mtn Bike Race and things are settling down. I returned to work and jumped right into a busy schedule.
So, this week included zero riding time. Took my bike to the shop and had fun setting it up for "display" with my jersey, finishers' medal, dirty shoes, and the race poster we presented to R&M Cyclery. Alec brought everything home on Saturday and now we will being the clean-up, tune-up, and some possible upgrades over the next week or so before I get back to training and preparation for the next challenge of Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope. Endurance length races seem to be far and few between and every one I find is closed for new registration...but I'll keep searching and see what I can find. Stay tuned for our next challenge!
So, was on our way to a movie last night when we noticed this truck with bikes and gear in the back and "Freedom 50/50" logo's on the side and rear. As we sat at the stop-light, we used our smart-phones to check out their website in order to find out what they were doing. Low-and-behold, a gentleman by the name of Max McManus is doing a very incredible ride. He is riding a route that will put him in all 50 states in 50 days. The fruits of his efforts are to go towards "The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation".
Hmm, so there's this guy doing 50 states in 50 days. How can I help? Well, I called Max and after a nice conversation, I told him I'd join him on his ride today (Sunday)...and I did. We met at their hotel in Springfield, met his support crew, and headed out to ride. I was on my mountain bike (dirty and gritty still from Leadville) and Max was on his Trek Madone. Yup, even though I was trying to crank up the pace as we rolled oout of Springfield, it was obvious I was holding Max back from his normal pace. I rode with him for about 30 minutes and then we had a parting conversation and he put his head down and disappeared into the fresh morning breeze along "Old Route 54". His first pit-stop will be in Pittsfield, IL for food and drink before he pushes off to his overnight destination in Missouri. Max is doing an incredible ride for a great cause! If you get a chance, go to http://www.freedom5050.com/ and follow his ride. We wish you safe travels and best of luck, Max! God Bless!
On a different topic, I did a little shopping yesterday. Found a new belt for my LT100 buckle. Woo-hoo, looks pretty cool! Now I need to buy a pair of jeans that I can wear with the belt and buckle...looks pretty silly on the outside of my cycling shorts! Ha-Ha! Sorry, no pix of such a disturbing image!
Hope all are doing great and watch for additional updates...
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard! (Hey, quick note about the Krew in Leadville...what a crazy bunch! So, not to be out-done by anyone, they created cheers and dances. The finish-line cheer was awesome, "He Saddled Up, Dug Deep, and Rode Hard!" Thanks Krew!)
TNT OUT-
So, this week included zero riding time. Took my bike to the shop and had fun setting it up for "display" with my jersey, finishers' medal, dirty shoes, and the race poster we presented to R&M Cyclery. Alec brought everything home on Saturday and now we will being the clean-up, tune-up, and some possible upgrades over the next week or so before I get back to training and preparation for the next challenge of Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope. Endurance length races seem to be far and few between and every one I find is closed for new registration...but I'll keep searching and see what I can find. Stay tuned for our next challenge!
So, was on our way to a movie last night when we noticed this truck with bikes and gear in the back and "Freedom 50/50" logo's on the side and rear. As we sat at the stop-light, we used our smart-phones to check out their website in order to find out what they were doing. Low-and-behold, a gentleman by the name of Max McManus is doing a very incredible ride. He is riding a route that will put him in all 50 states in 50 days. The fruits of his efforts are to go towards "The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation".
Hmm, so there's this guy doing 50 states in 50 days. How can I help? Well, I called Max and after a nice conversation, I told him I'd join him on his ride today (Sunday)...and I did. We met at their hotel in Springfield, met his support crew, and headed out to ride. I was on my mountain bike (dirty and gritty still from Leadville) and Max was on his Trek Madone. Yup, even though I was trying to crank up the pace as we rolled oout of Springfield, it was obvious I was holding Max back from his normal pace. I rode with him for about 30 minutes and then we had a parting conversation and he put his head down and disappeared into the fresh morning breeze along "Old Route 54". His first pit-stop will be in Pittsfield, IL for food and drink before he pushes off to his overnight destination in Missouri. Max is doing an incredible ride for a great cause! If you get a chance, go to http://www.freedom5050.com/ and follow his ride. We wish you safe travels and best of luck, Max! God Bless!
On a different topic, I did a little shopping yesterday. Found a new belt for my LT100 buckle. Woo-hoo, looks pretty cool! Now I need to buy a pair of jeans that I can wear with the belt and buckle...looks pretty silly on the outside of my cycling shorts! Ha-Ha! Sorry, no pix of such a disturbing image!
Hope all are doing great and watch for additional updates...
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard! (Hey, quick note about the Krew in Leadville...what a crazy bunch! So, not to be out-done by anyone, they created cheers and dances. The finish-line cheer was awesome, "He Saddled Up, Dug Deep, and Rode Hard!" Thanks Krew!)
TNT OUT-
14 August 2011
He Finished!
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| Coming across the finish line waving the Pedal of Hope Krew shirt |
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| After the race with Shelli and Gary |
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