In the past month I have competed in both the Leadville 100 (mtn. bike) and LOTOJA (road) races. Both races are an awesome experience and completely miserable, but for different reasons. Which is the harder race?
I raced Leadville on a singlespeed, which means no gears and no room for error. The altitude alone is enough to make you sick. This year the weather (for the most part) was wet, and cold. I could literally feel the strength evaporating from my legs. The Columbine climb was the most painful 90 min of my life. There were countless times during the 103 miles when I was dropping every A, B, C, D, E, and yes F bomb I could think of. Oh the physical pain and agony! I rate Leadville 2009 a 9 out of 10 for physical difficulty (Columbine and Powerline get a 10+ rating). As far as the mental rating I would give it 6 out of 10. If it weren’t for struggling to keep the emotions in check all day (cry baby) I would give it a lower mental score. As Dug points out the crying doesn’t even end at the finishline. There is just enough technicality, and downhill fun to keep things interesting mentally.
Side note: Finishing prize was a hoodie sweatshirt, and belt buckle.
LEADVILLE DATA
Time: 09:47
Distance: 103.52 miles
Avg Speed: 10.4 mph
Max Speed: 39 mph
Avg HR: 141 bpm
Max HR: 173 bpm
Min Elevation: 9265 ft
Max Elevation: 12540 ft
Elevation Gain: 11897 ft
Dark Moments: 4 (St. Kevins, Columbine, Powerline)
Place Overall: 270 of 971 finishers
Lotoja was raced with the Cat 4 group, with near perfect temps and a slight headwind (Salt River was hot and Afton-Alpine had a moderate headwind). The Cat 4 group was 85 riders strong. The only “Dark” moment of the entire 09:55 was the 10 miles before the Salt River climb (I was an idiot and kept getting yo-yoed) and then the Salt River climb (I got dropped hard)! The only time when I felt physical pain and agony was when I racked my nuts after hitting some surprise rumble strips outside of Thayne, Wyoming! I realized the LOTOJA isn’t that hard physically, it is just a mental beast. I found myself becoming really annoyed at EVERYTHING, and the Lin’s Performance Team Jersey didn’t help cool my fire. Really have you ever seen an uglier kit (actually I think Jamie had the ugliest kit)? It would have been nice to just zone out and ride, but you couldn’t lose focus for a second. If you did you were at risk of the “bandit” or “fun rider” that made their way into the paceline, locking up their new Zipp wheels and wreaking havoc. I deem Lotoja as the “NO FUN” race. Physical rating 6 of 10 (would be lower but 206 miles is tough on the body), Mental rating 8 of 10 for sheer mind numbing boredom.
Side note: Finishing prize was a hanger. That’s right a hanger!
LOTOJA DATA
Time: 09:55
Distance: 204.43 miles
Avg Speed: 20.6 mph
Max Speed: 51.6 mph
Avg HR: 137 bpm
Max HR: 169 bpm
Min Elevation 4435 ft
Max Elevation: 7623 ft
Elevation Gain: 8224 ft
Dark Moments: 1 (Salt River)
Place Overall: 145 of 929 finishers
So which race is harder? The data would indicate a virtual tie, but I would say that Leadville gets the award by a nose (On a different day, and with different conditions I am sure Lotoja could pull ahead). Words can’t describe how 103 miles on dirt, the massive vertical gain, and the thin air can beat you down! Lotoja finishers don’t be haters, just put your name in the Leadville lottery and decide for yourself.
Number 1 crew
Tandem Team Clark 2011
DNA
The gang
Team Fatty crossing the line
Where the magic happens
Game on!!!