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.

First of all my time was 9:47.  This was exactly 1 hour slower than last year.  Crazy thing is I am really happy that I even finished!  Here are some ways I can save time:

1.  No matter what my heart and brain say I need to run a 32×20.  I realize that the flats are a wash.  The key to this race is how much of Columbine and Powerline you can ride.

2.  If it looks like it will rain, it probably will.  Wear a minimum of knee warmers and have extra gloves and sunglasses at the aid stations.

3.  Ride your race.  The pace at the gun was brutal, especially on a single speed. Don’t worry about everyone, and I mean everyone, flying by you on the pavement. Ride St. Kevins and then let the race come to you.

4.  It is okay to walk.  A good walking pace is 2.8-3.2mph.  If you are riding slower than this, get off and push.

5.  Columbine is going to hurt! You are halfway when you hit the mine.

6.  Powerline sucks! You are halfway after the 3rd false summit.  It is okay to cry and curse out loud during this stretch of trail.

7. The descents coming home from Powerline and St. Kevins make the climbs worth it.  I love how fast these 2 downhills are.

8. The climb back up St. Kevins is a piece of cake.  You have hammered it twice, so don’t stress it.

9. It can’t snow on Columbine 2 years in a row

10 Sub 9 on a single speed is totally doable!

Here are a few pics of 2009

Number 1 crew

Tandem Team Clark 2011DNAThe gangTeam Fatty crossing the lineWhere the magic happens

First of all here is a cool video, that I swear was shot last year.  I don’t get why the leaders didn’t get the columbine kick in the nuts? When I was “hiking” this climb the weather was horrendous!

Then for a hauntingly accurate picture of what the true Leadville is like read Dug’s rendition.

Major props go to the Ciclista, Mark and Kenny who went sub 9 on a BRUTAL day.

I give the “balls out” award to my arch, but never hated Nemesis Rick, who “manned” up and posted an amazing time on a SS.  Rick you know we will both be back again tying to crack the realm of immortality (sub 9 on a single-speed).  We both know it can be done.

Elden I don’t know how you survived the 30mph flight off the cliff?  As Elden and I were descending down St. Kevins (a paved descent at an average of 8%) rain and tire spray were blinding us.  We had our heads down, and on a hairpin turn Elden looked up too late, locked his breaks and launched off a cliff.  I thought he was dead.  I was in shock not believing what I had seen.  By the time I had come to grips with what had just happened it was too late, Kevin aka “Good Samaritan” was stopping to check on him and I rushed to get medical attention.

EB, Eric, Tyler, and DT I am so proud of you guys.  You guys rode heroic, especially considering how NASTY your motel looked.  Dug will be dedicating an entire post to your accomidations for sure!

Banks, what more can be said for a guy who dedicated his year to Leadville and missed the final cutoff by a mere 2 minutes.  You were more focused and intense then anyone I know and probably wanted the finish worse than anyone out there.  As heartbreaking as it was seeing you not finish, it was amazing how strong you got and how much weight you dropped.  You are primed for a great 2010! A continuation to this story was Banks had serious stomach issues and was trying to beg toilet paper off the other riders while hiking Columbine.  Someone finally spared a few squares, but apparently that wasn’t enough and Banks sacrificed his cycling cap! That is hardcore and deserves a special buckle.

Jamie, Tony and Vince it was great riding to the finish with you.  It is amazing how much strength a friendly face can give. Whit all I can say for you is WOW!

Jon, I hope to have video of your Twin Lakes feed zone wreck.  I was contacted today by someone who claims to have pics and video of this event, as well as an update from the kid in the tent.  Stay tuned

Holly, thanks for your support.  If it weren’t for you I would have been curled up in a ball not wanting to finish.  Your magical powers are stonger than eagle’s eggs. sorry that was the only clip I could find, and I think I acted like this when you handed me the first Muscle Milk:)