A few weekends ago I headed down to Ohio to do Calvins Challenge. Calvins is a bit unique in Ultracycling. It is relatively short – 12 hours. Its very flat. Most importantly pack positioning, drafting and energy conservation are central to competing for a top place.
My goal this year was to stay with the lead pack as long as possible, which i hoped to be all day. Weather conditions were sideways rain and heavy winds. I have had only one race in the past 16 months that did not include rain. I would love a break from it.
I tempted Murphy’s law right from the start by deciding to use my new TT bike(Cervelo P3C) for the race and also ride my Zipp 404 wheels rather than go with more conservative equipment.
The race started in the usual flurry as riders jockey for places to get as much protection from the rain. I’m feeling pretty good though the winds are obviously going to make this a slower race than last year where I managed 232 miles. We take a left turn and POP, my rear tire blows out. I yell a curse as this is the end of my aspirations for a top finish.
I quickly yank the tire off, grab a tube, attach my CO2 inflater to put a bit of air in, and snap off the valve of my only tube. A flurry of additional curses and i pick up my back and start walking back towards the start. Luckily another rider eventually came along with a long stem tube and CO2 and got me back on my bike. Many thanks to him for stopping his race to help me out.
I had probably lost 45 minutes by this point. I hopped on and began fighting the rain and wind by myself. When i completed that first 50 mile loop I stocked up on tubes and put a pump in my coat pocket.
I felt great all day. Even with the crazy winds I maintained a strong pace. I was never passed on the course by another rider. The new bike was comfortable all day and fast. A few knee pains in the last few laps, but not too bad for building it up the day before.
In the end I completed 212 miles. Not nearly the distance i had hoped for, but I was really happy with my fitness. My confidence is good looking toward my main goals later in the season.
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