The Texas Time Trials, and thus, the 2009 Ultra Cycling Cup competition of the Ultramarathon Cycling Association is completed. There was no report on the previous race, my favorite, the Ultra Midwest Competition in Port Byron, IL. Linda and I went to the race, but because of a lingering respiratory infection, I did not compete. We took our mountain bikes along, and I contented myself with being a go-fer, and an unofficial race photographer. I was able to get some great shots of my friends racing in near perfect conditions, and racking up some great miles, and I had (almost) as fun pedaling around with my camera (over 50 miles logged!) as I do racing. I made the right decision, however.
The Texas Time Trials were to be a 24 hour effort, and I had intensified my training in the 3 weeks prior to the race. I had even accomplished centuries on two separate occasions, without ever stopping the bike. That was a first! We traveled to Texas in two days, and arrived at the race site about 4 hours before start time, ideal for me. After fiddling with the bike, mixing nutrition bottles, setting up the Racing for Bangladesh banner, and renewing acquaintance with racing friends, the 6pm race time arrived.
Clipping in for the start ... Martin Hukle is in the orange helmet on my left
The course this year is more difficult than the one used for the past several years, 26.5 miles, with more climbing (about 50 ft/mile) to boot. The evening was clear, cool, and the race route proved quite do-able with good road surfaces, and race volunteers at every turn to scout for traffic. I would add that Dan Driscol and his staff put on one of the best organized and fun races anyone could hope for. Many volunteers stood duty throughout the night at intersections trying to make the way for safe turns. During the final day, many volunteers donned brightly colored wigs and pompoms and noise-makers to urge us on to greater achievement. It was hard to be grumpy!!
I rode steadily throughout the night, watching the beautiful Texas countryside fade under a gibbous moon as it set around 1am. Orion guided us throughout the night, not to mention the tail light of a rider ahead, with usually one or two visible. Night riding is really great if it’s not too cold. The temps got to the low 50’s, but were quite manageable with my Wooly Boolies (socks), jackets, gloves and do-rags with ear flaps. After my 5th lap, I took about a 1 hour nap, changed into dry clothes, ate a real breakfast of corn flakes, cantaloupe, and V8, and biked into the sunrise, maintaining close to. The tougher race course began to take its toll, however, and after 3 more laps, and 212 miles, I packed it in. The laps had become increasingly slower with my caloric intake unable to keep up with even minimal requirements, and the temperature steadily rising toward a predicted high in the mid-90’s. It was a good decision. My good friend, Martin Hukle, had to be driven off the course less than an hour later with impending heat stroke. Believe me, if Martin can’t finish the 24, I have no business even thinking about it!
The season is over, and the LORD receives the glory for giving me the ability and determination to accumulate the points I did for the Memorial Christian Hospital. I will follow soon with the year in review, and a final point total. Each of the sponsors will hear from me regarding your commitment, if any is left. S.D.G.
Wendell
