The Metamora 4×50 race was held in the small north central Illinois town by that name.  It is a 200 mile race, and as the name implies, a 50 mile loop which is ridden 4 times.  We traveled there the evening before over routes quite familiar to us from our days of frequent travels between Carbondale and Michigan back in the ‘90’s. 

On the way, a familiar sight ... this guy collects tractors, and decided to really show this one off!

I had trained relatively hard, and tested out an invention to keep a cool head in the hot, humid weather for which this race has a  reputation.  After all, this is Illinois in August, right?  I had noticed that tri-athletes use a cap with a cape like attachment in the back.  I have enjoyed “ice-towels” in the past, so thought I could combine the two concepts.  I came up with what we have dubbed the “cool-head.”  It’s not trademarked so feel free.  It’s made of terry cloth cut from 4 inexpensive WalMart wash clothes.  It fits on the head like a cap, with the cape hanging on the neck and shoulders.  On the inside is a pocket filled with ice.  Get the picture?  The ice melts, and keeps the cape cold and wet.  As the water evaporates, it further cools.  In practice, the ice lasted about ½ hour, and it stayed wet for another ½ hour.  We kept one ahead, dripping wet, in a chest full of ice water.  Quite a rush when first donned, but then very refreshing!

The cool head

As usual, the first 100-150 miles went quite well, then the afternoon doldrums.  At the ½ point in the 4^th loop, I had run out of gas again.  I called it a day after 175 miles, absolutely exhausted.  After thinking about this now well-established pattern for some time, I came to the conclusion that the problem of running out of fuel may well be due to glucose intolerance, coupled with a decreasing ability to absorb nutrients from the gut. 

In the ensuing 2 weeks, I have sought some advice from the endurance biking community, and it is uniformly advised to pay more attention to diet between races, and begin eliminating refined sugars from my diet, both on and off the bike.  I’ve been trying a couple of different energy drinks which emphasize carbs in the starchy form rather than the sugar form.  I’ve been testing my blood sugar levels.  I have noticed right away that I feel better without the spikes of blood sugar from the Dairy Queens, chocolate bars, Gatorade, and the like.  It is a bit harder on a hard training ride.  I really must have carbs, so am using more starchy sugars and less refined.  The blood sugars are all over the map right now, anywhere from the low 70’s to 180.  More to report later.

The Metamora corn maze ... a familiar sight all day long.

We had a great race, with renewed friendships, and a firm determination to try to solve this fueling problem.  I plan one very long training ride next week with hourly blood sugars on my new fueling regimen, with some “mid-stream adjustments.”  Until then, thanks again for your support and prayers.  And thanks, Babes, for not only tolerating, but helping me with my nutty ideas and “inventions”.  I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it without you.  God continues to get the glory for my accomplishments.  (By the way, He gets the glory whether or not I acknowledge it!!)

The second race of my UMCA season is now history.  I had one goal, to redeem my DNF (did not finish) performance of 2009.  As you recall, a recent GI bug made my system unable to absorb fluids and calories in sufficient quantities to continue on.

High Hopes at the Start

In short, I made it this year!  It was one of the toughest races that I recall.  It is a tough course with over 10,000 of climbing.  This year the weather was a definite factor, with temperatures well into the 90’s for the afternoon.

It was my second race on the Cervello P2, and my 63 year old bones are still not quite accustomed to the tighter, stiffer geometry.  By the ¾ point in the race, there were enough aches and pains to convert over to the trusty Waterford, which feels like a lawn chair in comparison.  The Cervello is 4-5 pounds lighter, and stiffer, and I’m more aerodynamically positioned, so it’s definitely faster, but the kinder, gentler Waterford was just what I needed to finish.

The new, sleek, fast Cervello

The race started at 5:30 to a cloudless early-morning sky, and there was nary a cloud for the next 14 hours.  I decided to hang with the leaders for as long as I could, and was feeling quite good about it until after about 10 miles, I glanced down at my heart rate monitor, and it was over 160.  This was not a sustainable condition, so I had to drop back.  I found another rider, Steve Godfrey, and we hung together for the rest of the race. 

The race is an out and back course from DeWitt, Iowa to Balltown, Iowa, a lovely town on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.  After the 50 mile checkpoint, the route splits, with an easier route out to Balltown, and the part with the best climbing back.  Just before arriving, I caught up with Bill Kulwicki, a good friend, and he joined Steve and I for the remainder of the race.  After a brief (5 minutes) at Balltown, it was back on the bike for the return.  A fourth member of our little group also joined us on and off.  Larrry Ide, a UMCA champion from 2008 was not doing well for him, but it turns out he was cycling on one leg, having sustained a knee injury recently.  (It’s pretty sad when someone can still beat us regular guys with one leg!)

The very spot of last years GI rebellion

Not This Year!

After the turn around in Balltown was where the weather turned really hot, and for 25 miles, the climbing was the best.  As last year, I determined to ride up all the hills without walking (something I did not accomplish my first year, but did last year only to drop out)  The lighter, tighter Cervello, better health and training, and God-given strength enabled me to accomplish those goals.  Linda was now joined by Deb Kulwicki, and the two of them sagged for the remaining of the race.  The item in highest demand, as you might expect, was ice.  Ice for the camel back, ice for the drink bottles, ice to just chew on or drink in a glass of ice water, and ice to pour over your head.  I especially enjoy the “ice towel”, a towel soaked in ice water, and dripping wet, draped over your head.  Truly the pause that refreshes.

At the 150 mile check point, it was decision time.  The main opponent was now the heat and dehydration.  It is next to impossible to force your GI tract to maintain hydration while biking in heat.  I decided to try what several other endurance bikers use … Coca Cola.  It works!  Calories, fluid, and caffeine serve to give a real boost.  Linda, Deb and us four decided on 12 mile sag stops from then on.  I was rejuvenated by the ice towel, and climbed onto the more comfortable Waterford, and headed for the finish.  Needless to say, the most important commodity for the rest of the stops was ice. 

Finish on the More Comfortable Waterford

Steve Bill Wendell

After the final rest, it was an easy ride back into DeWitt on a glass-smooth asphalt toad, and I finished in 14 hours, 10 minutes.  I’ve spent the next day trying to re-hydrate with over a gallon of my favorite recovery drink, lemonade.  Thanks to the LORD for once again a safe race, and heart-felt gratitude to Linda for once again providing the support of which only she is capable.

The final donations are in!  Over $5,750 was raised for the new hospital in Bangladesh.  This was truly amazing, as I had achieved less overall points than anticipated.  At last report, almost the entire $2,700,000 has been raised or pledged for the new hospital.

Much work needs to be done.  Something we take for granted at home, and an absolute essential to our technologically advanced society is reliable electricity.  Think about it for a minute, how much of what we do at home, at work, at church, or at play or getting between these activities either directly or indirectly depends upon this commodity.  At the Memorial Christian Hospital, the electricity from the utility has widely variable voltages and is off completely for varying periods of time.  Something as essential as proper grounding is difficult to obtain.  This situation has far-reaching effects as the staff struggles to maintain modern hospital services, when even basic telephone communication, let alone sensitive surgical and labratory instruments are ravaged by voltage spikes and outages.  This situation even affects the backup generators, necessitating manual switching over to this expensive alternative during outages.

I have decided to dedicate the 2010 racing season to an upgrade of the electrical grid at the Memorial Christian Hospital.  You will notice that the bar graph is set to zero once again, and now that you know about how many points I can achieve, please make a generous pledge for 2010.  I hesitate to presume upon your sensitivity for this worthy ministry, but most folks would at least like to be given the opportunity to give again.

For you that are interested in the biking news, I have ordered a new, 2010 Cervello P2 Time Trial Bicycle.  It is a carbon fiber bike, weighing about 4-5 pounds less than my trusty Waterford.  I haven’t abandoned Old Faithful.  After all, it has likely carried me over 25,000 miles since I started in 2006.  It is currently in Waterford, WI, for a checkup, re-alignment, and brand new paint job.  It will serve as backup bike next year.

With some gentle help from Linda, I have reached a decision about racing next year.  The limit will be 200 miles, or thereabouts, so I’ll be doing 12 hour or 200 mile races, but nothing longer.  I hope to have a schedule up soon with point goals, but anticipate the core races of Sebring, Calvin’s Challenge, Balltown, a state crossing record or two, Ultra Midwest, and the Texas Time Trials.  I’m also considering the Heart of the South, the Saratoga 12hr, Fireweed 200 (Alaska), Metamora 4×50 (Iowa), Nightmare 200 (Pennsylvania), and the Adirondack 270.  A special treat this year may be the Lewis and Clark 200 in late May.  It is held along the Columbia River in Washington.  Who know just how many Hyinks will show up?  (Joe is in Kirkland, Steve is in Lacey)  Just dreaming for now!

Well, once again, thanks to each one of you who supported MCH in Bangladesh in 2009.  Here’s for Racing for Bangladesh,

Wendell

A Definite High Point from 2009

On August 15, I established a bicycling record, riding from the Maryland/Pennsylvania to the New York/Pennsylvania state line in 13 hours, 49 minutes.  I knew many were praying for me, for it was only the LORD Who gave me strength to get up and keep going in the middle of a hot, humid, and hilly ride.  What follows is the report I filed with the UMCA. 

UMCA Rider’s Narrative Summary of South to North Pennsylvania State Crossing

Start date: August 15, 2009 at 0530

End date: August 15, 2009 at 1919

Elapsed time: 13 hours, 49 minutes

Mileage: 190

Start location: Pennsylvania Maryland state line on MD rt 546/Greenville Rd in PA near                         Cumberland MD

End location: Pennsylvania New York state line on US 62 north of Warren PA

Rider: Wendell J Hyink, UMCA member #4300

Official: Joy Bryson

Crew Chief: Linda Hyink

This record attempt was contemplated during the winter months with dreams of an age-category UMCA Ultra Cup championship still dancing in my head.  I have always considered the Pennsylvania hills and river valleys some of the most beautiful, but to the biker, most challenging one could ask for.  I carefully plotted out the course using the DeLorme mapping software.  I explored the profiles and distances of various routes, and because this was an initial record attempt, took my time finding the shortest route.  After much trial and error, a route was found which mapped “only” 16,000 ft of climbing over 190 miles. [note:  as is usually the case, DeLorme greatly overestimates ascent feet.  The number from my Polar bicycle computer was 11,138 ft.]   It is located a bit east of Pittsburg, going through the hometown of the famous ground hog who looks for his shadow in Punxsutawney, PA. 

The start in the dark to the sound of barking dogs!

We drove to a nearby motel the night before the attempt, and set the alarm for 4:20am.  After fueling the follow vehicle and the rider, we drove to the Maryland/Pennsylvania state line, and after completing vehicle prep, took the obligatory pictures.  The record attempt started at 5:30am, just as the eastern sky was beginning hint that sunrise was on the way.

It doesn't get better than this

The first 15 miles or so involved getting the legs moving and warming up, but the weather was clear and promising, with several patches of morning fog to deal with, some quite dense.  By the time I reached Berlin, PA, the sun had fully risen, and the chill was beginning to leave the air.  The weather report was for hot and humid conditions, so I enjoyed the cool morning air while I could.  This stretch gave me an up close and personal look of one of the energy sources of the future, as numerous giant wind generators in various stages of construction and operation dotted the route.  Even in the slightest breeze, the rotors of some were turning lazily.

The next stretch was quite hilly, but manageable.  The legs were still fresh, and I maintained a good average throughout the morning.  The first 80 miles were handled with only one stop, but ended abruptly after a steep descent into the town of Clymer, where the familiar loud report of a tube bursting under 120psi received our immediate attention.  After racing for almost 2 years now, I have always brought a spare set of wheels along, and had as yet to use them.  Now was the time!  The road to Punxsutawney was smooth, but increasingly hilly: the pattern of grinding ascent followed by exhilarating descent was repeated several times.  The noonday sun was bringing on the predicted heat, and the next stop was at my favorite fueling establishment, Dairy Queen.  After refueling, and cooling down with some iced towels, I was off again.

The Ice Towel ... Nothing like it.

The next 40 miles were the most difficult of the attempt.  It was hot and humid, and the hills grew steeper and seemingly more frequent.  In Brookdale, after yet another incline into town, I collapsed at a storefront and was iced down once again, with nutrition turning from Hammer Perpetuum with electrolytes added to ice cold Power Ade with granola bars.  I stared at a hill going through town which seemed to go straight up, and decided to prolong the rest a bit by walking the bike up the incline.  It was a good decision, and I left town once again refreshed.  The next stop was at the point in efforts like this where, for me, anyway, the battle is as much mental as physical.  Sprawled supine on the ground, receiving the iced towel treatment, 11 hours into the race, and not wanting to get back on the bike, I just got back on the bike and began pedaling.  The legs took over, and the rest was the easiest and best part of the effort.

The terrain gradually changed as the route coursed through the Allegheny National Forest, and the road began to follow rivers.  I glanced over repeatedly to bask in the fact that the river was going the same direction that I was!  O glory.  Even after a small hill into another river valley, with the river moving against me, I felt strong and invigorated riding only a slight uphill grade.  As I approached US 6 into Warren, a nasty stretch of road resulted in a pinch flat, and I was once again grateful for my backup wheel!

Yes, they passed me .... easily

With the crew shouting encouragement in the city of Warren, while stopped at a light, a  bee decided to vent his anger on the corner of my lip.  The crew was somewhat confused at the hand signals they received, but no real harm was done, just a temporary fat lip!  Turning north on smooth, wide-shouldered US 62 out of Warren, and the NY border 10 miles away, I put the hammer down, and pedaled hard up the two remaining hills of the record, and lifted my bike over my head in thankfulness once again to the LORD for a safe and successful ride.

A Strong Finish, for a change.

Last Saturday was the Michigan National 24 hour Challenge in Middleville.  I decided to wait a bit longer before writing this update in order to objectively reflect on things.  I made some hasty decisions afterwards, upon which I’ve had ample time to reflect, and modify.

Glad We Weren't in Tent City!

After some intense thunderstorms Friday night causing a bit of anxiety in the RV bringing back memories of Birmingham and the Heart of the South, we finally drifted off to sleep, and awoke to a beautiful clear sunrise on Saturday (June 20). 

At the Start

Makes for an Exciting Sendoff

After a mass (well over 300 participants!) start to a bagpipe sendoff, I managed to stick with a fairly fast group, taking advantage of the drafting it afforded and doing my shares of the pulls.  At the first checkpoint at 37 miles, I had averaged over 21 mph, and felt great.  I knew this couldn’t last, so I settled into a more relaxed pace the rest of the morning, finding other riders with whom to ride on and off.

After the morning loop of 122 miles was over, I took a brief rest and headed out on the afternoon loop of 25 miles.  After the first loop, however, it became (very!) apparent that the same old GI problem had resurfaced, and I contented myself with the 147 miles I had accumulated.  This resulted in another 10.62 points for the LORD’s work in Bangladesh.  S.D.G.

The next race is the Fireweed 200 in Alaska on July 11.  I scaled back from the 400 mile race I had originally entered, and hope to ride a nice easy pace, and simply enjoy the scenery, keep safe, and however many miles I’m able to complete, I will be happy that the LORD has enabled me to accomplish them.  When we return, I will be attempting to establish a record for crossing Pennsylvania from south to north, on August 15.