Tuesday, April 22, 2008

RAWROD Prediction '08

So it's about that time. It's time to get my brain wrapped around an entire day of suffering. Aaron once had a nice, tongue-in-cheek way of describing it: "We're going to get up really early and ride until dinner. No big deal, right?" Except for me, it kind of is. The first time I rode it, my fitness and weight were both sliding. Even then, I was only slighter heavier than my low point and reasonably fit. If I'd estimated my comfortable fitness capacity (CFC), I would have put it at about 6 hours. My CFC is how long I can go at a respectable cruising speed without having to dig into my mental reserves to overcome what my body doesn't want to do. I'd done a HIM a month earlier so was confident I had six hours. That's if everything had gone right. However, Mahana had decided to come along at the last minute. He didn't want to ride his mountain bike, so he took mine. Which left me on a cross bike. It was great for the first half, but the higher air pressure and not being able to brake from anywhere but the drops made for a long day. My back and butt were killing me. I swore I'd never do it again. The next year (last year) Aaron talked me into it. I was 10-15 lbs. heavier and my fitness had completely stagnated. In fact, my long ride was in the three hour range and that was on the road. I would have estimated my CFC to be in the four hour range. But this year, I brought my mountain bike. The first four hours went as planned - comfortable. The next four were rough. The last two were a nightmare. But it was better than the previous year and I was excited to go again. So, here we are. I'm about 5 pounds lighter than I was last year. I've got a new fork and my bike is running well. I've got some long, comfortable rides in with my nephew and I know what to expect. The direction we're riding also helps. I'm estimating my CFC at around five hours, which is actually pretty exciting. You'd think that one hour less of suffering wouldn't be that significant. For me, one hour is huge. I sure hope my estimate is close. Jonboy and Delena are joining Dan and I for the ride down. To tell you the truth, I'm more excited about hanging out with those guys both before and after the ride than I am the actual ride. Dan commented, most of it sure sounds like a good time, except for that part in the middle. As for food, I plan on Brad's All-Day (CarboRocket) for fluid and Spam Musubi for snacks. Lunch will include PB+J with milk as well as some chips and some chicken and stars. The last stop will include plenty of NSAIDs and some cupcakes to be shared with Dug.

9 comments:

Mr. Flynn said...

sounds like the sort of miserable fun that you like. Maybe someday I can join the cool crowd. Good luck dude--you are the Diesel.

Dan said...

AF canyon, huh? I'll have to get the tour sometime soon. All I know now is that I am pretty dang stoked for White Rim. Lookin forward to some quality Fish time.

Fish said...

Dan, Ridge Trail 157 and all the trails that connect to it are about 90% of the reason I live where I do and am still willing to do the commute. As soon as it's open, we'll begin a weekend ritual of big rides followed by big steaks. I love summer.

See you down there.

Aaron said...

I think I may need some SAIDS instead of NSAIDS for RAWROD (take the "non" out of "non-steroidal"). I'm glad you remember how easy this ride is going to be (just get up early, ride till dinner)

dug said...

cupcakes?! i am so excited i think i just pee'd a little.

dug

Fish said...

Dug - we've had cupcakes both the other times I've been at the last rest stop, so it's as much tradition for me as camping or brats.

Sabrosa Cycles said...

The hang out before and after are most certainly to be enjoyed, but you can't tell me that the center of a bismark doughnut doesn't do it for you. Just sayin'.

steely dan? Hey nineteen!

Rick Sunderlage said...

I'm packing meat filled M&M's. I'm a beta tester.

Looking forward to hanging out mixed with a long day of suffering.

Mr. Flynn said...

Chocolate covered italian dry salami. Yeah. Someone needs to come out with that.