Today is the day I have been training for. Mt. Figueroa is a legendary California climb. Several pro teams train here and everyone had to do it. The climb is about 9.6 miles up. The first 5 miles is very steep, about an 8% to 15% grade. The rest is about 7% with some ups and downs that allow you to catch your breath. The view on the way up is spectacular. You can see for miles.
Before I continue; the numbers for Mt. Fig. Total time 1:22, I think I beat my previous time by a lot. Ave speed a blinding 7mph. At the steepest points I was at 5 mph. Total 822kjs and my top speed on the decent 33.9mph. For the whole day I did 45.5miles and 1576kjs. This was a big day and a big ride. (I checked last years data and I did the opposite side of Mt. Fig at an average of 6.7mph. I am happy with the improvement.)
My biggest issue is mental toughness. Several times I became board and my mind began to wander. As my mind wandered I lost power because I lost concentration and lost my momentum. As I ascended there were riders at the side of the road with mechanicals and injuries. I began to wonder if that could be me. To refocus I used my mantra rotation/hydration. The mantra helped me regain my confidence and focus. Once my confidence was restored I never looked back.
My feed and hydration strategy was, I had 2 bottles of Gatorade and I had GU packets. I planned to do 1 packet every 30mn. I also ate a high carb breakfast. That seemed to help and I never really lost power or bonked; bottom line was that bonking was not going to happen because the ride was too short but this will have an impact on the rest of the camp.
Tonight at dinner I learned that I was the 3rd fastest 50+ camper up the mountain. I also impressed the coaches enough that I have been moved into the B ride group. This is a huge jump. Last year I was in the D group. This improvement has me worried but my coaches said I will do fine. My strategy will be to stay tucked in the group and work as little as possible. That is going to be a challenge.
Now back to the ride and my feelings. The ride was harder than last year but not as emotionally draining because I knew what to expect and I have another year of cycling under my belt. Tonight my legs are tired and my quads are sore but I feel really good and not as trashed as I thought. I think that tomorrows 4 canyons ride will go well.
After the ride we had a few minutes to water up eat and take a group picture: then the decent began. The way down is fast and a tad scary. Your hands are on the brakes full time. The only time I was not breaking was when I saw an up section and had to build speed to help the ascent. It is thrilling to speed down a mountain at 30mph. The ride back is mostly downhill. There was a cross wind and I was able to ride at 25mph with another rider David with no problem. Now it’s off to bed so I can rest for tomorrow’s effort. My goal is to stay with the group. Bike camp is great. I am having an awesome time.
