Yankee Springs Time Trial PREVIEW

 

Next up:

Yankee Springs Time Trial

Fort Custer Stampede (XC)

Island Lake Challenge (XC)

Luton Park Time Trail

Addison Oaks Summer Classic (XC)

Fast Fitty (Gravel)

Traverse City Trails Festival (XC)

Custer's Last Stand (TT)

In my head, I know what I need to do. I did have to change my goals a bit because of my recent setback, but I am still going to try my damndest to hit my original goal. I want to be sub 1 hour. I was at 1:05 on a training ride a while ago, so its not a major stretch. It will just take me being focused and pushing for the entire time. In a race, that should be easy to do.....if my fitness holds out. It is a concern, but all I can do is try and see what happens. 

As of this post there are 25 clydes signed up. That is a lot. "Big Group" isn't a nice way to describe a clydesdale class. lol. Just a lot of riders in my category. With my original time goal, I was shooting for a top 10 finish. I would love to finish in the top 10, but I will literally take any finish. Goal, top 15. Stretch goal is still top 10. 

So how do I get there? Nutrition and fueling will be important. Mindset will be right were it needs to be. I have a plan of attack as well. Out of the gate I plan to start hard. I will need to push these first few miles to achieve my goals. I know the trail is fairly flat here, and I know I need to be fast. The climbing starts around mile 3. I need to survive this first challenge up the ditch climb. But when I crest the lip, I have to put power down and press forward. I can't recover until the very top where I can take a short breather on the short descent. Then its power again until a few more climbs. I can tell you that I am handling these hills better now that I am lighter. This is good, and while I need to be pushing the pace...I also need to be aware of blowing up. 

I don't want to ride the first 4 miles hard and then suffer for the next 7. So its a balance of pushing the pace, making sure I am breathing, and keeping my fuel up. I will have my camelback because I want to be able to drink anytime and not have to worry about bottles. I will have gel too, but my main calories will be in my bottles. 

I know where I can push harder and where I need a bit of recovery. But if I can recover after the harder efforts and still hold speed, that will be great. I will puh my heart rate up, and just hold it there as long as I can without backing off. Temps will be in the 60's, so no worry about flaming out in the heat. 

I feel like I am bouncing around a lot with my thoughts. I am excited to get the MTB season started. I am doing the championship point series, so I need a good start to my season! I know I will see some friends and have some good conversations too. 

I just want to get out there and race bikes again!!!!