Last race planned for the season and with no doubts the hardest one. This was my second Downieville Classic, with a plan to beat last year not so glorious 3:40 time.
Had learned from last year mistakes and fearing again the cramps, so this year I planned more meticulously the nutrition details.
Camped at the Wild Plum with Mat and Mike, arrived on Friday afternoon around 5PM.
First the bike: I wanted to lighten up the Nomad from hers 36.5#, so 2 weeks prior to the race I went for a pre-ride with a Pike 454 up front. That move alone shaved more than 2 pounds of weight, reducing the travel to 140mm vs the Marzocchi 66. Eventually I decided that the 2 pounds were not going to make that big of a difference and rather keep the better handling and plushness of the 66.
Last year I had packed too much water and did not eat the right stuff. This year wasn’t as hot as last, but still ended up carrying too much water, which is a drag up the hill.
I warmed up on the main street and back and forward to the Wild Plum, for about 40min and then waited about 20min in line at the start. Got one endurolite and one hammer gel right before the start.
As race started I quickly got into my rhythm, focusing on keeping HR at LT threshold (Zone5.0). On this climb it is crucial to never stop, get into your pace and keep it: it is a long climb but is also pretty steady.
As we got to the steeper section there were several people walking, which forced me to do the same even if I didn’t want to. Less than 30yrds of walking though, and I jumped back up right away.
At that point I caught Mat, which gave me good motivation. He passed me back later in the climb, but I kept him in sight to the top. Differently from last year I made good use of the feed stations, grabbing a bottle of water, used for drinking and cooling down my head.
Got to the top in about 1:27, I think about 6mins faster than last year. Put down another couple endurolites and then proceeded down Sunrise. This part went smooth, didn’t find too much traffic and got out quickly. The long fireroad after sunrise is where last year I suffered the worst cramps. But this time I was feeling good. I hammered most of the road till the beginning of Pauli creek. I got there right before the closing of the second hour.
All downhill from here (mostly) but with no cramps to deal with this time. Baby heads went ok. Saw a big crash and unfortunately some blood (but rescue was on the spot) which made me hold back even more than usual. Kept feeling good, but I think 1st divide is where I slowed down the most. Got passed by few people hauling ass but for the most part there was no significant traffic.
Nothing to report other than a spill on 3rd divide on one of the rocky sections, were I bashed my shin real good. Sprinted for the finish line on the last half mile and was feeling really good at the finish line.
Finished with 3:26something, about 15min better than last year.
