2011 Leadville 100 Race Report: Part 2
A Note from Fatty: This is Part 2 of my 2011 Leadville 100 Race Report. You can read Part 1 here.
Last year, my best section of the race was, without question, the Columbine Climb; I did this section in 1:31. This year, I held back a little, resolved not to worry about being as fast to the top. Instead, I’d hold something in reserve so that I wouldn’t implode for the second half of the race.
But my climbing technique doesn’t really work that way. I’ve been climbing with a singlespeed long enough that I can’t help but get into a standing position for hard, sustained climbs. So I passed people.
And kept passing them.
The difference was, this year I had gears. And, I’ve got to say, some beautifully-shifting gears. Huge kudos needs to be given out, again and again, to Shimano for their incredible XTR drivetrain. It worked flawlessly, under any effort, the entire ride.
I tell you, Shimano is the Acura of cycling components. And that’s coming from a guy who loves Acura.
Anyway, I rode at a pace I thought would leave something in the tank. More importantly, I did something that was, quite possibly, the smartest thing I’ve ever done during all my years of racing:
I ate.
I didn’t want to eat. On this section, I never want to eat. Food sounds awful.
But I ate. Every half hour, a gel. It was the best I could do, and it was enough. Instead of feeling empty as I neared the turnaround, I reached it feeling strong and ready to keep going.
photo courtesy of Zazoosh
I hit the Columbine Mine turnaround at 4:12. While I was trying to hold back a little during the climb, I had just done it a minute faster than last year.
By my rule of thumb math — that my finish time is always close to exactly double my turnaround time — I was headed for an 8:24 finish.
If I didn’t crash. If I could avoid bonking. If I didn’t have a mechanical.
I asked for cantaloupe. They had none. My head spun around a couple of times, and then said a couple of orange wedges would have to do.
And they did just fine.
My favorite part of the Columbine Mine section of the ride — both the way up and the way down — is that I can look for friends (and family!).
Just a few minutes into the descent, I saw Kenny. “Kenny!” I yelled, which is about as smart as I get when I’m at that altitude.
“Tell Heather my bike’s busted and I need my tools!” Kenny yelled back, which wasn’t as friendly a greeting as I had hoped for. But what it lacked in encouragement, it more than made up for in information density.
It also posed a little bit of a problem.
See, we had agreed before the race that in the unlikely event that I was faster than Kenny to the Twin Lakes Dam aid station on the way back down from Columbine, Heather would leave food behind for Kenny and would rush to the Pipeline aid station in order to help me.
Except now Kenny needed Heather to stay behind.
Brilliantly, on the way down, I conceived a new plan: I would ask my crew to give me a bunch of extra food to stuff into my jersey, and then they wouldn’t need to crew for me at the final aid station; I’d be all set.
It is awesome being so smart, I can assure you.
Getting to the Hard Part
On the descent down Columbine, I followed my “take it easy” rule, and as a result some guys who were slower than me on the climbs had to either bear with me on the descents or take their chances. By the time I hit the second half of the descent, everyone who wanted by, had gotten by.
I kept looking for The Hammer. I didn’t see her. Then, as I was watching a tricky line, I heard her call out my name. I yelled her name back.
Which would be the sole interaction we had for the entirety of the race. The Leadville 100 is no time for jibber-jabber.
I rolled into the Twin Lakes aid station for the second time.
photo courtesy of my sister Kellene
Now I was 4:50 into the race. I was beginning to believe it: as long as something didn’t go horribly, terribly wrong, I was going to finish the Leadville 100 in under nine hours.
I told Heather about Kenny’s quandary, and on the spot everyone made a new plan, which I did not pay any attention to, because I was way too busy drinking chicken and stars soup.
Seriously, if you’re ever in an endurance race, have some very salty soup during at a checkpoint. The salt — both the taste and the sodium — will taste like a little ladle-ful of heaven.
As I left, they let me know: someone would meet me at the Pipeline Aid station.
I took along plenty of food, just in case I got there before them (this happens to racers in the Leadville 100 very often), and then John — Jilene’s husband and crew — gave me a push.
Now that I think about it, though, “push” is an inadequate term for what John does. John accelerates you at whiplash-inducing speeds, creating a little sonic boom.
To tell the truth, after John’s push, I just coasted the remaining 40 miles of the race.
OK, where was I?
Oh yes, the fifteen miles (miles 60 – 75) from Twin Lakes to the Pipeline aid station.
I usually have a horrible time on this stretch. It’s where my reluctance to eat during the Columbine climb comes and bites me in the butt. This time, though, my self-disciplined approach to eating now paid dividends: I still had energy.
I tried, in fact, to form trains twice on this section. Both times I rode my passengers off my wheel.
So I kept eating. Every half hour, about 160 calories or so. And I never got sick; I never bonked. By never getting even a little bit behind on my eating, I never got to the point where it was difficult — or impossible — to catch up on my eating.
Imagine that: if you do what you’ve always known is the right thing to do, even when it doesn’t sound good, you don’t bonk. Or even fade. You can, essentially, have a perfect race day.
At least one time in your life, anyways.
Very Nearly at the Hard Part
I got to the Pipeline aid station. 5:50 had gone by. I took a moment (which makes it sound like I pulled over, sat down and put my chin in my hands and stared at the sky, but actually I just thought while I was pedaling) to think about the fact that I had always hoped to someday get to this final aid station six hours into the race. And here I was with ten minutes of cushion.
It was all coming together. Now I just needed to not crash during the next 78 miles or so. Or discombobulate. Or have a mechanical.
Nobody was at the aid station. No big deal, I had expected this. I just rolled on through.
At this point — the flat section between the Pipeline and the Powerline climb, a couple of guys caught my wheel. Amazingly, I have a picture of our little train.
photo courtesy of Ian Anderson
Pay special attention to the guy right behind me. He factors into the story in a minute.
I pulled them for a while, then the tall guy (in second place in the photo) took a turn, riding me off the back wheel.
That’s OK, I thought. We were pretty much to the Powerline. At which point pacelines become meaningless, as your world becomes a bottomless well of pain.
The Hard Part
Just before the big Powerline climb – the hardest 3.3 miles I know of, the crux of the whole race – my niece Lyndsey and Heather met me at the side of the trail. We swapped bottles and I took off, no longer having to worry about running out of water for the rest of the race.
Spectators, realizing this is the hardest part of the race — the part of the race the rest of the race softens you up for — had situated themselves along the climb to cheer riders on, and, in a couple places, do a little bit more.
For example, during the nasty hike-a-bike section that starts this climb, people alongside the trail offered cups of Coke and water. I was so grateful — the day had become hot — that I got a little choked up thanking them.
I drank some Coke and asked them to pour the water over my head.
A mile later, a man had rigged a contraption onto his back that allowed him to run alongside racers and spray us with a fine mist of water.
Heaven. Pure heaven.
Then I caught up with the guy who had pulled so strongly I snapped off the end of the train. He asked when the race would turn downhill permanently.
“Never,” I replied, truthfully, between ragged breaths. “We climb for another two-ish miles, descend, then climb on pavement for three miles, then descend, then finish the race with a two-mile climb.”
“You have just broken my heart and crushed my spirit,” the guy said.
Those were his exact words.
I decided that anyone who could yank a one-liner like that out of his butt while doing a climb like this was someone I wanted to ride with.
We rode together, him behind me, and he explained he had joined the race specifically to help former Leadville Trail 100 champ Bryson Perry, who had hopes for a high-placing finish. But the effort of hanging with the fast guys for the first part of the race had been too much, and he had just had a bad day.
Something nagged at me as he talked. I recognized his voice, but I couldn’t place it.
“Your bad day is my best day ever,” I said. “I’ve never been this fast before.”
“Bryson’s a great guy, though,” I said. “Really likeable.”
“I’m really likeable too,” the guy said.
“Yes, you are. I like you, for example,” I affirmed.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“A lot of people call me Fatty.”
“I’m Tyson.”
“Good to meet you, Tyson,” I said.
We got to the top of Powerline, and Tyson rode on, much faster than I was on the downhill.
Only then did I realize why I recognized his voice. I had just hauled Tyson Apostol of Survivor fame up the Powerline. Just imagine how excited he’ll be when he discovers that he rode with a beloved, award-winning internet cycling celebrity!
I hope he doesn’t bother me too often with autograph requests.
I dropped down Sugarloaf, then started the St. Kevins road climb. At the bottom of this climb, my friend Bry’s wife and their kids were running alongside racers, pouring water onto our backs.
So wonderful.
I knew that when I got to the top of this climb, I’d have about one hour left ’til I reached the finish line.
I got there at 7:30.
Was it really possible? Was I about to do this race not only in under nine hours, but half an hour faster than nine hours?
“You’re not there yet,” I reminded myself, speaking aloud.
Just to make sure I listened.
[Click here to continue to Part 3 of the 2011 Leadville Race Report]
Comment by Mary | 08.16.2011 | 9:11 am
Seriously, you had to make this into 3 parts!!! It reminds me of waiting for the Harry Potter books, or Twilight–yes, I’m a dork and a sucker for things that come in multiple parts–LIKE THIS POST….OK, I’m calm now and very much looking forward to the exciting conclusion.
Comment by zeeeter | 08.16.2011 | 9:12 am
Ditto yesterday, can’t wait for part three Fatty! What’s it feel like having your own biking entourage? After that tow, Tyson now has to consider himself to be “your people”
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » 2011 Leadville 100 Race Report: Part 1 | 08.16.2011 | 9:28 am
[...] The Hammer Finishes in 9:39 2011 Leadville 100 Race Report: Part 2 [...]
Comment by Jenn | 08.16.2011 | 9:28 am
Are you hinting for a free Acura now, my friend? If so, your subtlety skills need some work. ;o)
Yeah, I think that would be overreaching. though i will confess i was working at one point to see if i could give a car away in one of my contests (didn’t happen). – FC
Comment by MellowJonny | 08.16.2011 | 9:29 am
Can’t wait for part 3
Comment by Jim Tolar | 08.16.2011 | 9:33 am
dude. Seriously? Three parts?!?! You are killing me!
jt
p.s. great write-ups so far.
I meant to do this in 2 parts, but my list of things to write about kept getting longer. The part about my race finishing tomorrow is brief and fairly anticlimactic, but I have a bunch of epilogue stuff i want to talk about. and also, i’m going to ask everyone to chime in and demand that The Hammer write her story, too. because I’d like to read it myself. – FC
Comment by JodieA | 08.16.2011 | 9:43 am
Great write up so far. Wish I could have been there to cheer you on. And like everyone else–you’re killing me dragging it on. For 3 days!
Comment by D Leroy | 08.16.2011 | 9:55 am
I’m protesting Part 3 tomorrow. I’ll wait for Part 4 and read both on Thursday…
Comment by BG | 08.16.2011 | 9:58 am
This story is thrilling! The writing is so compelling. I’m on the edge of my seat, even though I know how the story ends. And what a great picture of Fatty and Tyson (funny, I would have thought Tyson would be taller).
I’m a very tall 5′7″. Like, practically 5′8″. – FC
Comment by bikemike | 08.16.2011 | 9:58 am
i never listen to myself when i speak to myself, out loud or otherwise.
Comment by Brandy | 08.16.2011 | 10:05 am
I can not wait for part three as well.
Any sightings of that guy who knocked you off your bike at the start that one year ?
Great job Fatty. Inspiring I might add, -Brandy
I’m afraid the guy who knocked me over never came back. I still feel bad about that. I go back to that post from time to time to remind me that I have to avoid flying off the handle. – FC
Comment by Liz | 08.16.2011 | 10:11 am
Look at you, out in front of all those bronze plate guys!
Please, Hammer, pretty please, write a race summary.
Comment by Marshall Miller | 08.16.2011 | 10:22 am
Loving the race reports, Fatty. I never realized, however, what a cruel, cruel man you are. You must have been taking lessons from Levi Leipheimer.
At least I never punch people in the throat. – FC
Comment by muskyhunter | 08.16.2011 | 10:33 am
This is starting to drag on like a 100 mile mtn bike race…
Seriously loving the write up and waiting ever so patiently for “the Hammer’s” write up!
Comment by thejerry | 08.16.2011 | 10:38 am
I’m sure I’m not the only one finding it funny that you have just discovered that to race faster you must eat more. What a great Fatty epiphany.
Sounds like you need more Tour de Donut training for next year’s race.
Comment by Mike@Squirrelhead | 08.16.2011 | 10:40 am
You keep ramping up the story and leaving us there all alone to wait another day. You are an evil genius! I can’t wait for part 3.
Comment by Kreg conner | 08.16.2011 | 10:52 am
Riding home to Texas from Leadville reading the story to my wife and crew in the car. Can’t wait till tomorrow. Got pulled at Pipeline, cried, don’t mind admitting it.
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 08.16.2011 | 10:53 am
“I did something that was, quite possibly, the smartest thing I’ve ever done during all my years of racing:
I ate.”
What happened to the promise to be more self deprecating?
I too want to hear The Hammer’s story!!! I would also like to hear her tell what it was like to be with you after the ride, and the drive back….or did she have to drive solo since you obviously had a car service drive you back.
Waiting for tommorrow.
Comment by Erik | 08.16.2011 | 11:09 am
You talk alot about eating every half hour, I’ve heard that before and agree it does work when you do it.
I’m curious about your water management. You didn’t use a Camelbak, how did you ration your water without an aid station every 10 miles or so?
Comment by Christina | 08.16.2011 | 11:32 am
Hey, why didn’t you use Half-Evil for the whole race? What’s all this eating business?
I’m loving the write-up! Part three better be the end :)
And count me in with wanting to hear The Hammer’s story too.
Comment by Milene | 08.16.2011 | 11:41 am
Great story, I have goosebumps even though I already know the ending.
I’m so proud of you that you made your goal and anxiously await part 3.
Comment by MattC | 08.16.2011 | 12:04 pm
You’d think a guy who calles himself “Fatty” would never have any problem remembering to eat. Though I’m with you…I have a very hard time eating when riding…the harder the ride the more likely I’ll bonk (or near-bonk). I have recently started using the CR 333 Half-Evil…good stuff! I found if I mix it half-strength AND put in a scoop of cytomax, AND bring my normal food that I DON’T eat enough of(bananas and such), that I don’t bonk anymore! (note: I only use half-strength cuz I can’t afford to use it full strength on every ride, otherwise I’d GLADLY use it as directed!)
Add me to the list of those wanting to hear the Hammers story! (and Rocky’s too if he’s willing). Love your ‘telling’…you have me on the edge of my keyboard for ANOTHER day!
Comment by Bryan (not that one) | 08.16.2011 | 12:19 pm
Loving this race report, Fatty.
I’m gonna make my Dad read it to help drive home the importance of proper fueling during a long ride. :-)
Comment by Kevin M | 08.16.2011 | 12:38 pm
Hammer we need your write up on the race also. Fatty great job and congratulations on your race.
Comment by Lynda | 08.16.2011 | 1:07 pm
Kellene really got some nice shots of the race; she must have been really scrambling too.
Comment by roan | 08.16.2011 | 1:47 pm
Reading yesterday & today’s postings really brings out the factors that I’ve overlooked for myself.
Forced eating every 1/2 hr, plenty of water, but I rarely drank enough of it.
AND the importance of a personal crew, that one item alone is awesome.
Ahem…to The Hammer…we are missing 1/2 this story and 95% of your epic & updates on the IT Guy. So when time allows PLEASE NAIL DOWN your version.
Comment by Bee T | 08.16.2011 | 2:17 pm
Dear Hammer,
I’m a girl and I would LOVE TO READ YOUR STORY! Write for the girls! Girls need race reports from other girls! Go, Hammer!
(how was that?)
Seriously, thanks for all the input on eating. It’s my hardest thing too, since I get going and don’t feel like eating. My tri club introduced me to Honey Stinger Waffles on a run two weeks ago (and I immediately died of happiness), but I have bonked out heavy on a ride before. I thought I was eating enough, but I think I’m realizing that I’m not. I’m going to try your method on my next century, if only I can figure out how to set my watch alarm!
Comment by Patrick #4091 | 08.16.2011 | 2:24 pm
Stop teasing us you brilliant bastard!
Comment by Paul Guyot | 08.16.2011 | 2:43 pm
Here’s how I know you are a great writer – because reading these reports makes ME want to do Leadville – which is absolutely insane and incredibly stupid.
I takes me about half a day after reading your reports to come back to reality and remember, “You are a big, slow, soft, donut-eating slug. Leadville will kill you.”
Then I’m fine again.
I don’t want to read Part III.
Comment by RodNeeds2Ride | 08.16.2011 | 2:49 pm
You are my inspiration Fatty. I just plunked down the cash on a carbon road bike, with lots more cash to be plunked down in the near future for gizmos and other must-haves as I begin my cycling life. My wife thanks you most wholeheartedly(something like that, maybe it was she wanted to rip your heart out?).
Oh, and Madam The Hammer, would you please grace us with your wonderful-yet-unembellished account of the events of this past Saturday? We, the reading public anticipate it to contain many pithy insights and memorable quotes worthy of framing. No pressure though!
Comment by AKChick | 08.16.2011 | 2:54 pm
Awesome!! Love these reports and it’s so nice to see that both of you did so well! I don’t have trouble eating enough during, it’s afterward that I have to be careful! After a 100 mile ride last year (headwinds out and back) I consumed three pieces of cheese pizza and 3 large chocolate chip cookies. I paid for it with intestinal misery on the 2 hour ride back home!
I am going to experiment with not eating since I have a delicate digestive system and going with a strictly liquid approach as this worked great on a very hot (for me) 50 mile training ride in nearly 81 deg heat (the sun in Alaska FEELS hotter)thanks to Hammer’s Perpetueum. That is amazing stuff. I thought I might not like the orange-vanilla, but it’s not super sweet – bonus. I had no issues and was energized the entire ride. Of course, I started an hour before the ride with RFS and some Sportlegs. I’m shooting for the 90 miler at the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin (just booked a WSD Trek Madone! Yes, it’s prob crazy to rent a bike to ride, but bringing my bike from Alaska and having to assemble it, um no). I digress.
Please add my plea to others for The Hammer/Runner to please, please, please write a race report!! We ladies like to get a female perspective on events. PLEASE! I will buy you a beverage of your choice in Austin or a slice of pie! :)
Comment by Susie H | 08.16.2011 | 3:19 pm
aaaaaaaaahhhh! on the edge of my seat! :)
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 08.16.2011 | 3:24 pm
@PaulGuyot
from one donut eating slug to another…want to try Leadville next year?
I have the same thought as you, it would probably kill us. The up side? We’d have our obits written by an Award Winning World Famous Bike Blogger. How cool would that be?
Oh, Hammer? WifeNo1, and my 10 year old daughter want to hear your story as well. We(meaning you) may have to start your own blog for the female fans(Fatty needs someone to keep him grounded now he’s achieved such awesomeness)
Comment by Question | 08.16.2011 | 3:36 pm
Um, not to be inflamatory here, but isn’t it, well-how-to-say, not allowed to be supported outside the designated crewing areas? Meaning the neice and her friend before powerline? Again just asking for clarification, not tattle telling.
Comment by Janet B | 08.16.2011 | 5:02 pm
Always enjoy your story telling.
Comment by Christa | 08.16.2011 | 5:03 pm
ARGH! I came to the last sentence of part 2, thinking that there were only 2 parts, at which point it says I have to wait another day to read the ending. You are KILLING me!
So proud of you and the Hammer!
Comment by Sara | 08.16.2011 | 5:17 pm
I am so proud of my favorite Fatty Couple!!!! Love the writes up! Even though the suspense causes me great stress, your write ups are my fave-so I guess I can’t complain that it will be in three parts. Also-as an avid reader, I demand that The Hammer supply her awesome write up as well! Can’t wait to hear how her 9:39 came to be! :)
Comment by Ian | 08.16.2011 | 5:23 pm
This is just like watching Apollo 13. You know the end, but want to savour every moment..
Comment by Dan | 08.16.2011 | 5:38 pm
I have to concur – Fatty you are killing me with the anticipation and Hammer, we need your perspective -Please, Please, Please, please, Please, Pretty please!!!!
Comment by Anonymous | 08.16.2011 | 5:52 pm
“Seriously, if you’re ever in an endurance race, have some very salty soup during at a checkpoint. The salt — both the taste and the sodium — will taste like a little ladle-ful of heaven.”‘
Cold Campbell’s Double Noodle Chicken Noodle Soup, straight out of the can is an old runner’s trick. It’s wet, extremely salty, and the noodles slide right down your throat. Best part – 350 quick, easy calories and if you’re good enough, you catch the little bits of fat between your teeth and get to enjoy them for the next 10 miles.
Comment by Marshall Miller | 08.16.2011 | 6:03 pm
Well, I’m sure Tyson was happy to escape with his esophagus intact, but if he’d known what a maniacal, cliffhanger-writing blogger you were, he probably wouldn’t have been so nice. As I recall from Survivor, he had some cut-throat instincts of his own to go along with that rapier wit.
Comment by Carl | 08.16.2011 | 7:22 pm
The race reports have been great. Can’t wait for part 3 and would love to read Hammer’s report as well. I know you guys can’t be everywhere, but we’ll miss you in P(h)illy.
Comment by Corrine | 08.16.2011 | 7:54 pm
Love the report. I so want to do this race next year. I hope I make it through the lottery! And YES!!! WE WANT TO HEAR THE HAMMER’S STORY, TOO!!!
Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 08.16.2011 | 8:34 pm
So much fun! I’m in agonizing suspense at the end of each post. Exciting!
Comment by Tiffany | 08.16.2011 | 8:59 pm
I would also love to read a report from The Hammer! And don’t you usually take a jumping photo with your sister Kellene? Would love to see that too!
Aggh! We forgot the jumping photo! – FC
Comment by Paul Guyot | 08.16.2011 | 9:04 pm
I forgot to add – it is so good you’ve learned to eat.
Being a newbie Clydesdale I was always shocked when I would drop obviously better, more fit riders on my club rides.
I finally realized it was because, though they might have been faster and 30lbs lighter, I never saw them eat, and more so – they often mocked me for downing gels every 30-40 minutes like clock work. But then I would be waiting for them at the regroup area.
My brother the CTS coach gave me the best piece of advice ever before my first metric century:
“Always remember, it’s not a bike race, it’s an eating contest.”
Comment by Clydesteve | 08.16.2011 | 9:48 pm
Fatty – I did not read Part I until Part II was available. And THEN you make a Part III. Turkey.
C’mon, Lisa…
Comment by Justin L | 08.16.2011 | 9:57 pm
Fatty,
Nice awesome play by play. I want to go mountain bike riding right now!!! Come on Hammer, we need your story of the epic 2011 leadville. Congrats on the sub 9 and the new bike that’s all yours!!
Comment by Jesse | 08.16.2011 | 10:43 pm
Yes, we want the Hammer’s story!!
I love how every photo shows you in front of guys with the bronze plates. Way to go!
Comment by bob | 08.16.2011 | 11:42 pm
Wow you actually watch Survivor??
Yes, and I’ll tell you a secret: last year I sent in a tape trying to get on the show. Obviously, I didn’t. – FC
Comment by Rumpled | 08.17.2011 | 1:41 am
I, Too want to see the Runner’s report – but I also want to hear the tale of the IT guys weekend.
(I don’t ever remember my eyelids being taped shut in any of my 5 surgeries)
Comment by bob | 08.17.2011 | 3:16 am
@Rumpled
Hopefully you don’t remember the endotracheal tube either…
Comment by The Bike Nazi | 08.17.2011 | 7:47 am
Fatty, I love the way you write! I love that you rode with Tyson from Survivor. I have every season of Survivor recorded! I love that show! I can’t wait to read the rest of your Leadville report. Luckily for me, it’s already posted!
Angie
Comment by datcherson | 08.18.2011 | 12:53 pm
Great write up and congrats on crushing the 9 hour mark! I missed 9 hours by 18 min…I’ll be be back. All the spectators were great but my favorite were the kids at the bottom of St. Kevins with the ice cold river water. You’re right “so wonderful”. Since you know them, thank them again for me!
Comment by Will Lewis | 10.1.2011 | 11:23 am
Nice work Fatty!
Thats a great shot of you slugging your way up Columbine, I’m the guy in the Cycles of Life kit #90 (jersey open) right behind you. Contrats on a wicked fast time up that hill!! See ya next year.