UND-NDSU Hillsboro Bike Race/Ride

Quite the title, eh?

Sounds like a competition that's not quite sure what it is. Actually, it's a fundraiser that goes for a good cause. For me, it's a race, pure and simple. And it was my chance to test myself against my results 2 years ago, the last time I raced this race, and my only race to date.

Two years ago I did the 35/37-ish mile race in just over 2 hours, averaged around 18 mph, and finished in 34th place among the UND racers. I reached 2 of my 3 race goals: (1) finish, (2) average 20 mph, and (3) finish top-50. So for a first race, I was pretty happy. Now looking back, I realize there were plenty of places I could have improved. So 2009 was my chance to see if I could improve.

My goal for 2009? Finish Top-10.

Did I do it...no. I finished 18th. But I raced much better. I started at the front, so I didn't have to fight through a gaggle of non-racers before being able to race. That happened to me in 2007, and it took a couple of miles of dodging and weaving to clear the main pack. By the time I'd done that, I couldn't even see the leaders, who were gone down the road.

In 2009, I started at the front and found myself being passed again and again. So it was a different feeling, less positive. In 2007, I started at the back and worked my way forward. In 2009, I started at the front and drifted back. Every time someone passed me, I made a mental tally and once I got down to 15 or so people having passed me, I realized my top-10 finish was unlikely.

After about 15-20 miles of racing, I hooked up with a group of guys I could hang with. We stayed together until about the last 4-5 miles, when I couldn't keep up. Of my group of 7, I finished 5th. Why was I so lame? My saddle!! I'd had my bike into the shop for a tuneup just prior to the race, and when I got it back, the saddle had been tipped nose-up and had been slid back on the rails about 1-1.5 inches. So at about the 30 mile mark, the incorrect saddle position had really dug into my backside and the soreness was making it hard to pedal. So I couldn't keep up.

Lesson learned. Be like Lance (Mr. Millimeter, one of his nicknames). Double check EVERYTHING before a big competition. Make sure it dialed in just right for your ride.

All in all, the race was great and I felt really good. And you say "But Mike, you didn't reach your goal!" True, but the positives are:

• I moved up 16 places in finishing order.
• I finished in 1:27:## hrs:min:sec.
• I averaged 38 km/hr, which is around 23 m/hr.
• I kept my blood glucose levels in a good range, so my diabetes didn't interfere with my desire to race!

Here's a couple of photos the family took. The one on the road was taken during my sore backside phase near the end of the race.

Cheers all,
Mike



The tools of my trade.


Cockpit of my ride; note the BG meter.


Me pre-race. Cool temps require warm clothes.


My fan club on the side of the road.


Suffering near the end.


Unable to step off the bike with extreme tush pain. Lifting my leg over the top tube felt like I was getting hit with a knife!


Enjoying being done with the race, not enjoying the pain in my tush.


Hugs from my 3 littlest fan club members and bike racers in their own rights: Connor, Emma, and Grace.