Fat Tire 40

Well, since I haven't been able to get out much these days, I guess I'll keep talking about the past. Ugh, things have been so busy lately around home that there hasn't been really any time for my wife or I to get out and stretch our legs, so to speak. Yes, we did get to go to a wedding last weekend, and it was fun, free beer, dancing, etc. But thats not the same as what I'm thinking of.
What I am referring to, however, was this last summer's Fat40 event. Team "My Bike is A Spaceship" showed up and totally rocked the house. Sure, I didn't have my own bike to ride, but that didn't slow me down. What may have slowed me down was all the beers I drank in "training" and the few the night before. And maybe that shot that the "Pirates" were dishing out on Firetower Hill, of course I needed that! We had a great Team Manager, Micah, he brought a great enthusiasm to the group, and he took serious his job of getting the beers to the finish line and then finding us amongst the thousands of other exhausted and dry-mouthed jockeys. Another thing that he did really well was try to "drift" Ginger's Jeep on what only passes for a road in Wisconsin on our way to what turned out to be an epic BBQ with Barry and Ali after the race. Wow. Ginger, relax, this things "Trail Rated!"
The whole weekend was a great time. I caught a ride with my neighbor and co-owner of CyclovaXC to his store in St. Croix Falls, where I met up with The Beav and Micah. We had an early start and got to town in time to pick up our packets, check in to the room, and head out for a ride. I was especially eager to ride since I was embarking on the longest race of my life on a borrowed bike. It didn't take long to put any concern to rest. That bike was pretty awesome. It showed in my riding in the race, it made up for my lack of fitness more times than I care to admit. Point and pedal, the bike took care of the rest. Thanks again Micah. At any rate, Ginger and I stuck out the last half of the ride together. The first half we yo-yo-ed a bunch, then dug in and found a good pace. Somewhere around the 30 mile mark I started to notice that it was not going to end well for me. I know the feeling, and I could start to see it coming. It wasn't until after Firetower that it really bit into me, I couldn't eat and drink enough to keep the cramps away unless I dialed it back. Even that pace wasn't bad, but it was frustrating as both Ginger and I knew that my fitness was there to finish stronger. Even still, I'm happy with the results, especially knowing I could realistically go back, and I will, and target a sub-3 hour finish. In my mind it would only take a better placed start to make up the difference if I could have stayed hydrated and fueled. Beav bested us with a stellar finish a few minutes under 3 hours, what an animal.
Unfortunately, I only have a picture of us at the finish. Rock on team. Shortly after the picture was taken Gingers whole weekend was ruined by making eye contact with some old balls in the shower tent! Ha ha!