I did awesome for the first 55 miles - running 40th overall. Legs were just not there, however, so I slowed up significantly. . .

Mile 70: Got 2nd wind. . .

Mile 75: Halfway up last climb flatted. Broke tire tool. Pump seal blew out. Upset. Borrowed pump. Back on trail . . .

Mile 75.1: Flat again. Find piece of tire tool in tire. Contemplate throwing bike off of mountain. Try to patch tire in the rain. Borrow pump. Put tire on bike. Goes Flat. Yell obscenities . . .

Mile 75.11: Bum a new tube. Borrow pump. Back on trail. Why am I doing this? Body hurting due to 45 minute delay. . .

Mile 77: Chain break. Very upset. My ass hurts. Yet more people pass by . . .

Mile 95: Think I am home free. . .

Mile 98: Start losing air rapidly. Almost spectacular crash. . .

Mile 99: Do not have heart to ask anyone for pump. Ride to finish on flat. . .

Let's just say that it wasn't my day . . . Had I not had the mechanicals, however, would have easily broke 10. I'd say it is easier than Leadville - all ridable with longer rest periods between climbs. I definitely felt the prior week. Volk was 10 minutes slower, but won.

--Warrick
xxx