2: https://www.strava.com/activities/637109813
I took it easy the start and then i built up momentum, trails suited my riding style, passing people on the downs the climbs is where i was getting passed out mostly
Sadly my legs kept cramping up near the end so went to the Medic tent and the Doc gave me a spoon full of calcium and magnesium mix( i went back to him after each race too ) and i was sorted the fixed that problem
Day 3 & 4
3: https://www.strava.com/activities/637109863
4: https://www.strava.com/activities/637109866
I can't remember much on these days - other then no cramps, no injuries and i picked up the pace a little too and got better pacing at the end of the each day
One one of these days there were a big long climb/ Kicker and there was a tail back and people walking on the right and i made my way still on the bike and tried my best but make it but only 3/4 of the way up but still well please with myself - but did take a lot out of me tho but it was worth it cos i passed about 20+ riders
Day 5 - North Van - Time Trail
https://www.strava.com/activities/657529254/analysis/0/429
This was the short distance but big climbing 15km 1k climbing
I remember that the start at the climb as tuff - I was trying not to blow up and keep my place
3.5km 345m Climbing - 30mins suffer fest lol
Once we got to the decent tho it was worth all the suffering lol,
Day 6 - SQUAMISH
https://www.strava.com/activities/657529331
This day was tuff - i was very tired and i could not get into the zone i wanted to be in,
Also my Viral infection flared up too so when i go easy i would be coughing loads,
It was a lovely route but it was the longest day of the week and it was my hump day,
I just rode smart and clean and got around it was making silly mistakes - i went straight asleep after it.
Day 7 - Whistler
https://www.strava.com/activities/657529264/analysis
I woke up late - but the extra 40mins helped i think -
again the course was lovely i rode some of it be for the race week so i know what was coming up .. i felt good i was trying to keep section riders in my sight and tried not to loose them, again on the climbs(So where very steep) i have to wake and got pass out by a good few riders but - again on the downs i made up for lost time.
Results
Started with 600 riders
Finished with 585
I placed 266 over all
86 out of 145 in my cat Solo Men
So I achieved the goal that i set out for myself which was to be 300th place or better and came home safe :)
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13718570_10208751232154785_2601138253375369605_n.jpg?oh=226d8e36752018646d9cf4e8efaa6c9d&oe=581A0ECB)
Takeaway:
With hard work and training it all pays off in the end..
Canada trails are kinda similar to Ireland's trails but on a MUCH bigger scale
Would of been a little better with a lighter bike
Climbing on the fire roads lost some time there during the event so I felt was my weakest area
Calcium and magnesium - Seems to work for me for sorting out the cramps
Eating and drinking well / Prob could of slept a bit more 6 am started most mornings
Defo would like to do it again in a few years time
I am not a bad rider .. i can hold my own...
So now i need to answer a myself a question where to travel to next ....