The 3rd and final training day is in the books. Today, I was joined by Ft Collins resident and Breck-Epic racer, Aaron Potts. The plan today was another 5 hours in the saddle and to get in some time on the Penn. Creek Stage...as well as more time on the Gold Dust Stage. The Penn Creek Stage is sure to be a good kick in the nuts as well. Steep rocky climbs are the norm. Lucky for us racers, the stage starts out with some rip'n trails.
It isn't long and the true side of the Penn Creek Stage shows its true colors. Long, steep, and rocky roads/trails. Depending on when this stage falls in the race, it will be tough. I had over 10 hrs of training leading up to this ride today....and it felt like it at times.
The cadence tells the story. Grunt, grunt, grunt.
Yeah, it mellows out at time, but the climbs still add up to create a huge fatigue monster.
After hitting up the Penn Creek Stage, I took Aaron out on the south part of the Gold Dust Stage. Lots of big views followed by more singletrack towards the Como, CO area.
On the way back to Breckenridge, Aaron and I hit up some of the Marathon Nationals course. Once again, bring your climbing legs. And why do all the longer steep climbs let you see the top.....it is such a tease when have heavy legs and are suffering.
We topped of the training session with another climb towards the finish of the Prologue uphill TT. It's all down hill from here.
Yummy, HR and elevation data. More climbing please!? Taper time is in full effect now. Brief easy rides are the norm all this coming week. All I know is I hope the my full suspension bike arrives this week, or this week of racing will hurt more than it already will.