So by now you've heard that I got 3rd place at the 24 Hours of Seven Oaks. That sounds impressive. Here's why you shouldn't be impressed:
-I did this on a bike not on foot (just in case you were under some sort of misapprehension).
-I know people who can run farther faster.
-There wasn't a whole lot of competition. Only seven solo riders. (Which means that it could have been you. You should be there next year.)
-4th place had a broken pedal early in the race, had to drive into Ames, buy a new set, and still almost beat me.
-I am barely even sore today. I could have done more.
-I had plenty of time to go out and do another lap, but 4th place conceded and so I didn't.
-I didn't manage my goal of 17 laps/136 miles. I only managed 13 laps/104 miles.
-In the first 12 hours I did 9 laps. In the second 12 I did 4.
-I slept for 3 hours and sat around for the same.
Then again maybe you should:
-I did it on a rigid, single-speed, 26"er. The rest of the field was on suspended, geared, 29"ers
(okay, one guy did have a 26"er).
-This is one of the toughest courses around. Unrelenting hills, 95% singletrack, and virtually no place to rest (unless you want to just stop and lie down).
-I was only one lap behind 2nd place.
So how should you feel about my performance in this race? I don't know. I'm reasonably happy with how I did. It was better than previous years and my best mileage yet. I had a good time. I still feel like I slacked off too much. Decide for yourself when you ride it next year. I'm serious about you coming out and beating me. This race deserves more competition.
6 comments:
Not sure why there was such a poor turnout this year. With the low numbers it makes me wonder if they will even hold it next year?
In 2004, myself and a few friends did it on unicycles. Now that was tough. I think I only did 4 or 5 laps.
My 2 cents worth. Good ride. Job well done.
Steve, I certainly hope they hold it next year. There are always rumors of it's demise, but so far so good.
Joe, I remember you guys. The course has been lengthened quite a bit since then and a lot of the newer sections would be quite doable on a unicycle. Maybe once I can ride more than 20' I'll try it.
Matt, you did a great job, be happy with your results. I hope they still hold a 24 hour race somewhere next year. Even if it is in a different location, this state needs a "big deal" kind of race, and so far nobody else has stepped up to dedicate themselves to getting it done. Awesome ride!
Nice job Matt. Couldn't make it fly this year with family schedule. Hope to get out there next year. Let me know if you're up duluth area for Superior or Wild Duluth races this Fall.
jb
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