First 12 hr done !

I headed up to 12 hrs of Gears for my first 12hr race of the year and things turned out pretty good,but I was hoping for a atleast a 3rd place spot.The course was fast and only 4-1/2 miles long so you could do a few laps before you needed anything from your pit.I would compare the course with the main loop of Jubilee,wide open trails with plenty of room to pass the only singletrack was short and up hill before it it dumped you out to some pine trees.

I started out the first lap getting to know the course and seeing what lines to take and getting warmed up.I knew right off this was going to be fast with alot of laps when I seen the killer downhills getting up to 27 mph ( three of them) and the climbs weren't hard at all,( wide open and nothing bigger than Jubilee).Ther was nothing technical at all ! I was in my big ring for over half of the course and some of you know I'm not a big ring guy.

I didn't stop for my first pit until I had 40 miles in, but was taking handoffs from Cindy and I was feeling good and strong,after that first pit I would pit every 2 laps.Most of my pit time was 15 seconds the most was a couple of 30 second stops.

Most laps were in the 22 to 28 min. range,after I was in the 12 to 20 laps I need to stay in my comfort zone and pace myself more,the legs were getting heavy and the mental part was kicking in ( Why was I doing this ? It hurts ! I don't feel good !)
Once you get pass that crap you start looking for for some faster laps.

My inner thigh did cramp into the the 5th hr going up one of the hills ,but I worked it out and it only lasted for around a min.and that was the only time I had a problem I took it as sign to slow it down alittle on the climbs.

Going into the 10 the hr. I started to feel strong again and picked up my pace knowing others might be getting tired,my last three laps I push real hard and had some good times hoping to catch or not get passed by anyone.I was pushing to get two more laps in at 7:11pm and came in at 7:37pm but left everthing I had in me on that lap and didn't go back out for a 27th lap.I see now it wouldn't had moved me up in the standing so I'm ok with it.

Cindy was great and always ready for the handoffs and keep track of all my food and drinks ! Thanks Honey !

I lived on Hammer Heed and Substained Energy, Apple Gel,Cold apple sauce,and for my last 4 laps Red Bull.My new NRS was great I have a few adjustments I need to make but I loved it,My new Sun Rims were great and Intense Tires were perfect and Six Six One gloves and helmet did their job.

Yes my but is sore ! Recovery ride tomorrw !