Dawn to Dusk took place out at McDowell Mountain Park's Pemberton Loop. It is an endurance mountain bike event put on by DCB Adventures. They always put on great events. My husband Nick and I decided to sign up for this as solo adventurers. We anticipated a tough but fun day because while we put in a lot of miles on the bike, we had not really trained the event specifically.
The day started for me at 4:30am, out of bed, quickly to put all my Phoenix Tri Club gear and clothes on because its freaking cold! Prepared my water bottle with basic water instead of the usual Hammer Recoverite formula, as I decided to mount a concentrated version of this 4:1 ratio carb/protein juice on the top tube of my bike in my bento box. Along with this 350cal mixture, I placed in my box a couple PowerGels, an Erin Baker Cookie, and a couple Amino Vital fast charge packets. Then my bike was ready to supply me for the 10 hour day.
The pre-race breakfast as usual, a slice of toast with peanut butter and a banana and off we went to the venue. Meeting up with some friends, we discussed all of our race stratgies and anticipated the start. The start of the race is actually at the entrance of the McDowell Mountain Park and at dawn off we went up the road 10 minutes until we hit the Pemberton Trail. Once on the trail, bikers were spread out enough to wear the single track could handle the crazy load.
Deciding to wear my Camelback for additional water at the last minute was a bad idea. The weight of the bag created an aching back within the first hour of the ride. Therefore, I dropped the bag off at transition after my first 16 mile lap before refilling my water bottle and heading out on my additional loops. Each loop was fairly consistent, timewise. The aching in my back never really did subside, the damage had been done. After each lap, the race volunteers would hand me a chip that would indicate which lap I was on. Except by the end of the day this actually confused me because as I was on what was to be my last lap, I really didn't understand that 6 chips meant I had already finished 6 laps. I was toying with the idea that I might still be on my 6th lap, but deep down I knew I was to finish a 7th. Another soloist caught up to me while I was debating these thoughts and I knew I was to be past, but I wasn't in any position to place anyway so I wished her good luck and gave her supporting words. Another 15 minutes into final hours of the game, I noticed she was actually within my grasps... had she slowed down a bit or had I sped up? I'm not sure, but I received a jolt of adrenaline and turned it into a game to beat her. While passing her I told her I thought I was on my 6th lap because I had 6 chips, while she was on her 7th. I don't know how I convinced myself of this. Was it 9 hours on the bike of delirium. I actually think I would have enjoyed the chase with her if I was able to give her a sense of competition. In fact, she probably would have beat me. It might have created a good story to share over a beer later. In any event, we both expressed we were tired and I continued on my way. As I rolled in a little after the 9 hour mark, the lady handed me a 7th chip and I told her 'no" I'm too close to 4:30, I don't think I'll be going out again, but it depends if anybody else rolls through that might beat me. 6 was a enough laps, but she indicated that my 7th chip was a 7th lap complete. Holy shit! I wasn't crazy after all.
So a long day, there were ups and downs. Times I felt like utter shit and times I felt like I could have made my bike fly!
112 miles. 9 hours and 13 minutes. 2nd place overall was the verdict. I had no idea, but it sure was fun to hear that news. The only other female to beat me was a pro athlete and a great ambassador of our sport, Katie Ellis. We are all very lucky to have had such a beautiful day and to share it with such a great group of people.
Afterwards, Nick bought me a beer at the venue that went to support children athlete's with disabilities. Dooley met up with us for a celebratory beer and burger at The Grind. Wow! The sweet and spicy burger was huge and so was the beer! The night didn't last much longer, I was exhausted!!!
In closing, just another one under the belt and now I'm another step closer to completing the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo as a soloist in February.
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