When I woke up in Logan at 5:00 am on Saturday I couldn't stop think about how strange it was that I had actually paid a good amount of money to torture myself in an all day event. Fortunately I had a later start time so I was able to get in a good breakfast and some last minute preparation on the bike. At the starting line there was a lot of anxious and nervous folks. I had to laugh at the guys that couldn't stop sizing up their competition. Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress; if I remember right I was singing primary hymns in my head (I Am a Child of God).
I'll spare you the details of the 11 hour ride and just say that there was a great deal of suffering that occurred in the 206 miles between Logan, UT and Jackson Hole, WY. You learn a lot about yourself in a race like this; the emotions range from the incredible feeling of joy when you finish a long steep climb, to the dark and evil places your mind goes when you're in the flats in a nasty headwind. My goal of breaking 11 hours was missed by 3 minutes. Although there where multiple times through the day that I thought, "What in the HELL am I doing" it wasn't 30 minutes after the race that I was already planning what I could do different next year to do it faster. I can't explain it, but it has to be some kind of mental illness.
I couldn't have made it without some great training partners and an awesome support crew that included Paul Harber, an my imaginary friend that was with me on the Geneva Summit and Salt River Pass. The biggest thanks goes to my sweet wife for supporting me through the last few months and not complaining about the long Saturday rides.
I'm definitely in need of a short break, but I'm sure it won't be long before I'm planning the next event.
7 comments:
YAY!! Ben, you're my hero! haha That's AWESOME!!! I'm gunna brag about my amazing cousin to my friends. :) I had to laugh that you were singing primary songs; I love it. I know what you mean about wondering what the crap you're doing to yourself and then the next minute thinking of the next big event you can do. Way to go cuz! When I think I can't run any further this weekend for my marathon in Logan, I'll think how you were just there, riding your bike to Jackson, and never giving up. You're an inspiration! Love ya!
I love you Ben...you always make me laugh, you've succeeded in doing that from the minute I met you...singing primary songs:)...hilarious! I'm so glad the ride went well! Way to go! It's done! What an amazing accomplishment.
Now don't you give my husband any ideas for next year. I'm so happy to have him home on Saturdays for the majority part of the day and not dead from riding so please keep that in mind when talking to Andy. hehe.
you're crazy. but the good kind... i think ;)
Awesome accomplishment Ben. You should check out the race to Kaiser Peak in California. From Fresno to the top of the Sierra and back.
http://www.fresnocycling.com/kaiser/kaiser.html
yeah i bragged about you too like lyd.
i want to be amazing like you one day!
<3 ya
Congrats man! Sorry it took me so long to say that. I was thinking about you that day.
I remember taking a picture of Kevin when he was reaching the top of the climb into Afton, and I thought he was going to kill me. Later he told me that no one wants their picture taken when they are in that much pain and trying to concentrate. Lesson learned.
I am so excited for you. I knew you would do great!
Ben you need to come take a short break down here at the beach with some SuperB doughnuts and I've always suspected the mental illness. Good work you are still a beast.
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