Two weeks prior to the race, a group of 10 Mid MD Tri Club members headed out to Frederick County for a training ride. I’d heard of others doing this so-called “Happy Happy Pain Pain” ride and knew it would be good training. At 7:30 AM wheels were rolling, and climbing right out of the chute. It seemed like the first 15 or so miles were all uphill.
(Check out the map and elevation profile – Happy-Happy-Pain-Pain)
And then some fast parts before a long climb up South Mountain in PA. And then an absolutely wonderful downhill off the mountain – the “Happy Happy” part, no doubt. After a brief rest and refueling, it was on in search of the “Pain Pain” part. We found it at Airport Rd in Rouzerville, PA. That was the start of a climb that would last 4-5 miles and gain approximately 1200′. The first few sections reminded me very much of the SavageMan climbs. The only way to describe them is ridiculous. And then we would cross over the RR tracks in to MD and continued on to the top, a more humane and gradual climb. But you know you’re gaining elevation when you see a sign that reads, “Hang gliding by permit only.” As tough a climb as it was, the views were worth it. And then a fast descent down the other side of the mountain. More up and down until we finally made our way back to the cars, covering 76 miles. Another training ride was in the books.
One week prior to the race I rode 45 miles trying to keep up with two folks from the club. It was a cool, overcast morning and a nice ride throughout western Howard County. I used to think that area was hilly but not anymore.
And then by that evening I could feel a cold coming on. I tried to fight it off for a few days but it worsened. By Thursday I had an appointment with my doctor. She prescribed antibiotics for a sinus infection – only 3 days until the race. I was just hoping to get to the starting line.
On the fundraising front, things went well. Friends and family were generous and helped reach my goal of over $300 for the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: biking, charity, cycling, Savageman, Triathlon
