Chuck D and I have been working together for a good spell now and it has been nothing short of an excellent adventure. This past weekend – 2 weekends back I guess…. (what day is it?) Chuck D, myself and Rocket made out way to Tucson for el Tour. If you read Rocket’s post, then you know what the event is all about. This was my second go around with Chuck D. Last year we worked together along with Mark P (who gave up his front wheel at a DESPERATE moment in the ride so that Chuck D could power on)- to get Chuck Dee his best ever finish in the event which earned him Platinum status and assured his a MUCH better starting position, which kept us form having to navigate an extra 3000 cycling “riff raff”- and i mean that in the nicest possible way.
This year we again shacked up at the Arizona Inn. It’s close to campus, semi-close to the start and has an incredible pool with a most excellent bar that specializes- at least I think so- in margaritas. Good friend and local legend, D. Byrne, was our team leader for the weekend and made sure that we festivities NEVER stopped.
The event. We lined up about 500 back. I happened upon Chuck D about 2 miles in and from then on, we rocked the high desert for the next 5 hours and 4 minutes. We plowed from group to group, sometimes with a few hangers on and sometimes solo creepin’, in pursuit of another sub 5 hour time. Chuck D had been preparing like mad mad leading up to the event and wanted to best his previous time and at the half way point, it seemed like we were on track to doing so. At one point, we were 10 minutes up on last years time but as the day dragged on, and I DO MEAN, dragged on, we ended up in a few groups that were content to simply finish…. NO GOOD for us. The route was different this year- more big rollers and the wind was punishing no matter what direction we were heading. Long story short, we missed the 5 hour mark, and barely. And honestly, I’m not sure what we could have done differently. We did have to stop for a mechanical, which killed our rhythm, but got RIGHT back on it after only a few minuted delay. Bugga.
Chuck D was not psyched that he did not reach his goal but I was QUICK to remind him that the results do not always give a the whole story. He rode WAY better than the previous year. That’s bikin’, so many details and so many things that can get in the way of a “result”. He stayed on top of his fueling, experienced no cramping and rode aggressively ALL DAY LONG. I was more than happy to sell out for him and I would do it again ANYTIME. It’s very gratifying as a coach to see one of your athletes put it ALL out there- regardless of result. it’s even more gratifying when you can actually be a part of the event and first hand watch your athlete push deep into the pain cave, deeper than he thought he could ever go. We’re talking past that point where the headlamp is of no longer use and it’s even too dark for bats! My 5 hours with Chuck D reminded my why I love cycling so much.
When I got up at 4 45 am on that Saturday, I swore that I would NEVER do that again! But of course, as soon as it was over, I was talking about next year. If you have never done the event, I would highly recommend it. Chuck D, I’m looking forward to punching the clock and going to work with you in ’09.
The ride did in fact get me G’d up for racing again. Stomping around on the roads that I trained countless hours on years ago got the “remember when” part of my brain hauling ass. BUT, I would not call it a come back. I would call it, getting back at it. It just makes sense!
Best,
TH
