Very early in 2013 Andy put the idea in my head that we should do the Transylvania Epic, sounds like a great idea! So we spent a lot of time in 2013 talking about the possibility, we both wanted to see how we progressed and sure enough at the end of the year we made the decision to give it a shot as a duo! Now we knew we were not going to be rockstars at this event but getting through it with our relatively inexperienced mtb careers would be something to be proud of!
We entered the beginning of 2014 all gung ho, training hard and pushing each other just so that we would prepare for it. Then Murphy's Law struck, Andy had to have tailbone surgery a couple months before the event. The surgery kept Andy off of a bike for the rest of the time leading up to the epic. We were way past the time of refund, Andy was possibly able to transfer his entry to 2015 and I decided I give it a shot solo, at least if the opportunity rose for both of us to go again I'd have some experience and know what were were getting into.
DAY 1
My home for the next week at bicycle summer camp
We entered the beginning of 2014 all gung ho, training hard and pushing each other just so that we would prepare for it. Then Murphy's Law struck, Andy had to have tailbone surgery a couple months before the event. The surgery kept Andy off of a bike for the rest of the time leading up to the epic. We were way past the time of refund, Andy was possibly able to transfer his entry to 2015 and I decided I give it a shot solo, at least if the opportunity rose for both of us to go again I'd have some experience and know what were were getting into.
DAY 1
My home for the next week at bicycle summer camp
Stage 1 was a 15 mile Time Trial which was in central PA terms relatively tame, not a lot of crazy elevation, some rock gardens and access roads. The only thing I knew to do was as fast as this course was I should take it easy, I was now in the solo pro category-let's be honest I'm lucky to not be in last place on my best day with the crew competing here. I just had a fun day on the bike
Morning ride through camp to the start line
Stage 2 Cooper's Gap complete! I needed a basket for my bike..it was towpath speed today, but I made all the cuttoffs and didnt cramp up. I'm glad I took it easy the day before! This stage was what the TSE is all about, brutal rocks gardens, crazy climbing, and fast steep descents!
Stage 3 Galbraith Enduro
Being a guy that likes keeping tires on the ground and climbing rather than going downhill I knew this was not going to be my favorite day. I tucked in my skirt after 3 of the 5 stages, they were progressively getting more hard core and after Coyne's run (which was awesome!) I knew that was my limit so I packed it in early for the day and met a couple new friends at the Epic in state college for some beers!
Being a guy that likes keeping tires on the ground and climbing rather than going downhill I knew this was not going to be my favorite day. I tucked in my skirt after 3 of the 5 stages, they were progressively getting more hard core and after Coyne's run (which was awesome!) I knew that was my limit so I packed it in early for the day and met a couple new friends at the Epic in state college for some beers!
Today after the 3rd enduro stage my top tube was hot from the heat of my rear shock...as this week progresses I'd like to think im getting better at going downhill , but I think I'm just becoming numb to all the rocks....looking forward to the gravel grinder tomorrow and a break from the technical riding...Im sure there will be a random rock garden somewhere though!
Stage #4 Coburn-Gravel Grinder/XC endurance
The least technical of the stages was a much needed break from being rattled by all the rocks, I teamed up with Kevin my drinking buddy from the night before it was nice to have some company on another long day on the bike. The climbing was crazy only downside to this is that they said this stage had 4,300' of climbing-it had 7,000 and my first Cat 2 climb but I was stoked to be four days in and do a ride like this without cramping on falling apart. Six months ago I probably could barely do this ride in my best shape!
The least technical of the stages was a much needed break from being rattled by all the rocks, I teamed up with Kevin my drinking buddy from the night before it was nice to have some company on another long day on the bike. The climbing was crazy only downside to this is that they said this stage had 4,300' of climbing-it had 7,000 and my first Cat 2 climb but I was stoked to be four days in and do a ride like this without cramping on falling apart. Six months ago I probably could barely do this ride in my best shape!
So here I am 4 stages in three to go the last one is the unofficial "take it easy and party stage" stage Stage 6 was going to be similiar to Stage 2 and5 is titled an old school XC race. I'll be honest I was starting to get a little homesick too, I have made some friends and met people of similar skill. I kept thinking about the upcoming weekend Corianne was going to do the Mohican 100k and I was six hours away trying to survive my own race. When Tim and Kevin mentioned at dinner that they were thinking about hitting Raystown the next day and skipping the stage I thought to hell with the rocks and I'd tag along with them enjoy some smooth trail at Raystown then from there head straight home surprise Corianne and ride the Mohican 100k with her.
Me, Kevin, and Tim taking a break from the rocks and enjoying the flow of Raystown!
My Co-Pilot for the week!
Day # I lost count! Mohican 100k
I got husband of the year award way early, on my way home surprised Corianne at her work and let her know my plan. This by far was my favorite ride of the week, not only did I still feel relatively good but I got to ride around with a lot of my fellow Ohio mtb'rs. I started the race off riding with Tim and as I ran into other people I would spend some time riding with them, sometimes being motivating, sometimes just yelling for no reason, sorry for those that don't know me that I probably annoyed. At the first aid station I stopped and waited for Corianne and Lisa then rode the rest of the ride with them. They did a great job and we even convinced someone at the second aid station that was about to quit to keep moving forward with us. I don't remember his name but he finished and earned his pint glass!
I got husband of the year award way early, on my way home surprised Corianne at her work and let her know my plan. This by far was my favorite ride of the week, not only did I still feel relatively good but I got to ride around with a lot of my fellow Ohio mtb'rs. I started the race off riding with Tim and as I ran into other people I would spend some time riding with them, sometimes being motivating, sometimes just yelling for no reason, sorry for those that don't know me that I probably annoyed. At the first aid station I stopped and waited for Corianne and Lisa then rode the rest of the ride with them. They did a great job and we even convinced someone at the second aid station that was about to quit to keep moving forward with us. I don't remember his name but he finished and earned his pint glass!
It was an honor to complete the Mohican 100k with Corianne and Lisa, great way to end this epic week!
Now it's safe to say I'm going to be putting my bike away for a little while! It was still an amazing week!
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