Full Squish, 36x11-36
Front: WTB Weirwolf 2.3, 34 psi
Rear: WTB Weirwolf 2.1, 37 psi
Trail Conditions: Does it really matter?First of all, I'll go ahead and say that I wish I had done this singlespeed. For some reason I do better on singlespeed, or maybe it's just that I don't have as much to think about and don't second guess which gear I should be in, or if I should spin it out or gear up and get out of the saddle, or perhaps the little wheels and suspension bob are holding me back. Pedal or walk. Simple as that.
This whole year I really pushed myself to get in better shape, mainly so that I can keep up with some of my friends that are clearly faster than me. I put some goals out there and mostly accomplished them. Successful completion of races such as my first hundie, my first half marathon, and my first Double Dare. I also managed to gain back all the weight I lost in 2007/2008 and came into DD 10 lbs heavier than W101. We'll call it a year of mixed results.
There really isn't too much to describe about DD and our adventure. We strived for the bare minimum plus 1. We were in it just for completion, but didn't want to come in last so we added a checkpoint or two to the minimum required. We still came in last. While there are numerous things that I can point to, whether it be the choice of gears, nutrition, training, temperature management, etc., I think it really just boils down to this:
This has got to be some kind of forced perspective thing going on, because Tony is clearly taller than me and I don't think my head is twice the size of his. However, the stretched jacket to accommodate my gut is telling.
We got back to the camp on Day 2 around 1pm and had plenty of time to do the hike for the 2 checkpoint bonus, but we also thought that idea was the dumbest idea we had heard in recent history. If we had done that, second to last place would've been secured.
I do think that Double Dare is a little more fun than PMBAR and given the choice between the two, I'd opt for the 2 days of fun. That said, the only PMBAR we've ever completed we also came in last, so we've already vowed to try yet again to finish not last. This coming year I've already decided to do it rigid. Dropping the squish fork off will drop around 3 pounds off the bike, and it'll be that much easier to carry it up and down the mountains.
In the meantime, I've started restructuring my life as a whole and am taking better care of myself, generally speaking. I'm hoping both personal and professional goals will be realized, and being lighter and fitter comes along with the plan. As of now, I'm only planning on doing a few races. I'm still deciding if I want to register for another hundie. If so, it'll either be Shenandoah or Fools Gold. PMBAR is a given. Double Dare is 75% likely. We've already decided that we must get custom Red Lantern jerseys made.
