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Who's riding the 3-State 3-Mountain Challenge (http://www.chattbike.com/events/3_state/3stchlng.htm) this year?
I'm probable.
It's hard to believe that it's only a month away. I better dewinterize my climbing legs quickly.
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Looks like fun! :D.
Unfortunately, I won't be doing it this year. Could be high on the list for next year tho...
I'm still working on my climbing legs :D
But it does sound like an intriguing goal for next year maybe!
What a cool looking ride! I am not sure I can put it together for this year, but I definitely need to add it to my to do list.
I am in! Signed up last night. I have spent the month of March trying to shed my winter fat and get my climbing legs back.
I am not planning on doing it this year, but I have done it in the past and would definitely recommend it.
I've signed up. I REALLY need to get in a lot more climbing in the next few weeks though. I'm way behind last year. Losing a few more pounds would help the cause as well.
I am doing it. Last year was my first time doing it and I had a great time. I will definitely be there. Who else is in? Wolfie, why aren't you doing it? We need to have a bikeforums get together after the 3S3M in Chatty. I will ditch my bike club get together in favor of bikeforums if there is one, lol.
why am i not doing it?? dunno really. probably because i didn't think i was ready for a metric century or a full century by then. probably will be on the list for next year tho, as i'd like to travel a bit more and ride in different areas.
why am i not doing it?? dunno really. probably because i didn't think i was ready for a metric century or a full century by then. probably will be on the list for next year tho, as i'd like to travel a bit more and ride in different areas.
I can tell you WP, that the 3 State is one of my favorite century rides. It is fast for a "mountain" century with 3 distinct climbs separated by good stretches of flat or rolling terrain. I would do it this year but I have so many other trips scheduled before and after that it is hard to get away for this one.
Well, maybe next year I'll be able to get away and do it. I didn't know about it soon enough and even if I did, I still don't think I'd be ready for that kind of mountain riding by May 3. I should, hopefully, be ready next year tho, with all the mountain riding I hope to do this year.
You could do it this year. Really the hard part is the climb up Burkhalter at mile 83. It's a bit over 2 miles long but no way as bad as Cullowhee Mtn Rd which you have done. The difference is where it occurs in the ride.
hmmmmmm...not as bad as Cullowhee, huh?....<looking over at the calendar, seeing if I'm free then> I bet it would be much more fun than Raven Rock on 5/4. It's 3 wks away....
well, the problem, should i suddenly decide to do this ride, is finding somewhere to stay.......
Wolfie: You can post a message on the CBC Forums for accommodation. Many people cancel and give away their reservations to others. I totally agree with BikeWNC, you can do it. :D:D
The route profile (http://www.chattbike.com/events/3_state/3st100.htm) confirms what BikeWNC says about there not being a great deal of climbing outside the three mountains. And of those, I only consider the last one to be a difficult climb as it gets really steep at the end.
With all the hotels in Chattanooga (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=hotels+chattanooga+tennessee&ie=UTF8&start=0&z=11), I suspect there's a room available somewhere.
well, i don't really doubt that i can do this ride (if i can ride Ring of Fire, i can do this) guys, but, it's just too damn far....8hr drive at least for me. not this year i don't think. maybe next year when i've had time to plan a bit. 'sides there are a few mtn rides here in NC that are of that length and probably as fun.
Yikes. Only three weeks to go! :eek:
What's the best way to prepare for a century in three weeks?
Velo: Our bike club had a 82 mile training ride this past weekend, with 11 tough climbs to prepare gauge our prep level for the 3S3M. I am glad I have been riding at least to work (10 mile round trip) every single day throughout this winter. It was a grueling ride, but it gave me confidence that I can do 3S3M again this year.
Of course you know this, but I would suggest doing up to two 75 mile rides before the challenge.
Of course you know this, but I would suggest doing up to two 75 mile rides before the challenge.Alas, I'm not that committed of a trainer. :rolleyes: I should be okay if I can do a couple metric century-type rides that include a nice long climb. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Last weekend was wasted due to gusty winds and cold temperatures.
Alas, I'm not that committed of a trainer. :rolleyes: I should be okay if I can do a couple metric century-type rides that include a nice long climb. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Last weekend was wasted due to gusty winds and cold temperatures.
I am doing 65 this weekend on the foothills and then the Crybaby 100k next weekend. I hope I will have my legs in shape by doing that.
I am trying to get 20-30 miles in a day. Some days are ride 15 till its dark and then the rest on the trainer.
emptgrave: Great training regime. Is this your first time doing 3S3M?
emptgrave: Great training regime. Is this your first time doing 3S3M?
Thanks! I would rather be a little uncomfortable now than miserable on the big ride. Its my first Century ever. I Mountain biked a little last year, but did not start road riding till the end of February.
I am doing 65 this weekend on the foothills and then the Crybaby 100k next weekend. I hope I will have my legs in shape by doing that.
I am trying to get 20-30 miles in a day. Some days are ride 15 till its dark and then the rest on the trainer.
If that is your training plan, you should have no problem with a Metric Century. Just remember to pay attention to your nutrition. You may want to experiment with some foods or gels or powerbars or whatever your choice is. You really don't need them for the 30 mile ride, but you will for a 62 or 100 mile ride. So you might as well find what works in your body & what doesn't. Remember there will be rest areas to take breaks at & refill water bottles, so if you treat it like two 30 mile rides; you will find it's much easier that way.
Wow, only two months of riding.
Are you planning on doing 60 miles in Chattanooga or 100?
Full hundred. I really feel okay for it. I have been diligent in getting ready. I have been using this (http://www.maccfund.org/trek100/riders/train.pdf)as my guide. I found it online and it has worked pretty well. For the last 4 or 5 weeks I have been adding more miles to the daily rides to ramp it up quicker. I am trying to be careful. I do not want to burn out, but want to be 3-state ready. I am hoping for the 7-8 hour mark ride time. We'll see.
As far as nutrition, every ride above 40 miles, I have been tinkering with it. I have found several Hammer combos that seem to be good on my stomach and energy. I don't want to ruin the ride with a sour stomach, so I have worked on it for a while.
I have a friend in Georgia who has been getting ready for it as well. He has been riding for about 10 more months than me, but has been using the same schedule as me lately. He seems to ride about 2mph faster on average. He is not trying for any time goal for 3-state, so we have agreed to meet at the stops. I think we can help encourage each other.
That's an aggressive training calendar.
If you are fairly comfortable when you do the metric century next week, then you will probably be OK as far as the distance goes for the full century. The thing that could be a challenge is the last mountain. It gets really steep the last quarter mile. It's hard to prepare for as I can't think of a comparable run around here (that steep a pitch following a 1.5 mile climb). But in the worst case you can always walk to the top, as plenty of people end up doing.
That's an aggressive training calendar.
If you are fairly comfortable when you do the metric century next week, then you will probably be OK as far as the distance goes for the full century. The thing that could be a challenge is the last mountain. It gets really steep the last quarter mile. It's hard to prepare for as I can't think of a comparable run around here (that steep a pitch following a 1.5 mile climb). But in the worst case you can always walk to the top, as plenty of people end up doing.
I did a metric on my own yesterday(Sat.) and it was rough with the wind the whole time.
As far as climbing, I have done Happy Vally a couple of times (not with a full ride). I hear it is the closest to being prepared.
I appreciate everybody's encouragement. I guess less than 2 weeks is the real test. I am kinda worried about the last 20 miles as that will be after the last big climb and I will be close to spent.
Maybe adrenaline/fact of being able to taste the finish will kick in. :eek:
emptgrave, I think you should be fine.
Last year was my first year doing 3S3M. I am by no means a strong ride and had done no training in the month preceding the ride because my folks were visiting from India and so had no time for that. I managed the full 100 surprisingly well.
I did a stupid move on second hairpin twist on Sand Mountain and ended up with a really crazy cramp in the right leg. So I stopped for 5 min, took a electrolyte burst pill and took it very easy after that. The lookout mountain climb is a mental game mostly. When u do the first 2.3 steep miles, the road turns and you are suddenly in front of this crazy steep climb. It's very discouraging. But the key is to block your mind out from any emotions and just take it really really slow. It's doable. My total time was 9:40.
Two weeks go to people. All the very best to everyone who is doing 3S3M. Oh and I will be wearing my Norcal BF jersey, so say hello if you see an Indian dude wearing BF jersey. Last year I saw pedalwench on suck creek.
I am kinda worried about the last 20 miles as that will be after the last big climb and I will be close to spent.
Sounds like you may be better prepared than I am.
If you still have a little left in your legs after the last mountain, you should be fine. The test is by no means over as there are miles of rolling hills to go. But there's nothing you shouldn't be able to spin your way through.
By the way, do you know how Happy Valley Road compares to Butterfly Gap road as far as steepness/difficulty goes? I've done the latter a few times (including Sunday), but never the former. I thought about trying both on Sunday, but chickened out as I didn't know how bad it would be. So I came back over on the Parkway.
I'm wanting to do this ride this year with a group of friends who have gone in the past, I didn't get signed up in time, any idea if its still possible to get in the ride?
Perhaps e-mail and see if have any more spots?
On the information page they list Dawn Salyer as a contact: dsalyer04[-at-]yahoo[-dot-]com
One week to go.
Who is pumped? :D
More nervous than pumped. I have re injured my ligament tear in my ankle so I have to take it easy till then. It is a super small tear and usually bracing and wrapping keeps it together. It just pulls from the bone a little and stress makes it pull off more. I am still going to try to ride a good ride on Sunday to test the ankle out. Either way, I am nervous about not getting as much training as i wanted the last 2 weeks.
emptgrave: Definitely take it easy on the ankle ligament. Worst come worst, you can walk up the climbs.
Let me preface this with an apology. I hate reading long post and this turned in to that. I tried to break it up to be more readable.
I got called in Saturday morning to work, so did not get to do the Cry Baby 100 (metric).
Well, got the last big ride in.
I was supposed to do 65 miles, but went ahead and did 70.
Since it rained yesterday, I had to do it all on trainer.
I tried to be smart about it.
I cranked down the trainer so that my average mph and heart rate, matched my normal riding on the road.
Best I can do without any other measurements to use.
I even cranked it to the toughest settings to replicate some mountains for several 2 mile intervals.
On top of that, I live around Ebenezer area in Knoxville and every neighborhood is all hill.
I rode all of my 25-30 miles per night this week on those this last week to get my climbing legs under me.
I even kept going back to the steepest to test my mental ability when I am worn out and don't want to do it anymore.
I am really encouraged now and am not so intimidated by the ride.
This week will just be light rides around 15 miles and maybe a 25 on Wednesday.
I want the legs to recover and be fresh for the weekend.
Ankle is feeling good, so I guess I'm good to go.
Taking the bike in tomorrow to get some help on making sure my fit is conducive for long riding or if I should tweak some things.
Have you all seen the weather? So far, not looking good, but that can change.
Question for you all. What conditions would prevent you from riding; just lightning I assume.
I know that rain can wear you down quicker.
Would you recommend dropping to 62 if you this was your first and it was bad weather?
It would not devastate me as there are 4 more centuries coming up in the next month around here.
Regarding weather, if it's a scattered-showers type forecast, you might not know how it's going to turn out until the ride. Last year I drove down the morning of the event, and it was pouring rain as I passed through the Cleveland area. But by the start of the ride, there was only light rain, and most of the ride ended up being dry.
I guess I've lucked out as I've never faced a prolonged, heavy rain during a century. On shorter rides, I haven't noticed rain having a major impact on me from a physical stamina standpoint. But it does get annoying after a while having water in your face and in your shoes.
What other rides are you thinking about doing next month?
They're calling for a 50% chance of thunderstorms. Let's hope that changes.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Chattanooga&state=TN&site=MRX&textField1=35.0662&textField2=-85.257
I don't know yet. I want to see how I handle this one. I have looked at the Blount one since there is a group at church doing it to raise money for someone who has cancer. I also have looked that the Tour de Cure, but it is a little later in the summer.
The others look kinda tough - The Dragon, etc.
Alright guys, kick some ass on Saturday. Everyone, have a fantastic ride and may you accomplish all your goals on Saturday.
Alas, the weather forecast still looks wet. Hopefully, any showers will be of the widely-scattered variety rather than a prolonged rain. At least it won't get too hot, though if it's real humid it might still be uncomfortable on the climbs.
I'm getting up dark and early and driving down to Chattanooga tomorrow morning.
Checked in and ready to go!! Driving over the hills/mountains here give you a reality check on what to expect!!!
for all that is coming to do 3s3m look me up i will be on a all black cannondale and have a red kyrstal jersey on and a red whit and blue giro helmet look me up and we can ride together i plan on leaving about 15 to 20 min early from T-bones just up the street from the start ,i wanna get a jump on the crowed going over the first climb .
I can't speak for the rest of you, but I had a good time. The rain wasn't that bad, however the wet roads took a lot of the fun out of the decent from suck creek. Of course the sun did come out just in time for the climb up lookout. This was my first 3s/3m. I'm looking forward to doing it again next year. I finished in 7h40m. My goal was to finish in less than 8. My actual ride time was 6h30m. I was happy with my results. Being from Florida, it's not easy training for a hilly ride.
I had a pretty good time, but grossly under prepared for the climbing. I had all of the energy in the world at the end, but no legs left for even the rollers. The rain wore me out as well. That and the cool weather seemed to bring fatigue quicker. I was really taken aback by the "non-mountains". Like a bad joke.
I really wanted to take the metric option, but knew I would kick myself if I did. I heard a lot of groups before the start make that decision while it was raining.
crypticlineage (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=40506) and I rode together from a little after Sand Creek Sag till the base of Lookout. I never caught your name, but enjoyed the ride and company.
I saw many wrecks and flats and was almost taken out myself in the first 10 miles, but stayed up somehow. Supposedly there were over 50 wrecks over the railroad tracks before Suck Creek. There was somebody seriously hurt near the finish in town. He ran in to a road sign and there was some bad damage.
I unfortunately came on the the aftermath of a bad wreck near the end.
crypticlineage (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=40506) - how did the lady fair? That wreck was gruesome and I felt for her so bad. It turned my stomach. It looked awful.
For the rest of you, on one of the sections on top of Lookout there is a downhill where you could easily get to 40 mph. I came around the corner and somebody got loose and on the side of the road. She kept drifting in and out of consciousness, she had a small seizure and her glass were embedded. It was horrific and I think we all felt helpless because of poor cell signal and not know what road we were on. We road on up to the end of the road, and called for help there.
I now can say I did a century and with only 2.5 months of preparation. I am looking for my next one to do this year, maybe towards August. I really hope to break 9 minutes total time.
Official Time:10:05 - I think - I will have to wait till they release them, but this is what I remember
Ride time: 8:29:10
Max Speed: 43.5
Average:11.8
Emptgrave: It was so great to ride with you. Man, did I love that last descent in Georgia. Lush green vallies, winding road, with easy 43mph (my top speed). It was just fabulous.
First an update on the lady you mentioned. She's a member of my club and I was riding may be a minute behind her. Me and one other rider made it at the crash site just after the incident happened. The computer read 89.78 miles and it was that really dangerous looking downhill which turns left at the bottom. I suppose she lost control at that turn and was thrown off the bike. She was unconscious for first few mins while we were talking to the 911 operator. She was also breathing very loud, like something was stuck in her windpipe. It was a very scary time as I had never experienced anything like this before.
Soon there were two cars that stopped by and at least 10 riders helping us out taking care of her while the ambulance was on its way. A couple of people were directing traffic and telling riders to slow down on the descent. It was amazing to see the human spirit that just kicked everyone in action without any apparent leadership present.
I was there for more than 45 minutes and we left shortly after the ambulance arrived. This afternoon I found out that she crushed a cheekbone and has some injury to the eye, but otherwise made it out okay. It was so relieving to hear that. Her spouse was also riding shortly ahead of her and he came back looking for her after about 5-7 minutes.
My ride report: This was my second time riding 3S3M and I have to say I did a much better job and felt a lot better last year. During the first hour we were completely soaked. The suck creek descent was very cold because of that. I slowly dried out, but the shoes stayed wet all throughout the ride. I started feeling really tired and by the time I got to the Sand mountain, I had almost no juice left. So I climbed it at about 2.5 mph, taking it really slow. The cramps were starting to develop above both of my knees which scared the crap out of me, but I took it really easy and made it on the top. I was literally ready to burst into tears when I made it to the top (not from joy, but from pain, lol :lol: ).
Then I met emptgrave, we rode together almost 20 miles I think until the base of Lookout. I took enough rest at the base and decided to give it my best shot. With very little energy left and my core completely tired and cramps just around the corner, it took great deal of patience to do the first 2 miles on Lookout, my average there was 2 mph, however when I got to the last steep part, my legs gave up and I had to stop twice and even walk a little bit before getting back on the bike and riding to the top.
I am not even going to worry about my timing and I know its a lot worse than last year. I am just glad I finished it without seeking SAG support.
My saddle time: 8:37
Average speed: 11.79
Average cadence: 61
Max speed: 42.96mph
http://160.129.141.112/crypticlineage/albums/finishline2.jpg
Her spouse was also riding shortly ahead of her and he came back looking for her after about 5-7 minutes.
We notified some of the rest of your group at the bottom what had happened. They had not heard yet. They were waiting at the decent bottom, before the straight-away into town.
I am not even going to worry about my timing and I know its a lot worse than last year. I am just glad I finished it without seeking SAG support.
In your defense, you stayed with the wreck for a while or you may have done better.
Great job!!
It sounds like a great ride! I enjoyed reading all your ride reports. It is on my list for centuries to do next year!
The rain caused me to about freeze to death. I was gonna do the full century but changed my mind at the start to ride the metric with my wife. At the top of Suck Creek Mtn, my wife noticed some trouble with her brakes and was worried about going down the long descent. With my newly frozen status, I took this as a great excuse to catch the SAG wagon with her. I couldn't let her go back by herself??? I was just froze to the core so bad I could not get my hands to work and my teeth to stop chattering.
eye3md: I know what you mean. The rain really wore people out. I think you did the right thing. Better luck next time.
CBC really needs to push this ride into early June. May weather is always inclement in Chattanooga.
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