MrClyde

Saturday was the Bulldog Bike Race on Camp Pendleton. It was advertised a 26 mile out and back. I went back and forth if I was going to do it or not, and decided to just do it. I wanted to get a different bike before I tried racing, but decided to stop making excuses and just try it. They offered a Clyde class so I loaded everything up Saturday morning and drove over.

It was raining buckets at 7 when I arrived. I registered and waited around in the rain. They pushed the start back 15 minutes, and instead of 7 different waves of riders, grouped everyone into 2 waves. We would start in the 2nd wave. After the 1st wave left, I rolled up to the start, and no one else was too anxious so I ended up right in front. They did a neutral start to get us out of the parking lot and onto the road, then they let us go. A couple of guys took off, but it was raining and there was a decent headwind, so they didn't go anywhere.

About 6 miles in, I got dropped from the lead pack on a pretty big roller. I knew I could not sustain that effort the entire race, and there was nothing I could do. There was a pretty good climb up to the turn around point, about a 500 ft climb. On the way back a group of 4 of us formed, and we got a decent paceline going. By the time we got back, the sun was shining but the roads were still wet.

I ended up 6th in the Clyde class out of 23. It was a ton of fun, but very challenging. It is completely different when you see that pack creeping away knowing they will not wait for you or let up at all. I have not downloaded my Garmin yet, but here is what I saw after the race

Total miles - 27 and change
Time - 1:30 something
Avg Speed - just over 18 mph
Max Speed - 43.5 mph
Avg HR - 169
Max HR - 190

Normally, I try and keep my HR from going over 165 for a long time, but I couldn't read my Garmin in the rain. So it was a good thing, because I had no idea I could sustain that kind of effort for that long. I was sore in places I didn't know I could be sore. I was completely worn out. And I can't wait to try it again.

Big Lug

Congrats!!! That is my next thing to try is a race!!

StephenH

I have no desire to do pack-type races, but there's a couple of time trials around here that intrigue me. One is a hilly long-distance event, and I'll probably give it a go this fall. The other one is shorter and more of a speed event, about the same distance as yours, only non-drafting. I may take a whack at it, too. I'm pretty sure I won't even get 18 mph, so I won't be competitive with anyone, but reading posts like yours is an inspiration to go do it anyway. Congratulations on trying and on doing well.

superdex

clyde class. Now we're talkin!

Congrats on the result, my first race is in a couple weeks, and I can't wait!

MrClyde

Do it. It is the most fun you will painfully have.

I was unsure about the pack race too. I felt more comforable during this race, in the rain, than I have at the organized centuries I have done. Everyone was smooth and predictable. Hopefully they are saying the same about me. I like the competitiveness of a pack, but whatever gets you out there to push yourself is a good thing.

Good luck with your race, I wish I would have pre-hydrated better. I'm going to try some Endurolytes pre-race next time. And I am glad I got there really early. Even though I did a lot of waiting in the rain, I didn't feel rushed or confused about what was going to happen.

txvintage

Well done!

You have lot's of options out your way so have a blast!

rideorglide

That's phenomenal.

A 500 ft climb would kill my average.
Amazing HR numbers.

rideorglide

You a young' un? Marine?
Great job either way. And did you stop at an MCX / Marine Mart along the way?

(I guess not with those kinds of speeds)

MrClyde

I turned 38 last month. Not a Marine, but support them 100%. It was cool, they had the Marines out handling traffic control and handing out water cups at a couple spots along the course. No stops for me along the way, that is probably one reason it was so exhausting. Even a fast group ride gets stopped at a light now and then. They had all intersections controlled, so I did not stop once start to finish.

El Gigante

Way to go Mr. Clyde (or should we call you MC Hammer?). That sounds like a real accomplishment and a lot of fun. One question, were you able to stay dry in the rain at all, or did you just throw in the towel after a few miles? I'm riding in the "Tour De Sewer" this weekend - its not a race, but it is a 62 mile out and back from Bell Gardens to Hacienda Heights, here in Los Angeles. Rain is in the forecast .... sooooo, enquiring minds want to know!!

Thanks,
El Gigante

Daspydyr 

Big Pounding Pats on the back. 6th in your first race-outstanding.

I'm 56 and want to make my entrance to the racing world. AZ MTB Association has a Clyde Class called Rock Crushers. I'm aiming for an April race in Prescott. Your story is encouraging. BTW-the last time my HR hit 190 was probably the birth of my first child.

Herbie53

Awesome job. To echo the above 6 of 23 is a great result and darned impressive for a first race!

You sound like you're now an addict... the first step is admitting you have a problem

MrClyde

I went out and bought a rain jacket from Performance the day before the race. They made such a big deal about pinning the number to the outer most layer, there was no way I was putting safety pins in my brand new rain jacket. So I wore the following

Bib shorts
Long sleeve base layer (Arctic Guard)
Double jerseys
Arm warmers
Full fingered gloves
I put my "toesies" on my shoes, hoping it would keep my feet a little drier, that seemed to work

It worked well. It was raining waiting for the start, so yes I got completely wet but once riding, I warmed up and it wasn't bad clothing wise. The tough part was visibility (I only had sunglasses and didn't wear them) and it felt like I drank about 2 gallons of rainwater while riding in the pack.

El Gigante

Thanks for the wet weather clothing tips. I've got base layers and some nice water resistant tights, but the rain jacket might be a problem. Did you get a good deal at Performance?

MrClyde

I think it was $45.

Mr. Beanz

Cool job! I don't follow the race scene but who knows, maybe someday. In 3 years, I'll be a 50+ Clyde, amybe I'll go race all the old fat guys!

Sassonian

Nice work...

It hurts when the pack rolls away from you and all you want to do is hang on to a wheel - but just can't.

If you hang in there - it happens less and less (but it still happens - just to keep you honest).

It's a lot of fun though - and can be habit forming .

Adrian.