Redman Triathlon Race Report Part 2: The Bike Having finished a harrowing swim, I came into transition one to prepare for the 112 mile bike. At Redman they have strippers to remove your wetsuit. No tip needed! I was wearing my bike shorts and jog bra under the wetsuit, so all I needed to do was put on shirt, socks, shoes, helmet, and sunscreen. Discovered last night that the sunscreen was not applied very well. Ouch! With an enthusiastic send off from my crew I headed out across the dam. It was sweet to be out of that choppy water and on my bike. I love that thing! The first 3 miles headed west. We were protected from the crosswind by a solid wall on the dam. The views were fabulous! Then the course turned north for 11 miles. I saw my crew twice, they were cheering and holding signs Does this bike make my butt look fast? Sweet!! The race had good police support who managed the traffic so we could go through the intersections. Its really weird to run a red light in full view of a police officer! Those 11 miles had a tailwind and I was flying, averaging over 15 mph! Then the course turned west, into a crosswind and rolling hills that were a little more up than down. This slowed me down a little. We turned around at mile 28 and headed back. The crosswind was still there but the downhills felt great. Then we turned south, into the wind. So much for making good time...now the work began. By the time I got to the aid station at mile 47, I was really starting to feel it. I was drinking as much as I could but eating was proving difficult. Most of my food was in my Camelbak backpack and that was putting a stress on my neck and shoulders. I was able to give some of it to my crew at mile 40, which helped. The crouch position in the aero bars was getting tiresome too. But by mile 53 I was back at the dam, protected from the wind by the wall. My crew had been joined by my brother, Glen, by now and were waiting at the turn around. I waved and shouted one more lap! As I rode by, then back out on the damn for lap two. Again the next 14 miles were good with a nice tailwind. I was starting to get the impression that I was the last biker by now as when I would pass other bikers ahead of me coming back on the loop course they were all shouting encouragement like Way to stay after it!. Turning west at mile 70 began the turning point of the race. It was hot now, 88 degrees, and the wind was 12 mph, gusting to 18. I was drinking like crazy, but having trouble eating. I hadnt peed since the swim. After the turn around I saw only one biker behind me who looked surprisingly fresh and I suspect he was a course sweep to make sure I didnt die. I rolled into an aid station and stopped, asking the volunteers for food/water. I stood up and was swaying. One of them grabbed my bike and I laid down before I fell down. Those wonderful people fed me bananas and grapes and filled my backpack with ice! Sheer heaven!! Eventually I was able to stand up, gave them a heartfelt thanks and pedaled on. My crew was at mile 96 and, as much as I wanted to stop, I was feeling pressed for time knowing that the bike course would be closing before too long. I turned back west then south again against the wind. Within a few miles I was in real trouble. Nauseated, lightheaded, I was swaying in my lane. I needed to lay down again but the ditches werent mowed and I could hear critters moving in the brush. Laying in the road would turn me into road kill! I finally made it to the next aid station where the most angelic volunteers took my bike while I laid down again. They fed me bananas and grapes and water. They packed ice around my neck and assured me that I could stay as long as I needed. The whole world was swaying and I kept saying Im moving. Im back in the water. to which they replied we assure you, Amy, you are not moving and we arent having an Oklahoma earthquake. After 15-20 minutes I tried to sit up but the world was spinning so I laid down again. The bike course director was there and told me not to worry I could stay as long as I liked. He asked if there was someone to call and let them know I was ok. I told him no, Ill see them when I finish the bike loop. No one pressured me to quit! They were so positive and encouraging! Finally I was able to sit up again, then stand. The whole aid station was clapping and cheering as I got back on the bike and took off. By this time police support had left the course and I was well within the city, riding at rush hour. The bike lane was marked off with cones but I was worried that there would be no policemen at the intersections. Less than a block later a police car pulled into the bike lane in front of me and turned on his lights. I had my own personal police escort for the last 9.5 miles! Trailing me was an official race vehicle with his flashers on. While it was a little embarrassing to need all this, I was so incredibly touched and grateful that they would do this for me. The police car was able to go up on the dam but the race vehicle could not...so the driver hopped out, pulled out his bike, and rode with me across the dam. Great guy! He wanted to talk, though, and I wasnt in shape for that... Finally made it to the end of the bike portion. My crew looked pretty relieved to see me, I know I was very happy to see them. Walked into the transition area, gave them a thumbs up and laid down flat!! Next up...the run. Geek
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 02:19:39 +0000
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