Breck Epic 2015 - Breckenridge, CO 9600 ft. in elevation

Breck Epic 2015 - Breckenridge, CO 9600 ft. in elevation

Stage 1: Pennsylvania Creek - Time to Suck it up Buttercup; 36 miles, 5,067 ft. of elevation gain

Stage race #2 is officially in motion…it came a little fast for myself, Dax and Coach Miller considering we just finished Singletrack 6 eight days ago, but we were all psyched to reunite at packet pick- up/racers meeting.  It becomes a bit of a bike family as you show up from race to race and see so many familiar faces and friends.  We ran into quite a few racers that had also raced in Canada's Singletrack 6 this year and were at if for another go.  Now as many of you know, Dax is a regular at these races. and I am a bit of an unknown face so one of my favorite comments from the night in response to Dax not riding the open solo single speed and doing the coed duo category with me (his girlfriend) was, "oh so you two will be breaking up in 7 days!" (footnote: Rob Batey)  Fortunately we were able to laugh at that and aren't planning on that as the outcome.

The racer meeting got me super nervous but Mike McCormack is pretty darn funny so at least I got a few laughs in between my nail biting.  The Breck Epic days are quite a bit longer than Singletrack 6, the elevation is obviously a lot higher, and I knew I wouldn't be taking photos with a unicorn in this race.  

We are so thankful to Ffej (Jeff Rank) and Mariko for putting us up in their sweet trailer home at Rick Stetta Ranch in Breckenridge.  Ffej (Jeff backwards) is also doing some video and photo shooting so keep your eyes out for posts from him (Mariko is his assistant who should get some credit for some great shots as well).  

"Merica"…good morning Breckenridge.  Good ole fashion American pride motivation this morning on our way to the race. 

 At the start of the first stage we nailed a great spot near Peter Butt and Kelly Boniface…close to the front for a nice smooth roll out. 

Dax and I excited (and maybe a little bit nervous, at least I was) for our first stage race as a duo together.  The format of riding with each other the whole time is a new experience for us.  I figure if we are still in love with each other after this experience it must be a really good thing we have going.  

And of course…the mandatory post race recovery…cold river leg soak.  This is one benefit of being in a familiar area, you know exactly where to go to work towards recovery and good food.  Breckenridge is a frequently attending biking arena and we have all the "ins" on where to go, what to eat, etc.  In Canada the race and post race experience was always a big question mark, which brings some fun and adventure, but can also lead to some challenges when trying to race/recover/refuel/rest/repeat.  

Dax is happy. Safety first in the river.

This is Kelly "Hollywood" Boniface's favorite part. The shock of the river.  Notice I am the sally with a down jacket on. Prevention first.  I get cold easily, like blue lips cold.  

Kelly manages a smile after a few moments of adjustment and then by the end declares the river was warmer this year.  I think she is just a quick learner and moves into the pro category efficiently; whether on a bike or in the river.  

I had to get a shot of Coach Miller's white t-shirt which I am pretty certain has been bleached since Canada and is even whiter these days.  We have the whole crew in this photo - Zeke, Nate, Ffej, Mariko, and Dax…this is how bike racers spend their Sunday afternoon.  Nothing like some chamois time in the river.  Chamois time is training time.  

AND the RESULTS: so many friends here in our home state that I am going to list a few names: 

1.  Kelly "Hollywood" Boniface (featured in the photo below) CRUSHED today racing with some elite world class riders and finished an impressive 3rd place in women's open pro field - we are all super proud of her!

2.  Nate "Coach" Miller placed 7th today in the open pro men field for the 3 day category - again, impressive, this is a stacked field of competition with world class talent.  

3.  Zeke (Ezekiel) Hersch placed 10th today in the open pro men for the 3 day category - again, we were blown away, he stepped up this year and moved out of the 40+  category and into the open pro category…he would have won 40+

4.  And the picture below, Dax and I barely squeaked out a win today!! We were pretty psyched to have had such a great day on the bikes together.  There are only about 4 minutes between the top three teams in our division and we won by a mere 1:45….that is an amazingly close race when you consider our race time was 3 hours, 26 minutes and some change; but we got the leaders jersey which is pretty sweet - you get to keep it!! And I like the blue color. :) So does Dax - go Tarheels!

After awards, this happened…9 of us met up for burgers and beers at Empire Burger - one of my highlights of the night was hanging with Larry Grossman.  He is the announcer for Breck Epic and many other events.  Larry might be one of the most talented professionals in his field and is full of good laughs.  

Dax kicked ass today.  He was my pack mule, my support, pushed my back on the stupid road climb that I really do not excel on, and fed me when I was hungry or not hungry.  I did not have to think about anything but having fun on my bike and going fast.  I am so happy and thankful that we are fortunate enough to have the time, energy, health, and finances to be able to experience the Breck Epic together!