Once again the Furnace Creek 508 is here. I'm really excited as always! Especially since more SWARM! members have signed up this year. If your familiar with this event you'll know that riders don't race under their names, they race under a an animal totem to represent themselves. I've signed up solo racing once again as the "Emperor Moth" along Matt Ruscigno as "Desert Locust". Megan Dean is riding on an all women's fixed gear team (On frames she built herself!!) racing as "Blue Footed Booby". I feel prepared but am anxious to get started already. This event offers no support, all support must come with the rider and the crew they select to bring along. I have the best crew ever just as last year; my wife Jenny Davidson, my brother-in-law Alec Schwarz, & friend Max Lucas and I trust them 100% with whatever they recommend, they know me so well and work extremely hard to see me to the end of this EPIC event. I can't thank them enough.
"This 508 mile bicycle race is revered the world over for its epic mountain climbs, stark desert scenery, desolate roads, and its reputation as one of the toughest but most gratifying endurance challenges available, bar none. Total elevation gain: 35,000'." -508 Website
"This 508 mile bicycle race is revered the world over for its epic mountain climbs, stark desert scenery, desolate roads, and its reputation as one of the toughest but most gratifying endurance challenges available, bar none. Total elevation gain: 35,000'." -508 Website
Pre-Race Thoughts:
-Have I trained enough? I've changed my training strategy from last year where I haven't done super long distance 300mi+ but have kept the intensity up and kept the distance at around 100mi. I have put in 3 double centuries this year and my longest was 260mi. My goal this year is to beat my time of 36hrs from last year.
-Is my nutrition plan perfect? As a raw vegan I've decided to consume mostly fruit for fuel on bananas, raisins, and dates and have seriously considered doing the entire race on bananas 3/hr which would be roughly 300cal/hr. This fruit is the perfect fuel being 90%+ carbs, it's like rocket fuel! These foods have worked great in training but since this ride is supported Alec will be making smoothies and other delicious treats for me!
Today we drive up to Santa Clarita to check-in and prepare for tomorrow morning when the riders and crew start on the 508mi adventure. It'll be tough but fun for the teams and riders but may be even more fun for the people at home since the webcast will be updated throughout the race as it unfolds (There's even a webcam this year). Click here to check out the webcast. Also to get individual rider splits click on their animal totems listed above. Wish us luck and we'll let you know how it goes!
