Saturday, May 25, 2013

Wrapping up the 2013 Assaults

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 2013 Assault on Mount Mitchell. It was a terrific day of riding with ideal weather conditions and a lot of fun.

A special thanks go out to all the volunteers. They went the extra mile on every occasion. Sometimes we are too exhausted to give them proper thanks during the ride, but I hope they realize how much they are appreciated.

Of the Mitchell rides in which I’ve participated, this one seemed to go the smoothest. Hats off to Angela and Keenan for all their efforts. Of course with a ride as logistically challenging as AOMM, there are going to be occasional inconveniences. Nobody likes the the long bus rides or waiting for their bikes, for instance, but to my knowledge there were not any major issues. Thanks to the riders for being patient with the organizers and letting them do their thing.

Results

Unofficial Results are posted here:

Apparel

You can still purchase apparel until June 3rd here:

Event Photos

You can find Finish Line and Bill’s Hill photos here:

You can find photos from Highway 80 here:

Blog Entries

Aaron West / SteepClimbs

Brian Lube / Wunschreiten

Newspaper Coverage

Spartanburg Herald Journal

Asheville Citizen Times

Friday, May 17, 2013

AOMM Forecast: Warm with a chance of rain

Weather is always a challenge to predict for an event like Mitchell. Since we start in Spartanburg at a low elevation, and finish 100 miles away at the highest point in the eastern US, there are a lot of factors to consider.

I reached out to NOAA employee and admitted weather fanatic William Schmitz to get an idea of what we’re looking at on Monday. All of this can change, so be sure to click the links as we get closer to the event.

Spartanburg

It looks to be a warmish and humid morning when we leave Spartanburg. There is a slight chance of rain, roughly 20% throughout the morning. The temperature should be rising to the low 70s after a couple hours, and will be around 80 at noon, although most of us will be out of Spartanburg by that time. It should be partly cloudy, but there will be ample sun. The wind should be relatively calm. It looks to be good riding weather. 

Detailed Spartanburg Forecast  (choose 48-hours beginning Monday)

Marion 

Expect more of the same by the time we reach Marion. It’ll be just a couple degrees cooler, but very well could be pretty warm by the time most people arrive. The wind will still be relatively calm, increasing slightly in the afternoon, but nothing that will give us too much trouble. The chance of rain increases slightly to 30-40% as the day progresses. As of right now, there is a little spike in the mid-afternoon where the chance of rain is higher.

Detailed Marion Forecast (choose 48-hours beginning Monday)

Mitchell 

As we get into elevation, the weather becomes less and less predictable. Most of this can and will change. For example, last year those who finished from 5-9 hours enjoyed some sunny, warm weather on their way up the parkway. Those who arrived later had to deal with an intense storm with hail and all sorts of nastiness. Be prepared for everything. The forecast as of right now looks pretty good. The chance of rain is still in the 30-40% range in the late afternoon. Wind will be a little higher, around 7 mph, but that can often not be a factor when you get into the mountains. The temperature should still be warm, somewhere around the 70s assuming the rain holds off.

Detailed Mitchell Forecast (choose 48-hours beginning Monday)

I recommend you check this link sometime on Sunday. This gives you the forecast for the summit. It only shows two days in advance, so if you read this today, it will not be very worthwhile. As we get closer, it should be relatively accurate, although keep in mind that weather is chaotic in the mountains and you should be prepared for anything. 

Another reminder: this is the weather as of Friday at noon. It could and likely will change in the coming days, so be sure to click on the links for updates. I would also check the online radar early in the morning.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Game Plans


Here are a number tips, perspectives and strategies on how some riders will prepare to assault the big mountain. I tried to choose people with different skill levels and from different cities. This is a long read. Take your time with it, and feel free to share your own game plan in the comments.



Karl Johnson - Spartanburg SC


I haven't been able to ride a lot of climbing rides due to weather and scheduling.  Realizing this, I have to temper my goals to make sure I don't bonk anywhere.  

My strategy is to look for certain people I ride with locally, who I know will help me get to Marion in a time that will let me conserve as much energy as possible. After Marion, I am on my own, and will climb at my own pace.  I look at the climb as first Green River Cove, then Caesar's Head, and last the Saluda Grade (second half).

To fuel my strategy:  this is what works for me, it may not work for others: 3 bottles with an electrolyte-carbo mix, homemade rice bars, and energy chews.  I have to remember to drink and eat early and often.  Ideally I want to stop in Marion or top of Hwy 80 to refill 2 bottles.  Once on the parkway I don't plan to stop. If more stops are required, then so be it.

Everyone needs to stay calm at the beginning, don't get caught up in a group outside your ability level, as you may pay for it later.  

I am impressed with all who come to this ride.  Make sure you thank all the volunteers along the way (even if you don't stop), especially the volunteers at Marion and at the top.  

Everyone have a safe ride!


Brian Curran - Columbia, SC


I did my first Mt. Mitchell in 1992.  I swore I would never, ever do it again.  I think this year will be my 13th or 14th time. I love it and I hate it.  In the years I didn't participate, I was filled with relief and regret.  It's just that kind of experience.  The one thing I know for certain is that the sight of the finish line as I round the final bend is always a transcendent moment.   As a bike shop owner, I have given lots of advice about Mitchell over the years and what follows is what I feel is the most relevant.

The week leading up to the ride is not the time to double your weekly mileage or go on a crash diet.  You are as skinny and as fit as you are going to get.  Two or three short rides with a few hard efforts is plenty.  Eat lots of good food and get as much sleep as you can.

The day before the ride make sure you eat more than usual.  I like a Dano's Sicilian pizza with mushrooms.  No new foods or supplements. Drink water, but not to the point that you have to get up every hour.  You will probably have enough trouble sleeping.   DO NOT do any major work on your bike.  Inspect the tires and Inflate them, make sure you chain is lubricated.  Wipe it down and leave it alone.

The night before,  have everything laid out, your numbers attached (not around your rear brake cable) your food in your pockets, chamois cream and sun screen at the ready.  Think happy thoughts.  Tens of thousand of riders have done the ride and they survived.  

The morning of the ride eat a breakfast that is easy to digest.  I like oatmeal and some yogurt. Don't stuff yourself.  Riding with the bloat is never good.  Do not be one of the people riding their bike around at 4:30 am.  Sit down, think happy thoughts and relax.  If you are on your bike and at the start 20 min before they say go, you're good.  

During the ride pay attention. It can a bit chaotic at the start.  Avoid anyone that is using aero bars.  Seriously, they are bad news, they can't turn and can't stop.  Eat, drink, repeat often. Don't over exert yourself at the beginning.  You will be full of adrenaline and your perceived exertion will be way off.  In other words, it won't feel like you are working as hard as you are and you'll regret it later.  If you have been training with a heart rate monitor or power meter, trust it.  When you get to Marion, figure you are halfway time wise.  Once the climb starts,  be prepared to run the gamut of emotions from "this isn't so bad" to "why did I spend money to do this to myself?"  Keep eating and drinking all the way to the top.  Enjoy the view. You earned it!  Stay calm and pedal.

At the top enjoy the tomato soup and white bread. It will be one of the best meals you ever had. Bask in the glory of being done with the ride but know that the day isn't even half over.  Be patient, it is a monumental logistical task to get everybody and their bikes back to Marion safely.  I usually pack a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a gatorade with my clothes.

Good luck and remember to have fun.


Gregg Jowers - Chapin, SC


This will be my fourth AOMM attempt  The first year I was not prepared for what was coming and suffered greatly to a 7:26 finish. My second attempt ended at the short descent on the Parkway as my rear wheel broke somewhere around mile 94. My pace was probably in the 7:00 range. Last year I trained a little harder and worked on my climbing.  I came up with a better fueling/stopping strategy, and I finished in 6:36.    This year I have put in more miles, but not had the time to train in the mountains with the exception of a rainy Tour de Cashiers.

This year I worked over the offseason to drop weight, and am now approximately 10 lbs lighter than last year.  That should help with my climbing, and I plan to put forth more effort on the Parkway 

The rest of my plan is to try and repeat my strategy from last year.   I will start the ride toward the front, although not with the front group. I will carry four bottles and various gels/chews. Hopefully there will be a nice group to take me to Bill’s Hill with an average speed in the low 20's.   As I finish my first two bottles, I will carefully throw them to the volunteers at a rest stop along the way.  The food and drink that I carry should allow me to get to the Parkway without stopping. I will stop at the rest stop at the top of 80 to fill my two bottles, use the bathroom, and cram some food.  I am not real good at the steeper sections so I will "rest' on them, and try to go harder when the grade is closer to 6%. Depending on the temperature on the parkway, I may need to stop around the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park, which will be just for a top off. I hope to have enough left in the tank to improve on my time from last year. The goal is somewhere between 6:15-6:25.


Kevin Meechan - Asheville, NC


This will be my third Assault on Mt. Mitchell. It is a very challenging but rewarding event, as all finishers can take pride in completing one of the hardest centuries anywhere in the world. My goal time this year is 6:45, which would be a slightly under last year's time and a full hour faster than my first.

I'll start with two full bottles of Cytomax, a flask of gel, and five sleeves of Shot Bloks, and refill at Bill's Hill, Marion, and top of Hwy 80 rest stops as necessary.

I think of AOMM as three main parts: 1) start to the top of Bill's Hill, 2) Bill's Hill to Marion, 3) Marion to the top of Mitchell, which is further broken down into three additional sections.

Part one...

I will try to limit my effort to Bill's Hill while staying in one of the lead groups. The first ten or so miles can be quite sketchy with all the riders finding their spots in groups. Dodging at least one dropped water bottle is a given. Remember to hydrate early and often which can be easily forgotten with all the excitement, and a bit difficult with all wheels close by. Last year I barely drank on the first half to Bill's Hill and paid dearly for it with leg cramps going up Hwy 80 and the Parkway. 

Part two...

I'll most likely be dropped by the group I'm in by stopping at the top of Bill's Hill, but I know nature will be calling and my bottles will need filling. This second part is mostly rollers with a few short climbs to loosen up the legs for the fun to come. New groups will form and I should be able to get a bit of a draft on the flatter sections.

Part three...

As we roll through Tom Johnson's Camping Center and The Assault on Marion riders peel off (their day being over), ours is about to kick it up a notch ...literally. I break part three down into three more individual sections ...Hwy 80, the Parkway, and the final climb up 128 to the finish. I find the 12-mile Parkway section to be the most challenging psychologically. You've just finished a hard climb up 80 and you might be thinking you're just a short spin from Mitchell ...don't think that way or the uphill grind of the Parkway will seem to never end. There's about 2,500' of climbing on the Parkway section and you're pretty tired at this point. I find it helps to look at the Parkway mile markers knowing that the base of Mitchell is at Mile Marker 355. It keeps me from thinking (hoping) that the end of the Parkway is just around the next bend. Once off the Parkway and on the final climb up 128 to the finish, I think it's best to build up the effort over the 4-1/2 miles. I see a lot of riders hit it too hard at the beginning of 128 only to fade a mile or so in, well before it levels off near the ranger station half way up. Building my effort throughout the climb helps me to have something for the final kick at the top. At least that's my plan ...we shall see :)


Aaron West - Columbia, SC


This is my third and most challenging Assault yet. Last year I had a solid plan and finished with a respectable 7:07. Since then I’ve endured a number of injuries, most notably a hip stress fracture that kept me off the bike for 4 months during the winter. It has improved, and I have managed to get a little bit of training in, but I’m not nearly as prepared for the ride as I was the last two years. The healing process is still ongoing. Thankfully I’ve been able to ride with it, but I would guess it is at 65-70% right now.

The plan for me will be a lot different this year. I’m not concerned about the time it takes. All I care about is finishing. I’ll still try to get in tight with a good group on the way to Marion, but I will be careful not to be in company that is above my fitness level. I’d rather back off then burn out. 

Last year I didn’t stop until Marion. This year I’ll probably stop at least once, maybe twice. I’ll carry a little less food on me just to give me incentive to get off the bike some. When the climbing begins is when I’ll struggle the most. I simply haven’t put in the miles to get my climbing legs back. I’ll climb slow and will stop often, but I should still have the means to make it to the top. I will not be ashamed to pack it in and take the wagon, but knowing my personality, things will have to be pretty rough for me to end the day early.



 Kevin Pearl - Louisville, KY


My game plan for AOMM is a bit of a guessing game since it is my first attempt. I will start with a healthy meal the night before, followed by rest and an early breakfast of protein, whole grain carbs, fruit, and caffeine about 2-3 hours before ride time. Then I will stretch thoroughly, and continue to hydrate. Once rolling on the bike, I will rotate my snacks between bananas, trail mix, energy gels, and energy chews, trying to eat once every hour. 

I will stop at rest stops as needed, hopefully primarily to use the restroom and refill water bottles. I do plan to conserve energy by pack riding as much as possible to Marion, where I will stop for about thirty minutes to rest and eat a light meal. On the climb to summit Mt. Mitchell, I plan to stop at each rest stop, and continue the snack rotation and beverage consumption. I will rest as needed, and push on when I feel strong. This is my first attempt at Assault On Mt. Mitchell, so I may find myself looking to go to plan B or plan C as the ride or weather dictates, but both of those plans also include stopping nowhere short of the highest point in eastern United States. 



Wade Otey - Charlotte, NC


After 3 times riding the Marion event, I decided that if Mitchell was to happen for me, I had to get to the task. Last year, at age 56 and weighing 240, my goal was just to make the NC80/BRP rest stop cutoff time. Even though NC80 was like an oven, I made the cutoff point with 90 mins to spare. With that incentive, I soldiered on. At the rest stop atop the big BRP descent, it began to rain. On the turn to NC128, the deluge began with Noah looking for trees for another boat! After short session of lightning at the ranger station, where the sign says "2 Miles to Summit", the hail was covering the ground and stinging everyone dumb enough to stay on the road, which of course included this idiot. 

These factors only served to tick me off, which gave an intense adrenaline/energy rush that propelled me the last 2 miles. The other factor that "inspired" me to no end was the Young's bus driver that would not pass me though I was waving him past,...dude, sorry about the single finger salute. There was a tiny bit of the traditional tomato soup left in the crock pot for me with the event timer in the photo reading 11:09:00. 

This year, with one additional year, and 10 additional lbs. (57/250+,...ooppps!) my goal is to finish in single digit hours, 9:59:59 or better. We'll see,...for some of us, those that are the antithesis of the usual image of cycling, AOMM is the acronym for "ATTEMPT on Mt. Mitchell".

See you at the top, by bike or by SAG.....and a quick P.S.: if you see an old fat man grinding along with his head down, don't yell out, "GOOD WORK MAN!,...it's WAY too patronizing."


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Too Late to Lose Weight - Peter Kay

Though we've all grown up with the cliché "it's never too late to [whatever]," we all know that in some cases... it is. With one week to go to the Assault on Mt. Mitchell and the Assault on Marion, there is a lot of worry, stress, and even anxiety in the air.

We tend to ask ourselves, "Am I prepared?" For some reason, the vast majority will answer "Not yet."
We forget that this is not a test we can cram for. Most of us are aware of how tapering works, and most of us will taper properly. Yet - perhaps from panic - so many of us attempt to shed a few pounds before The Big Day, whether from our bodies or from our bicycles. But...

It's too late to lose weight. Don't even try. Any attempt to lose body weight in the last days leading up to these events will only have adverse effects. Kelli covered nutrition on Sunday, and it's important to read it thoroughly. Remember: all this week, maintain the body's expectations regarding eating and drinking habits.

It's like trying to save weight by not carrying water bottles. You can probably make it pretty far into the ride before needing to drink. But then you'll have to stop to drink at a rest stop... or several... and any time gains you may have made by shaving weight on the hills will be long gone.

But it's also a bad idea to try to lose weight off of your bike by using new or untested equipment. The new stuff may fail, but even if it doesn't, it can serious effect your handling and/or comfort throughout the day causing added fatigue and stress.

Avoid temptation...


This Week

  • do NOT drastically change your regular eating habits by changing what/when you eat
  • do NOT lower your caloric intake; biggest reward = bonking. If cutting out something, be sure that there's a replacement of the same/similar caloric value; for example, no alcohol this week? - drink Gatorade instead. Maintain the body's expectations.
  • carb-loading the night before the event with giant helpings of pasta, does NOT generally work. As a social event, getting to meet other riders, the traditional Pasta Dinner or pre-ride gathering is a good thing. As a preparation for the ride, it's most often unhelpful or even harmful.
An effective carbohydrate loading phase takes 3-4 days, so relying on one large bowl of pasta the night before is not going to cut it. The fact that you are tapering your training before the race automatically contributes to loading, assuming you keep eating your usual intake of carbohydrates. ... Many athletes opt for a low-fibre diet on the final day of loading, which can help prevent abdominal gas and bloating in the race. Stick with white bread/rice/pasta, and avoid eating large quantities of beans and pulses (unless you know you get on well with them), and go easy on the vegetables and salads.


  • do NOT try over-haul your bike this week; tearing it all down and rebuilding it often backfires. Yes, it is very important that you do an all points inspection, cleaning thoroughly, lubing, and making sure all the bolts are tightened adequately, etc. But a rebuild is risky and can lead to equipment failures.
  • do NOT try out new, untested equipment (or foods on event day). Now is not the time to put on new wheels, chains, cables, or even bartape. Half-way up the climb is not the time to try out some new, exotic gels. Stick to what you have and what you can stomach. (I can't tell you how many years I've seen dozens of flats in the first 2-3 miles due to participants mistakenly riding new tubes/tires in an attempt to avoid such mishaps.)
  • do NOT drastically change your riding habits. Tapering is good. Big changes take time for the body to adapt. Be smart about how much, how little, or how intensely you ride.

DO:
  • rest more; take a little extra time each day to relax - body and mind
  • plan ahead; packing your bags early and slowly using a check list
  • eat your usual breakfast the Day Of
...and remember: this is supposed to be FUN!

Peter Kay


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Nutrition for One Week Out - Kelli Jennings


The Assault on Mount Mitchell is coming up, and many of you may be in a cold sweat about what you should eat and drink leading up to it.  More times than I can count, before a major event or race is the moment an athlete contacts me.  They’ve bonked in previous races.  Now, they want to prepare so they don’t do it again.  What to eat?

There are many different ideas of how to eat the week before an important competition.  Many trainers tell their athletes to Carbohydrate Load (the practice of trying to optimally load your glycogen stores before a big race).  Historically, athletes practiced depriving themselves of carbohydrates 3-7 days before a race to deplete their glycogen stores, then bombarding their bodies with high amounts of carbohydrates later in the week to saturate them.  Although it has worked in some cases, it also causes significant issues during the deprivation stage…and, it’s not necessary.

There is a finite amount of glycogen your body can store – this will not change with diet adjustment the week of a competition.  On the other hand, there is an indefinite amount of fat your body can store, and overeating compared to how much you are training during your taper can cause you to store fat and feel “heavy” during your competition.  While you can saturate your glycogen stores (still, it’s a finite amount) with extra carbs, you must “load” carefully in order to not overdo it.  More is not always better. 

I like to think of “One Week Out” as an extended time of “Recovery Nutrition.” This means the focus should be an adequate, but not too many carbs, extra protein, extra anti-inflammatory foods and fats, loads of antioxidants, and optimal hydration.  While you taper, you have the opportunity to heal your body and promote the best possible health state. The week of your big competition, I recommend:

1)            Continue to follow your normal eating  plan, with FULL training nutrition for any training sessions. This is not the time to skimp.  You are no longer trying to lose weight (if you were previously). Also, be extra-diligent with staying hydrated.

2)            Continue to consume protein at every meal and snack.  Also consume healthy fats including organic coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, fish, nuts, etc.  Healthy fats promote good hormone balance and can alleviate some of the blood sugar and hormone swings caused by carbohydrates.

3)            If there ever was a “best time” to remember daily supplements, this is it.  Every day: multivitamin, fish oil, probiotics, and any other supplements you’re taking.  If inflammation, soreness, or injury is an issue, try adding ginger and garlic in foods and/or supplement.  If you need iron to keep your serum ferritin at adequate levels, make sure to take it.  Lastly, if you’re using l-glutamine to reduce soreness and improve recovery, as I suggest you do, take an extra 5 grams every night of the week before the race in addition to any used before, during, and/or after training.

4)            As you taper your training, eliminate training fuel while not training. 

5)            If you’re suffered cramps in previous races or training, or feel that you are at high risk, you can begin to load some electrolytes 3-5 days out.  Try supplementing ~500 mg calcium, 200-300 mg magnesium, 100 mg potassium after training or every evening leading up to a race. Or, as a perfect whole food option, try a pre-bed shake, in place of any dessert:  ½ cup organic plain yogurt + 1 cup berries + 1/12 tsp. salt (estimate using a 1/3 of a ¼ tsp.) + water/ice as needed =  Alternatively, drink 12 oz. coconut water per night and supplement the calcium.

6)            If you’re competing in a “major” endurance event (like Mitchell), begin adding extra carbs 2 days out by adding 30 grams of additional carbs to breakfast, lunch and dinner (see examples below).

7)            The day before your competition, only eat foods/drinks that you know do not cause stomach upset, bloating, or extra gas.  Avoid any greasy foods and consume carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats with which you know you digest well.  You can eat vegetables with dinner if you’d like, but avoid gas-producing veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and beans.  Instead, try a salad with spinach, tomatoes, & bell peppers. 

8)             For “major” competitions (like Mitchell), add an extra 30 grams of whole-food carbohydrates at every meal starting at dinner 2 days before the event.   For “minor” ones, add the extra 30 grams of carbs at dinner only the night before the event.  Don’t overdo carbohydrate loading or you’ll go into your competition feeling heavy rather than fueled.  Some examples of 30-grams-carb-additions are:

•             8 oz. honey milk (made w/ 8 oz. milk + 1.5 tbsp. honey) = 35 gm. carbs
•             1 large piece fruit or 1 medium banana = 30 gm. carbs
•             1 cup unsweetened applesauce
•             1 100% whole wheat English muffin or bagel = 30 gm. carbs
•             ½ medium bagel + low-fat cream cheese = 30 gm. carbs
•             2 slices 100% whole grain toast = 36 gm. carbs
•             1 slice toast + 1 tbsp. honey or jelly = 33 gm. carbs
•             8 oz. yogurt = 30 gm. carbs
•             1 large yam/sweet potato = 30 gm. carbs
•             2/3 cup cooked wild or brown rice = 30 gm. carbs
•             2/3 cup cooked quinoa = 27-30 gm. carbs

It’s important to think about the timeline of digestion in this scenario.  It only takes refined carbohydrates ~15 minutes to be digested and hit the bloodstream.  Then, they are stored.  If your glycogen stores are not fully replenished, they can be stored there.  But, for most athletes who haven’t just ended a training session, glycogen stores will likely be filled to their limit.  So, any extra carbs will be stored in the cells as fats – which can be used in long endurance workouts, but do not give the athlete any advantage with energy, and negatively add weight.  So, instead of  “quick-energy” carbs the night before a race, go for lower-glycemic, whole-food, healthy ones.  For example, choose a yam over pasta.  Their slow digestion and evenly-released-energy will give you usable, efficient fuel the next day.

9)            The morning of the race, use pre-training fuel, just like you’ve practiced.  Usually, this means a meal 3-4 hours out and/or a snack 1-2 hours out.  Or, if you’ve used it in training, you can use my recipe for a Pre-Training Smoothie to provide a variety of carb sources, concentrated nutrition, and a sodium load in a liquid form the digests easily and quickly to provide optimal energy without stomach distress and gassiness; just 1-2 hours out.  This shorter digestion time will save you from waking up extra early to consume a meal (sleep is important and I find it unacceptable to wake up early to eat, then try to go back to be on race day).  What’s more, if you freeze it ahead of time, it even works well camping as you allow it to thaw for 12-24 hours.  Lastly, to give your body just a bit more, you can add  a “light” pre-training fuel option such as a gel, sports drink or organic honey just 10-15 minutes before staring.   This just gives you a leg-up on refueling during the event.  If it adds stress to your pre-race routine, though, you can skip it as long as you follow your scheduled fuel plan during the race.  For any race greater than 60 minutes, fueling should begin around 30 minutes in during the race. 

10)          Remember, race day is not the time for new foods, experiments, or “pushing” yourself with inadequate fuel.  The goal is NOT to go as far as you can with the least amount of fuel.  There’s simply no point in this…just plenty of dehydration, hyponatremia, bonking, and regrets after all that training.  On the other hand, optimal fueling can help you meet the real race goal, crossing the finish line in your personal best time and effort.

Since you have a few days to recover and prepare before a big event, flood your body with good nutrients to help it heal, replenish glycogen stores, and rest.  Then, load it up and saturate your glycogen stores without going overboard.  Assault the mountain while feeling strong, “light,” and ready.

Kelli Jennings
Apex Nutrition


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Route

When I was preparing for my first Mitchell, I found myself getting psyched out about the route. At that point, despite having some decent fitness, I was not confident I would be able to complete the event. Since the challenge with Mitchell is as much psychological as it is physical, it is a great benefit to have an idea what to expect. 

This visual map gives a lot of terrific details about the route, rest stops, landmarks, and so on.    

I found Paul Thomas' section-by-section summary of the route to be invaluable. If you have not ridden before, I highly recommend you read each section and prepare accordingly.


Part One - Intro and the start

Part Two - Pea Ridge Hill
Part Three - Dangerous Curve
Part Four - Bill's Mountain
Part Five - Tom Johnson Campground/Marion
Part Six - Highway 80
Part Seven - Blue Ridge Parkway
Part Eight - Mount Mitchell State Park and The End

In a nutshell, the riding will begin easily, with fast and smooth highways. The further the route takes you, the more challenging it gets. Bill's Mountain is a tough climb, and a good test of how you are doing that day. As you approach Marion, you will experience more and more rolling hills, many of which will be steep. 

After leaving Marion, you'll have a few more miles of easy riding before the real climbing begins. Many consider the climb up Highway 80 to the Parkway to be the toughest part of the day. The Parkway is more manageable, with a consistent grade and even a short downhill section, but it goes on a long while. The State Park is no cakewalk, with some steep sections that especially hurt after all the miles you've put on your legs.

The general rule of thumb is that it will take you just about as long to get from Spartanburg to Marion, as it will from Marion to Mitchell. 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

The Mitchell Countdown Begins ..




Believe it or not, The Assaults on Marion and Mount Mitchell are just around the corner. Most of you have been riding, climbing, and riding some more over the last couple of months, in the hopes that you’ll be able to dominate on May 20th. 

Most of you are probably done with the toughest riding by this point. Hopefully the rough weather over the weekend did not prevent you from getting some last-minute training. 

With 15 days to go, the time to start tapering is almost here. I recommend you read Peter Kay’s article about the 10-day taper. I followed it the last two years and it helped immensely. In the interest of tapering, I will ride a light metric (or maybe a full) century next weekend, and then wind down during the week.

There are a few things that’ll be coming in the blog to help prepare you for the ride. We’ll talk about the course so first-time riders will know what to expect. We’ll talk about preparing for the weather once we get a good forecast. We’ll talk about game planning for the ride, and hopefully we can say a few more words about fueling for such a large event.

Congratulations to all of those who have put in the effort to prepare for the Assaults. As long as you have done some training and prepare wisely, I have no doubt that you'll be successful.