One Clydesdale’s Journey

Okay, I don’t actually have a pre-race checklist now that I think about it; other than in my head at the moment. So I guess the first action item is to create a list.

The very first item on the list is going to be checking out the bike course if it is a new race or if the course has changed since the last time I rode it.

And I can now check that one off the list as being completed.

This weekend Shelly and I drove down to Delavan Lake and first drove around the course to make sure that we understood where each turn was. From there, we parked at the resort where the transition area is going to be and we headed out on the course with our bikes.

Now this is important; you want to drive the course first because the maps that you can print out on line aren’t always as accurate as you need them to be. And it is a whole lot easier to turn around and back track with the car than it is on the bike. This also gives you the opportunity to spot landmarks that you’ll need to find on the bike to let you know a turn is coming up.

I know, I know, during a race the have spotters for you along the way letting you know which intersections to turn at. But I still think it helps to know that info for yourself and it especially for the pre-race ride.

And you want to ride the course so that you have a better feel for what the road and hill conditions are actually like. There were a few hills that seemed a lot more intimidating in the car than they actually were on the bike.

Knowing what’s ahead also helps you know when to conserve energy or push a little harder. It also helps you figure out where the good spots are to kick back a bit and take in some nutrition.

I also had a chance to put my hand in the water and check out the temp. It wasn’t as cold as I was expecting it to be for this time of the year.

That doesn’t mean that I want to swim a mile in it without a wetsuit though. So I’ll be getting that item on the check list taken care of tomorrow.

Along with the check list itself!

Later,
John W.
A Clydesdale in training