Shenandoah 100

A weekend of awesomeness! Sometimes more aptly known as the Shenandoah Mountain 100. An endurance mountain bike race over 100 miles within the George Washington National Forest outside of Harrisonburg.


A little bit of climbing.


2007 would be my 3rd time racing the SM100, and I was hoping to finally break the 12 hour barrier. Previous years have consisted of serious bike malfunctions, bonks, and just overall slowness induced by night before debauchery.

Lots of the big guns of endurance mtb-ing were in attendance such as Chris Eatough, Chris Beck, Sue Haywood, and a special guest appearance by none other than Floyd Landis. I, of course, never saw any of them until the awards ceremony because they were hours ahead of me...but its still cool to say you "raced" against 'em right? Race was at capacity with 450 riders, and you definetly got that sense when you looked around the grounds and saw tents everywhere!


I hope I have everything...


Anyways, the way it works is all the racers meet up at a big campground out in Stokesville, VA the day before to pick up race packets, socialize, eat a big pasta, dinner, drink beer, and camp out. The race starts right at sunrise (6:30am-ish), and with the race start so far away from civilization its best just to camp out to avoid an early morning rush.



Something cool that is done, is the banning of all racers from having gel packs during the race. You are riding out in the middle of nowhere sometimes, and bears squirrels, etc. don't really want to see some random Gu packets strewn about. Instead, you are given a flask filled with Hammergel or you can fill it with whatever you want (I went with a strong liquor) to use during the race.



For me the actual race typically turns into a steady ride. Its tough to actually take it out hard, because you will pay dearly during some of the later climbs. Even starting easy resulted in a few nuclear meltdowns which had me seeing Jesus and goblins on the side of the course. I felt pretty crappy from 25-75 and found myself walking my bike up fire road climbs + the single track climbs that I can typically clear without issue normally. I guess it was just one of those days...



At the 75 mile aid station I started downing a gatorade/coke mixture at the next aid station and felt much better towards the end. Finished in 11:46-something which is what I was shooting for. Landis finished in 3rd, at 7:25 or so. Kegs of Old Dominion Ale and friendly faces at the finish made all the aches a distant memory...



Someone get me a beeer!

Be well, and thanks for reading!