Wow! what a day!!! KNOW THIS- When you see a 2016 FORC'n Duro FINISHER Sticker, know that you are in the company of a TRUE, HARDCORE, NEVER STOP TILL ITS FINISHED MTB'r.
26 people started the day at Westbrook Park. We held off the ride a bit due to darkness- the fog and clouds made it difficult to see but we got rolling about 7:45. The majority of the starters this year appeared to know what they were in for. A couple were starting hoping to make it to lunch, but most wanted the full pull and were prepared.
The story of the day- HEADWINDS!! Sweet Weeping Jesus- next time the wind is blowing hard as heck due North- Lets ride from DeWitt to Davenport.* Being a total Knobby- I don't deal with headwinds and I'll take the 90+ temps and soul crushing gravel of Duro #1 any time! * Leaving the break after riding Sunderbruch, I cramped up both legs and fell over- laying in the grass between K-down and K-up just trying to find a position where nothing was cramped. Thought that might be it for my day- I'm 100 yards from my wife in the SAG... Finally was able to get up, spun easy through cramps- nutritioned like crazy and was able to continue. Today, my legs and lower back and letting me know what they think of that decision.
A couple of the finishers rode hard straight through having a great finish. Most went with the more "social" aspect and joined us for lunch and sag stops. Several mechanicals caused some drop outs, and the wind- I just can't emphasize this enough but I may try by complaining about it until next month- seriously. (Shakes Head.)
How much did it slow us down? Many finishers had to use lights as Illiniwek was done after dark!!
This ranks in my top 2 hardest rides ever, and my #1 is a double century off road, and my #3 is Mag 7 w Blue Dot in 90+ temps- that should tell you something about the difficulty level experienced at the 2016 FORC'n Duro.
Special Mention to Zach Stahl- the only finisher on a fatty this year. This dood pushed hard all day- crazy strength!!
Thanks to Maloneys in Eldridge for lunch. We rolled in with 30 people at noon during a Hawkeye game- and they were able to handle us with great food in a timely fashion!
A big shout out to all of the FORC'n Trail Stewards and Dirt Crews- You guys and gals all know the effort put into our trail systems and you don't get enough credit for what you do- Sincerely thank you!
Miss Mandy, Poofy and Mama Joan for the Sag stops and helping with forms, signs up, and general coordination and thanks to Drew and Miss Mandy for the online presence.
And most especially and sincerely, Thank You to all of the participants. You made the 2016 FORC'n Duro a success!!!
Believe in yourself? Well sure, of course. But be aware that "believing in myself" has been the root cause of most of my injuries.
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"I feel sorry for people who don't do this." -Badfish41- after bombing the Hermosa's at Levis Trow.
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