Without a doubt, THE toughest ride I've done to date.
Almost 800 participants from 30+ different countries. Going from 0 to 10,000+ ft. in altitude, all while battling the humidity, hot sun, overcast, rain, and extremely cold weather made this race challenging in more ways than one.
The first 40 min (~14 miles) was neutral and flat, making the total of 11.6k ft. elevation gained in 50 miles. I knew I had to pace myself and that people were going to go full gas at the start of the climb. Of course, I did not take my own advice. I would catch myself chasing others, because I had absolutely ZERO idea what I was doing.
The legs felt great, nutrition was on point, until around the 45 mile mark (3 quarters of the way through) where I was on the verge on hitting that wall.
The rapid change in weather patterns, particularly getting cold FAST, and not saving my energy cost me big. From this point on, I just had to take it one pedal stroke at a time hoping that I can find that second wave of energy.
They say the last 15 km (9 miles) is the most brutal part of this ride. They weren't kidding.. Numerous double digit segments while close to 10,000 ft. in altitude is something I was not prepared for. Both physically and in my gearing. I went into this thinking my semi-compact 52/36 11/32 setup would satisfy this beast of a climb. Was I wrong.. This was my most critical error and lost the majority of my time in this stretch.
Nonetheless, this ride has forever been on my bucket list to complete and that's exactly what I did. So, that's a win in my books.
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Huge thanks to my team for all the support:
- Jennifer, for accompanying me throughout this 10-day adventure (and enduring the shuttle ride up the mountain...).
- WLVS Cycling Team, for pushing and motivating me to be better each day.
- The Taiwan Cyclist Federation, for organizing the epic ride.
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🎶 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
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