Day 3 of Camp Lynda was a rolling start from Albertsons with Dave, Michelle, SS Kenny, Brad, Carsen, Bill, KC, Chris, Noah, Adam, Alex, Matt, Lynda, Cat, Carey, Duff & Sarah. (Jeff, Jonathan & Ken started 2 hours before we did, so we never ran into them.) We all stuck together until the 5 mile climb up to Starvation Point. I chased Duff & Kenny up the hill and the whole time was wondering if Kenny was suffering on his SS. Apparently not too bad, he was eating soup when I got to the top! It felt great to get my legs and lungs on a sustained climb, it's been a few months. The climb was quite deceiving, I kept thinking we were just about there, the next hill kept looking like a summit, but it wasn't, it just kept on going. Then, the view from Starvation Point was more than worth it, we were standing on the edge of the canyon of the Virgin River with nothing but desert in view all directions.
On the way back down my left pedal collapsed, the exact same as the right had done on my first lap at 25 hours in Frog Hollow. The warning signs were there, my pedal felt loose and would "crunch" when I put pressure on it, the same signs as the November pedal failure. In fact, on the road ride over I talked to Lynda about my lower, outer legs cramping. She said it was most likely because my cleats & pedals were too worn. Lesson learned this time, I swear.
I was frustrated to not be able to finish the whole ride, I was ready mentally & physically for the 75 mile day. Part of the group was kind enough to call it a day with me and we slogged back on the road. With my foot flying off the pedal every 10 or so revolutions the sole of my left shoe is torn apart now, just from trying to find a purchase on the pedal without clipping in). We got in 37 miles in the end, all of it double track or road.
It was a great weekend with awesome, like-minded folks. It was great to ride with old friends and make some new ones and meet some people I've only read about. I love being around athletes that care so much about training & diet. Everyone is positive and motivated and friendly. Each of these riders can hold their own on the race course but there are no attitudes at all. I feel quite lucky be involved with such high quality people that happen to be amazing athletes. Camp Lynda is on my calendar as a recurring event for each January the rest of forever!
