Stage 2 – Wheeler Mountain

Today’s stage was tough. I’m not sure if it was so tough because of it’s nasty temperatures or steep single track climbs or if its the build up of stage race fatigue (yeah it’s only day 2….omg).

The initial climb was insanely steep for that early in the morning. I found myself walking up a few sections as the match book was burnt; mostly from the blazing sun. Thye death march began and then the trail funneled down into some singletrack, piggybacking steep climbs one after another. I was starting to feel a bit ill by about km 20. I wasn’t sure why but I figured I should drink some water. Warming up here in these tempratures is very foreign to me. back home warming up actually is a physical warming up. But when the temparature is already super high and you are sweating while standing still it brings new meaning and I think physiology to the warm up. the trail dipped into the forest after the first feed station which was a welcomed change in terrain. More like back home and much cooler in the shade. The next 20 or so km of climb and descent was relatively enjoyable. The next section after the forest spits oyu back out into the desert was to be very painful. As the heat started to dig deep into my core my fluids were running out the sun was getting higher and the feed station was not insight. Enter stage right….the bonk. I rarely bonk wean riding or racing but when the fluids are running low it is very hard to get a gel or bar down. Not to mention neither digest very well without water. So I began going backwards so it seemed. When feed station 2 arrived I had a brief showering from the water guys whichs was ultra refreshing. I slammed back 1.5 bottles of water recharge the camel and bottle and ate half a raw bar then took off for the final 10 km. Just around that mountain the feed station volunteer said. In my head I was thinking you have no idea what 10km  of ” Just around that mountain” feels like. My back was killing me I was a hungry and the sun was still weighing down heavy. I just put my nose down and granny geared it the next 10km up and around the mountain.

Today was very hard, my back took a beating as did my constitution. Tomorrows 85km stage is looking to be a bit of a relief. A relief only because the 35km climb is supposed to be in tree cover. Im looking forward to the shade. The descent though should be an interesting 35km too.