Haute Route Pyrenees: Day 3

Day 3: Couraduque uphill time trial

16km, 900m

Method Man, aka "Ribs", put on a show today. Race against the clock. 16km uphill. 900m. More than a Seymour. Full gas. The indoor spinner broke the top 10, finishing with the 8th fastest time. Method spinning is real.

One of the best parts of the accomplishment is that Ribs rides data-free. While the rest of us  cycling nerds, obsess over the power we're going to hold, distance remaining, time targets — Ribs rides by feel with no certainty on distance, time nor output. Obviously works quite well for him.

Town we stayed in was 13km from the start. Easy roll to race central. Well coordinated socks and bottles today.

Time trial format was to send a rider down the ramp and up the hill every 20seconds. TL first, followed by Buster, then me, with Ribs bringing up the rear. Ribs made up his 20seconds on me within my first minute. Went out hot but held it.

The organizers still let Buster ride despite the fact that he clearly cannot ride a bike. Soiled a brand new pair of team issue socks.

All smiles at the summit finish. 

Pyrenees provided an amazing backdrop. 

 Big winners drink big beers. As for the others . . .

Post lunch rolled back to our hotel town. Heating up here. High 20s today. Mid 30s tomorrow.

In my experience, these events don't get real until day 4. One can typically string together a couple, 3 big day training blocks leading up to the event. During the event, day 4/5/6/7 involve taking the body  to uncharted territory. 

Tomorrow Ribs and I riding together. Going hard. We'll see how that works out.