White Rim

The annual Chipotle-Titus "training camp" White Rim adventure took place this weekend. Toni Geer, Karen Hogan, Mike Hogan & Drew Geer knocked off the loop on a beautiful spring day. Due to other obligations & Thomas' broken leg our groups were much smaller than the initial plan.

The ladies started at 6am at the top of Shaffer & rode clockwise. The boys started at the bottom of Mineral Bottom also riding clockwise to provide a technical support "backup". There was no way the ladies were going to be caught. We were fully self supported. Last year was a liquid disaster - we ran out at 70 miles. This year we carried twice as much fluid: 7 - 8 liters each. The trick is to carry a large camelback & use a carry a 2nd 4 liter water bag. I highly recommend this much water. We used almost all of it on an 88 degree day.

Mike & Drew finished in 7:57 - having to push the last 2 miles as the clock ticked toward the 8 hour mark, our arbitrary goal. Mike certainly had a sub 7 in his legs & was kind to hang back with Drew. Toni & Karen only rode 1.5 mph average slower than the guys, a fast pace. The uphill finish for them in the heat almost killed them. They had to clip off the last few boring road miles as we were under a time constraint. Starting at the bottom of the big climb is the way to go.

4 Titus', almost 400 miles, hard fast riding & no mechanicals. We rode Kenda Kharismas & Kenda Nevigals UST with Stans. Toni & Karen were on the Racer X Aluminum. Mike & Drew were working out the Carbon Racer X's. They are buttery smooth on the fast bumpy downhills. Following Mike & watching his bike is amazing. It hugs the ground & there is no chatter. The carbon advantage is not just weight saving (about 1/4 pound) but that material absorbs vibration & is extremely stiff. The bikes are light, quick, responsive & smooth.