[jl]

We arrived in Breckenridge amidst hail and rain. Wow, I'm glad we decided not to camp this year, it didn't look like a good time to set up a tent.

After checking into our accommodations, the rain let up we went out to the River Walk.

We took some time to watch the 'John Denver Tribute' rehearsal--this show has been sold out for 9 years--country roads take me home, I'm a country boy in grandma's feather bed. Hopefully tommorrow there'll be some sunshine on my shoulders in the rocky mountain high (colorado).

Then it was back to the condo, a goodnight's rest.

This year would be a little different. I've been on the glenzx training program. But instead of replacing my roof, I've been moving under a new one. This Spring did not bode well for training, so I knew that I didn't have 50 miles in me, so I got me a teammate (cl). She's never done the Firecracker, and I thought riding as a team would be a good way to spend the weekend .

For those that don't know, the racers lead the 4th parade and then head up Boreas Pass.

For a change of pace I decided to do the FC on the singlespeed this year. I tried not to over analyze what gearing I should use (*rt*) and decided to race what I ride. I had a great race, but I think I might have been undergeared for some of the flatter parts. In fact, I almost blew up trying to keep up with the parade . I had a great time on the climbs, but I was a spinning madman on flatter parts. This gives me some inspiration to mess-around with my gearing. I finished in a pretty good time and I felt great, and I didn't have to do another lap, this team thing is good...

Being part of a team in the FC is great experience, especially if you are the first one out. After my lap I headed in for BBQ. Lap done, belly full, race-tacular! It was time for some post lap entertainment--ferris wheels, slides, and rivers--great fun!

Then it was time to head back to Carter Park to see cl at the finish. On the way to the park I get a call on my cell phone--it was cl. "Hey, are you already in?" I asked. "No. Do you know where 'sidewinder trail' is located?" cl asked. "Nope, never heard of it." I said. "Well, somehow I got lost, so I'm heading back UP to where I came from."

I continued on the way to Carter Park to talk to one of the race directors. When I got to Carter Park I found one of the directors, who was super helpful. I called cl--"Everything is okay, I found the racers. It only cost me about 45 minutes, but I'm having fun!" No podium this year, again...

It'll be awhile before we she comes in. This is the first time in the 4 times I've done the FC that I've actually had a chance to have a beer after the race . So we headed to the playground with granola bars, brownies, and beer...

Finally cl, arrived with great celebration.

We headed back to the condo had more to eat (these kids eat all the time) and then waited for the fireworks....

The next day was a quick spin to Frisco and back.

And then it was on to Winterpark for some more riding and another race.

'til next time...

 

[Judd97]

Awesome pics! I like the fireworks pictures in particular. Sounds like a great time

 

[Doesn't Matter]

I rode the Firecracker 50 two years ago. A friend was moving from Denver to the Bay Area, so she asked for my help in moving. I obliged. She then mentioned that while we were there that, in Breck, there was this race, the Firecracker 50. I said why not.

Got there, rented a Kona, then entered the race.

First 20 miles or so were not bad. My mistake, however, was keeping pace with some locals. They were obviously well atuned to the higher altitude. Anyway, to make a long story short, I also didn't realize that most of the people I was trying to keep pace with were part of a team; they bowed out after the first lap!

Needless to say, with about 10 miles to go in the second lap, I started cramping badly. "Throw it in low gear and spin away!" the locals passing by said. But I was already as low as I could go, and the pounds of food I gulfed down at each passing energy stop weren't helping.

Finally, with about 5 miles to go I succumbed! My right leg would not come out of its cramp. A truck clearing the race course finally found me--everyone down at the finish line was waiting for the last rider--me. I threw my bike in the back of the truck and off we went. Before doing so, though, I asked if I could at least walk it to the finish line just to say I did it. They weren't having any of it, and off I went with a DNF...

At least if there is a next time, I'll know what I am getting myself into.

 

[jl]

Awesome pics! I like the fireworks pictures in particular. Sounds like a great time

I didn't think the fireworks pics would come out at all... It was a great time.

 

[jl]

I threw my bike in the back of the truck and off we went.

At least if there is a next time, I'll know what I am getting myself into.

I was racing with a friend that year, who did the Firecracker 35, he didn't finish because of a broken derailleur, talked about seeing some guy riding in on the truck. LOL, I guess that was you .