MTB Baja 100 Race

Leaving Costa Rica early in the morning

This weekend I opened and closed the 2015 chapter of international races while participating in the Baja 100 Ultraendurance MTB race in Ensenada, Mexico. This was my second time taking part in the race after disappointing attempt in 2014 when I double flatted early in the race and had other mechanical issues.
For the 2015 edition  we invited a few friends from Costa Rica, so at the end Cristpher Esquivel and my teammate Pedro Arias decided to join us on the adventure. We travelled thursday morning and after a layover in Mexico City and a quick stop in Tecate to visit Norma's aunt and eat some tacos we made it into Ensenada later that day.

Mexico DF, from the plane

Rocky Point from above

Tacos and Tecates in Tecate, Mexico

Finally made it to the host hotel in Ensenada

The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed out for a recon of the course. This year's edition moved the start back into downtown Ensenada, as opposed to last year when it started from vineyard on the outskirts of town. We got some general directions and headed out to wake up the legs. Just a couple of blocks from the hotel we turned into the riverbed and rode for a couple of kms of freshly graded sand and dirt. Before getting onto the rocky, gravel and dirt portion of the course we had to ride up the Cañon de Petra. A long 4-lane highway to get out of town. Eventually we found some course markings and decided to follow them. Later on we would discover we were in fact on the course but going backwards. This wasn't too bad, since we had planned to ride first few kilometers of the course as well as some of the last ones too. We just changed the order. At about 12 KMs we decided it was good enough of the latter part of the course and headed back to the split. We had to ride some more pavement up the Cañon de Doña Petra to find the initial part of the course. By the time we found it, we had almost 1.5 hours of riding so we made it up the first climb and turned back.

Doing the course backwards wasn't easy

Course pre-ride 

Later that day we got our bikes checked, pick up our race numbers and grabbed an early dinner with Norma's sister Ruth, who had come down with her daugthers to spend time with us. We tried to go to bed early in preparation for the 4:45 am wake up time, however as it usually happens we didn't get to bed until almost 11 PM.

Bike inspection

Cris waiting for his bike to be checked

Is it going to pass?

Ooops, Pedro's bike didn't pass at first!

Helmet passed, waiting for bike to be inspected

My alarm went off what seemed like just two hours after, however it was already race day and although the sun wasn't up yet, it was time to start the morning. We had breakfast at the hotel and went back upstairs to get last few things ready. Put the final details on the feed plan that Norma was going to help us with and headed down to the race start.

The previous night, Pedro and I had gone to visit my friend and coach Art MacFarland, who had brought down a pair of cycling shoes that Pedro ordered online. Part of the reason for going to bed late the previous night was because we were tring to get new clips mounted on the new shoes but one of the screws was stripped. Only one screw was missing, so I told Pedro to leave them like that, plan on riding his old shoes but as a plan b, if he could find a screw in the morning he could install into onto the new shoes and contrary to all advices, race on his new shoes. 20 min. before the start he had installed the screw and changed onto his new shoes right in the hotel lobby. We all got on the bikes and started riding towards the start line, which was a few blocks away on the main street. I thought he was following me, however when I got to the Elite/Pro corral he wasn't. I lined up with the rest of rider already in there and just a few minutes before the start appears Pedro with eventual race winner Jeremiah Bishop trying to come in from the front. They were ushered around the starting arch and onto the corral where Pedro confirmed that his new cleats were not compatible with his pedals and didn't realize it until he tried to clip in for about half a block. So he had gone back and changed into his old shoes.

Pro field start line

All equipment problems solved, we had a race to finish. The organizers spiced things up by offering a prime, about 3 KMs from the start. That created a fast and somewhat chaotic environment at the start. I positioned myself near the front to stay out of trouble but couldn't find Pedro. Later I would find out he had fallen while trying to connect with the lead group. Eventually he connected near the Cañon de Doña Petra section, but got dropped as soon as the pace increased at the entrance to the gravel. I tried being efficient and stayed tucked in the group at a pace I could manage. As the climb got harder a few people started to ease their pace and by the top of the first climb I was the third rider to crest it, however I realized I had gone too hard, too soon and for too long. I tried recovering on the next downhill but it was short and fast until we were on the next climb. I let a group of 8 or so riders go by me and decided to settle into my own pace. For the next 30 mins I would dangle off the lead group just about 1-2 min in arrears, however near the KOM their pace increased and lost sight of them. A group of three riders caught up to me and although they dropped me on the long downhill where I had flatted the year before, I was able to get back on their wheel and gain some ground. At first I couldn't offer any pulls to the group as I was still recovering from my effort to chase back to them. However, gradually I started to feel better and did some good work at the front. Shortly after one of the first aid stations we caught former race winner Marcon Antonio Escarcega and leader of the team with the most riders in the pro field. Him and I as well as one of his teammates who had been riding with me did most of the work until we got the lead group back on sight. I had to do the last pull to get us up to them but it seemed their pace had porpuselly been drop in order to let the team leader get back.

Lead group near the halfway point

The 14+ strong peloton rode non-challantly for the next few kms until we got to the biggest climb of the day. The ascend to El Cielo. A sustained climb with a few steep pitches and loose rocks. The group immediately exploded with the first few meters of climbing and everyone set into the pace they could manage. I was feeling as good as ever, but we still had over 50 KMs to race, so I kept my effort within my limits and that was enough to get me to the top on 7th place. 6th was hovering about a minute in front but regarless of what I tried for the rest of the race, I wasn't able to get any closer than the 40 second difference we finished with.

Tail end of the group

That second part of the race went by much faster or my brain simply blocked as it was a very painful one. Shortly after finishing the descend from El Cielo, my legs started to threaten craps. I would get spasms here and there whenever I had to push a little harder or make a serious effort to control the bike. I kept my pace as high as I could without cramping completely and took calculated risk to avoid loosing as little time as possible on the technical sections. The last 12 KMs we had ridden the day before seemed much longer and I could harly wait to hit the pavement downhill. However, I didn't want to hold onto anything and left it all out on the course as I made one last effort to catch 6th place on the sandy wash before the finish.

Digging deep to finish strong

I didn't make it, but I finished really satisfied for going as hard as I could, for as long as I could and as best as I could. There is no better feeling than finishing a race, or anything in life for that matter, and be able to said that to yourself.

Pro Results

Podium Bikes

I can't thank enough my awesome wife Norma, for playing multiple roles on race weekends and excelling at each one of them. Much of the success of my races comes from her ability to navigate the most unfamiliar roads and towns, drive like a rally car driver, offer moral support to me and other riders and still have time to take a few pictures and connect with other riders friends, family or support crew at the aid stations. You are a Super Woman and I could not be happier to have you on my team.

My support crew!

This is also a great opportunity to thank all the people and companies that have a part, whether is big or small on making this happened. First to Mr. Will Muecke and family for being the best team boss anyone could ask for. His passion and kindness transcends cycling and he makes Team CoreCo a group to really be proud of. To the rest the Team CoreCo for providing the motivation and companionship during races, training camps and rides to get inspired at events like this. Especially I have to thank Pedro for his friendship beyond the bike. He helps me think big yet stay grounded and true to who we are.

Pedro's North American racing debut

Another friend I have made through cycling and it has gone beyond is Art MacFarland. He is not only my coach and equipment mule, he is someone I really look up to. He is one of the reasons I wanted to go race Baja Epic and bring as many friends as possible. His guidance and coaching helped me get to the event in my best form in a while.

Old man won his category, what more motivation do I need

It's been said that cycling is not all about the bike, however a good working bike makes a big difference. Thanks to my friend, and mechanic Juan Onetto I never have to worry about my bike not being in the best possible condition to train, race or just ride for fun. Juan's attention to detail and ability to understand me and my riding style is what sets our relationship appart. I have ridden bikes worked on by Juan for almost 4 years now, so he knows me and my bikes better that I do myself.
Cycling offers me the opportunity to meet lots of people but some you get to really know them, trust them and make them part of your life. Juan Carlos Soto is one of them. Very few things do we care more than our beloved dog Koko, but when we leave him with Juan Carlos, we traveled in peace knowing that he is good hands. Lastly thanks to our traveling companions Ana and Cristopher. Thank you for your patiente and for making it a great weekend.

Although there are people behind company names and products, I couldn't finish without thanking the many supporters and sponsor that lend a hand. I prepared for this and other events doing a pre-load of cold pressed, natural beet juice from Jugos Ultra Sanos (JUS). Great way to boost my oxygen capacity and overall well-being in a natural way. Wolftooth Componets made the 32T front chairing I rode this weekend. Although the terrain was rought and there were a few dropped chains by other riders running 1x11 set ups, I didn't have a single issue. Many of the miscellaneous things you need at a race have to come from somewhere. For me that place is BikeLab. The shoes, tires, tubes, CO2, gloves, gels and minitool I used at this race all came from BikeLab. All these companies along with the rest of Team CoreCo sponsors including: Borealis Fat Bikes, 1upRacks, Industry Nine, Wisecracker make it possible for us to test their products, be ambassadors of their brands and have fun. Thank you all for your support.

Jeff

Rincon de la Vieja 100 Miler, Seger Inspired Recap

"Took a look down a westbound road,Right away I made my choiceHeaded out to my big two-wheelerAnd just rolled that power on"...Roll Me Away - Bob SegerI was tired of my own voiceTook a bead in the northern plains

And westbound we were this past weekend as we headed to Hacienda Guachipelin, host hotel of the second edition of the only 100 mile race in Costa Rica and probably the only one in the world to circumnavigate an active volcano; the Rincon de la Vieja 100 Miler Challenge.

The day before a race is always a stressful one and Friday was no exception. Leaving San Jose took longer than expected, toll booths, slow cars on the fast lane and some rain made up our drive. Unfortunately for our teammates, our drive was easy in comparison to theirs. They got stuck behind a convoy of trucks hauling huge blades and other parts for gigantic wind turbines. I remember seeing them parked on the side of the road, however minutes later they got on the highway and kept a steady 20KPH pace while our teammates and several other cars waited anxiously an opportunity to pass.

Once at the venue, I picked up my packet with a number three plate. Adding some unneeded pressure since that was my result the previous year. A quick look at the starting line revealed that the talent pool had risen this year and all we could do was wait until the next morning to see how things would go.

If making any changes to your bike set up on the days leading up to race is a big no-no, where does switching to new bike fall? I made an exception this time, mainly because I have a lot of trust on our team mechanic Juan Onetto, who has been working on my bikes for a couple of years now. Team CoreCo set me up with probably the most competitive bike in the field for this race, a Niner One9 RDO, 1x11 transmission, carbon wheels and all. Although I only had ridden it once before the race, the geometry variations from my previous Air9 RDO were minimal and with Juan taking into account the must minute details, he replicated almost the exact same riding position. Except for tires, we left those for last and ended up doing a late night run up to the gas station across the street from our hotel to use their high power compressor to seat the tires I had chosen for the race. Geax Saguaros 2.2 Folding in case anyone wondered.

After going to bed later than expected, the 3:15 am wake-up call was brutal. Add to that the fact that our waitress took almost 20 minutes to get us coffee, one of our rooms got locked with the keys inside and this race morning isn’t up to a good start. Thankfully we got some coffee and food on us, kitted up and headed to the start which was a 30 min drive away.

Pre-dawn start line check-in. 

Once at the start line, at least for me, all the stress melts away. Signed the check-in board and casually wiggled my way to the front of the line. Having a single digit plate and the number three on it helped. 5:30 am came and went and we were still on the same place. Not all of the riders had checked-in yet and the path right off the start wasn’t clear of vehicles yet. Eventually, a few minutes before 6 am we rolled off behind a pair of four-wheelers.

The pace was keep awfully slow this time. I agree that the previous year it was too fast and there were some crashes just off the start, but today the pace was too slow. My hands were getting numb just holding onto the brakes for so long. Thankfully we made it to Curubande where the quads sped up and the green flag was waived. We quickly got into a single file with last year’s runner up Deiber Esquivel’s team Scotiabank setting the pace.

Those initial minutes are key. You make a quick analysis of your overall feel, how the legs are responding, are you breathing faster than normal, what’s the energy level and this often defines how you would feel during a good portion of the race. In my case “My hands were steady, my eyes were clear and bright, my –ride- had purpose, my – pedal strokes- quick and light…like a rock”!

Scotiabank’s time at the front didn’t last long. There were the team with the most riders but Jose Montoya, their initial pace setter flatted on the first creek crossing. So soon into the race that we slowed down and looked at each other. None of the other teams wanted to be on the bad side of the largest team in the race, so we continued riding, but at casual coffee-ride place. This caused the entire field to catch up to us until a Master rider took the initiative and drove the pace. 2013 La Ruta winner, Marconi Duran and I wasted no time to get on his wheel with Deiber in tow. Hey, we were not pulling! Eventually the master rider faded and Deiber’s teammate hadn’t rejoined. In fact to our surprise he had lost his other teammate due to a mechanical too. At that point, Paolo Montoya (Specialized) came near the front and the casual ride ended. Marconi, Paolo and I traded pulls at the front while Deiber sat on waiting for his teammates. The short, steep climbs leading up to PC1 reduced the number of riders on our group until there were just six of us. Paolo had two teammates, Alexander Sanchez and Ivan Amador who was racing masters. Marconi, Deiber and I were on our own, so we all did one last turn at the front and waited for Paolo’s team to take the lead.

Lead Group early on the race. Foto Courtesy of Andres from LeadAdventure Media

Shortly before PC1, so less than 30 KMs into the race, Alex went to the front and set a nice, steady pace for the next 56 KMs or so. It was the longest pull I’ve seen anyone do. Only interrupted by our quick stops at aid stations 2 where Juan lubed my chain and got me fresh bottles and PC3,  or the re-lube stop after one of the many river crossing and the much needed “nature break”. He was inspired and doing an awesome job for his team leader.

One of the crucial moments of my race came somewhere, between PC2 and PC3. We had crossed a few bridges already; a light rain had been keeping us cool for about an hour when we got to this old, rickety, twisted looking bridge. The boards were warped and wet and stood about 8-10 feet above the river. Somehow, at that moment I was the last wheel on our sextet and although all five riders in front of me crossed the bridge without problems, right on the middle of it, my tires just disappeared from under me. The next moment I am lying on the wet boards and my bike is sliding towards the side. I tried getting up but my shoes had no traction, I fell again and this time I barely managed to grab the rear wheel before the bike plunged onto the river. I had to crawl to get to the other side and remount my bike. This happened to the complete oblivion of my race mates. I tried not to panic and quickly rejoined the group. However the effort required took a toll on me and I arrived at PC3 looking like I was entering the pain cave.

Will and Liam did a great job of getting me back on course topped off on liquids and food, which was needed because we were on the 10KM ascent to the KOM point. If someone had asked, I wouldn’t have hesitated about letting Alexander Sanchez take the KOM, however with $500 on the line and the fact that Deiber’s teammate Moises Hernandez had recently caught up to us, an uphill sprint was ensured. Paolo took the money easily with Deiber and Moises a few bike lengths behind and I a little further back in fourth. But as soon as Paolo noticed that a gap had opened up, he floored once again and the four of us were chasing him hard for the next few minutes. We caught him at the entrance to the singletrack, helped in part by a photographer on a motorcycle that blocked Paolo’s left turn into the only technical section of the course. On the last rocky descent, he attacked once again and although we chased him for a few minutes, we wouldn’t see him again until the finish line.

Moises and Deiber decided to play their cards having the numbers advantage. Moises attacked first, Marconi and I brought him back but the effort proved to be a little too much for me and I started to crumble on a short pavement climb. Moises was hurting too and got gapped on this climb. Deiber and Marconi decided that the three of us had a better chance of catching Paolo, so they allowed me to get back on their wheel. I skipped a turn at the front to recover but with a strong tail wind and a gradual downhill, I was back helping in no time. Surprisingly Ivan Amador had also made our group but wouldn’t collaborate for obvious reasons. A few kilometers later Marconi would miss a turn, then another one later until Deiber and I ended up pulling away from our non-working partners. We gave it all we had. A little too much, I guess. We were so focused on chasing Paolo or at least to create some separation, that we ended up missing a turn off from the road. We rode off-course for almost 2 KMs until the race official caught up to us on their quad. We were disappointed but still bursting with adrenaline. We made a U turn and headed up hill into the worst head wind we had had all day. It took our hardest effort to barely push 17 KPH back to the course. Up ahead Moises had also missed the turn off and we caught up to him right before getting back onto the race route. The three of us entered the Liberia Canyon together. This is easily the most dreaded part of the race and the most challenging too. Coming into it with a lack of motivation and after going deep into our reserves took a big toll on me. I had to let the Scotiabank duo ride away while I contended with my own demons. The heat became a factor and no matter which direction I went, I kept “running against the wind.” “I found myself seeking shelter against the wind” and found none. Forgetting to hydrate and eat while trying to get back onto the course also made the crossing of the canyon very miserable.

Liberia Canyon. Looks easier than on race day. Photo from LeadAdventure

I arrived at PC5 and didn’t even notice our support crew wasn’t there. I was offered a Coke, which I chugged while some one refilled my two bottles. They asked me something but I don’t think I responded. A few minutes after I got back on my bike, I realized they were asking if I wanted water in one bottle and some kind of sports drink on the other. Due to my lack of response, I got just water. I got some fluids and calories on me, as the kilometers slowly ticked by. I was expecting to get passed by someone anytime. I didn’t think anyone was riding slower than me, until I saw Marconi up ahead. He had not gone of course but now he was hurting bad. He made me look fast and although I offered some encouragement and food he was bonking and wanted none of it.

I kept going, my motivation was coming back up and the white limestone road, mostly pointing down was and welcomed sight. Suddenly a steep hill comes into view. I went all the way to the biggest cog of my cassette and slowly worked my way up. A by stander poured some water on my back, which I was really thankful for.

The math game started right around this point. I am looking at my Garmin and it’s telling me that I have 35 KMs to go. Knowing that PC6 it’s at 20 to go, it takes all my working brain cells a few seconds to realize I have 15 to go before the aid station. I am running low on water so I tried to conserve some for the next few kilometers. Less than 5 KMs later I see a course marshal and the place looks similar to where the last aid station was last year. I make a right turn and off at the distance I spot the cars, easy-up and people sticking their heads out, trying to figure who is the rider coming in. I’ve made into PC6 and for the first time in my life I am so thankful my Garmin distance is way off.

Will and Liam get me ready for the home stretch, but the math games continue. If there are 20KMs to go and I am keeping a steady 15KPH pace, how long would it take me to finish? The answer takes time to come up and by then I am onto the sandy and bumpy private ranch road and my speed is only 10KPH. I concentrate on just getting out of the ranch section. The short, punchy climbs and the loose sand sections make different muscles groups twitch. I am a bad pedal stroke away from cramping up. I know that once out of the ranch the road is still going up, but at a steady grade. I look down and I see my race time is 6 hours 30 minutes. If I ride the next 10 KMs at 20 KPH I could finish under 7 hrs. Yeah, right! I get out of the ranch and I am not riding at 20, in fact I am barely doing 15.

5K to go. It felt as hot as it looks.

Ok, I decide to refocus my goal. I did 7:13 last year, I am just going to try and beat that. By that point I am getting to the host hotel, but I still have a 5Ks to go. I see Norma up ahead. My neck already hurts from looking back expecting to see someone riding up to me. I asked Norma to give me a time check to the next rider or 5 minutes, whichever happens first. I continue riding on my own. Chasing the shade on either side of the road. A tour bus coming towards me forces me to get all the way to the right side on this wide, gravel road; even though is smooth and shady on the left. They don’t know the kind of pain I am in. 3Ks to go, 7:13 seems unrealistic, right now I just want to finish.

Finally over the finish line. Foto from Taty of Grupo Sports Innovations

Norma catches up to me, says that no one is chasing within 6 minutes and that she’ll have a cold beer waiting. I get one last shot of motivation; pass under the 1K banner at 7:09. This is the longest kilometer ever. The last part of the hill gets even steeper. I jump off the saddle, power up the last few meters, make the left turn onto the timing mats and I am in. 5^th overall, 4^th in the elite field and 7:13 again. Forget the seconds, they don’t count today.

Man and the machine, done for the day!

Top 5 Podium. 

Tired, dirty, hungry, proud, thirsty, emotional…all those feelings are conjured into one after crossing the finish line.

Team CoreCo representing at the RDLV

A few minutes later my teammate, Pedro Arias crossed the line. Second in the masters A category. Later on, our riders on their sweet Borealis bikes sweep the Fat Bike category. It was a great day all around for Team CoreCo.

Under 9 hour belt buckle.

Thanks to our excelent support crew (Will, Liam, Juan and Norma) for taking care of us before, during and after the race. To the entire Team CoreCo for all the support and positive vibes and everyone that cheered us on at the race or virtually.

Jeff

Back to Blogging

It may seem like soo 2005, but after almost two years of not posting anything to this blog, I'll give it another try.
Stay tuned for my life, work and cycling adventures!
Jeff