2020 "White" Snake Creek Gap TT Finale

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails"  - William Arthur Ward

Many sail adjustments were needed in preparation and making it to the finish line at the 2020 February Snake Creek Gap Time Trial. In Chattanooga, Tennessee we had the most eccentric weather pattern over only one week. Every day was a new forecast and every day required a change in mindset. The week started with beautiful 70+ degree weather and blue skies. Mid week, torrential rain with thunderstorms and tornado warnings. The rivers started to rise 20 feet above river banks. The rain was in the forecast to continue into the weekend, so happy, another wet race. Maybe I should take my son's kayak to the race instead of my bike. The rain looked so ominous that my husband and team manager, Craig, made sure Brady and I would be prepared by ordering new rain jackets. Then just like that, the rain forecast disappeared, in its place, wonderful blue skies and above 50 degree temps. Yes, buying the jackets worked; the rain was scared off. Oh...But wait....within 24 hours, the warm, blue sky forecast changed to below freezing with wintry mix. Seriously...this is the weekend winter decides to show up!  Good thing I had a new jacket to wear,

Time to get prepared.Time to be a realist. Vaseline for the face, hands and feet (great insulator), Afrin to help keep snot from freely running down my face and lots of energy. This race was going to be a calorie burning feat. Clothing, what to wear? Needed to stay warm but not too warm; sweat can be just as bone chilling. Layers packed, hydropaks filled with water and Skratch Labs Sport Hydration mix, bottles with sweet tea and a shot of whiskey ready. Sails adjusted for the voyage ahead.

My goal, sub 5 hour race. I put in the training over the last month. Zwift provided me with a great training plan.  My Saris M3 smart trainer gave me opportunity ride while the weather was sub par. I have maintained great functional fitness through Orange Theory Fitness. I am feeling strong. Time to put my body to the test.

In the Dry Creek Parking Lot the snow started to accumulate on the the ground. What a beautiful sight! Dressed in my jersey, vest, arm warmers, knee warmers, long socks, 2 pairs of gloves and rain jacket, I rode out of the start tent with a smile on my face and music in my ears. Time to set my sails. I rolled down the initial gravel road, mouth open, tasting the snow. How cool! This does not happen very often in the South. This race was going to be unforgettable. I was ready to concur my goal. The puddles on the initial fire road where much bigger than last month. Not a good omen for the creek crossing.

Approaching the creek, I saw 3 other racers just staring at the bridge. I did not want to slow down. Speed across the bridge was important as well as to keep from getting cold. I did not want to start feeling cold that early. I tried to beat one racer from the group to the bridge but he squares up to the bridge before I could, then he stopped! I waited for him to clear the bridge before I advanced. The bridge was once again covered by at least 1 inch of water. Focusing on staying on the bridge I failed to plan my dismount. As I approached the end, I realized that the bridge was several feet short of the opposing bank. My font tire hit the water and I got bucked, like a bad bronc rider, by the sharp angle created by the bank and the bridge. I attempted to hard pedal up the bank...nope! The water came above my waterproof Bontrager OMW boots. Wow, that water was cold! I emerged hoping the water did not seep into my boots. I also noted that my fingers are already starting to get numb. Not good...not good at all!  As I concentrated on keeping my fingers moving, I hoped that the climb ahead would get my blood pumping fast enough to warm everything again. From behind, I could hear one of the racers yell out "is there another way around the creek?" Sorry bud, cross the creek or go back to the start line. You are going to get wet no matter what...time to put your big boy pants, this is THE WHITE SNAKE!

The snow was falling in massive fluffy flakes. It was such a magical sight. My smile could not get bigger. The music in my ears kept me up beat and my feet moving. At mile 3, my fingers were getting warmer and my feet did not feel cold. Just then, I looked up to see Eric Henderson, going in the wrong direction! He didn't look happy. All he can say was: "It is way to slippery on the trail up ahead!" What a heart breaker! Eric was not able to finish in January...snake bit, again!  I did not know exactly what had happened but I do know that Eric is one of the toughest mountain bikers around and he didn't quit due to trail conditions, it had to have been mechanical failure. Time to change my sails a little...mud ahead!

Going up the third climb I could feel the slightest little fatigue. The ground was very slick. The wet snow was packing down into ice. I needed to keep moving and did as little walking as possible. I had a small spill as my front wheel slipped off the side of the trail. Getting to my feet, Carey Lowery flew up the hill towards me. (I hope she did not see that fall.) I quietly let her pass. She looked focused on getting this ride done. It was time to reassess my goal. Looking around I noticed the beauty of the snow again. I also started to realize that my initial goal of sub 5 hours was slipping away. The trail had become too slick with layers of ice on top of  layers of mud. I just needed to focus on finishing, staying warm and motivated. My music picked me up again...just keep grinding forward. I was looking forward to seeing Craig's smile ahead.

At the Snake Creek Gap Parking lot I took my time. I was not going to make sub 5, so I needed to make sure I was comfortable for the last muddy, wet and slick 17 miles. Unfreeze my peddles (which were packed with ice), new socks/gloves and changed out my pack. So far my hands and feet had stayed warm but very wet. As I walked up to the truck, Craig was taking care of Brady...he had taken a fall and needed some attention. I struggled to get my boots off for new socks. My hands did not want to cooperate. I got nutrition and a shot of whiskey to warm my soul (I was not going to miss the shot of whiskey again).  After what seemed like an eternity, I finally got back on the trail.

Now it was time to see if my training was going to pay off. I took my time going up the climb...more muddy and slick the farther up the trail I went. The 4 inches of snow on the ground was starting to melt in the late morning sun. The trail was like a path left behind by a glacier; lots of little pieces of ice mixed with water, mud and rock. My tires were slipping everywhere. My original plan was to ride as much rock as possible. Now my sails where adjusted one more time to realize that the smart race was to walk the larger rocks. Don't waste energy.

Riding down Vomit Hill, I decided not to repeat January's mistake...Not Today Devil, no crashes on the hill.  Remounted to pedal off to The Wall...the scene of my Jan meltdown. I felt great hiking up The Wall..training paid dividends. In the difficult conditions, I conquered The Wall with legs left for the finish. For the last 4 miles, I joined a group of about four other riders. Pace lining as we slipped and spun. It was nice to have a little bit of company. Just plugging along...Wait, WHAT, are those the towers? Had I missed the fire pit and the fallen pilot memorial. I was overcome with joy; all downhill from there!! The ride down Dug Gap Mountain Road was very difficult. The mud was so thick the only way to keep my bike up right was to stay in the grooves made by other competitors. I was not able to descend as fast as I wanted, but it really did not matter. I am almost done. I am so proud, so excited and SO ready to get out of those wet socks and gloves (my back and chest was dry thanks to Craig).

At the finish line I realized that my preparation for this race was on par. From the training to clothing choices, I had set myself up for success. Even though I did not make my original goal, I did finish in 5 hours and 18 minutes.  On average racers were finishing 30-45 minutes slower than the previous month, I was only 18 minutes slower. What a fantastic day! My smile kept my heart warm, my body was ready and my mind stayed on track.

I finished the time  trials in 3rd Place in the Women 40 and over category. I found myself on the podium next two women whom I have been chasing for years. I never thought I would share the podium steps with these two celebrities from the local mountain biking community.  I could never have accomplished this epic race without my support crew; most importantly my every supportive and hard working husband, Craig (he does so much, there would be no way Brady nor I could do what we do without him!), Scott's Bicycle Centre, Trek Bikes and Bontrager.  The boys at Scott's have their work cut out for them!  The snow, mud and ice took their toll on my Top Fuel!

Here is a link to all the results: 2020 Snake Creek Gap Time Trials