The big story here at the Intermontane Challenge in Kamloops, BC is
the HEAT! Riding around pretty much feels like you have a hairdryer
blowing in your face. Apparently, this kind of heat is typical for
Kamloops at this time of year and I think the locals must assume we are
totally nuts for going out there and riding our bikes for hours and
hours in it-on purpose! The Intermontane Challenge so far has been an
interesting experience as it is certainly showing signs of being a
first year event. However, a stage race is still a stage race and the
built-in camaraderie and positive vibe that comes from sharing your
daily experience with fellow racers is as strong as strong can be.
Stage 1 was a tough day for all. Temperatures hit triple digits by mid-
afternoon and many racers ended up being out there much longer than
expected. The 51 mile course included a lot of tough sun-exposed
doubletrack climbing and some fun, fast swoopy singletrack downhills.
Unfortunately, the course wasn't well marked and tales of lost racers
came pouring in throughout the day. I happened to be one of the lost
ones and lost 35 min. on the GC after riding either with or very
closely behind Sue Butler all day. After hearing other people's
tales....gosh, I feel like I lucked out with only a 6 mile detour!
After a 20 min paved rollout like we had on day 1, Stage 2 sent us
straight up some heinous granny gear grunts that eventually led us to
a long section of dirt road and then fast double track descending
to spin out the legs. The entire 40 mile day was incredibly diverse-
you had to have a big bag of tricks to ride well today-power on the
flats, the ability to spin the granny on loose shale, the balance to
ride off camber single-track and the guts to let your wheels roll down
steep, loose rutted singletrack. After listening to the racer's
feedback about Stage 1, the race director pretty much quadrupled the
course markings today which was very helpful to us all. I managed to
have a good ride despite 2 crashes and a flat tire and was roughly 30
seconds behind Sue at the finish.
Stage 3 is looking a bit intimidating. It is basically a 24 mile
climb to a 3,500 foot downhill with a 600 foot climb at the end for
good measure. It is taking us on a tour of a part of town we haven't
seen yet, so we are prepared for anything. Luckily, my super-hubby
Nate looked at the course profile and immediately installed new brake
pads for me. I've chosen to ride my carbon hardtail, the Tomac-Type X
with a set of 2.0 Kenda Karmas in the first 2 stages and have been
really happy with that choice as the courses have been filled with
steep climbs and moon dust. I've also chosen to go with carrying 2
water bottles on my bike and one in my pocket instead of a hydrapak,
just to maximize the amount of heat that can escape from my back and
so I can shove copious amounts of ice down my sports bra at each
feed zone. It's a darn good system. I don't think I have
collectively ingested as many electrolytes in my life as I have in the
last 2 days. So far, I've avoided cramping and haven't once stopped
sweating, good signs that I'm hydrated enough.
Stay tuned for a report on day 3....as long as my brain doesn't melt
inside my helmet, I should be able to check in. Thanks for reading!
Amanda Carey
Kenda-Tomac-Hayes
