Type1Rider's blog

I want to give a big thanks to Laird for all of the hard work he does so people like me can have the opportunity to race in extraordinary events like the Granny Gear 24 Hours of Conyers. Granny Gear is a fantastic organization, and they have a great national race series. I am positive that this event will continue to grow, and will become as big as the Big Bear event.

Also a HUGE shout to SORBA for the work on the trail. This was the best shape I have seen Conyers in. I am a member of SORBA (via TORC in North Carolina), and the amount of work they do is mind boggling!

Thanks everyone!

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Just some more photos...

Actually woke up early on my own today. I checked out of the hotel at 07:00, and was on the road to Conyers with Caribou Coffee in hand by 07:20.

Arrived at the Conyers, GA International Horse Park at 08:10. As I arrived and saw the sun beaming off the timing tents and other racers campsites I got goose bumps. I had arrived at the course after a long trip, and I was just so amped to be there! The mountain bike race course here is the same one used in the 1996 Olympic Games. It is a world class XC race course consisting of a couple hundred ft of climbing in the 8.5 mile loop. It was a little bit of everything, including high speed single track, and the infamous “slick rock” climbs (which is very rough and broken in most spots). For some reason I really love this place – the setup, the race course, everything.

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The ride down from Durham on Thursday was pretty simple. Took about 5 1/2 hours or so. Hit some traffic areas mostly around accidents, but no biggie.

Was stoked to be in town and checked into the hotel. Was really great to see my friend CC and go out to dinner with her and some of her friends. They are all great, and I had a blast.

Was back at the hotel a little before 11:00, and tried to get to bed. Had a hard time getting to sleep. I was so wound up about the day tomorrow and the race on Sat.

I did realize that I left my Hammer Nutrition endurolytes at home, until I brushing my teeth.

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Work on Wednesday was extremely tough, as it was beautiful out and I just wanted to get home and get packing for the trip! All the training I could do is done, so now it is time to just get going!!

This is my fourth 24 hour solo event, and I am totally psyched about doing it! I really enjoy the challenge of riding as hard as I can for 24 hours. The fact that I am a type 1 diabetic only adds to that challenge. The course at Conyers is difficult in spots (the slick rock stuff is crazy), but it is a blast to ride!

Preparation for this race has gone pretty much as close to plan as possible. The only bad thing that happened last minute was that my support person (always good to have one of them on these longer races) bailed at the end of last week. I haven't found a replacement yet, so this might be a solo solo. :) No worries. I've done it before, and the weather looks perfect so mechanical issues hopefully won't be a problem.

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