SKULL VALLEY LOOP CHALLENGE 2014: Results and Analysis

The three (3) mile `parade escort' by city motorcycles probably took about 3 minutes off everybody's time so comparison of this year's results to previous year's results is probably `off' by that much.

• Though I stashed two bottles of water and electrolyte fluid along the way last night I didn't stop for them.  I don't think that impacted my performance but at the very end I did begin to feel my `dehydration' muscle begin to cramp up;
• I also forgot to eat a solid breakfast which certainly had a consequence.  That was just stupid forgetfulness.
• On the way down from the last big hill, with two miles to go to the finish, I got stuck behind three cars doing the speed limit (25).  I think I gave up a minute or two there, as well. 
• I started my Garmin a minute early so I didn't have to diddle with that at the same time I was clipping in and trying to stay in the lead pack.

All things being equal, I probably did between 2:57:00 to 2:59:00.  About 9 minutes short of my best time (PB).

Looking at the stats comparing this year and my PB year ('12):

• my HR averaged higher: 146 bpm v 140.3 bpm; 
• I spent more time in the HR Zone 4 (150 - 159 bpm): 55 min v. 22 min;
• I climbed a 9.6 mile section of road about 6 minutes slower: 52:59 v 47:11; 
• my average speed was slower: 17.5 mph v. 18.6 mph.  

A number of veteran racers/riders reported that they were slower this year v. previous years, and that they were surprised and bummed. 

I have a few hypotheses:

• the parade escort took about 3 minutes off our time;
• descending Iron Springs (12.2 miles) there was a variable (SW / SE) head and crosswind of probably 10 - 12 mph;
• heading east from Kirkland to KJ (4 miles) there was a steady East headwind in the 10+ range;
• climbing the 9.6 mile section from KJ to MP 298 a gusty East wind slowed us down.

I think that the only way for me to emphatically (despite the weather conditions of the day) beat my '12 results will be to drop more weight (from 175 to 160 lbs) and train harder. (Duhhh!).

2012

2014