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the bee

deadgoat, of course


Jul 1, 08 - 5:30 PM
Cascade Creampuff 2008

here's my race day story. it's a little self-indulgent, so you can skip to the end if you want to spare yourself the little details. I dont know much by way of specific results for other deadgoats/schmoes, but maybe others can pop in and offer their story. Good hard fun.

It was a comfortable temperature at the 5:00am race check-in, thanks to a thunderstorm that rolled through the night before (I was glad that I'd splurged on the hotel room, rather than camping, which appeared to be the chosen option for many riders). Apparently one of the race organizers took Maz aside and asked her if she knew what she was getting in to, doing the race on a single speed.

The route was effectively two laps of a figure eight, with four key climbs, each of which was somewhere close to 3,000 feet of net elevation gain. The surface was split fairly evenly between road and single track, with the climbs being predominantly gravel road. The single track descents extended forever (like, 2 hours for me on the back loop) and snaked through a diverse forest areas. The trails were, for the most part, quite smooth and soft - not much by way of body rattling rooty or rocky sections. The major technical challenge (for me) was the tight switchbacks. The three flats I had didn't help, but I made it through thanks to the kind support of other riders.

Starting early meant that we beat the heat on the first climb. The treed descents also served as relief from the scorching sun. Still, I found myself soaked for virtually the entire day as a result of the heat and physical exertion. Food support was excellent, as were the volunteers. Aid station 2, which was at the top of all four climbs (the middle of the figure 8) was an oasis. Some spectators had made a snowman out of the snow that had survived the intense early-summer heat and had dressed it like a hula girl.

When I rolled down to the bottom of the third descent at around 5:45pm (12.5 hours in), I was asked if I wanted to continue. They told me that I had an 1hr30 to get to the top of the hill. That was the cutoff and anyone arriving after that would be disqualified and not be allowed to finish. I chugged a redbull, shrugged my shoulders and said I would try. I knew it was highly improbably - it was the same hill that had taken me 1hr45 at the start of the day and the first 5km of it was now single track instead of paved road. But, I had nothing better to do and lot of time already invested.

Hope allows you to believe crazy things sometimes.

It was already getting dark in the forest. In a couple of hours it would be hard for me to see and would make a descent on the single track unsafe. My assumption was that they would pull me out of the race when I reached the top of the hill. For me, that was a better end than making a decision to quit. A stupid technicality really. Whether I get disqualified or quit, it is still a DNF.

I rode for a short while with a guy named Erik. He seemed to be in the same zone as me - not ready to give up, but aware that it might not be our call. He shared some of his positive energy with me and then pulled ahead. After a few kilometres, he was out of sight. After that, I passed several shattered cyclists on the side of the road with their heads in their hands. I cursed myself for having too much pride to stop. I was tired, but in reasonable shape considering how long I'd been riding. Why would I push myself to feel like one of those people? Over the two hours that I took to reach the top, I had come to peace with the fact that I wasn't going to finish.

When I reached the checkpoint, Erik was there. His facial expression confirmed that we were not going to be allowed to continue. As I filled my camelback with water and listened to the race organizer behind me, it became evident that I had read the situation incorrectly. To my amazement, they let us go afterall. We descended together for safety. It was good to have company and even though it wasn't my Erik, it was cool that his name was Erik.

Erik and I crossed the finish line together somewhere past 15hrs30. Geoff and Dave were there waiting. So thoughtful. If I ever finish a race before someone else I know, I will definitely make a point of waiting for them.

I don't know much about how everyone else did as results are not yet up. I know that Jeff got 4th overall. Maz, Steve and Dave finished. Geoff finished too, despite a crash that was caused by a hazardous tool bag (sorry!). Gerry had the good sense to know when to pull out. I think Carrie did not finish due to time.
dave



Jul 1st, 2008 - 7:03 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

If I can have a vote by proxy for the Deadgoat MVP it is, without a doubt, going to Tori. Easily the most impressive attitude I have seen by a DG since joining the club. YOU ROCK!
Steve A

DG


Jul 1st, 2008 - 8:25 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

awesome job, Tori!!!! Read another story from one of my web pals, he got to mile 65 and couldn't continue. 15 hours on a bike, fantastic!
steve



Jul 1st, 2008 - 9:29 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Greetings from Bend!

Gerry and I are sitting in a hotel room drinking beer and watching some crazy reality TV show called "Wipe-out". We rode the Deschutes River trail today. Good times baby, good times.

So what isn't clear from Tori's story is that the course was much, much harder this year than last. It was 108 miles with much more single-track climbing rather than the mostly fire-road climbing of last year. From what I understand, the winning time was 1 1/2 hours longer than last year and a third of the field didn't finish. They haven't posted results yet so I'm not sure of the exact numbers. I raced this last year and can personally testify that this was a much more physically demanding course. Worst off it was really freaking hot!

I can not tell you how proud I am of the Calgary contigent.

Jeff, 4th place overall? Crazy.
Geoff, awesome finish even after a big wipeout.
Maz, we think you are only the 2nd woman ever to finish on a single-speed. Unbelievable.
Dave, awesome finish!
Tori, you are a rock, Sister.
Carrie was a victim of the longer, tougher course because she is a freakin' freight train and would have finished no problem if not for the time cut-off (she finished with time to spare last year).
Gerry was a victim of the heat. With 5 degrees less I know it would have been no issue.

It was a lot of fun in a stupid, painful, suffering way. The locals put on an awesome race so you should give 'er a go if you haven't before.

Hey Tom! Me, single-speed, finish. :-)

Steve.
Devin



Jul 2nd, 2008 - 11:46 AM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Nice work all you crazy super endurance junkies!
the bee

deadgoat, of course


Jul 2nd, 2008 - 8:47 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Geez, thanks Dave. I can't tell you how nice it was to see you guys at the finish. (Thanks again for grabbing that burger for me too). You put in some serious chamois time to show support for a fellow deadgoat. Thanks for that.

I forgot to mention that we were chatting with some strangers in Oakridge and mentioned that we were deadgoats. One of the guys said something to the effect of "I heard that Pat guy is really strong this year". Kind of cool to see a bit of deadgoat fame. Don't worry, Geoff, you'll do just fine with Pat at TR.

Steve - check this out http://www.thebookofanswers.com/
maz



Jul 2nd, 2008 - 9:35 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Wow, great job Tori! What amazing perserverance & strength!! The Creampuff was one of the most challenging (mentally & physically) races that I've ever done. One of the most rewarding as well-a must do!
Thanks to Gerry for your company for the 3 or 4 hours we rode together-it was really great to be riding with a fellow Deadgoat AND singlespeeder.
Thanks to Dave for the 10 second push up the 1st big climb (somehow I managed to climb it 5 minutes faster my second time through)...good training for the big double chariot you'll be pushing soon!!
Thanks to my roomies Carrie & Jeff for the good times! Whenever I eat strawberries & hazelnuts I'll think of you.
Geoff



Jul 4th, 2008 - 9:18 AM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

This thing is hard, plain and simple. If you do this, and I recommend you do, DO NOT underestimate this race. Anybody who has attempted and/or finished a creampuff is tough. It may not be for everyone, but it is a fantastic race.

As predicted I pinned it from the start - felt great. After the 3 mile “neutral start” which should be renamed the “FUSS start”, climbing started in earnest I can’t believe how fast the top guys started. So I followed of course. My plan was to ride hard for 5-10 minutes, then play the drift and see where I stood at the top. The first 3 miles of the 8 mile climb are the steepest. I chugged a red bull half way up and hit the top in 20th or so. Perfect, I thought. Tori lent me a seat bag for my tools so I could fill my jersey with food and ipods. (helpful hint – more food, less ipods). First singletrack descent the tool bag comes loose and is flapping around in my legs, I look down and promptly ride off the trail. Ripped off the scabs that I got last week. So I bled extensively, soaked my sock and glove which created some aid station interest. I rode the singletrack with a guy that was riding a rigid 29er SS and I couldn’t keep up. But we passed 5 guys who were far better going up than down. Came to some wicked uphill switchbacks – think jumping pound three times. I cleaned most of it. Second of 4 climbs came next and the fast climbers dropped me again. I started to feel a little off, but paced myself. At the top I stopped for a natural break and Mike Piker (Tim’s TR partner) caught me – we rode together for a while, then I said Mike you better go – I’m not feeling too hot. Full on Bonk came second time up the second climb. I was going to quit. I couldn’t believe I came all this way to do this stupid race. But, sweet mother of jesus the aid station signifying the top of the climb appeared. I stopped at the aid station and basically sat down and ate for 20 minutes. At this point Race became Ride and I enjoyed the rest of the day at a pretty leisurely pace. No real choice couldn’t get my heart rate over 120. Progressively started to fell better as I ate more (go figure). Downhills kept getting more suicidal and the last climb was full on granny. One last ripping 45 minute descent and I was done – very done. Jeff and Gerry and Carrie were there. Dave finished shortly thereafter, and Steve, then Maz, then Tori (not last).

I heard a guy in the bike shop say you could start this race naked, with no food or water and finish fully fed, hydrated, and with a brand new kit. It’s true, the Support is that good. Next time (and I now know there will be a next time) I will make better use of it. Thanks for all the team support (schmoes too).
Linda



Jul 4th, 2008 - 10:59 AM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

An admiral effort by all who attempted and/or completed the Creampuff this year!! I'm super impressed and even more scared to ever do it!

Just had breakfast with Steve and Gerry here in Rossland and given the state of them and their lack of motivation to ride, it is evident that the race took its toll on them!! A little rain this morning (just enough to dampen the dusty trails) and the two of them are using it as a lame excuse not to ride! You know it's gotta be bad when you pass up riding in Rossland!!
gerry



Jul 4th, 2008 - 7:30 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Well, here's my 2 cents worth.

I don't believe I've ever felt as crappy on a bike as the Creampuff 2008. We we'ere actually blessed with a rain the night before which made the first road climb fairly solid and an enjoyable temperature. That was short lived. I don't do well in the heat, and my stomach got worse as the day went on. It was good riding with Maz for a while, but unable to shove enough calories down my throat, I bonked big time.
All said, it is a great event. Not sure if another one is in the cardsm but never say never.

And yes, we were lame not riding in Rossland on the way back but I don't care. It's time to rest.
steve



Jul 5th, 2008 - 12:08 AM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Well Linda is right that we are lame (she knows us pretty good after all), but to be fair to us we also rode a 50km 'recovery ride' on Tuesday and rode for 3 1/2 hours on the Mackenzie River Trail (which, btw, is one of the top ten trails ever that I've ridden anyway). It was cool to hang with you, Kevin and the Dave/Juliette clan (about to be), for some beers and breaky anyway.

So I just read in another forum that less than 50% of entries finished the Puff. It would be good if Scott posted some results so we knew what the heck actually happened.

More importantly, does anywone know what the final results for BCBR were? While we were feeling sorry for ourselves, those cats were doing some serious suffering.
steve



Jul 5th, 2008 - 12:13 AM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

The Rock! Er...I mean Tori.

I forgot to reply to your post. That is awesome! I'm buying that book so I can finally sort out my life.

BTW, I have your gogs. We need to organize a transfer.
Mike Piker

Peaked Sports


Jul 5th, 2008 - 4:00 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Hello Deadgoats,

Mike here.

I wanted to congratulate all the Goats for one hell of an effort at the CCP100. I have finished 4 CCP's and this was the hardest.

I really enjoyed riding with some of you and seeing the others before and after the race.

Geoff, are you recovered yet? Last time I saw you you were bleeding and cooked. I also hardboiled my brain on the last climb to aid 2 and lost a lot of time.

Tori, great write up and you are an inspiration to all.

Gerry and Dave, as always it was great catching up.

I am not sure if I will do the regular race again next year but if Scott's big 140 mile loop comes to fruition, I will be there.

Take care

Mike Piker
Trish

Deadgoat


Jul 7th, 2008 - 5:59 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

great job Goats. Tori that is like 3 stages of BC Bike race in one day - amazing and what determination!
stappy



Jul 7th, 2008 - 9:36 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Tori, you're absolutey awesome.
Erik



Jul 8th, 2008 - 9:30 AM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Looks like Tori's inherent traits are becoming more well known. From the outside peering in, it's become apparent that Tori has 2 gears - stop and go, aka all or none.

Endurance bike racing makes great use of this binary, as stop isn't in the option book once it's decided to go.

Endurance cycling is one of those things that provides a window to what's inside... how else do we know who are the pretenders, and conversely, who's the wolf in sheeps clothing?

Do Trish's co-workers know she clobbers bike races on her vacations? Do Tori's? They can't really know how hard it is until they hit the wall themselves... which they don't.
Steve A.

DG


Jul 8th, 2008 - 1:50 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

results:

http://www.cascadecreampuff.com/2008_results.htm
steve



Jul 8th, 2008 - 9:07 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

I actually play hockey with one of Trish's co-workers who is a pretty fit tri-geek (and I mean that with all due respect) and a very good hockey player. I gave him the low-down and he has the background to at least half understand the marvel that is Trish. Hopefully he helps make the others understand.....
the bee

deadgoat, of course


Jul 8th, 2008 - 9:43 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Trish's sister didn't seem to even know how awesome she is. I spoke with her briefly in the feed zone at the iron lung and she seemed surprised to hear how Trish had shredded the field at La Ruta last year. I have to admit that I still find it difficult to reconcile the Trish I know with the Trish I see listed in the race results. I've only ever seen the modest and sweet side, but evidently there is a cut throat competitor somewhere in there. Maybe some day I'll find myself able to catch her wheel for a while and see it first hand.
Josh



Aug 24th, 2008 - 1:01 PM
Re: Cascade Creampuff 2008

Great write up bee! It almost makes me want to suffer that race one day. :)

I just finished 63mile ride last weekend (Mt Burns Loop) and it took me 9 hours in mostly 30 degree heat. My spirits were so low towards the end. I can't imagine having 6 more hours of suffering to go at that point.

You guys and girls are amazing to accomplish a feat of this magnitude, especially with the ****ty spring we endured this year. We basically lost all of may and june to rain. I don't know how you were able to prepare for the CP.

nice work.

Josh


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