I took the new Trek X01 on a short 35 mile ride yesterday evening, explaining to the wife that this was the last week that I was going to train hard for the Dirty Kanza. I want to make sure I get used to the bike and tire choice before I tackle the 200 mile race. Here is what I am going with for the 2010 Dirty Kanza 200:
- Bike: 2008 Trek X01
- Additions: Bontrager carbon stem (last year’s model on sale), Brooks Flyer Special saddle for comfort
- Pedals: Crank Bros. Candy
- Tires: Bontrager XR1 on the front and Kenda Kwest with k-shield protection on the rear
- Storage: This is yet to be decided but here’s what I am deciding on:
70 oz Camelbak with a Feedbag or two or
Wingnut Enduro with 70 oz. or 100 oz. bladder depending on the heat
The second choice gives me ample storage and the pack rides low on my body, taking the weight off my back. I have trouble fitting everything in the first choice. Here’s what I want to bring with me: - multi-tool
- tire levers and patch kit
- 2-3 extra tubes
- 4 CO2 cylinders with pump
- hand pump
- energy gels
- chain lube
- moist wipes (just in case)
- lip balm
- eye drops
- extra chamois cream
Not sure if this is too much or not, but I am still deciding on exactly what to carry with me. I don’t want to DNF just because I didn’t bring enough tubes, etc.
Well, this is an edit, since a “Wise” cyclist noticed I didn’t mention lights and assumed that I was planning on winning the race which is a good assumption, I think. But just in case I can’t maintain 20-25 mph for 200 miles of hilly gravel, dirt and low maintenance roads, runaway cows, 40 mph wind gusts, high heat and humidity and maybe a few tornadoes here is what I have for lights:
- Trek Ion 3 Headlight on the handlebars
- Trek Flare 3 LED Taillight for the rear blinky light
- Coleman headlamp for the helmet
Looks like I can get 60 hours of light from the Trek Headlight, taillights seem to last forever and the helmet light claims 6 hours of use on the bright setting. These aren’t super bright, but bright enough and fairly long lasting. I have tested this out, and the Trek lights up the ground in front of me pretty well, not great, and the Coleman is very bright. When I look at street signs, they reflect back at me like when I’m in my car, so that should help me find my way and look at the map. The bad thing is the bugs. They love the bright helmet light and fly directly into my face. I was forced to just look down on one night ride because the bugs were so thick, it was nasty and dangerous to look up. I will bring extra batteries because I have been known to get lost in the bright sunshine. I hope to high heaven I don’t get lost in the dark in the middle of nowhere.
Race Caps Supreme and Enduralytes too. At the support stops, I will have some real food, but I really don’t want to eat too much, since I get bloated easily while I ride for some reason. I know I will have some PB&Honies, pickles, Doritos, turkey sandwiches and lots of water for sure. I will also have more tubes tires and tools on the support vehicle.
If you have done the DK 200 before or something like it, and have any advice, please comment or email me. I need it. If you are wondering why I made certain choices, comment and we will discuss gear!
I determined late last year to stop waiting, wishing and making excuses and to start living “for real.” In case you are wondering, the DK 200 is part of that plan. Yes, I chose the most epic race for my first race ever. I have done everything I can to prepare including century+ rides every Sunday through the Flint Hills. It’s close now and yes, I am a bit nervous. Race day is June 5th starting at 6:00 a.m. If you are the praying type, I could use some of that on June 5th. I may be crazy, but it feels great. Just over a year ago a 30 mile ride would wipe me out. Now a 100 mile ride seems pretty normal. 200 miles seems crazy, but I believe my finish is going to be a great victory for myself and my confidence and the future of Adventure Monkey! I am not preparing for a DNF. It’s out of the question at this point.
Also, if you are going to be around Emporia, there are going to be activities and vendors downtown for the Dirty Kanza 200. I am in the process of ordering pictures. magazines and t-shirts to sell at our little booth. My booth will be pretty limited as, all this costs money and Adventure Monkey can’t even afford to purchase a full kit for me to wear in the race. Yes, I am sad, but the Pearl Izumi gear I have for review is very nice and wouldn’t you know it, matches the bike too. The Adventure Monkey booth will have 8×10′s and postcard sized prints of the Flint Hills and some samples of larger prints. I wish I could have special edition DK200 Adventure Monkey shirts, but that may have to wait until next year’s DK200.
I mentioned in an earlier post, that I won’t be bringing my camera on the race, too heavy and time consuming. I also asked if someone out there would let me borrow a video camera to use. I am very excited because Kristy at Bowcycle, all the way from Canada, has come through for Adventure Monkey and is letting me borrow one of THESE. I hope to finally produce Adventure Monkey’s first video! Thanks so much to Kristyand Bowcycle! I hope to get it soon to test and hopefully it won’t be too heavy to ride for 200 miles. Now I just need some memory cards…
Feed Your Monkey!
Eric
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