Pre-game
I had toyed with the idea of doing the Smoke N Fire 400 (SnF) for awhile before I got around to swapping some shifts at work and finally committing to doing the race a few weeks beforehand. I was pretty nervous about how little I've been on the bike and how many extra pounds I've put on since moving to Spokane. It has been tough starting a new job and juggling grad school (take 2) with having some semblance of a life, let alone fitness. I finally signed myself up on Trackleaders just before leaving for a 6 day trip to Colorado to coach for VIDA mtb. This made for a very tight turn around before the SnF. I returned to Spokane at 11pm Monday night, worked 8-8 Tuesday, then left the following morning for Boise with my new friends, Aaron and Jess from Kellog, ID, who also happened to be racing. The race started Thursday morning at 6am.
When we left Spokane on Wednesday morning, I had yet to settle on which bike I would be riding, let alone pack my gear, go for a shake down ride, or familiarize myself with the course. I had only used my fancy new Garmin Edge, once since I bought it several weeks ago. For the CTR, I had been dialed and every move had been planned out and tested beforehand. I realized in the van, on the way to Boise (while experimenting with packing gear onto my new gravel bike) that I had forgotten to pack a sleeping ground pad. I requested an emergency stop at Walmart. I still needed to get race food anyhow.
Feelings of inadequacy washed over me as I listened to Jess describe her training rides and discuss the course and the other riders. I felt utterly clueless and scattered.
My pre-race anxiety was barely in check. I felt like I would be lucky to finish and I hoped I didn't disappoint myself. I didn't post to social media about the race until I was nearly halfway through my first day (partly because I just didn't have any time, but also because I wasn't sure I wanted anyone to know I was racing).
When we left Spokane on Wednesday morning, I had yet to settle on which bike I would be riding, let alone pack my gear, go for a shake down ride, or familiarize myself with the course. I had only used my fancy new Garmin Edge, once since I bought it several weeks ago. For the CTR, I had been dialed and every move had been planned out and tested beforehand. I realized in the van, on the way to Boise (while experimenting with packing gear onto my new gravel bike) that I had forgotten to pack a sleeping ground pad. I requested an emergency stop at Walmart. I still needed to get race food anyhow.
Feelings of inadequacy washed over me as I listened to Jess describe her training rides and discuss the course and the other riders. I felt utterly clueless and scattered.
My pre-race anxiety was barely in check. I felt like I would be lucky to finish and I hoped I didn't disappoint myself. I didn't post to social media about the race until I was nearly halfway through my first day (partly because I just didn't have any time, but also because I wasn't sure I wanted anyone to know I was racing).
Day zero
We made it to Hyde Park about 10 minutes before the start. I was nervous about leaving the van in downtown Boise on a residential street, but at that point there was no other option. I noticed a couple on a tandem at the start and I had to do a double take as the female was about 4 feet tall and looked to be a tween (she's only 10 years old). I figured that they were probably only riding one day of the race, or maybe just joining us for the neutral roll out (nope, they did 400+ miles!). There were about 70 riders at the start, including 10 ladies. At some point somebody told us to go and we all set out into the Boise foot hills. I hadn't been able to find my riding gloves, so I rode barehanded for the first several hours. I didn't want to be left behind the grand depart, so I let my hands get real cold. I didn't talk to anyone, but just enjoyed the pace in the slip stream. Eventually we hit dirt and started climbing. The sun came up and I settled in and started to enjoy the views and the ride. The anxiety began to dissipate and I felt like myself again.
I rode with some inspiring people and I had to choke back tears at some of their stories. Bikepacking introduces me to the very best people. I felt like I was home, surrounded by family.
The first day involved a decent amount of climbing, but was deceptively mellow gravel without a whole lot of techy terrain. I knew that things would get a little spicier and I looked forward to a more punishing route on the days to come. I planned to sleep just before Ketchum and then pedal into town for a hot coffee before heading out. I slept in a nice park inside an outhouse that was relatively clean and big enough for me and my bike and several friendly spiders. I had never slept in an outhouse before, but it seemed like a smart shelter (there were sprinklers in the town park), and I had heard of more experienced bikepackers sleeping inside outhouses in bad weather. It was quite cold, and any shelter was welcome.
I rode with some inspiring people and I had to choke back tears at some of their stories. Bikepacking introduces me to the very best people. I felt like I was home, surrounded by family.
The first day involved a decent amount of climbing, but was deceptively mellow gravel without a whole lot of techy terrain. I knew that things would get a little spicier and I looked forward to a more punishing route on the days to come. I planned to sleep just before Ketchum and then pedal into town for a hot coffee before heading out. I slept in a nice park inside an outhouse that was relatively clean and big enough for me and my bike and several friendly spiders. I had never slept in an outhouse before, but it seemed like a smart shelter (there were sprinklers in the town park), and I had heard of more experienced bikepackers sleeping inside outhouses in bad weather. It was quite cold, and any shelter was welcome.
Day one
I slept poorly- which was as I expected on the first night. In the morning, I spent 20 minutes riding around in circles in Ketchum, looking for the 24 hour Jackson's convenience store on google maps. It doesn't exist. I decided to head out instead of waiting around for the coffee shops to open at 6am. I was rewarded with delightful singtrack in the dark. I saw 3 sets of green, glowing eyes peering at me with as much curiosity as 3 sets of glowing eyes can have. I passed a guy sleeping on a wooden platform in a meadow. I got passed by several dudes who seemed to be more awake and energetic than myself.
I finally arrived at Galena lodge and I ordered a cubano and 2 Don bars to go. I started the climb to Titus Lake and Galena summit thinking about the warnings from other riders that it would be a tricky hike-a-bike. I resigned myself to having to push my way to the top. Surprisingly it was mostly rideable and the views were incredible. I was elated. The altitude didn't seem to bother me too much (no doubt thanks to the prior week spent in Colorado). The rolling singletrack back to the highway was super fun! Then an aid station appeared and I was handed Red Vines, fresh grapes and the biggest cookie ever! Apparently there was an organized cycling event on the highway, and the friendly crew said they had way more yummies than they needed for their racers.
I finally arrived at Galena lodge and I ordered a cubano and 2 Don bars to go. I started the climb to Titus Lake and Galena summit thinking about the warnings from other riders that it would be a tricky hike-a-bike. I resigned myself to having to push my way to the top. Surprisingly it was mostly rideable and the views were incredible. I was elated. The altitude didn't seem to bother me too much (no doubt thanks to the prior week spent in Colorado). The rolling singletrack back to the highway was super fun! Then an aid station appeared and I was handed Red Vines, fresh grapes and the biggest cookie ever! Apparently there was an organized cycling event on the highway, and the friendly crew said they had way more yummies than they needed for their racers.
Idaho Central Credit Union rocks!!
The miles continued to coast by and eventually I was caught by a couple of familiar riders, Andrew and Sam. We had an absolute blast riding through the scorched landscape and flowing trails of Fisher Creek and Williams Lake. I had actually ridden a loop here 3 years ago on the way to the Trans BC and I chuckled to myself thinking about how tired I was on the climbs 3 years ago (when I hadn't had to ride my bike over 200 miles to get to them).
Sam and Andrew rode at a great pace and were fine company. We stuck together until Red Fish Lake Lodge. It was dark and getting cold. We had initially talked about just rolling through Red Fish Lake and not stopping until Stanley, but alas, we got sucked into the well-stocked store and restaurant. I spent about 15 minutes standing in line to get hand warmers and hot tea. It was the cashier's first day and it seemed a family of campers wanted to get every kitschy gift in the place. The tea was delicious and I drank most of it while waiting in line. We had an hour to get to Stanley before the pizza joint that Sam had his heart set on would close. We climbed, then descended some scary singletrack and I worried that my light system was inadequate for the night riding at hand. We sprinted to Stanley for all we were worth and were rewarded by arriving to the pizza parlour 5 minutes before they closed. We ate hot, cheesy pies with all the fixings in the crisp night air of the consistently coldest place in the lower 48, Stanley, Idaho. Sam's friend, Emily, joined us and gave strong words of encouragement. I confirmed on Trackleaders what Emily was reporting, and was stoked to see I was in first place for women! I had been asking after the other women all day and had not really accepted the idea that I might be leading the ladies until then. Nothing like a little external motivation to get me going after a few thick slices of piping hot pizza.
Just before midnight I ran out of steam as we were passing a cheery looking national forest bathroom at Stanley Lake. It was super clean and warm inside and I decided to call it a night.
Just before midnight I ran out of steam as we were passing a cheery looking national forest bathroom at Stanley Lake. It was super clean and warm inside and I decided to call it a night.
Day two
About 3 hours later, I was wide awake and ready to go. I packed up inside my warm accommodations and started up the remainder of the climb to Elk Mountain. There was a silly song playing in my head, Welcome to the Hotel Shitter-ville, such a lovely place, such a lovely face. The techy descent was just what I needed and I was feeling zesty when I got to the creek at the bottom. Then, the good feelings were shattered as I discovered that my sleeping bag had rattled out of its home on my handlebar roll. I pondered this for not very long before I released some audible expletives and started pushing my bike back up the 5 mile descent, sweeping the trail with my weak BD headlamp as I went. I had only gone about 1.5 miles when Russ (Panniers y Chile con Queso) came down the trail and shouted out, "You feeling a little light?" I was ecstatic at my good fortune and quickly rigged a more secure system for the sleeping bag. The mat I had forgotten in Spokane was made of a much more frictiony foam than the cheap Walmart mat I was stuck with. *Sigh*
Panniers y Chile con Queso, in his custom tutu, with the setting moon.
Russ didn't seem to hold a grudge against me and my rookie move and I vowed to buy him a beer and a burrito. We rode through the most frigid section of the SnF and my bike and gear started to form a layer of frost while we pedaled and giggled. My warm gloves were not quite warm enough and I alternated putting each hand between my warm butt and my hip pack, behind me and out of the wind to try to keep them from freezing solid.
The full moon finally set and the sun slowly came up. It was about 10am when I finally took off my down jacket. Russ expressed reservations about pushing up Scott Mountain in the heat of the day and planned to take a swim in Deadwood Reservoir and then have a bit of a siesta at the beach. This sounded lovely to me, but I also wanted to keep moving.
The full moon finally set and the sun slowly came up. It was about 10am when I finally took off my down jacket. Russ expressed reservations about pushing up Scott Mountain in the heat of the day and planned to take a swim in Deadwood Reservoir and then have a bit of a siesta at the beach. This sounded lovely to me, but I also wanted to keep moving.
Eventually, I came upon the reservoir and I decided that it would be a good idea to rinse off my underparts. I had a quick swim and a picnic of leftover pizza on the beach. I started the long and tedious climb up Scott Mountain in the heat of the day. It was a nice gravel road with occasional traffic and intermittent shade. I made a game out of swerving into the shady spots and searching for the perfect heart shaped rock. I eventually found one- multi-colored quartz, and snagged it as a souvenir. Soon I felt a bit too warm and slightly sleepy and I found a shady flat spot and took a 15 Minute nap. That nap was divine.
Shortly after my nap I was contemplating filtering some water out of a muddy trickle of a stream when Doug and Louie came up behind me. They were moving at quite a pace and seemed to know a good bit about the route. Doug recommended getting water somewhere further up the mountain. I decided to try to hang with them for as long as I could. Scott Mountain is the climb that never ends. It was discouraging with all of it's false summits and I started to really appreciate that my Garmin was keeping me informed of the sad fact that I wasn't even close to the top yet. Hours later (I have no idea how many), we made it to the top. Doug seemed to not have stopped and I managed to summit before Louie, so I took the opportunity to scarf down the last piece of my leftover pizza. Louie confirmed with me that Doug had already started the descent, and I fell in behind him. Louie seemed to have no fear and he hauled down the dirt road with little regard for the sharp, exposed corners and frequent ATVs and pickup trucks hiding behind every blind corner. Eventually we caught and passed Doug and the descent continued. I could smell my brake pads frying in the heat, but I couldn't help but fly down the road as fast as I could stand to go. When we got to the bottom, the air was about 30 degrees warmer than it had been up above. I checked the thermometer on my Garmin and confirmed that it was 90 degrees outside. We mashed on the pedals on the hot highway pavement for the last 10 miles to Garden City before crawling into the air conditioned gas station and drinking icy sodas and toasted Subway sandwiches.
We spent about an hour eating and resting with our feet up. Trackleaders showed that I had about a three hour lead on Laura Heiner- the next woman in the field. I filled up my water bottles with soda and ice water and we took off into the evening heat. Somehow we were in shade within 5 minutes and the temperatures quickly began to drop.
We entered the section of trail called Mordor after dark and had the joy of intermittent hike-a-bike and overgrown, rutted 4x4 roads with confusing intersections. I was glad I had the company of Louie and Doug, but eventually I found myself feeling uncoordinated and sluggish and I decided to sleep. It was about midnight or so. I set an alarm for 3 hours and I fell into oblivion quickly. I heard one bike pass me, but I quickly fell back asleep until my alarm went off. That pile of pine needles was so comfy after 2 nights in outhouses.
Shortly after my nap I was contemplating filtering some water out of a muddy trickle of a stream when Doug and Louie came up behind me. They were moving at quite a pace and seemed to know a good bit about the route. Doug recommended getting water somewhere further up the mountain. I decided to try to hang with them for as long as I could. Scott Mountain is the climb that never ends. It was discouraging with all of it's false summits and I started to really appreciate that my Garmin was keeping me informed of the sad fact that I wasn't even close to the top yet. Hours later (I have no idea how many), we made it to the top. Doug seemed to not have stopped and I managed to summit before Louie, so I took the opportunity to scarf down the last piece of my leftover pizza. Louie confirmed with me that Doug had already started the descent, and I fell in behind him. Louie seemed to have no fear and he hauled down the dirt road with little regard for the sharp, exposed corners and frequent ATVs and pickup trucks hiding behind every blind corner. Eventually we caught and passed Doug and the descent continued. I could smell my brake pads frying in the heat, but I couldn't help but fly down the road as fast as I could stand to go. When we got to the bottom, the air was about 30 degrees warmer than it had been up above. I checked the thermometer on my Garmin and confirmed that it was 90 degrees outside. We mashed on the pedals on the hot highway pavement for the last 10 miles to Garden City before crawling into the air conditioned gas station and drinking icy sodas and toasted Subway sandwiches.
We spent about an hour eating and resting with our feet up. Trackleaders showed that I had about a three hour lead on Laura Heiner- the next woman in the field. I filled up my water bottles with soda and ice water and we took off into the evening heat. Somehow we were in shade within 5 minutes and the temperatures quickly began to drop.
We entered the section of trail called Mordor after dark and had the joy of intermittent hike-a-bike and overgrown, rutted 4x4 roads with confusing intersections. I was glad I had the company of Louie and Doug, but eventually I found myself feeling uncoordinated and sluggish and I decided to sleep. It was about midnight or so. I set an alarm for 3 hours and I fell into oblivion quickly. I heard one bike pass me, but I quickly fell back asleep until my alarm went off. That pile of pine needles was so comfy after 2 nights in outhouses.
Day Three
I arrived in Placerville at about 4am. It was very cold and I noticed a handful of bikers sleeping under the pavilion in the center of the tiny town. There was a fire station and it had a water spigot that I couldn't quite figure out. I spent some time in the warm bathroom and I circled around the park looking for the water pump. Eventually I found it with a sign commanding to DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. The water came out brownish looking despite the dim light from my battery-weak headlamp and I decided not to fill both of my water bottles. I popped a purification tablet into the bottle and wandered around, looking for what, I wasn't sure. Nevertheless I found what I was looking for when I saw a startled bikepacker and recognized the familiar face of Sam! He must have passed me while I was sleeping. He was riding with Nick and they were both motivated to get to Boise.
I anxiously jumped around to stay warm and filled my other water bottle at the fire station, but not before I managed to turn on the fire house spigot and cover poor Sam in a shower of icy water. Luckily he didn't seem to hold it against me and my eyes filled with tears as we all 3 burst out laughing.
We were a variety pack aboard our mismatched bikes; Nick rode a full rigid gravel grinder that he had named Jessica. Sam had christened his hardtail plus bike Gonzo, and I was of course on my full suspension 29er, Jerry the Joplin. Despite the unusual assortment of rigs, we were quite evenly paced and the going was steady.
I anxiously jumped around to stay warm and filled my other water bottle at the fire station, but not before I managed to turn on the fire house spigot and cover poor Sam in a shower of icy water. Luckily he didn't seem to hold it against me and my eyes filled with tears as we all 3 burst out laughing.
We were a variety pack aboard our mismatched bikes; Nick rode a full rigid gravel grinder that he had named Jessica. Sam had christened his hardtail plus bike Gonzo, and I was of course on my full suspension 29er, Jerry the Joplin. Despite the unusual assortment of rigs, we were quite evenly paced and the going was steady.
From Placerville we climbed out of the cold and into the sunrise on the backside of Bogus Basin ski area. We were treated to a breathtaking array of colors in the sky and some enticingly fun and rocky terrain. The climb seemed to stretch on for longer than it needed to, but eventually we started dropping down into the foothills of Boise. I was worried that I would have no ability to descend as my front brake pads were completely fried from the descent down Scott the previous evening. I had not had the wherewithal to pack a spare set of brake pads in my haste to get to the start 3 days earlier. Surprisingly, the brakes did okay (except for that nails on a chalkboard feeling of metal on metal) and I had fun soaring down the mountain into Boise. We didn't see any other riders and at some point it became apparent that I was likely to be the first female to finish.
There was a large street fair and a marathon going on in downtown Boise on Sunday morning and I was surprised to see people cheering us into the finish. The three of us posed for pictures together, than ate a hearty breakfast and shared lots of laughs together.
At the end of the race, I felt like I must have missed the start. I resisted the temptation to pinch myself because it felt like the Smoke N Fire had just barely got going before it was over.
We were blessed with perfect conditions during the race that aided in my ability to push myself. As usual, I was surrounded by so many amazing, kind and strong humans that gave me more strength than I could have mustered on my own.
We were blessed with perfect conditions during the race that aided in my ability to push myself. As usual, I was surrounded by so many amazing, kind and strong humans that gave me more strength than I could have mustered on my own.
3:04:35 (1st female)
The stats
Animals sighted:
- 5 kamikaze snakes
- 2 nighttime frogs
- 3 sets of glowing eyes (deer or elk I think)
- countless spiders
- 12 friendly dogs and 1 not-as-friendly dog
- an assortment of chipmunks and squirrels, one of which was kamikaze
Hours slept:
10
Miles ridden:
- Something like 420 or so (I still haven't completely figured out that fancy Garmin).
Food I ate:
- 5 warm meals (fried pickles + chef salad, grilled cheese, cubano sandwich, supreme pizza and Subway sandwich),
- lots of fig bars
- Kind bars
- jerky and wheat thins
Number of times I got lost:
- Really not at all, but I did have to backtrack about 4-5 times because of a minor missed turn.
Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!
Animals sighted:
- 5 kamikaze snakes
- 2 nighttime frogs
- 3 sets of glowing eyes (deer or elk I think)
- countless spiders
- 12 friendly dogs and 1 not-as-friendly dog
- an assortment of chipmunks and squirrels, one of which was kamikaze
Hours slept:
10
Miles ridden:
- Something like 420 or so (I still haven't completely figured out that fancy Garmin).
Food I ate:
- 5 warm meals (fried pickles + chef salad, grilled cheese, cubano sandwich, supreme pizza and Subway sandwich),
- lots of fig bars
- Kind bars
- jerky and wheat thins
Number of times I got lost:
- Really not at all, but I did have to backtrack about 4-5 times because of a minor missed turn.
Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!
