363 Days to Go

August 15, 2009.

Yes, that is the date for the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race Across the Sky ("Leadville 100").

But I need to back up and start in January 2004. That is when I talked my husband, training partner and best friend, Phil, into signing up for the Leadville 100. We had both done many many road bike Centuries. I got the brilliant idea to try a mountain bike Century. The conversation went something like "How hard can it be?"

And that is what this blog is about - detailing just how hard it can be. Over the next 12 months I'll share stories of the 3 Leadville 100s we have done to date (2004, 2005 & 2007) and our training, nutrition, bike set ups, tire choices, etc.

In 2004 there were virtually no resources describing the race or what to expect. Blogs have changed that and if you Google "Leadville 100 MTB" you'll get dozens of hits. But I have only found one article written by a woman. Equipment selection and nutrition needs can vary greatly between men and women on this ride, so maybe this will help all you women who are thinking about giving it a try.