BaseCamper Kristen Crupi shared her experience at Rebecca's Private Idaho 2023.
So, after a great ride last Sunday, I had a rough taper week...I followed the plan and focused on resting, but I was feeling worse and more rundown as the week went on. I am 3 weeks post COVID, and I'm sure that's to blame. Yesterday afternoon and evening, I felt downright horrible. I prepped all the things – nutrition, hydration, bike, clothing – but I honestly wasn't sure I'd start this morning.
I woke up feeling a bit better than other mornings this week, so I got ready and headed to the start with LeRoi. Now I am so glad I did...
I deliberately kept it easy in the early miles and focused on +10/-20 power range while climbing. I got to the top of Trail Creek feeling good. After a brief stop, I ripped down the backside – carefully, of course, but descending is where I make up time. I had so much fun! 🤩
Heading out to Wild Horse, I still felt good... but then there was the return! Y'all warned us about the headwind coming back up Trail Creek, but wow. I turned left into a strong wind and very shortly a heavy rain squall. This was not so much fun. The grind to the top was brutal... I couldn't maintain my target power range, and when I saw someone walking up the last 1/2 mile, I seriously considered it. (Oh, did I mention the 2nd heavy rain squall here? Yeah, not fun.)
I stopped very briefly at the top to eat a bit more and put on warm, dry gloves. (Thank goodness I stuffed those in my pack.) I had 40 minutes to get to the finish within my goal time. The descent from Trail Creek was challenging but fun, and thanks to Rebecca and Tim, I was ready for those rollers on the pavement. (Somehow, I was able to sustain higher power again?!?)
I rolled through the finish 3 minutes under my goal time! I honestly can't believe it. My Garmin thinks I'm about dead, but I actually feel reasonably good.
The event was fantastic... well run with beautiful views and great volunteers. Thank you RPI and BaseCamp RPI 2023!