The Traverse 2011

The Traverse isn't a race you can do on a whim, it's a year-long preparation. Last year Skyler did awesome. This year he was missing one thing: food poisoning. Yes, last year Skyler got sick from fake chicken (that's a lesson learned to never eat fake chicken again) and ended up throwing-up throughout the race. This year, everything was in his favor.

The Traverse is a 45 mile, 8000+ feet elevation gain mountain bike race. You ever notice those mountains looming over Orange County? Well, imagine riding across all of them. I hear it's a hard, slow grind almost the whole time. I had aspirations of doing this race, but after a stellar race at Oceanside, my training went from heavy to zero. There's always next year.

Last year's Traverse was hot, this year was perfect: overcast and cool temps. We carbed up with other members of Team Poseidon the night before (hey, I love carbs so I don't mind having an excuse to eat them) and Skyler was ready.

My plan was to meet him at the end where Pumpkin and I would cheer him through the finish line. I figured that since we were at O'Neill Park that Pumpkin and I would do a trail run before. Skyler's finish time last year was 6:08, so I wrongly assumed that he would be about 45 minutes faster this year.

Pumpkin and I did a short trail run at O'Neill and we headed back to the event area to see Skyler finished already. He had come through the finish line only a minute before. I felt awful, BUT so happy that he was a lot faster than last year. He finished in 5:13, 55 minutes faster than last year! And the crazy part is he didn't even look tired!

Team Poseidon was well represented at the race: 9 riders! Hopefully next year we can get some girls in the mix.

Skyler's super-fast time earned him first place in the Mens Intermediate 18-30 group.

Another unique trophy to add to the case.

Pumpkin loves her dad. She wouldn't leave his side once he finished.

I love supporting my husband in his fun adventures. This is one of the few races that he's done without me. My competitive side is telling me that this will be the last year that happens.
Great job Skyler!