Inferno Weekend (Or HOLY CRAP, That's a Lot of Climbing!)

A few months ago, my good friend Callie sent me an email asking if I would like to be part of her relay team for the Tuckerman Inferno.  This is an annual pentathlon (kayak, run, bike, hike, ski) whose entry fees help raise money for the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine.   This organization helps to protect and preserve the unique alpine areas and eastern slops of Mount Washington.

She told me that they were looking for a biker, and that the bike was 18ish miles.

Also there was something about free pizza.

I really love pizza, and I agreed right away.  After all, 18 miles isn't that far for me considering the volume I am building for Ironman training (EEK! 99 days until Ironman Lake Placid!!)

This should be fun.

So what if I have only biked outside two times since October.  And I have only biked outside on my new bike once and still suck at shifting it at the "opportune times." 

To be honest, I looked at the elevation profile back when she asked me and I thought, huh. There is some climbing there, but it shouldn't be too bad.

I just looked at it again this afternoon just for kicks.

whimper, whine, gulp

So, miles 2-5 don't look so bad.

I figure, if I get to mile 7, I am pretty sure I can get to 18.  According to what I read, that first little "hump" is a 16% grade, and the backside is a crazy 19% grade with bad pavement.  Sweet.

That can't be true.

Now I am just hoping I don't have to walk my bike up that thing, and that I don't kill myself going down the backside. 



All joking (am I joking?) aside, I am stoked for this race.  It is a gorgeous area and will be a great time, I am going to hike up to Tuckerman's after my bike to meet the team at the finish.  Can't wait! 

Lots of people are racing this weekend, good luck to all of you!