Around 5 years ago when I began Mountain Biking there was one trail that struck me as one that I must ride one day when I obtained the skills and fitness to do so, that trail is Snake Creek Gap near Dalton, GA. Just a mere mention of this trail seems to strike awe in bikers and runners alike, for its daunting technical features (roots and rocks ad nauseum) and lung-busting climbs. This is not a "fun" trail necessarily (although there are plenty of fun downhill sections) but more of a trail to help you discover what kind of person you are. Call it a vision quest for the modern age. "The Snake", as it's affectionately called, can definitely teach one a thing or two about themselves. Some people ask me, "Jonathan, why do you do what you do? Why subject yourself to such torture?" I don't really have an answer for that except, to see if I can do it. "Because it's there."
5 years later I finally got up the gumption to enter this series and finally conquer this juggernaut of a ride. It's funny how the mind can build up something to be so treacherous then reality turns out differently, to a point.
I had ridden The Snake several times before entering the time trials so I knew what was in store: Frustration amid a mile-long rock garden was a highlight and seemingly unending ascents up more rocky sections. One summer ride had extreme overgrowth which added briar lashings to the mix. A nearly vertical climb dubbed The Wall that few have managed to ride all the way up due to it's steepness and technical challenge.
March run- Today was the 3rd race in the series and I definitely saved the best for last with a 2:03 finish. I spent a lot of time yesterday dialing in my Trek SS bike. Tightened the chain and greased a squeaky saddle post. Also tightened the brakes some. Saddle slid down during the race so it wasn't tightened enough. Also lost a water bottle full of 3 scoops of Perpetuem. No biggie though, I was a machine today and only needed 1 gel and half bottle of water. Also left the Osprey backpack at home. Between that and my weight loss, I saved myself probably 5-6lbs. over my February run. This week I had ridden twice at Jackrabbit which was a relatively tame ride. Also 2 swims this week. Besides that, nothing but quality rest. Stress has been higher this week due to dentist and work layoffs. Technically, I handled the course much better today and made it up a lot more hills this time rather than hiking. Rode clean for the most part and also climbed a lot better. Lighter = faster and better climbing! The Wall was still rough but I got up it quicker this time even managing a dash. Also, no full body cramping today! I'm really beginning to see how important good rest and recovery is as well as nutritional strategy. Renee and I have been eating mostly Paleo for about 6 weeks and it has really agreed with us. Getting leaner and cleaning out all the glue. Also drinking less sodas. Pre-race supplements: took 3 Endurolytes at 6am then another 2 right before race start at 9ish. Breakfast was 1 TBSP coconut oil in my coffee (almost threw up) and 2 pieces dark chocolate. need to dial back the coconut oil a tad. Had 1 Espresso Gu on the ride. Post-race was chili and peach cobbler (what a treat!) with 2 cups coffee. I am extremely pleased with my effort and result today. I knocked 12 minutes off my fastest time and couldn't have biked much better. I felt like I had a jet thruster on the side of my bike. Next year we'll see how the 34-mile course is looking.
February run - This was the real beastie. I didn't realize how tired I was but I felt pretty fresh before the race. I had unwisely done a high-intensity interval effort on Wed. and thought 2 days would've been enough to recover but nope. I also ran that morning for about 3.5 miles. Perplexing. Other than that, a few swim sessions that week. 5 hours of running the week prior though, in preparation for Sweetwate 1/2 marathon. As soon as I began though with the climbing right at the start I knew my legs were dead. It was going to be one of those rides where I had to grit my teeth through. My chain kept coming off due to bolts slipping on my tensioner so that cost me several minutes. I even endoed on an uphill rocky section. Just not a good day on the bike.
January run - Sub-freezing start with snow still on the trail! This was a decent effort finishing in about 2:15. Bike handling was decent and climbs were good. I think I was just feeling my way around the entire course. Amazing to see peeps passing me seemingly floating over the rocks and roots.
Overall impressions
This is probably the most challenging 3 races I've ever done. I told my wife to slap me if I ever mention doing the 34-mile course but after yesterday's effort, I am considering the 34 next year. Arguably the toughest trail in Georgia, The Snake never fails to deliver a humbling and limit-stretching experience. This race has taught me a lot about mental and physical preparation for a race, in addition to proper fueling strategy.
Photos and videos
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Psyched before the February run
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| Cold morning in January |
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| February start |
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| March start. Good body language |
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| March finish. Strong! |
