This was the 6th edition of the Funk Bottoms Gravel race. Along with PW and Potenza I was one of the founders of FBG in 2011. What started out as a training ride for Gravel Worlds has turned into a growing event, with this year having our largest starting field. Starting over the winter I scout out new sections of gravel roads in the area to make the course slightly different each year.
2016 Funk Bottoms
This years route was the most challenging yet with lots of long gravel climbs and descents. Due to several factors my riding this year has been way below my standards. With 7,500 feet of climbing I knew it was going to be a long day. This was the first year I did the 100K and not the 200K. By doing the 100K it was easier for my finish line volunteers to record times and places.
Pre-race final instructions Photo: Katie Eno
Start of neutral rollout Photo: Katie Eno
The race started with a 2 mile neutral rollout until the first hill and then it was game on for everyone. Last year with good fitness I was able to finish second in the 200K, this year was another story. I had suffered from some heart problems over the winter and have been helping take care of family members with serious health issues. I was more in the taking a scenic ride through rural Ohio than racing mode. The first part of the race to Killbuck was nice and easy rolling along with a few other riders. When we pulled into Killbuck I suggested the other rides get water since it was hot and a long 33 miles to Glenmont with next water. I had gone through one bottle of my favorite mixture of Hammer Nutrition Orange-Vanilla Perpetuem and Lemon-Lime HEED
Even though my fitness was lacking knowing the course would be a big help. Hammer Nutrition once again sponsored the race with all riders getting some Hammer Gels and Endurolytes before the race. Since I designed the course this year I knew on advance where the secret checkpoint would be along the way. The secret checkpoint would be between Killbuck and Glenmont and would have plenty of water and Hammer HEED.
Around mile 30 on the TWP 324 climb a fellow racer was walking his bike with a flat. He had suffered from multiple flats and was out of tubes, so I stopped gave him on my spare tubes and pump. This gave me a nice 5 minute break before continuing with the second half of the race. This year the secret checkpoint was around mile 40 staffed from volunteers from the PCL-Ohio Chapter.
Stopping for a few minutes for water at the checkpoint did my legs in. I started to get dead legs and cramps on the next climb. After slamming a bottle of water and a few endurolytes I felt better. The afternoon heat had kicked in and my day had become a just keep moving slowly and not stop affair. I ended up finishing in 5:52 about an hour slower than I would have like but not bad considering my lack of fitness this year.
Finished 66.7 miles in 5:52 Photo: Katie Eno
