Author
Peter Allen on Jul 19, 2009
Race name: Dr. Craig Schultz Memorial 40K TT Race date: Sunday, Jul 19, 2009
Dr. Craig Schultz Memorial 40K TT
July 19, 2009 – Cordova, IL
Masters 30+ – 2nd – 56:48:19
284 watts – 26.2 MPH
So, here are some important things to remember on your way to the next race: 1) Stay on the same side of the river, 2) never trust locals with directions, and 3) detours often lead to more detours. Otherwise, a 15 minute trip will turn into 60 minute trip. However, these detours might actually help you go faster! That's what I found out when I headed west for the Dr. Craig Schultz Memorial 40K TT.
Why would anyone want to travel to Iowa for time trial? How about one of the flattest and fastest (if the conditions are right) courses in the Midwest. Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience (DICE) and the Quad City Bike Club (QCBC) host this TT every July in Cordova, IL. It's part of the MATTS series, so it draws a good number of racers from the Chicago area, as well folks from Iowa. It features an L-shaped course, which is completely flat with one corner and turnaround. The roads are in awesome shape and have markers every 5K to help with pacing.
I first did this race in 2007 and broke the hour mark in the 40K for the first time then. This year, I decided to stay across the river in Le Claire, IA, like I did in 2007. I should have gotten a hint from eastbound lanes on I-80 bridge over the Mississippi River being closed for repairs when I got into town. Hmmm. I asked the hotel staff if this would be an issue and they said to follow detour signs since it would only be about 10-15 minutes extra travel time. Ha! I should have checked the route myself. I left Sunday AM leaving what I thought would be enough time to get there. It turns out that the marked detour had its own detours, which resulted in me going through several of the Quad Cities just to get across the river. Thankfully, I had was able to get a later start time. I was pretty miffed with the delay, but I think this ultimately helped my focus.
I headed to my start POed and ready to get going. My plan was just to focus on my wattage values and use this as a workout. Well, it turns out this probably was a good idea. There was a slight wind from the NW, which keep speeds close to 29-30 MPH on the way out. I then had about 12K north into a slight headwind. This is where I really focused on maintaining my power at threshold levels. As I passed the 20K mark, I looked at my Garmin. Holy schnikes! With an out-and-back course, I knew I had a chance to break 57 minutes and possibly 56 minutes. This provided good motivation for the return, especially with the 5 miles into a headwind.
I ended up finishing in 56:48, which shattered my previous 40K PR. I was pretty excited, especially since my legs were completely shot. My power was right at threshold levels and I kept myself hydrated throughout the race with small sips from my Camelbak. The race conditions were also good with mostly cloudy skies with temps in the upper-60s and a slight, 5 MPH wind. All of those things helped, but I think I finally got it mentally. This race was a huge confidence booster, and in a bit of a breakthrough race for me.
As fast as my time was, there were several guys in the 53-55 min range. It was fast day for some of us, but I was surprised not everyone set a PR. I highly recommend this race if you're looking for a fast 40K TT. DICE and QCBC put on a great event, and there's nothing like watching the corn grow while you race!
BTW, here are the links for the IL and IA DOTs if you ever need construction or detour info...;)