Last Sunday, the legendary "Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon"
was imminent for the PIRATE tandem team. After our experience
in Willingen two weeks ago, where we rode the 66.5m/107km
lap with 9022 vertical ft/2750hm, we knew that we would have
to divide our strength up over the ultra track (72m/116km
and 10499 vertical ft/3200hm).
The day of the race began very early for us, since the starting
shot would be fired at 7:30am in Kirchzarten.
Before the start we rode a little warm up lap and then we
were off to the starter block and ready to go! Right from
the start, the licensed riders put the pedal to the metal.
Since the track was softened up, due to all the rain in the
past few days, we had some pretty hardcore conditions to deal
with - perfect for us trail bikers!
Since the 8 tandems that started attracted the attention of
all the spectators and we were in the lead early on, we were
filmed and photographed a lot.
After half of the race we switched positions and Phil manouvered
us down the fast-paced downhills, while Jan was in charge
of the tempo.
After 50m/80km, we began an exciting duel with one of the
two other tandem teams on the ultra track, but ended up losing
the fight. They were just in better shape after 56m/90km!
We crossed the finish line after 6:26:13h and were welcomed
and celebrated as the 2nd tandem.
Right now we're discussing which race we're going to tackle
next.
Til then, we wish you all an awesome summer and have fun biking
and chillin' out!
Cheers, Phil and Jan