Buck Dellinger (2)

First off, I practiced all the climbs prior to attempting this ride, so I knew that I personally needed to pace carefully and EAT and Drink.

The weather was better than any of my training rides, but I still carried two large 24 oz bottles and a 2 liter camelbak. I calculated I needed 4400 calories. carried 1200 calories in Oreo Rice Cakes made by my wonderful wife, plus 1000 calories in powder for bottles (GU roctane and tailwind) and finally the rest of the calories were SIS Gels and my new favorite HUMA Chia Energy Gel Chocolate with Caffeine. These Humas saved me at the end as the last climb about broke me.

Rode a Giant Revolt with WTB Resolute 42s, I also carry a Zoleo to check in and I carried a lithium spare battery just for back-up for lights.

The ride was great ... until the last climb. On pace and on schedule. Had to cross a gorge/ washout on Lost Cabin section, and several trees down on the descent off of Star Mountain. Thanks to some hunters who cut a gap. The best part of the route was the flowing descent from Unocoi gap down to the start of Buck Bald. I wish I would have done a Huma Caffeine on the way up Buck Bald because I really started feeling it at the top. Recovered well on the shark tooth climbs and descents down to the Bait and Tackle shop, but beware of dogs as some old dude had a bunch of Australian Shepards and didn't give a crap if they nipped at you. I've done Powerhouse probably 20 times but this trip was definitely my slowest. Hit the water pipe before the last climb and topped off, and climbed the last 10 miles. Cramped a little on some steep chunky sections, but the Humas w/ caffeine gave me the little extra to keep pedaling. Because the descent was in the dark, it seemed to take forever. Also, a bit of advice, when you adjust your light don't accidentally turn it off, especially at 10+ MPH while descending on the side of the mountain. Dumped it to the highside and bounced a few feet and then picked up the yard sale that I left on the trail... and laughed it off. Got back on and pedaled to the end. Long day and but mostly really fun.