The race started on Sunday at Noon. Sonya and I would watch from the sidelines. Our race over before it ever began. So, for the remainder of the week we would be allowed to ride the stages…..but not be counted in any results. Later that evening, Sonya’s bike and gear was delivered, but mine was not. I began to think I would never see the bike again. Sunday night was hell for me….and about 10 others! The icing on the cake, food or water poisoning. Last year I drank the same water and ate the same foods. This year, that back fired. I spent the night barfing outside my tent…chills….fever. Absolutely miserable!
The next AM still no bike, but I wouldn’t be riding anyway. No sleep and lose of food/water over the night had me just blown. I just got in the van to ride to Rio De Contas…..the next host city. On the way to Rio De Contas we stopped at one of the aid stations. We would pick up fellow Colorado racers Brian and Jenny Smith. Brian had my same symptoms and could not race or ride any further. They would drop out on Stage 2….all while wearing the Mixed category leader jerseys.
That next day in Rio De Contas, Sonya would ride the stage. Brian Smith and I would be sick in bed. My bike, still did not arrive, even though it was verbally promised to arrive that night before 10 pm.
The next stage, I was still watching from sidelines. Sonya would get out and ride. Brian would stay off his bike in favor of rest. My bike, still did not arrive…..now 4 days after originally being lost by American Airlines.
That next morning my bike arrived at 6:30 AM! The stage began at 8 AM. I quickly built the bike and ate breakfast…..happy to be able to ride the stage. The early miles I rode with Sonya. She wanted to go a more relaxed pace. I was full of energy, so I rode a faster tempo on this 60 mile day. It would all come crashing to an end though. Lack of food/water intake over the last few days had me bonked out of my mind. Sonya caught up to me and was worried for me. 8 miles from the end of the stage she waved down a race vehicle and made me get in for the ride to the finish line.
