Warm Weather and the Win at the Gone Riding Hammer Head 75

Escaping the Snow For the Hammer Head 75

Gone Riding Productions; Florida Endurance Series
Ocala, Florida
February 21, 2021

Jess 1^st open women
Joël mid-pack open men

Yes, the Nankmans traveled during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We admit it, Joël and I traversed many states and went many miles southward.  I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  We wore our masks, washed our hands, and social distanced appropriately.  We lived out of our van; boondocking off the grid when camping overnight and bringing all of our own food and supplies. Only stops were to fuel-up the van.  No hotels, no restaurant's.  All self contained from Pennsylvania to Florida and back; essentially we drove, did a race, and drove back. Some may disagree with us and say what we did was wrong, traveling and potentially spreading the corona virus.  Some may say what we did was right, living life and enjoying what we do while doing it all safely and responsibly.

Before we get started deep into this post…one thing I need to make noteworthy.  This race was made possible by all the wonderful people at Easton Animal Hospital. I know the schedule is crazy and traveling is questionable but I really need to thank all my fellow employees and friends at EAH for allowing me to do what I do. You support me and make sure I get to ride and race my bike. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to take time off and travel. I so appreciate all of you. Now, sappy stuff aside onto the race.

Mid-February is a dreary time in Pennsylvania, especially this winter The temperatures are generally too cold for riding outside. Currently there is well over a foot of snow on the ground; the first snow storm hit before Christmas and there will probably be snow on the ground until mid-March.  Riding is primarily done on the home trainers (stationary bikes) in the basement.  There have been way too many movies watched and way too many episodes of NetFlix shows viewed. Doing a race in the southern US in February is a way to escape the cold, feel the sun on our faces, and actually get our tires moving on dirt for a bit. Even Clifford the dog seems tired of the snow and wants to run on the trail, so a short jaunt southward is something all three Nankmans can look forward to.

Usually the race of choice for this time of year is 12 Hours of Santos by Gone Riding, held out of the Vortex Trailhead area of the Santos Trail system in Ocala. This race is just as much of a social event as it is a race.  Joël and I race it solo but many people race as teams, making it a weekend party of hanging out together.  Campers stay all weekend and racers bring friends and family. Post race food and party provides a gathering place for all to socialize.  Due to the current health situation, Gone Riding was not having 12 Hours of Santos this year, which I think all of us can agree with and support. Thus, the race of choice this time for the Nankmans was another Gone Riding event the Hammer Head 75 miler.  No camping at the race, no post ride party, and social distancing guidelines of masks, keeping apart, and a staged start helped keep the race safe for all.

The Hammer Heard race was held out of the Landbridge Trailhead, mid-section of the Cross-Florida Greenway Trail system. The course was a 25 mile loop with racers having the option of doing a 25, 50, or 75 mile length option via completing the appropriate one, two, or three laps.  Riders could set-up a pit area with their bottles in coolers and food at the start/finish area to get hydration and food after each 25 mile lap.  The course was primarily all single track with a few short sections of double track and a few very short sections of pavement. For those that have ridden Santos you know what the trails there are like and you will know that this race was 75 miles of constant pedaling on tight, twisty, sandy trails. For those that haven’t how do you imagine Florida….sandy, flat, and palms. The trails of Santos are fun and challenging and require skill but yes they are overall flat, sandy, twisty, and there are palms and pines everywhere.  

One may think that because of the lack of climbing, lack of descents, and lack of rocks this would be an easy course. Certainly not. 75 miles of constant pedaling while railing the corners, watching for trees, and avoiding sketchy roots really is hard work; especially for those who are not accustomed to it. Heartrates stayed high, legs kept pedaling, arms kept moving the bars, and I swear I barely blinked the entire race.  In addition to getting in a good hard ride this race was a perfect respite from the winter weather in Pennsylvania.  The temperatures were in the 70s, the sun was shining, and there was a slight breeze. What perfect weather to be outside all day. The scenery was grasses, palms, pines, and some color added in with flowers and berries.  Riders were friendly and the race staff supportive. Just overall a great day to be on the bike.

As for individual races both Nankmans were happy with their performance and races.  We both put in hard efforts and left it all out there on the course. I worked my way up through the womens field during the first few miles, it took me some time to get into a groove and figure out how to ride the turns smoothly. The second place women and I rode a good portion of the race together, keeping the pace high and helping each other push hard. We both agreed we enjoyed riding together; we enjoyed the company and the constant push to keep the pace up.  I was eventually to pull away for the win, but second place was not that far behind. It was a close race where a mechanical, wrong turn, or taking it easy could have made a big difference.  Joël started hard with the group of front riders.  After the first lap he realized this pace was not sustainable for the entire 75 miles and he settled into a hard but sustainable pace finishing mid-pack. Awards were custom plaques and a cash payout.  Best part of the race: the people parked next to us.  A super friendly group of racers and their family offered help the entire event; every lap through and every pit stop they checked to see if we needed anything, offered assistance, and most importantly cheered us on. Thanks parking lot friends!

Jess 75 miles in 5:56 for 1^st open women
Joël 75 miles in 5:31 for 8th place open men
 
Good riding. Great weather. Friendly fellow racers.  Supportive race staff.  All spectacular reasons to escape south for a few days. We left Pennsylvania during a winter snow storm.  When we arrived home we had to shovel the snow that happened while we were away. But a few days of warmth and sun was worth it.
 
A few other socially distanced highlights of out trip. A stop at Conagree National Park; a unique forest in South Carolina.  All outside events and we were there super early in the morning when it was empty.  We did some hiking to see the natural features of the swap and the giant loblolly pines. Along the way we stopped at Richland Rum distillery and grabbed a few tasty bottles.  And one can’t be in the southern United States without stopping at a roadside shack for boiled peanuts.  Yum, they were delicious!  As usual, van life never disappoints. Living off the grid while spending time in nature is wonderful.

Now, a shout out to those that make things like this possible:

Bike made possible by Liv Cycling USA; the Liv Pique Advanced Pro 29 1
Bike kept working by Saucon Valley Bikes
Body kept going by Saucon Valley Massage and Dr. Qureshi along with Balanced Acupuncture and Be Well Chiropractic
Nutrition by Honey Stinger
Lighting for training rides and races by Lupine Lights North America
Support by Bicycling Magazine
 
Words by Jess, photos by Joël, and fun traveling by Clifford the dog

And here are a few vanlife moments from our travels:

Making coffee on the way down; coffee is pre-made at home and then just warmed up on the camp stove.

Campfire and awning lights; always a relaxing even at camp.

Ice and snow along the way made for quite the exciting drive.

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