Hello. Just wanted to send out a final note on the race...
It's been over since Sunday and I'm back in Denver (where it's raining by the way), but I've been sleeping since Sunday and that's why the delay.
Many of you know from checking the website, but in case not, I ended up in 4th overall. I was in 5th after stage 6, but was able to get back over 8 minutes in stage 7 to move up one spot, so that was good.
The final stage (stage 8) up Hatcher Pass was easily one of the hardest climbs I have ever done and definitely the toughest ever in race. The last 4 miles went pretty much straight up with an average gradient of about 10% and large sections that approached 15%. In case you don't know what that means, it's STEEP. It had the feel of climbs you'd see in the alps and the Tour de France. Despite the difficulty, it was a gorgeous climb with amazing views. Not that I noticed on the way up...
So 4th overall was achieving my goal I'd say. Considering the level of competition it
puts me right in the mix with the best in the World still and I can't be disappointed with that. Especially when you take into account many of them are able to focus full-time on racing while for me training/racing has to take a back seat - or at least shared with - the responsibilities of a job.
Thanks again for everyone's support of the race and of the Reeve Foundation! Couldn't have done it without you!
I'm going back to bed....
Matt
PS: Pics are view from near top of Hatcher Pass and members of Team Invacare/Top End, my sponsor.
(Editor's Note: Matt is a proud member of
the Colorado Chapter of the Reeve Foundation.)
