TSE Day One and Two: Nikki and Kristin - Women's Duo

Boy Scouts Motto: Be Prepared


Day 1:

Yesterday Nikki and Kristin started the Transylvania Epic Stage Race with a BANG! After pre-riding the course, and noting the course markings, we ripped RIGHT by the second turn in a rage of enthusiasm - honking the honka horn and celebrating the start of this epic adventure. About halfway into the time trial, we had a typical Kristin and Nikki moment. I looked over at Nikki as we climbed a fire road and said, "I think we missed the boy scout camp loop."

Well, what could we do now?

Not much - so, we pedaled on and came clean to promoters Ray and Mike at the finish when we were announced the first team to finish (note: we were not the first team to start and we didn't pass anybody. Hhhhmmmm.)

TSE promoters kindly just tacked on some time and didn't DQ us! Thanks guys!

Day 2:

For those of you that don't know , we are staying at a boyscout camp near state college - bunk cabins and all!

As the school bus to the dropoff sped along amish homes with uniform clothing hung perfectly on lines, I looked over to Nikki and said, "We forgot to bring a quick link! Eh, we probably won't need it!"

Well, not more than 3 miles into Stage 2 I tear off my rear derauiller.

We problem solved this:  (Note that yesterday I turned to Nikki and said, "Eh, who would want to do this on a singlespeed? That would be AWWWWFFFUUUULLL!) Today I ate my words. By the end of our 5 and half hour adventure we had ripped through 1 rear derailleur, chewed up one cassette, 2 chains, and nearly 6500 calories (perhaps)!

You see, a rigged singlespeed is not a one- time fix, especially when you have 37 more miles of mostly singletrack to ride. Adventures included being pushed into checkpoint one by Travis (Gary Fisher, aka Stork), Nikki scooping up a tow rope (just in case) and A LOT of stops to reset my rear wheel as the tension on the chain kept locking up!

When we hit the finish Nikki said to promoter Mike Kuhn, "Good day to be a duo" to which he responded, "Not for you!"

We're a team - that's how we roll. Nikki was a true best friend today demonstrating patience, emotional support, and positive enthusiasm. I took myself to a "happy place" and kept from crying!