Emporia businessman and avid cyclist Tim Mohn will take part in his fifth Dirty Kanza 200 race on Saturday. He shares with Gazette readers what the grueling 200-mile race is like.
Q. How hard is this race, and how many counties will it take you to?
A. This is one of the longest and hardest races around. The race starts at 6 a.m. and I won’t get done until about 8 p.m. The fastest I have done it is 13 hours and 40 minutes. Riding for 13 hours straight, you really go up and down in your emotions.
There are times you feel great and can go all day and then there are times where you are thinking, “What am I doing?”. I have finished third in the race twice, and I have dropped out twice.
The route is secret but in previous years we have hit three or four counties typically Lyon, Chase and Wabaunsee counties.
Q. How long have you been preparing for the race?
A. I have been riding between 200 and 300 miles a week since February. In comparison to the professionals, that is not enough. But with a full-time job that’s about all I can do. The competition will definitely be harder this year. I think there are six riders with Salsa Cycles riding so it will be challenging.
Q. Are the Flint Hills deceiving to riders?
A. When riders come, I think they underestimate the hills and the wind. The hills are more like a roller coaster — just a constant up down, up down. Anyone can enter the race, but you need to make sure you are in shape. There are places where no one is around, there are no houses and your cell phone may or may not work, so you really need to be prepared.
Q. What were the reasons you had to drop out of the race?
A. Last year it was the heat, wind, and I didn’t pace myself right. I went out too hard, and, by the halfway point I was toast. I was already cramping at the halfway point.
Q. How much help can you get during the race, and have you had breakdowns in previous years?
A. There are three checkpoints, and you can receive help at the halfway point. Checkpoint 1 and 3 you have to do for yourself, but at the halfway point, your team can help you. Most people will have flats several times. But I have been lucky because last year was the first year I had a flat.
Q. What advice do you have to people who are riding this for the first time?
A. Pace yourself and don’t try to hit the hills too hard; also eat and drink. I am hoping to hit a 16 mph average on the last 100 miles. It will be a challenge because it is supposed to be 96 degrees.
MeToo (anonymous) says...
Good luck, Tim! And stay healthy.
June 6, 2010 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )