Race Report Ingolf at 12-hour Mid-West Time Trial in Ohio (Part 1/4) Due…
Race Report Ingolf at 12-hour Mid-West Time Trial in Ohio (Part 1/4) Due to my broken hip/leg and surgery I could not do racing since end of March. I had twice a week tough physical therapy sessions and start training on stationary trainer as soon as possible (2.5 month ago). Scheduled races had to be dropped, and I noticed Mid-West TT Race as an option. So, I did two prep rides over 6-8 hours on my HPV (Human Powered vehicle – model Velomobile) to check if there is a chance to do 12 hours. Signed up and drove up to Ohio for the race. Had a test ride on the race route on Friday to see what to watch out for (turns, road conditions even and minor rides of elevation. Start Saturday morning I was not sure what to expect. Was very thankful for Giovanni and Katarina to bring me coffee from the hotel since I slept in the car. Goal before the race … 200 miles or somehow near that. After the test ride on Friday, I was dreaming for one lap per hour (one lap had about 19.8 miles). If I could do it was unclear because the two longer rides at home have been average speed about 18-18.5 mph in true flat land. Packed my Velomobile with plenty of drinking supply and some food. Also made sure I loaded a few tubes for front and rear wheel (different size 20” front and 28” rear), an electric and a regular pump. For lights I had one spare battery added as well since I was not sure how long a battery might provide power for headlight (solid headlight), rear lights, turn signals and the horn (in case of forewarning or greeting others). Attached the bib number on tail of the Velomobile and tested if reading was ok. When I got in the Velo, I placed my cane on left side in case I had to get out on the track. To mention … since I am racing completely self-supported since end of 2024, I have good ideas what I need in an ultra-distance race. That helped me a lot to prep water and nutrition supply. I did not want to start in front of the 12-hour racers, so I stayed a bit middle / end of the start group. Garmin 1040 was all set and as backup my watch as well. Also funny as is I turned on a longer mix of ‘Pop Rock from the 80th’ and had a fresh battery on my helmet that should last 13-14 hours while phone got connected to a backup battery to last long enough with one battery placed as a spare.
