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1st Place Women's
Expert Team JOY
Jill Minster (Evolution) Interview |
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Date: June 10-11, 2000 |
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Why do you enjoy endurance events?
I enjoy endurance racing because it tests you mentally and physically and I enjoy the challenge it gives me.
What is the longest distance or number of hours you have ever ridden in one day?
The longest distance on a bike was 76 miles but I hope to get in a century this Sunday.
Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?
The only thing I did different from my normal training was do a night ride at Wissahickon to test my lights.
How many laps did you complete yourself?
3 laps
How much actual riding time did you get in during the race?
My actual riding time was hard to gauge because I ran through a lot of the more gnarly sections on the 11.3 mile course. I probably rode a little more than 3/4 of the course.
In the last two months how many hours a week have you trained on average?
Because I got a new mtn bike I would say my hours on the mtn bike have increased but I try and ride about 15 hrs. depending on the race schedule.
Were you strong from start to finish?
The whole team was definitely strong from start to finish, I think that is key when doing an endurance race such as this-you can't have slow lap times near the end or you will get beat.
Did you have a good support crew?
We had the best support group-Chris and Deb Jepson came and Chris wrenched for us and Deb had a whole menu for the weekend,plus a nonstop supply of muffins and scones-we were definitely well fueled which was invaluable-Along with wrenching Chris and my husband Kirk shuttled racers back and forth all night
Did your Team work well together?
There is a lot of love on this team. We definitely work great together.
What did you eat during the race?
I think I answered eating pretty well-oh, Deb also had a vegetarian menu for me.
Did you change clothes, shower, or nap during the race?
We all had enough time to shower between laps, but I didn't do too much napping- too anxious-I slept a little after my night lap.
Did you have any unusual problems with the race?
No unusual problems with the race, just the usual case of nerves.
How would you rate the course?
Laird Knight called the course a true mountain bike course,not for roadies-that would be fine except some of it was not for anybody to ride-They cut some parts of the course earlier in the week, and the roots were ridiculous-definitely a technical course.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
I was very pleased with the crews and staff, but I have to say I wish there were a few less roots, rocks are fine, climbs are great, but wet roots are nasty.
If you could do the race again, would you do anything differently?
Other than having a champagne bottle to pop after the race, there is not one thing I would change about our race.
Is there anything you would like to add?
The only thing I would like to add is thanks to our male counterparts on team Misery, and our shop Evolution and Tammy and Scott for letting us steal Justin for the weekend-Thanks for the sweet lovin'.