Buy Local team member, Suzanne Marcoe, to compete in Tour Divide mtb race
January 26, 2010
Our team members do some pretty amazing things: Matt is training and winning a battle against a benign brain tumor, Ross and Patrick make some of the best pizza dough in the region, Carol races in some pretty cool socks, and Eric enjoys leaping over cross barriers with parts of his ear missing. But one must admit, racing your mountain bike, solo, unsupported for 2745 miles from Banff, AB to Antelope Wells, NM sounds crazy (or really fun!). On June 11th, 2010 that's exactly what Sue Marcoe, mild-mannered Portland, OR resident and BuyLocal Cycling team member plans to do.
Sue is no outdoor rookie and is pretty familiar with challenging herself. Originally from NY, she enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering and back country skiing. Not so surprisingly the big question most people ask is "why?" "It's hard to explain," Marcoe says, "but when I first read about 'great divide racing' about six years ago, I said 'this is for me - this is something that I HAVE to do'. So, now's the time." Sue was plagued with injuries last year and it has taken her a while to save enough money to make the race possible. Despite the no race entry fee policy, Sue estimates the event will cost her about $3k out of pocket.
Sue has one goal: Finish. If she accomplishes this goal she is also aiming to finish in under 30 days. The current female record, set by Jill Homer, is 24 days, 7hrs, and 24 minutes. Currently, Sue is putting in as much base mileage as she can, mixing in some gym workouts with bike intervals on the trainer. Starting in March her plan is to log as many back-to-back 100 mile days as possible. Marcoe says she has "quite a few weekend tours planned, including to the coast and back for a weekend, circumnavigating Mt. Hood off-road, and linking together some big rides in Bend. With all this on her plate she'll also be racing as much as she can, preferably off-road but mixing in some of the early season road races too.
Even if a rider has the fitness
and mental fortitude to complete the race, equipment malfunctions can send you home packing. The
logistical planning is intense to say the least. Sue's plan is to go as
lightweight as possible, no stove or cook kit, just a sleeping system.
Her equipment list is evolving daily but with the support of the BuyLocal
sponsors Sue is confident she'll meet her goals . "Being a member of the BuyLocal
team is a huge part of what is making this all possible for me, there is
NO WAY I could afford it without the help from our sponsors. Also, I
have the support that I need from a really encouraging significant
other and some super friends/training partners."
We'll keep readers updated as the race date nears. You can track Sue's progress during the race here. Wish Sue well!!
Sue's Bike Equipment:
DeSalvo frame; Stans wheels with Chris King Hubs; Chris King headset; White Bros fork; Mt Borah team kit; Showers Pass rain gear; Epic Designs storage