Anyone else do the Blacksnake Duathlon on June 5th? I have done this race off and on for many, many years - alone and with several friends, my brother and my late Dad…
Blacksnake is a very low-key duathlon. It has been around for so long that it used to be called the Blacksnake Biathlon and they gave out very cool neon t-shirts. Until this year the Johnson County Parks & Rec Department offered three low priced races a year. This year they were only able to offer one race due to budget issues. Its always been inexpensive - this year a race day entry was $30.00 and no license of any type has every been required.
The first run is a short 2 miles on flat ground. The transition area is a grass patch with steel cables strung across some metal posts. Spots are distributed on a first come first serve basis. Parking is right by the course. (One year I had a flat but was able to simply stop at my car and use my tool kit and large pump.) It was not sunny on Saturday but it was quite humid. I finished the first in about 14:30 and started out on the bike at the 16-minute mark.
The slightly short 20-mile bike course is not closed but always seems to have adequate intersection controls. There are no draft marshals. In years past drafting was allowed. I am not sure if it is allowed anymore but there is no one out on the course to enforce a no drafting rule it does exists. I have always been a better cyclist than runner and have had many try to draft me but none have succeeded for more than a couple minutes. In fact, I do not think I have every had anyone pass me on the bike and stay in front of me - this is more of a testament to my poor running than to cycling prowess though. The course is basically a squarish shape on country roads that vary from rugged and potholed to super smooth. When I have raced while in shape I have found that the bike leg is pretty flat. But, somehow, when I have shown up and have not really been so fit I have discovered that the bike course has been transformed and contains several rolling hills.
I rode a new to me EBay acquired Cervelo P3 SL with a Cobb Plus saddle, CH Aero cover, 175 cranks, Michelin Pro Race 2s with latex tubes and a Profile front aero bottle. I had only two outdoor rides on this bike this year as well as maybe three rollers workouts prior to the race. All in all I was happy to do the ride in less than 54 minutes. I was not permanently passed by anyone and no one stayed on my wheel or with me. I did have to stand for a few seconds every 10 minutes or so due to shoulder/trap discomfort due to lack of aero position training but was otherwise quite comfortable on the bike.
The last run - a short 2.5 miles - is often quite hot with no lasting shade. Both runs take place in a large horse park so you get to occasionally avoid large equine deposits on the road while experiencing strong aromas. T2 and the run took right around 20 minutes. I had a bad transition - I had neglected to tape my insoles into my running shoes and had trouble getting them on properly prior to the second run. I was really pleased to only be passed by 2 runners - quite different than years past.
The best thing about this race has been its consistency and low-key vibe. Its been a great way to check or assess your fitness from year to year.
Lastly, two product shout outs. I really love my Cobb Plus saddle - its the best saddle I have ever ridden while aero - I am thinking about putting them on every bike I own but I do not want to spend that much money all at once. Also, I really dig my CH Aero cover - looks cool and very easy to install - I decided the morning of the race to use the cover and got it on in less than 8 minutes.
David K
