DUB9'S DOUBLE DUTY
MUD, SWEAT AND BEERS:
The drive up was the usual 3 hour cruise through the rain. It seems like every year is the same April weather in early May. Loaded up on carbs at Red Mesa. Back at the hotel, I went to the pool to relax a bit but there was a birthday party going on with kids all over the place so I retreated back to my room. Later it appeared the bday party was moved to the hallway outside my room as night fell. Eventually I had to pop my head out the door and ask a mom if the volume could be turned down so I could get some sleep.
Then it was breakfast, and loading up the Jeep as this was a 1-nighter. We headed off into the gray toward Mt. Holiday. At least we got the VIP parking area that comes with owning a Jeep. The weather was cool and misty, probably mid-40s. I got dressed and did a bit of spinning to wake the legs up. Then hopped back into the jeep with the heat until race time.
Lining up for the start, this is when the rain began. I moved front row among some fast singlespeeders and expert women. At the gun I took off, and was second wheel under the Kenda tire. Dr. Andriese was pulling the group, which I was Ok with since he had the goggle, I figured he could see where he was going.
He kept a brisk pace out of the ski area, and started grinding up Heart Attack/Will Power hill. He was geared bigger than I, so as his cadence fell, I moved around and crested the top in the lead. I pedaled consistently through the subdivision and I could hear him whirring behind me. He made a move and I clung to his wheel. My glasses became useless in the spray, and were tucked into my pocket before we hit the dirt.
The pace was fast, but I was hanging on well. we were catching traffic frequently. As the rain continued to fall, his combination of high torque and semi-slick tires made the singletrack a chore. He slid out in front of me twice. The third time was on the VASA (I think) and when he went down in the corner, Eric Freewheeler and I went past. He kept a good pace, but I knew Steve would be charging quick. I moved tot he front about 10 miles in to increase the pace. I don't know how long Eric was back there, but soon I was alone.
My plan became to remain quickly cautious on the singletrack. Consistency there would keep me ahead, and spin like hell on the flats. On a couple occasions I heard shouting for Steve to catch up, so I would did a little deeper.
16 miles in and through Timber Ridge my hands were cold and numb. Soaked to the bone I knew if I had to be clear when we hit the pavement at the end. Mile 18 and I was spinning 130+ RMPs, tucked behing a Quiring jersey and holding on for dear life. I let it rip back down Heart Attack, then back up into the hill. I made a pass on the right and spun out in some sand. My first mistake of the race.
Crossing the hill I was pretty sure I was safe, the off camber grass was slick, and closing would be tough. I splashed down and crossed the line, excited to finally win. That was short lived as not I was soaked, and cooling quickly. Shivering is an understatement, more like convulsing.
Then it was waiting around 3 hours for awards, and a 3 hour drive home to repack for Sunday.
FORT CUSTER STAMPEDE:
On the request of a teammate, I was coerced into racing again on Sunday at Custer. Tire legs and a tired brain were loaded into the cars at 6:30 in the morning. The trip over was uneventful, but I needed more coffee.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with the news that I was flying solo, The sun was out, but it was windy. There was a chill in the air but at least it wasn't raining.
A large class lined up, 2 rows of 10 aiming for the small off-camber chute through the grass. Entering the woods I think I was 5th wheel. I didn't have much "snap" in my legs, nor ant sustained power. I just tried to keep a good candence and see what happens. The leaders were fast, and soon pulled away.
The trail was a different route than I was used to, less high-speed 2-track after the horse seperation. The first lap was just learning the course. I did remember granny garden, and when rider #4 lost traction, I came around.
Much like the day before, it came down to consistency and riding within my limits. I came around after lap 1 in 4th. I did not know at the time, as numbers were jumbled, and we had 30's, 40's, 50'2, and 300's in our class.
I kept picking my way through, and the second lap was nice as things had opened up a bit so it was easier to look ahead. I made my last pass on the paved tank course right before the finish. I diddn't know if he was racing me, but I laid down whatever I had left in the final section and crossed the line.
I don't really know how hard the race was, as I had forgotten my Garmin at home, so I have no data to tell me. If I had to estimate, I would say somewhere in the 2-10 range of RPE.
J'son won by nearly a minute, so I was happy to hold on for second, and score another pint glass. My total for the weekend was 2 pint glasses, a beer mug, and a really big beer mug. I guess I need to start drinking more.
After the race I was able to spend some time hanging out with Team Big Kahuna. Uncle Fred took 7th in his Sport Class and sub team rider, TEAM SKY, took 2nd in her Women's Beginner 11-14 Class.
Until next week, Stay Metal!
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