Timing is everything. And with Nature Valley one week and the US Pro XCT Subaru Cup the following weekend, it meant I could stay one week back in my old stomping grounds, Red Wing, MN and see a few old friends and hang out with my family. I rode new trails I had never ridden, took my road bike on back roads, visited my Grandma. It was a great week.
Oma and me.
Nik & Musa checking out Calf-ee.
Musa wanted a mohawk. I started...
Paul had to finish. Turns out I am not very good at giving haircuts.
Beautiful sunset at the farm.Then it was back to racing. My Mom and Dad ventured to middle of nowhere Wisconsin with me. It was about a 4.5 hour drive. I packed my bike in the back of the Buick and we were on our way. My parents are troopers, that is for sure. It was a hot, humid weekend, but they were there.
Friday night we enjoyed a nice meal at the only semi decent restaurant in Wautoma with Katie and her parents, Mark, Ryan, Dave, etc. It was a pretty typical midwest scene. A little trip back in time. Saturday morning came soon enough, but our race was in the heat of the day at 12:30. Mom and my high school friend Tanya took the $2 chairlift up for the XC race and my dad sat in the feedzone. Saturday was a suffer fest. It was miserable out. The course was a lot of fun, but I was not riding well. I could not find any flow. Lap one I missed the trail on a corner. Oops. Lots of people sped by. And then on lap 2, I lost concentration in the rocks while looking up at spectators crossing the course and my bike was stopped instantly by a rock due to my lack of speed. Down I went. Handlebar in the ribs. Wrist on the rock. It knocked the wind out of me. I stopped and had to evaluate if I would continue. Of course I would. I have never quit a race willingly. I forged on, riding a bit better, for a lackluster 12th place. Not how I wanted my day to go, but I was glad it was over and we could head back to the AC in the hotel.
Friday night we enjoyed a nice meal at the only semi decent restaurant in Wautoma with Katie and her parents, Mark, Ryan, Dave, etc. It was a pretty typical midwest scene. A little trip back in time. Saturday morning came soon enough, but our race was in the heat of the day at 12:30. Mom and my high school friend Tanya took the $2 chairlift up for the XC race and my dad sat in the feedzone. Saturday was a suffer fest. It was miserable out. The course was a lot of fun, but I was not riding well. I could not find any flow. Lap one I missed the trail on a corner. Oops. Lots of people sped by. And then on lap 2, I lost concentration in the rocks while looking up at spectators crossing the course and my bike was stopped instantly by a rock due to my lack of speed. Down I went. Handlebar in the ribs. Wrist on the rock. It knocked the wind out of me. I stopped and had to evaluate if I would continue. Of course I would. I have never quit a race willingly. I forged on, riding a bit better, for a lackluster 12th place. Not how I wanted my day to go, but I was glad it was over and we could head back to the AC in the hotel.
Suffering on the switch back climb.
My friend Tanya, drove 2 hours to watch. It was so good to catch up. She thinks I'm crazy.Sunday was a new day. I tried to not concentrate on the pain, decided to race regardless and set out to redeem myself. It was hot and humid again, but I reminded myself that it was a short race. I can do anything for 18 minutes and 3 laps. Little did I know they would extend our lap right before our race. Ouch. Another big climb. I had an o.k. start. I followed Georgia who got pinched in the corner, thus I was kind of stuck. But I didn't panic. Eventually the group that was 'stuck' behind a slower rider, watching as the leaders were riding away, got around and started closing in. It was a fight. The entire race. At some point with about 3 to go, I finally made a move and rode into 5th and stayed there. When I was fighting for it, I had to remind myself that I wanted it. I heard Tim's voice in my head, "how bad do you want it?" Well, I wanted it bad. And for the first time at a national mtb series race, I WAS ON THE PODIUM for something other than Super D. I was totally psyched. Granted, my plan was to pack up and bolt directly after the race in order to get back to see my best friend I grew up with before flying out the next day, but heck, waiting for the podium was worth it!!! A very satisfying way to end my mountain bike season. I am opting out of nationals, due to the 8000 ft. altitude in Granby. It was fun last year, but not that fun. I have decided to end my season, chill and get ready for cyclocross. I'll still race, but no getting on a plane until Vegas!
The final move into 5th for good! (photo by Dave McElwaine)
And the most awesome way to end my season. (photo by Dave McElwaine)
Although watching Kayla (my friend Liz's daughter) sheer her goat for the Cannon Valley Fair was fun too! I think her Grandpa Mike did most of the work.
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