I always refer to the Peniston area as the tropics, but today was downright ridiculous. Six locals rode the MTB race at Echo under summer-like conditions. I was burning up on the first lap. Shortly into the race, El Train and I worked out an unspoken strategy to sit at the back of the expert class. It took some work, but eventually we were able to get most of the people in front of us.
I think we backed off a bit too much because before long, the leaders of the sport class had made up their 1 minute gap to us. This charge was headed by a hellbent racer gobbling up ground on what I’m guessing was a bike he purchased last week. The toe clips were a sure giveaway. Likely the only thing newer was the unbelieveably white tennis shoes he was wearing. He even appeared lost, and was asking me for directions as he ripped past. I, being of the elite expert class, snubbed him. Soon, another upstart from the sport class was upon me when I chickened out on a rocky section. He was soon by and putting distance into me. I couldn’t help but notice his unusual kit, a cotton T-shirt tucked into some lycra shorts. I, with my high quality equipment and clothing, kept pedaling backward in relation to these low lifes.
Shortly before the end of lap 1 of 2, I snuck down a licorice stick. Then, the race was on. I came into the parking area to find the 2 sport class guys riding circles trying to figure out where to go. That was the end of their dominance over me because the licorice juice kicked in and the hammer was down. In fact, the guy with Hammer on his butt was down with a broken chain. He remounted just in time to pass me again and I stuck on his wheel for some climbing. Then he disappeared in front of me when the trail went downhill. All this time I was feeling really good and I started reeling in some guys. Before long, it was Hammer time again and I passed him good because his saddle had slidden all the way to the back.
I can’t say I had fun out there. I thought I had a good second lap, but still gave up about 20 minutes to the winner. Rad Doc was on fire. El defended last place nicely: definitely a more prestigious placing than I got.
I would like to say I was dogging the race, trying not to get hurt because I am starting my training program this week. However, a quick look at my data file shows I put everything into that race. Take a look at the crazy heart rate.
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