Half Throttle #1

Dang, bike racing hurts!

If I didn't have so much fun I might end my competitive season right now. Call me crazy but I'll be back for more. The Round Valley course is awesome with a nice dirt road climb to spread things out and fast, twisty singletrack to keep it interesting. I had a good start and entered the 1-track in about 5th or 6th place behind Mark A. who pinned it from the line. I stayed close to the front group on the fast tailwind section. Once we started climbing, however, I started to lose contact. It was at this point that Andy passed me and I began to realize that a pre-ride of the course would have been helpful as I had the mistaken assumption that the climbs were short. Because of this I tried to keep it in the big ring which eventually led to a massive blow-up. I suffered for what seemed like an eternity as probably 4-5 racers came around me (including Kris who beat me at the first race of the series last year but never returned to give me a chance to redeem myself - hopefully he doesn't do the same thing this year!) as I struggled to recover. Eventually I pulled it together and rode a good second lap, though I didn't pass - nor was I passed by - anyone.

The kids race is free and they race on some fun, flowy, non-technical singletrack. I'm hoping to get Alder out to give it a go before the venue changes to Solitude.

I scored a pair of Skullcandy Smokin Buds in the raffle which, due to their pretty lavender color, were quickly claimed by my daughter.