This season at Prairie City Race Series (mountain bike racing) I've been there each week with my sweet 29er but have just taken photos of my friends that are racing. Still being new to mountain biking I've just not gotten comfortable enough this year to go for it on Wednesday night.
That is until this past week. On May 6th I was ready with my bike and my camera. I thought I'd do a practice lap, find a spot for good photos, and then just settle in taking pictures. That all changed when I spoke to "Big Rick" the announcer for the series and general all-around good guy! "Come on Reg, perfect night and no pressure, right?" Well, yeah that is right! "What is your goal for tonight Reg?" asked Big Rick. To keep the rubber on the dirt and the paramedic in his truck! "Nothing to it Reg ... go for it!"
So, I signed in and got my number plate (978) and ventured forth on a practice lap. At the first substantial downhill, I paused for several minutes and rode around in circles wondering how to best get down this slope. After watching every one cut the corner and run a line down the narrow right side, I opted for a wider turn and a straight shot down the face of the rutted ramp. It worked out fine and continuing around the 3.2 mile circuit I handled the hills quite well. Oh no, not another (more technical) downhill. Again, I watched the other riders lines as they familiarized themselves with the course and then followed suit. No problem!
Once done with the practice lap I rejoined my friends for further discussion and suggestions on the course. It should be noted that earlier today (5/6) I spent about four hours moving just about everything around in the garage and followed up with 30-minutes on my trainer. You see, I was not really expecting to ride tonight!
Once the race began I got to the aforementioned downhill sections and handled them with ease on lap one. Near the end of the lap I was tired and really thinking about calling it a day and just taking a DNF. But as I crossed the transition area for lap two there were many people cheering and ringing cow bells! I laughed out loud as I rode through this gauntlet of fans and elected to go after the second lap.
On this lap I travelled faster on the downhills and a little slower on the uphills! By the time I finished my two laps, most of the competitors were done and loading their bikes. This includes those doing three and four laps!
My speed (or lack of same) makes up the title for this post Big Old Slow Guy Hits the Trail! This goes along with my motto: I may be big and old but I'm slow!
It is all fun!!!!!
1 comment:
Great job! I am impressed that you did it.
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