A late season push to spend more time in the saddle and less time moving rock hasn't really panned out. Several projects have limited my time spinning the cranks, but, it's all good. Trying to find the balance in things. Dutchy tried to kill us on a road ride, a race at Schaeffer, some Psycho Cross, riding with the kids, plenty of rock crawling and that sums up the training regimen thus far. The Tractor even gave us a nice preview of the Teaberry loop a few weeks back. Chasing gunslingers through the woods on wet, slimy rocks is always fun.
So that's it, my fitness is adequate, not great, but, I can get through a ride. I skipped the SM100 this year and I sorta regretted not doing the race. Lots of friends, new and old, were there and it looked like a good weekend. If nothing else, it would have been good prep for Michaux. No, my final "big one" of the year was going to be Teaberry. "The hardest 40 miles in the forest" as the T-Shirt states. I knew what to expect and was going to ride a little smarter this time. Don't go out too fast, keep a sensible pace and try not to die.
The forecast didn't look good for race day. 50-60% chance of rain in the morning with possible thunderstorms. The forecasters were right on this time and I heard the first clap of thunder around 4am Sunday morning. Then, the sound of rain beating down on my roof. Shit, it's gonna be a wet one. Filled my belly with pancakes and bacon and decided it was all good. Just another day riding the sweet rocky goodness in Southy. Picked up DKEG and Jim and we headed north.
The mountain was socked in as we arrived, but, there was a lightness in everyone's attitude. Lots of smiles as everyone got ready to ride. We set up our pit, got prepped and had time to socialize before the start. A short beer to get in the mood and then the pre-race meeting. Another Le-Mans start and I line up a little further back than last time. Trying to keep myself honest this time. Bang, and we are off running.
A little longer run than The Curse and we are back at the bikes. Rolling, I settle in with a nice pace and find my place in the pack. They give us some open, flowy trail to warm our legs and a few guys comment about the fast trails. "Give it time" I tell them. The beat-down is coming up. Buchness is riding at a nice pace and I settle in around him. A Gettysburg rider is with us and a single speeder from Harrisburg. It's a good group. We pass Roger Masse on a descent. He dropped is seat bag and went back to find it. A few people have already pulled over with flats. It's going to be a long day, gotta ride smart.
Southern Gas was a blast. My first time on that trail and I really enjoyed the narrow "bench" sections. Rocks are typical on a Tractor trail and this one was no exception. Next was Mackey, then Virginia or maybe the other way around. Tough stuff, but, worth the price of admission....and then some. I didn't hit it fast, but, the tires held nicely and I rode a lot of wet rock I thought I might be walking. Little victories for the taking and I savored each one as they happened. I was on the bike more than off and that was good enough for me.
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| photo by Tomi |
Somewhere on Mackey, I come up on Nate. He's having some issues but says its under control. I roll on thinking he'll catch and pass me any minute. Unfortunately, his misfortune was worse than he led on. A solid ride by a hard man, I wish I could have helped more. A loose brake lever meant a quick pit for me and I dropped a couple spots in the process. Not sweating it, I'm back on and in pursuit...sorta. I'm not chasing people today, but, I catch them in the technical rocks and regain my position. I rolled into AS 2 and was fortunate enough to get the last cup of Gubna. That, and a couple cups of the other beer, was just what the doctor ordered and I was ready to keep the party rolling
Fireroads provided a little recovery from the single-track smack-down. I knew Stooges was ahead and suspected it would be our final climb to the finish. Most organizers might take it easy on the racers and send them up a fireroad. This, however, is Michaux and the Cupcakes play by their own set of rules. After we worked our way down into the valley and had some work ahead to get out of it. With all its wet roots, rocks and punchy climbs, Stooge's hurt and yet it rewarded you with some beautiful scenery. Tall pines, narrow bench and mountain streams let the mind relax as the legs screamed for mercy. I picked my way up this trail, soaking in the views, knowing we had made the turn and were headed home.
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| photo by Tomi |
A little more fireroad climbing and then the final stretch of single-track before the finish. I heard we were using some of the beginner loop for this final section. At AS 2 a Gettysburg rider grumbled and said something like "that stuff sucks". The fireroad was nothing to write home about (they never are), but the single track was kinda fun. Fairly flat, a little bony and a tad faster made for a fun way to finish the race. You could drift through the muddy turns as you tried to avoid small baby heads, it was a blast. I knew I was getting close when I could smell the camp fires. Then, you'd hear a cheer, next was the glimpse of the tents poking through the woods. I rolled into the chute and ended my race the same way I started it, with a smile on my face. Travis and the Gettysburg crew sure know how to throw a party. They serve up a hearty meal, so, bring a big spoon and prepare to feast.
1 comment:
Great write up!
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