Well I had a tough race out at Santa Barbara in the last XC race I have competed in. I ended up back in 6th place after my 4th place finishing up at Big Bear the week before. It was a 24 mile race with 4 laps. A total of about 3500ft of climbing. It was up and down the whole time with no real good rests. It made for a very tough couple of hours. At this stage Big Bear suited me better as it had longer more steady climbs. Much more akin to the road biking I have been going. The intensity of these shorter XC races is just so much higher and more varied that I struggled in this race.
I ended up about 10 mins off the real fast guys in my category. That did include spending 2-3 mins going the wrong way (don’t ask) and also helping out a buddy who had crashed with another guy who had somehow got his leg between the rear triangle of his bike as well as through a number of spokes. Yikes.
All up the 340 mile round trip to get to the race was worthwhile. Al was there to provide company and someone to talk abotu bikes for the entire trip ;-) There were some lovely views as it was on the coast and the track itself though a tough day out was fun. Heaps of corners and single-track that was technical enough to keep you on your toes.
The Scene of the Race and ensuing PAIN…
Yes yes. I have since had a haircut. Talk about a new meaning to Helmet Hair.
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