Out and About

WORS:
Some team members are expanding their race horizons by venturing to other states. In June, Mike B went to "America's largest state MTB race series" known as WORS - Wisconsin Off Road Series. Indeed magazines often tout the tough competition in this favorite national and regional series.

Below is a pic of Mike on the start line of the Subaru Cup. And a big congrats to him with a solid Top 10 finish in Cat 1. All that training is paying off, right Mike?



SERC/AMBC:
Taking a mini vacation, I ventured out to do the SERC/AMBC race in Chattanooga, TN on Raccoon Mountain. Here I met another teammate on a mini vacation--Meredith! She scouted out the trail with a pre ride on Saturday, and I took some cues from her Sunday morning prior to the start.

This trail is F-U-N. Rocks, Roots, hills, switchbacks, whoop de doos, awesome descents--it has everything!

I learned quite a few things on this trip with the most important: Meredith is someone you want on your team! Kudos to her for abandoning the race after coming upon a rider completely knocked out after a crash. Giving up her pursuit, she administered first aid until other medical personnel arrived. What a true team player. Congrats, Mer! And a big THANK YOU for representing the team so well.

Below are some pics from the trip courtesy of MRL.

Note that Mer showed me how to ride this prior to the race; unfortunately, the guy in the pic bobbled in front of her and didn't quite get out of the way in time.

Eating Crow

So, it's taken me so long to post after the North Vernon race b/c I just finished eating all that crow. If you recall, I sent an e-mail with the following goals:

1) Do not let Matt Battin lap me during a race.
2) I must catch Danny G at some point in the race—game on, Danny!
3) Learn Denny’s secret to success (i.e. befriend Martha).

As far as Matt NOT passing me, well......he was SMOKING FAST on that course and came away with a big "W." He went around me so fast - and early - I might add. So, goal # 1 - FAIL.

By the time Matt passed me, I was giving up on goal #2 as my chain had already come off 5 times. That's too bad b/c the legs felt good. After the 6th time, I called it a day as my mental frustration exceeded my limits. Better racers would have stuck it out in one gear. Admittedly, I like my gears; in fact, I want more. My 1x9 is truly testing my legs on some courses. I have no shame announcing I want my granny back. (Or a 2x9 as in Meredith's new setup? Note to self: ask her how she likes it.) So, #2 = FAIL.

Number 3 proved to be a lot easier than I thought. I took the direct approach with Martha and asked about the secret of Denny's success. I know this blog can be accessed by anyone in the world, but I'm going to tell anyway.

"Never grow old."

It's that easy.

The team suffered some injuries prior to the big race: broken fingers, knee strains, ankle recoveries, etc. But everyone waltzed up to the start line to give it his/her best. Additionally, Larry did the Stoopid run the day before.

So, I left early and didn't get everyone's stories, but I'm pretty sure I missed out on Lindsay's peanut butter & chocolate bars. DRAT. Perhaps next time when I meet more than 1 of my goals.


Great job team on overcome obstacles and finishing strong!