SSUSA.

Permalink | Comment (1) | Share This

The lazy day prior to race day is always a ritual. Wake, nap, wake, early morning talk shows, find the local coffee shop, confuse the lcs employees with your funny Wisco accent, and goofy sunglasses. Sip some caffeine, explore the hotel bathroom for the third time, chamois up and ride to the course for some pre-riding. The temperature was a pleasant change as the 75 degree heat beat down on our pasty white Wisconsin skin while fully leaved trees shaded us when we needed it most. As we approached the venue we were greeted by the race promoters which included Clay the DSG’s fearless leader and owner of what seemed to be the never ending acreage of single track.

First impressions left me in a single track coma as we climbed our way through some magnificent trail. The network that Clay and company have developed reminded us of our Wisconsin destinations as we put our stamp of approval on Fayetteville. Once we rounded up our excitement we headed back to our digs and rested up for the unexpected.

Round 1: ssusa

Race day came as quick as the day prior followed by protocol with a trip to the coffee stop. We arrived on spot and slipped into our 29er super hero outfits just in time to make it over to the festivity introductions. It appeared that we would have a “bunny” leadout or so we thought as they pointed us in the opposite direction of what we were told the day prior. Hmmm. Gooooo! Ahhhh yes, the good ol reverse start. By the time I swung around and maneuvered around carnage the players were already in pursuit of the lead out bunny. I accelerated towards the group and lassoed Marko by the first mile. I floated into first aside Dejay Birtch and punched it with Marko in tow. Assuming that the third round was non bike related I figured we should get down to business before the chaos ensued. By the top of the first climb we put a sizeable gap on the field as we charged towards the top of the course. The single track was so rad, recovery came in the form of descents, and our lead continued to grow as we approached the end of lap one.

As we rolled into the start finish area we were greeted by plenty of polyester and pbrs. I rocked Marko on the chug which left him chasing on the second lap leadout before latching on to the pain train. I was feeling the flow of the trail as I caught nearly every corner on tap before gapping Marko in the last couple miles while we overshot the finish and rolled across within seconds. Another fresh pbrrr and interviews later put us over five minutes ahead of third. Stage one a success.

After a group of riders were eliminated we set out for a brief stage two which included a lead-out into a two minute hill climb. Marko and I had poll position next to Dejay as we were let loose up the steep grade which appeared to be nearly vertical. I pulled ahead and held a couple wheels over the Darkness for another one two punch as the next six including first female went on to the final round.

Round 3: gladiators

Round three showed the crowd our best American gladiators impression as we were forced into submission by jousting pedestals and the nacho libre commentator formerly known as Nat Ross. Little Marko didn’t stand a chance on a weight to weight scale while he was sent packing in round one. My jousting luck proved to be on par with my go kart skills as I lost to the runner up before finding success in the third place round good enough for a full flask of whiskey and a spot on the podium!