TMBRA # 6 - Comfort
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Managed another decent day bike racing. With bad weather threatening all weekend on a pretty rocky course, we definitely dodged the bullet when it ended up being sunny and 75 at the start line! The course was one big 27 mile loop full of some nice rock ledges, gardens and plenty of elevation change (for a flatlander!). The 29er was definately the bike to be on. As a matter of fact, out of the top 5 in the Pro Open category, there were 3 29ers. I am glad to have my superfly for courses like this. You can bomb up and off the rock ledges without thinking twice. Couple that with 25 psi and you have a rippin’ fast ride with no braking needed.
I made a good start, hitting the single track in 4th, eventually moving up to third after less than a mile in. After getting gapped off on one of the climbs when Bryan Fawley (TX tough) attacked, I settle into my own rhythm eventually getting into a group somewhat of Billy Kurtz (Austin Bikes) and Scott Henry (Trek/VW regional). I had a moment on the bike where I wasn’t even focused on the trail and more focused on who I was ridding with. I was pretty stoked to be up there with guys that I have Idolized for a while. Both Scott and Billy are stand-up, super nice guys that have had their fair share of national fame and also raced against (and beaten) some of the local pro’s like Jason Sager and Will Black. So to be in that kind of company kind of gave me a, "holy crap" moment.
About 4-5 miles from the finish, Billy put in a deep effort and immediately stomped me and Scott into the ground. I was the first to go and then Scott. It was ugly, I was crawling my way to the finish line after detonation! Still managed a podium (HAHAHA only because of a five spot podium) with a fourth place. More importantly with one week until my most important spring race Double Lake Houston’s local spring mountain bike round, I think I have the legs to win which is what I want.
Until Next Weekend - Mitch
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