. . . for I have sinned. It’s been far too long since my last posting.
Not too much new report, apart from a brief summary of my last dirt cycle race which was held back in the find month of june. Let’s begin with some background info. It was the first XC race of the season, and it was hosted on a trail that was 75% brand new (cut and primed) just in time for this event. There wasn’t a huge turn out, as sadly the scene for XC racing on this isle is significantly smaller than the short track following, BUT on the bright side, there was more younger kids than adults, meaning there will be a future. This new course features a long, agonizing climb right at the start of each loop that contained a few good rooty sections, some smooth single track, ,some tight switchbacks, and some short insanely steep sections . The climb was followed by an open section, a brief tech section, a tech downhill section, open section, then more sustained tech, ending with wide open back to the climb. The climb prooved to be my saving grace as i was geared just right to straddle the brink of dismounting without ever needing too actually unclip.
Action summarized. First time up the climb ended up ebing just a string of riders, with those who have the gumption (yes, gumption) to pass, passing where they could. I managed to wiggle my way up a few spots, only to be passed on the downhill by the gent who orchestrated the trail work for this new course. No one else apart from him was able to pass me on this first lap, which was a good sign. On the second lap i caught this same fellow again about 1/3 the way up the climb, before it got really technical/difficult, i overtook him only to have him say ” yeah, see you on the downhill.” Normally this type of stuff wouldn’t bother me, as most of the scene is good people who are just glad to see more riders out riding, but this little dialogue from him had a tone with it. I knew he has said stuff about me hitherto fore as he has something against me (perhaps his jealous of my largeness . . . wheel size), but either way, this annoyed mad, and kinda light a little fire. I quick responded with, “No . . . You won’t”, and then danced on the pedals. I hammered up that climb as quick as I could without regurgitating my 75 grams of rolled oats mixed with 3 spoonfulls of peanut butter, putting as much distance between me and him as possible. Sure enough, me and my fully rigid single speed, never saw him nor his fully suspended geared bike again until well after the finish (where i overheard him saying more negative things to a few of his buddies . . but whatever, I was quicker and just kept my thoughts to myself). Throughout the rest of the rest of the race i reeled in and put time into 2 other guys until i met a young gun who was worthy of a partnership. Me and this young man (also abord a fisher vessel, but of the 26″ variety) worked together until the last half lap. Our teamwork last for well over half the race, where I would lead up the climbs, and he would lead on the downhill sections. But alas when push came to shove and we got to the final section i just edged ahead in the final meters . . . I should mention this young gun was in the junior category, but Holy F, what a strong rider. I ended up claiming the victory over my rivals, letting others know that big wheels do roll quicker, suspension is overrated and less efficient, and gears only give you an easy way out on sections where you should be muscling that metal steed, not gearing down.
(i love the spectators who lurk about the whole trail during a race as they always guarantee handsome photographic proof of your participation)
Since that race, I went to Toronto to partake in their critical mass ride. It was fun going up there for a little visit, though my cheapness and diet (i ate mostly portuguese corn rolls, carrots and humus) caused me too lose over 10 ponds in a week, but whatever, that’s nothing a little Dairy Queen blizzard action cant fix.
My next showdown is this coming tuesday at the short track where I’m currently tied for first in the series, so this race could be pivotal, so i’m hoping that my rest and holiday doesn’t affect adversly. . .but time will tell. . .
