Well that was great fun! Although I hated it for the first two or three laps then started to enjoy it. I had forgotten how hard this sport is. Ran high pressures to avoid pinch flats on all those roots. Had to stop three or four times to unclog the bike. Finished a long way down the field, in fact I was the second to last rider in - was the very last rider on the course until I overtook someone! Was a tiny bit upset when I saw the winner go over the line when I had gone on 100m further - it meant I had almost a full lap to do before finishing. Must work on the start, I timidly start at the back and pick a few places but no more. With a good start I might finish 20-30 places higher. Oh aye it was bad for broken rear mechs, saw three myself.
Top field in all that mud was exhausting. There was a reasonable path through but I could not remember the line lap to lap. Had only one fall, that was more a clipless moment. Best bit for me was bombing down the forest track half out of control and whipping past three other racers all stopped to unclog wheels. Almost as good were my lovely new CX shoes with studs in the front - I could trot straight up slopes that I'd fall over on before. Next race is Weaver Valley, not as good B Hole: up the field, down the field, up the field...
Dan, didn't see you on the course. Shame we missed each other!
