Leesburg Bakers Dozen

Just a short blurb about the race I did yesterday.  Tammy posted some pictures....see below for those.

I had never entered a race like the Bakers Dozen so I wasn't sure what to expect. My best lap was 35 minutes - a full seven minutes faster than any of my pre-race practice laps. I was "honored" to pull the first lap of the race.  What a nightmare that was.  It was like a bicycle conga line for the first 3 miles.   Our team pulled one rotation of double-laps and I thought my 2-lap time would really suck but I still averaged 41 minute laps. Last night was also my first-ever night ride. I managed to get in two night laps. The trail certainly changes when it's dark. Even so, I still turned in sub-45 minute laps in the dark.

Not sure where we finished in the overall standings...they haven't posted the results yet.  Out of 48 teams in our category, I think we placed about 35th.  WE'RE NOT LAST!!!!

My bike performed flawlessly.  Some might consider a 4.5" travel bike overkill for a course like that but I thought it was perfect.  The Nine RIP9 is great for cross country riding....very efficient pedaling.  There were lots of log piles and rocks along the trail that made me thankful I had suspension....especially when I got tired and my riding turned a little sloppy.  I didn't have a single mechanical problem at all...no flats, no mis-shift, not even brake squeal. 

Some of the things I learned:
1. Bring clear lenses for my sunglasses.  The bugs were horrible when the sun went down.
2. Bring more real food.  Trail food is fine while you are on the trail but it all tastes like mulch when you're sitting at the campsite.
3. Night riding is FUN! 
4. Chamois cream is a must!

Comments

[Rob L]

Nice man, glad to hear the race went so well for you. Great times out there, with the 35. Wish I coulda done the race but i'd just gotten back from CA and was wiped out. Gonna try and get out to ride the course though soon.

Night riding is a BLAST! If it wasn't for night riding I'd have probably cut my rides from oct-mar in half, maybe 2/3rds.

Utterbutter rocks. :)

So when are you headed out?