Lessons learned

Nearly 300 hours of bike time and many sleepless nights went into an attempted peak for this year's Subaru Cup. Physically I was strong and felt ready to bring it. I rode the course on Saturday morning with Isaiah and began to pray that the rain would hold out for the day. Don built a perfect course, and the conditions pre-rain were awesome. I loved all the climbing and felt this kind of race was suited to me.

I felt a sinking feeling during my warm-up as I watched the Elites come by looking more dirty by the lap. I knew that a brand new trail system would not hold up well to a mud race. And it didn't.

I had a good start and sat third behind Ben and Jerry (not the ice cream guys). I held this position uncontested until we hit the East Trace section. None of this portion of the trail was rideable by now and I completely lost my cool. Running, mounting, dismounting, kicking the pedals, screaming, ready to throw my bike. 3 singlespeeders passed me during this tantrum and by the time I regained my composure it was too late to catch them. I was at least able to make a race of it with James Huber. We rode most of laps 2 and 3 together, and in the end I put 20 secs on him that he couldn't close. I am still pissed at myself for racing for 6th when I was ready for the top three. I just wasn't mentally prepared for this kind of race, it was a learning experience. No matter how strong I am I'm still a noob and this season is for learning.

It turns out Sheri was right about the camper purchase. The weekend would have been 5 times more miserable had it not been for the shelter of the camper. Now I only hope this mudfest didn't sour relations with the Nordic Mt. people. I am looking forward to racing this course for many years to come as it has to be the best in the series, maybe a tie with the Sheboygan course. Thanks to Alexis and her horde of poncho wearing friends. Don couldn't have pulled this one off without her.