Yeah, Buck!

I had a great time a Buck Hill last night. I brought the single speed Zion 29er out of the stable for its first race. I decided to ride in the Rec class, since this was my first single speed race, I didn't want to drain the tanks for Sunday's race, and I wanted to ride with Josh and Max in the beginner race.

My mindset at the beginning of the race was to go as hard as I could the whole time. It seems a bit obvious, but during the Advanced races I tend to hold back and ramp up the intensity.

I wasn't in great position at the start, second row in the middle of the group. At the gun, I hammered the sandy climb and was sitting 7-10 place. I sat in that position until just prior to the first climb. During the climb I past a number of people just before the first S shaped single track section. On the paved climb, a few of the overzealous riders blew, and I was sitting at the front of the group with 1 rider escaping into the single track before me.

Once in the single track, the 36-20 gearing suited me quite well. I was able to extend my gap on the chase of 3 behind me. By the end of the single track, I was picking up the advanced ladies and was finding it difficult to get by them. At the end of the lap I got stuck behind a group of 3 women, with no room to pass (safely). On the last cross-hill section, the group of 3 men riders were able to catch me.

The end of the 1st lap opens to the sandy area where we all passed the women, and the three men snuck passed me. I kept up the intensity to the front climb sitting in 5th place. When I got to the paved climb, I picked up the escaped rider from the first lap. He had blown himself and was barely moving up the hill.

With the major climbs complete, I knew I could hold my position to the finish. I tried catching the group of 3 in front of me, but I just couldn't make time. At the end I pushed up the sandy hill and crossed the line only 20 seconds off the #3 rider. Official time was 30min even. A 3 minute improvement over my best Rec time.

I think I will ride the SS at Elm Creek this weekend. It doesn't allow me to sit and spin, which I will tend to do if the pain is high.

Beat The 1-Hour Hurdle

Last night I beat my personal goal of finishing the Buck Hill race is less than an hour. Officially, I met that goal with a time of 59:18. Unofficially, my gps logged a time of 60:07. Both were a little close, but I'll say I met that goal. I also had the GoPro running for the race, so I will put up a video shortly.

The next race is Sunday in Elk River. I am considering riding SS, but haven't decided. I have only been off raod with that bike once, but it seems to ride well.