YA KNOW.....I DON'T LOOK GOOD VERY OFTEN....
Aaaaand...I guess the top spot on the podium don't help much either.
Another 24-9 is in the books and I am again reminded why this is one of my very favorite races of the season. The opportunity to make mountain biking a true "team" sport is one that really dig. I have been a part of this team for the last 3 years or so in a few variations and have had a absolute blast every time. Even the year we had to stoop really low and grab this guy.
My little buddies and I managed to take the win in the 7 team mens vetran (35+) division and although we led from start to finish, we were in a battle the whole time against Stiff Kitty.. a team of locals who were using their "home course advantage" to hang tough all race (particularly after dark).
Personally....... I had about my best 24-9 to date with the exception of a night lap in which I went out with prescription glasses that fogged up almost instantly. The blind "white knuckle" ride through those rock gardens was interesting to say the least.
Safe to say....I prefer Bare knuckle to white knuckle any day.
And while there were many unfamiliar names on the guest list......the podium was loaded with familiar faces.
The Expo jr's totally rocked all race posting a 3rd OVERALL finish and no doubt catching the Grannygear folks off guard as was evidenced by their winning some Grannygear "rain slicker" or sumpthin'....BUNK!
"The 'Sta of the 'Sha" after 24 hours and 12 minutes straight of enjoying his favorite past time. He exacted revenge in a race that may have had him on the ropes a bit last year......but that was last year. ta-da.....
The Milwaukee performed like a champ (though with a squishy fork) all weekend long. I continue to receive very nice compliments on this bike. Folks comment on how cool it looks and then inevitably start asking questions I don't know the answer to.....Like.."What kinda of tubing do they use??".......Ummm....the steel kind. However, if anyone thinks they would rather have mine instead of buying their own.....remember.
I met a few cool people over the weekend as well. Troy and I had a nice chat in the transition tent. He is one of the guys behind the building of the super-cool Eau Claire race course and a fine chap at that. Then some younger dude called me out on the trail. I don't recall ever seeing him before, but he recognized me from reading this blog. When I asked him why he wasted his time with this "bubble gum for the brain" he said.....You got cool photos on there.
photos by Julie
