This past weekend was spent in Phoenix doing a MTB/CX double weekend. The Dust Devil series got underway with the White Tanks race nice and early with a 9am start time. This meant for an especially early departure from Tucson, but it’s all in good fun. Chloe and I met up with Brian and he jumped in with the car with us just before driving into the park so he wouldn’t get stuck with his own $6 park entry. It was shaping up to be a hot one under the sun so the promoters dropped our lap count from five to four which was a relief at the start. Four laps would still make for a solid two hour long race and don’t think anyone really wanted to be out there any longer than they had to. From the line I put in a good hard effort and let the group. Over the switchback climb I got a gap and kept a good tempo going, but Rich Weis was able to come back up to me. I sat on his wheel for the second lap and let him set the pace. On lap three there were times where I could have went harder, but I saved my legs for the forth and final lap. Just through the start/finish I put in a good dig that Rich equaled. A couple minutes later I put out another effort which he pulled back. On the next incline, which was steeper than the two previous I accelerated again, this time opening a gap immediately. I kept the hammer down for a couple of minutes and never saw him again as I rode in for the win solo. It was a solid effort, but nothing like the effort it took to place 2nd here back in March when I was racing Andy Schultz. Those lap times were two minutes faster and we did five laps, not just four. It’s the off season though and I figure I’m starting further ahead of where I was a year ago. A $25 bike shop gift certificate was won before we headed to In and Out for some burgers. Super 8 was the lodging of choice and it was probably the nicest motel that I’ve personally paid to stay in – which doesn’t say all that much, but it was comfortable and I got plenty of good rest.
It was well needed as the AZ Cross #1 race was fast and furious with a sizable turnout of powerful riders. Jake Rubelt, a fellow Tucson CTS coach took the victory in the end. I managed 7th after dangling off the back of the lead group for an overwhelming majority of the 55 minute affair. Kevin from Flagstaff was just in front of me, but I didn’t quite have the afterburners to pull him back. I felt strong out there, but perhaps the legs were a bit heavy on the flat power sections due to Saturday’s efforts. Racing back to back is no problem in the spring or summer when I’m fresh, but recovering day to day is more of a challenge at this time of the year. The races made for good training and an eventful weekend.
Tomorrow I’m off to Banner Elk, NC for the Collegiate MTB National Championship. Yes, I’ve graduated already and no, I won’t be racing. Rather, I’m going as support ‘crew’ for the University of Arizona team on behalf of Momentum Endurance LLC. Of course Chloe will be racing in defense of her two titles and this time she’s also aiming for the fastest DH run on a hardtail… Kyle, Evan, Alex, and Brian will represent the Wildcats in the Mens DI events. It should be a great time and I’m excited to help the team out as they put it all on the line for this big time collegiate event. More stories to follow,
TJ
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