Nothing particularly exciting has been taking place as of late. I've mentioned before we've been super busy supporting area cycling events each weekend, but when a small window of opportunity presented itself, I leaped before looking. Way too damn early Sunday morning Jeremy and I headed out for Birmingham, Alabama. We were on our way to race in the Southeast's biggest XC race 19 years running: The infamous Bump & Grind.
Seeing as the SS race started at 8:30am and we had a 3.5 hour drive ahead of us, I'd be lining the Moots MX RSL SS Mk II with the geared Cat 1 class at a more manageable 11:30am. At Oak Mountain. Where the trail has that M.C. Escher quality about it and the whole damn thing feels like your going downhill. Which was pretty obvious when we took off and were spinning 28mph into the woods around the lake. 6 miles into the trail, this little engine with legs spinning like an embroidery machine decided to back off the pace. There was no way I would be able to hold onto that pace for 30 miles, in the heat, with only a single 16oz bottle. I fell back into my own little world in the back of the pack and settled in hoping I'd catch someone up the big climb later on in the trail.
The forecast had called for rain, but it was bluebird skies and sun, 93 degrees and damn hot. We've not seen temps that high in Mid TN yet and it seemed to be affecting a lot of folks. I started passing guys that had blown due to the heat. Cramps seemed to be the name of the game for most folks. Luckily I've not had to deal with them much (just sealed my fate there, dammit) and was able to motor on past. I started keeping count as I made my way towards the top of the mountain. I'd caught and passed 12 of the 25 racers in my category. Mid-pack, just where I like to be.
I'd managed to keep the gaps all the way past Blood Rock as I made my way back to the start/finish area to begin lap 2. Then with about 3 miles to go for lap 1 I got swarmed upon. Nine of the twelve came buzzing passed me with their clickety gears and full suspension bikes. Stupid downhill. I was topped out with no match for a big ring. I decided to try to keep them close and make ground back up on the climb back up.
It worked (for the most part). I managed to pass several back and keep them at bay all the way back to the finish. 17th on the day. Nothing to write home about, but a pretty good showing for bringing a knife to a drone fight. Jeremy's day went a lot smoother and he nabbed 2nd in the Cat 1 30-34 category. About time his stars aligned.
It was a whirlwind trip and before I knew it work was hitting me upside the face and life was back in the swing full kilter. Work, chores, errands, and a little playtime snuck in for good measure. Summer is almost here. God I miss summer vacations.
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