The opener

The only reason I've been doing some XC races recently is for training. This race was a little different than the last one; my legs were trashed from my workouts at the Torture Clinic. I go twice a week for different types of workouts on an ergometer, a trainer and rollers. Anyway, rather than me hitting the trails or doing one of the local road rides like the popular Simi ride, Lynda scheduled a race to ensure that I'd give it all I've got on my Saturday workout. Training with a bunch of friends on the MTB is definitely more fun than riding alone and more dynamic than a road ride. It was good to see former teammates and many familiar faces.

Did I give it 100%? Ummm. Well, sort of. I didn't know the course. I didn't preride it nor did I download the turn by turn directions from Geoladders. So the plan was to just hang back the first lap behind riders like Doug, Mr Geoladders himself, then give it all I had on the last two laps. The bonus of hanging back was being shielded from the strong Santa Ana winds that were blowing riders off the course.

Near the end of the first lap Doug was battling it out with another rider, but I couldn't keep up when they turned it up a notch. I gave it everything I had and it was enough for a win in my category. Didn't catch Doug though, even with a broken front derailleur he was still a few minutes ahead; just one of those guy that keeps getting faster.

The team had a nice showing and everyone who raced made the podium. Ty, Josh, Todd and Bern placed first, Brad second and Craig fourth. Craig was also getting in some good training, but I think his legs were more thrashed than mine.

Training was the main goal, the win was a bonus