Last weekend, we raced in the MBAA #3 out at the White Tanks. We camped out in the Element on Friday night so that we would not have to get up at 4:30AM and drive out to the venue. Luv that Element! Ty raced again in the Junior 13-14 category and they had to do 2 laps of a 7 mile course. The course had some long-steady climbs with some technical down hill sections and finished off with a gradual but fast decent to the finish. Ty went out strong on the 1st lap and was able to hold on to the second position for most of the lap. He found himself out in front of several racers that he has not beat yet this year. I think all that road racing is starting to pay off for him.
Then, his legs started to really hurt and he felt that was riding very slow. Other racers started to pass Ty as he went out for lap #2. Ty was starting to get frustrated and did not understand why he started so well and then hit wall. On one of the steep climbs, Ty jumped off his bike to run up the hill and he noticed his back wheel was locked up! Ty tried to fix it, but was unable to located the cause. He keep going as fast as he could under the circumstances, but riders continued to pass him and his legs were zapped. As anyone knows who has done a race (or ride) with your brakes rubbing, IT SUCKS! However, Ty kept a great attitude going and did the best he could. Ty continued to ride hard to the finish and crossed the line carrying his bike to take 5th.
We figured out that the adjusting knob on Tyler's brake cable had rattle loose and caused his brakes to clamp down. We will be sure that that never happens to him again! All things considered, I would have to say that this is one of Ty's best races to date. He was faced with some very tough adversity and he kept a great attitude and did the best he could. I am very proud of him!!
I raced the same course and laps as Ty in the Rock Crusher (220 lbs. +) category. My race was not quite as tough as Ty, but I did have a bit of an adventure. I did a poor job of planning my warm up before the race and got to the start line cold. I am one of those people that need a good warm up before a race or my legs turn to stone. So, I decided that I would start the race out easy and turn the speed up once I felt good. NOT!! As soon as the gun went off, I sprinted out with the rest of the field. You get that testosterone flowing and your brain tends not to work that well. 5 minutes into the race and I am up with the lead group and my legs start to yell at me... "What the hell are you doing!?"
I guess that I need to hit my head against the wall about 100 times before I learn my lesson. I start to fall back from the lead group and racers are passing me left and right. As I am coming into the parking lot to head out for my 2nd lap, I start to think about throwing in the towel. Everything hurts, I am hot and I am riding like a small child. But, I make up my mind that I am going to finish this one even if I come in last place. I get a much need handoff in the Feed Zone of Cytomax and water. I pour the water on my face and neck and it was just what I need to perk me up. I start to feel pretty good on my 2nd lap and start passing riders. Wohoo! I am not the worst rider in the world!!
I reach the section on the back side of the course that is known as "Endo Rock". It is a technical step-down that is ridable if you keep your weight back. There is a spectator off to the right of trail shooting video of the racers as they go by this section. I guess he is hoping to film some caranage and I am not one to disappoint him. I roll over the rock pretty smoothly, but front wheel turns as it hits and I go flying over the handlebars! I do the standard tuck and roll and come out it without any major injuries and my bike is not broken (although my ribs are really hurting me today). The guy filming does not ask me if I am OK. Instead, he yells out "You are going to be the star of the show!" Nice! Hopefully he will send me a copy of the video. I survive the rest of the ride to finish 8th among a field of 12 or 13 racers. All in all, it was a great day on the bike for both Ty and I.
You can see more pictures from the event HERE.
While we were racing in the dirt, Corey was on the road racing in the El Tour de Phoenix. His goal was to finish under 3hrs 15 mins and he finished in a time of 3hrs 8 mins in the Platium Group. Way to go CC!! My little bro puts me to shame when it comes to the bike. Complete results can be found at - http://www.pbaa.com/!ETP/p74m-06.htm
This Friday night we will be doing the Mountain Bike in the Moonlight out at McDowell Mtn. Park. There is usually 100+ riders that come out for the event. Come out and join us if you can. Sunday, Ty will be racing in the AZ State Crit Championships. Another fun weekend ahead of us!!
On another note, Mary McConneloug finished 5th at the World Cup opener. It is great to see an American on the podium again!! Read more about it at http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2157
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