So the sun did finally come up at the vision quest I was starting to wonder if I was halucinating .Tinker and I clawed our way back to Manni on the first mile of the days longest climb Modjeska and Santiago peaks. Tinker was pulling really strong.
The climb takes over an hour going flat out. That was my plan but my stomach wasn't ready.
Something clicked as the sun starting beaming down on us in the canyon. My legs woke up.
It was my turn to put on the attacks. Tinker marked Manny as I put in several attacks until I got away. I figured I would need every second. Tinker later made a push for Santiago peak forcing Manny into a frantic chase on the ensuing downhill.
The good news for me was that I knew this section from pre riding. The descents were just ribbons of loose single track that started with some steep drops on upper Holy Jim. The lower trail was more flowing but had some NO mistake area where error could be fatal.
I was hoping not to fall off a cliff or make any mistakes. Huge awesome decent that is fun at a relaxed speed but took ever ounces of concentration I had. Numerous switchbacks and a tight shurb lined cooridor made reading the trail like riding a dirt bike as fast as you can thru a labryth. I made the bottom hit the fast steam crossing grabbed another couple bottles from Noah CFR California rider and took off.
I manage to ride the insanely steep 30 min climb up Trabuco without walking but one stretch.
I felt good. Sweat streaked down my Radars under the great effort. I left the rear suspension on my new CFR Scalpel on for more ground biting traction.
Getting to the top with now on in site was little relief I knew I wouldnt be out of the woods until I made it down horse thief. Another hair raising decent but this one i was in the zone. Railing the inside turns and in good control on the dangerous exposed outside turns. You could not see the bottom of the canyon so I didn't even look. Better that way.
I pushed hard in the final dirt road miles incase someone was close. I was surprised to see my wining time of 4:45 was a new record! Even nicer was seeing Conrad and Erin at the finish.
Little did I know but Manny going mach 5 on Holy Jim tore a tire and had some chain trouble taking him out of contention. What"? I thought he was on my heels!
We enjoyed talking about the bikes with the other racers at the Cannondale truck and hanging out after the race. With a great day like it that we all had alot to talk about.
Thanks for the support from locals Steve Kwait and Noah for setting me up on course recon and feeding.
Jeremiah
posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 12:29 PM 
