My week in the north east was fun. Most of the time between the two World Cup races was spent in Burlington, Vermont hanging with Lea Davison and her crew.
Up in Bromont, Canada, the rain came in sheets and the mud was even worse than expected. My last World Cup of the season wrapped up in style (17th place) though it started about as well as bull running through a china shop with a wet floor!
Right after the first climb, we did a short descent and I tried not to get caught behind a wreck, but as I corrected my course my front wheel slid and I crashed!
At first I thought I had surely broken my ring and pinky fingers. Last time I checked, fingers aren't supposed to bend backwards at the joint like that! OUCH.
I did what I always do if I'm not unconscious and got back on the bike and assessed the situation while riding. The good thing was that I could still hold onto the bars and came on strong at the end of the race. I battled it out with a surging Carl Decker, and just caught Karl Markt from Germany on the last section of trail. Mud is fun to ride in sometimes, but it always makes for exciting racing!
Now I am just chilling at home with Erin and catching up with some busy stuff.
Next on the radar for me is an appearance at the Tour de Skyline this Saturday. If you are a man who's over 40 years old - or who wants to live past 40, check out this link www.ProstateCancerAwarenessProject.org
The event has filled up, but if you show up randomly to ride Skyline Drive this Saturday morning at 8:30 I may see you there. We're riding halfway, staying at Skyland Lodge and then finishing up on Sunday.
Also congrads to Leah who bagged her first top 10 finish in Bromont. NICE!
Cheers,
JBLabels: Industry News and Events, World Cups
”What do they think this is, a war?” I asked Max Plaxton, who was lined up next to me in the start box of the second round of the World Cup. One thing I’ve learned, talk always seems to calm the nerves.
“That what it was like last week!” Max replied. “Some guy crashed into me and ripped my derailleur off on the first lap! The traffic made it stupid to continue so I pulled the plug.”
As hundreds of riders were called up to the start line behind us, we watched a dramatic movie-like trailer on the big jumbotron screen towering above the start/finish line. Red stills of race action flashed across the screen, heavy dramatic music blared and text read “The top mountain bike racers on the planet converge in Offenburg, Germany for the 2008 Mountain Bike World Cup.”
“Look back there” Max said.
We were lined up on the forth row, but behind us were hundreds of angry warrior-looking racers. I could easily imagine them waving swords in the air. It was certain that the crowd was in a froth to see blood and battle. Tens of thousands of spectators were armed with promotional signs, inflatable green tubes, flags, bells and air horns.
I was ready to go, and at the blast of the start cannon I put myself into a good position on the first of two start loops just behind Bury Stander. The next lap, I was caught behind a major crash. The rest of the race I fought the dread of racing on legs that were mysteriously empty. Well little mystery really. I did have a stomach bug last Sunday thru midweek.
Oh well, I was focused and went for it! It will just take some time to turn the power back on as soon as I find the switch.
Next stop is Madrid, Spain for round three of the formula 1 of mountain bike racing. I guess that makes the NMBS like NASCAR. Who knows.
The JBL Tunes to Ride by, Volume III contest is in its final week. Check out the Tunes link at the left and send in some great songs. Albums are almost ready for download. Stayed tuned!
JeremiahLabels: Racing, World Cups
