Well, that race was just as fun as last year (but without the cool
camp site and without intense heat.) The course was just awesome.
DVille is the only other XC race that rises above it. So I decided
earlier I would try to whip myself into enough shape to finish it
(without DFL).

The most difficult part of the race was dealing with other people
constantly jumping off their bikes. I should have pushed harder at
the start to get in front of these riders. I got knocked off
several times b/c I couldn't keep speed up without running into
someone. I had to get off the bike due to getting stacked up soooo
often (as did the rest of TWW.) I did not train my hike-a-bike
endurance! I actually got passed by TWW (Scott & Michel) more than
once while hiking uphill. My heart rate surged during these
episodes. Once I got back on the bike I reeled them back in. But
Michel got me again hiking on the second lap. My legs were cramping
with every step. But they never cramped while riding. I tried to
catch Michel but he beat me by a minute. I finished about 1:55.

The race was tough, but the beer washed all the pain away. I
enjoyed the post race activity. I got to see an expert endo at the
finish line, and another expert puke. They both earned beers for
suffering 3 laps. I got to see Ty's bloody number plate. (Ty and I
have a lot in common -- the 'T' and 'y' -- and that's about it.) I
got to see Matt's face rash. I got to see Isaias get a medal while
DFL. Hey he did three laps, give him beers and medals damnit. He
earned it! It was all pure Gold at the finish line.

And I made home (covered in dirt and dried sweat) in time to catch
the tail end of my wife's baby shower. The ladies asked me if I was
out riding my tricycle again. I said yes. We're due at the end of
June, so the bike wheels might get cold & dusty. But I seem to rise
from the dead at least once a year, so...as our Governor
says..."I'll be back"....

Troy