A bit more mud than I have seen in more recent past years but that only added to the fun. I started by parking right next to Mike Urbina, then running into Marty (I thought he was Jason Tandata-both from NY and both Jewish) but realized my mistake when I saw Marty's wife Nancy Thomas. A very nice surprise to discover she and I were in the same category. She would have kicked my butt except for her chain falling apart.

 

A classic race, the Napa Valley Dirt Classic is recommend for all to try once. Ride it as I did yesterday...as a really fun ride. Not in-shape or motivated to actually race but still wanting to enjoy some awesome trails with a lot of fun people.

 

I did it again, let a guy pass at the beginning of the first singletrack only to discover he was going to walk the steeper corners. I managed to get past without having to get off my bike but still not sure I will ever learn...

 

One of the steeper downhill sections I was passed on my left by a guy that sounded like a bomb heading downhill. Obviously knew how to ride these sections with much less fear than me (that OTB at the Sea Otter two weeks back didn't help...). At the same time I was passed on the right. Feeling too much like a sandwich, I wanted to take that bomber guy and slip a grenade down his camelbac (yes, I have thrown a couple of these in my earlier life).

 

I caught up with the bomber at the next uphill section and was happy to have the chance to tell him it was quite obvious that he is a really good rider but next time he should at least call out he was passing on the left. I could tell he was a nice guy as I could hear the apology and smile in his reply. It was his first ever mountain bike race. His sport is endurance dirt bikes and normally those guys don't yell out as no one can hear him. I was the one smiling on his next pass as he called out "on your left".

 

I finished the ride in no great time but had a good time. I'll need to talk with my mechanic about the front derailleur that no longer likes going into granny (and I love granny!). And Mike, kicking it did not help! I was pleased to see my 13 year old had left the confines of the car (and his book) to greet me at the finish line. The team was already dispersing but a few of the guys hung around to take another pic for Mike to do his photo shop wonders.

 

I ran into motor-bomber as Garrett and I headed back to the car. I can remember his name is Rich, because I could associate his name with our own Rich Henthorn. Rich and his buddy Chad (sorry if I got your name wrong Chad-no one to associate it with!) were haning out just starting to clean off the layers of mud. We chatted about Rich's obvious talent on the downhill but he wasn't into talking about his own talents as much as those of his brother Kurt (not positive about that name either...). Turns out Kurt trains (and races???) with Mark Weir. That name I can remember because of the few times I have met Mark, I was always impressed with "down-to-earth" manner. Whether sitting on the couch in Downieville or hanging out at Angwin, I have long thought he is the type of person any company would be glad to have as their representative. For those who may not know...Mark rides pro for WTB. If "birds of a feather do flock together", then that's all the reference I need!

 

Very cool day. Chat and ride with some old friends. Meet some like-able new people. A few visits to some old friends not racing this day. Garrett and I finally rolled into about 9:30pm to a very happy (to see us) beagle. Out "little" Mac is recovering well after being attacked by an off-leash dog last week. The rain is almost gone. Life is good!

:)

Kathleen