Mich-OUCH!

Did you see that? I totally used a play on words in my title. I. Am. So. Clever.

Anyway, aside from pandering myself (and check in that box), as Tim said, we have not updated because we are lazy. As, a matter of fact I actually have TWO race updates.

Numero 1: Greenbrier Challenge

Warm, overcast 60 degree conditions, with my father there to give me bottles; this race was setting up to be ideal. There were only three starters in the 19-24 Cat 1's, so they started us with the 25-29 cat 1's. Things went off without a hitch, the three of us quickly rode away from the other category. I got the hole shot. Got passed by the other two on the first climb, closed down any sort of gap and passed 2nd on the first descent. Things were looking swell until I noticed my rear rim banging off rocks and spewing Stan's Solution Sealant through a tear on the sidewall. I threw in a tube, but flatted less than 100 yards later (apparently tubes don't like to be ridden with holes in tires)....and my day was done.

Number Deux : Michaux Maximus

Two things lead to super successful races: a supreme lack of sleep and a 20 degree spike in temperature. Both of these things happened for me at Michaux.

The race started off as Tim said, with me hammering, and him settling into a rythm. Shortly thereafter I knew it was going to be a horrible day as I felt like complete and utter crap from getting little sleep due to final projects/exams the week before and the temperature being in the mid-80's with high humidity, but hoped my legs would turn around.....

....They never did. At this point, I pulled of the side of the trail, relieved myself, watched Tim ride by (admiring how well he was riding and, of course, heckling him) and settled back in for a long ride of suck for the rest of day. The funny part was, I really really contemplated dropping out at the first aid station at mile 12, but just decided to keep plodding along. I do have to say, the trails in Michaux are AWESOME. On the longer, technically fun descents full of classic Pee-Yay mountain laurel, I was able to thoroughly enjoy myself, even being completely drained.

Again, I have say how well Tim was riding. Had it not been for the cramps, he would have had a very good result. So, I give Tim a tip of the hat for his riding and a wag of the finger to his cramps.