'Heads up, there's poison ivy everywhere'

said the guy directing traffic into the field.  Great.  It was fitting that the reg bags included a sample of technu poison wash.  Jen was scrubbing her ankles down at 2am before jumping into bed.

The concept of the race was really awesome.  It didn't change the dynamic of the race as much as I thought it would, it was just dark out.

Stephan started a million times harder than I would have ever expected.
Brandon and I rode away from everyone.
I tried pretty hard to drop him on the first lap.  Could get a small gap a couple times but couldn't hold it. He was riding really fast too.
Settled in on the second, realizing it was going to be another sprint between us.
Didn't know who won for a few minutes.
If it was up to me, it'd have been a tie.
My Lupine was flawless.  They are the best lights in the world.

No pics. Prolly cause it was dark.

Colorado Riding

Nationals- meh.  Looking forward to next year already.  Unless they decide to put them up high again, in which case, f-it.  I really don't understand putting them in high-altitude.  For an organization that is so gung-ho about fair-play and leveling the playing field, i.e. doping, it seems counter-intuitive to hold a one-day, national championship event in a location that puts half the country at a physiological disadvantage.  The locals say that it affects them too being up over 9000ft.  Really?  I live at 200ft, yeah just two zeros, above sea level.  Your saying that even living at just 6-7k isn't even the slightest bit of a headstart?  I get it, CO is a hotspot for the sport, but seriously, how many dusty switchbacks can you put in one race course.  OK, I'm done complaining, your probably thinking that I'm just bitter.  Well, maybe, but it seems like they get all the glory.  I did get a sweet interview though, I won't complain about that.

Riding before and after Nationals in Steamboat Springs with an old friend- dope.  Today we put in a manly 5hr ride on the Continental Divide Trail.  To make it extra sweet we rode from the center of town, and climbed over Rabbit Ears pass which was over an hour of steady climbing.  On pavement, before we touched a lick of dirt.  Once to the top, around 10,000ft we hooked up with the trail and rode along the ridge for about 26 miles back to the Steamboat ski area where totally railed 3000ft of continuous descending back into town.  It was so sick.

Jeff promised me we'd see moose up top.  We didn't, and I was just slightly disappointed.  But to be fair, the entire ride looked like a postcard, so that helped.

Its been a blast out here, especially getting to ride some real trails and not just race courses.  It actually gave me a whole new perspective and more respect for riding on the west coast.  (even though it is not and could never possibly be as sweet as home, it was nice)

Tomorrow afternoon I fly home and get to have Jen pick me up in Newark to spend the night with here.  I'm looking forward to night racing next weekend.  Will definitely not miss that one this year.

Another great MASS event this weekend.  I wasn't able to make it to this one last year, but I can't remember why.  I couldn't turn down an event in Michaux though, it's been almost a whole year since I've even ridden there.  Jen and I left on Saturday afternoon to meet Brandon and Jocelyn and rough it in start finish area.  The camping was alright, it got a lot colder than we were prepared for but the air mattress didn't quite lose all of it air during the night, which was nice.  Once the sun came up though, the temps started jumping up fast.  By the time that the 10am start came, it felt like it was already in 80's.

I think every race should start with a neutral roll-out.  A nice one mile cruise out of the parking area before the everyone starts going nuts.  When we hit the first singletrack section, Brandon and I were in the front and cruised out of sight in the first couple minutes.  Each of us had a slight mechanical issue that involved yanking some sticks out of derailleurs and wheels and by the time we reached the next long road section and singletrack descent, a handful of guys caught back on and formed a cute little lead group as we rolled into the first significant climb up Canada Hollow which instantly separated most of us again.  I rolled over the top in second, chasing Jordan who had killed it from the very bottom, with Chris Beck and a twin within sight behind me.  Chased Jordan for the next hour, barely catching a glimpse of him a couple of times on the final road climb, guessing I was about 45 seconds back.  Closed it down to about 10 seconds coming down the last fireroad into the last 2 minute climb, without him knowing I was so close and was able to sneak right up to his rear wheel as we turned into the final powerline climb.  I could tell that I, at the very least, had the element of surprise on my side, but neither of us were sure where the finish line was.  Jordan threw down a cramp inducing attack on one the punchy spots up the last climb but I was able to get around when we crested the top thinking that the finish would be at the bottom of the descent and out on the fireroad.  Turns out I won the sprint by a few feet over him and neither of us really knew it.  I still can't believe how Jordan killed it all day like that!   Its good to see him finally getting some fitness nailed down.

Oh and Matt had a pretty stellar ride too, busting out a podium finish too!

Nationals is in two weeks, in Colorado.  Thats about it for the traveling this year, which is nice.  I like doing local races and hanging out with the local crowd.  It feels like home.

Also got my new helmet today.  Louis Garneau Diamond.  Feels like a pillow on my nogin.  Realized I've had my old helmet for longer than I've even know Jen.  6 years.  It's about time.