The last race of the WEMS series was this past Saturday at the epic Levis Mound trails. I chose the 25 mile race, and lined up with about 10 other people. Not that many people, but considering how late in the season we are and there were cross races on both sides of the state, probably appropriate. More people lined up for the 50 mile, 100 mile and the 62 SS state championship.
Not my video but gives you a taste of the trails. All very good.
This is one of the better sections of trail. This shit is good.
A quick survey of the competition had me figuring that I wouldn't win this race, but I knew I could podium. The eventual winner was a pretty fast Cat 1 that has a long history of good results. I stuck his wheel from the go and we instantly had a gap going into the singletrack. That lasted all of 2 minutes while on the singletrack and he was just plain faster and smoother. I kept him in sight for about 15 minutes but then he was gone. There were about 3 good climbs on the course and after the first climb I passed the leader as he was on the other side of a switchback, about 1 minute ahead. When I reached that same point I saw 3rd and 4th place riding together, 1 minute back of me. I tried to keep the pressure on but was making a few mistakes here and there and generally not riding smooth. I came through after 1 lap at 1:08. The race director ended up taking some trail out because he thought the lap times would be too long but I think he made them way too short. Technically it should be a 3 hour race and not 25 miles. I can do 25 miles in a WORS XC race.
Anyway, I head out for lap 2 and have my only real crash of the day. Bumped my bars on the right side with a tree which sent me flying into a tree on the left. Plowed into that tree pretty good and I was down. Smashed some fingers which left them numb for next 10 minutes but other than that it was fine. Kept it smooth lap 2 but apparently 2 minutes slower - but I'll take it. Rolled in at 2:18 for 2nd place. I thought 3rd would be way behind me as I never saw anyone except for the lap traffic, but he finished only 2 minutes behind me. Would have liked that to been more. The winner was about 10 minutes up on me - ouch.
Have been feeling really good lately. My fitness is coming along and I've been riding my epic better than I ever have. Just switched out my S Works Renegade front tire for a bontrager 29.2 but just on the front. Thought I'd test it out. - that thing hooks up nice - way more confidence inspiring than the Renegade - the 29.2 is pretty light also. under 600 grams. I still like the renegades as they roll so fast but keep them for select races. Contemplating racing the last WORS race in Sheboygan next sunday. Earlier I would have said no way but with as good as I've been riding, I might have to.
