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DaveMaddux
Espoir
USA
62 Posts |
 Posted - 04/04/2010 : 10:15:03 PM
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My son Austin and I raced Big Sandy last weekend, and at the last minute Jack jumped in and raced as well. I know we are mostly road racers around here at CVC, but I think that bike handling skills and core strength gained from riding in the dirt can definitely help you be a better rider on the road.
I raced 13 road races so far this season, which displaced a lot of my usual time for mountain biking on the weekends. After so much time off the trail, no race this season hurt me as badly as 23 miles of technical single-track and 5500 feet of climbing while riding the long course at Big Sandy. During the race, my back, shoulders, and arms were killing me, and less than 24 hours after, the soreness set in to remind me of the many upper body and core muscles I had too long neglected. My legs felt heavy for most of the week that followed. All of this made me realize how much core strength I had lost while off the mountain bike, and I'm convinced I need to continue to ride trail occasionally during road season for better total fitness.
Despite my aches and pains I managed to place 8th out of 19 in a very competitive group of 35+ masters in the cat 2 (sport) long-course race. 10th overall out of a field of 32 riders, all ages.
Austin and Jack both won their age groups in the cat 2 short-course race (15 miles, 3000 ft of climbing), with Austin placing 10th overall against the adults in a field of 40+.
Whether you raced or not, the post-race BBQ was a great time with good food, good company, and sponsorship from New Belgium brewery, with 3 different varieties of their beer on tap (2 Below, 1554, and Fat Tire).
A few pics at the 2 links below:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=158141&id=560522531&l=59042aee7a
http://www.flickr.com/photos/96201277@N00/
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SunnyDays
Elite
USA
122 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2010 : 11:34:13 PM
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| man that looks like fun! I think ill put it on the calendar next year if i get a mtn bike! |
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lbraun80
Espoir
63 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2010 : 7:16:28 PM
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I did the race last year as my first mtb ever. Flatted at about half way, and didn't have anything to fix it. But had a great time after I got going again.
You're guaranteed a few things at the Big Sandy. A beer at the finish line (1554 was great), a scratch or cut on some lower extremity, and an awesome ride of windy single track.
Looked like a fun day. Congrats to the Maddux's for tearing it up on the dirt. Maybe I'll be out there next year for some long course. |
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Big Sandy MTB race 2010
