The Black Bear 40 k

This weekend we went down to Charleston, WV, for the Black Bear 40 k, one of the "Scariest races in America" or something like that. I can't remember right now, as I don't have the awesome shirt in front of me.

Saturday started out well enough, got there early afternoon-ish, and made the 15 minute drive from Brad's place to go on a nice little leisurely pre-ride.
Yea. We were shown what happens when you get a little TOO far back behind the saddle on a rocky descent: sometimes the trail likes to slam you in the ribs to remind you who's boss. The trail also likes to punish you when you skip a section and take the beginner section back.

Had a cooling downpour, climbed some more hills, rode past what sounded like the entire population of Charleston exercising their right to bear arms at ye olde shooting gallery, and climbed some more. Eventually we found our way back to the car, and moved on to food and beer preparations for the night. Grilled meat, beer, football, and Rocky IV, wrapped up the night. "If he dies, he dies."

Onto race day... To be perfectly honest, I just wasn't feeling it today. I absoubtely had no motivation to go up this first hill! Oh well, here we go. Started out quick as usual, and I was in my normal mid to rear of the pack. Keep going up for a while, and somehow I am not getting dropped... What's going on?? Decide to turn on the gas a bit, and was surprised to see myself passing Don, and then Brad.... That didn't stick for very long. The double track turned it up a little more, and I popped. Oh boy, this is going to be a long day. Lost all of the ground that I did manage to gain, and now I was dead. Oh well, at the top tried to catch my breath for a second, and into the awesome swoopy singletrack.

The rest of the race, for me at least, was pretty uneventful. Crazy stupid steep downhills that I couldn't ride fast enough to gain any ground on, then right back up to the top again, etc. Didn't crash, although I did kind of hip check a tree early on, but it only resulted in a little scrape.

Didn't finish as far back as I thought I did, but still disappointed with 5th. I think I am just a little worn out from putting some serious miles in last week in preparation for the Shenandoah 100. Also, after this race, I switched my gearing to 34x21, and it seems to be much better for me. I may spin out on the road a little quicker, but I am a faster climber, and I'm nowhere near as fatigued at the top of the climbs. Hopefully it will work out for me this weekend....