Cal State Championship XC Report

[jbiron]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Weaverville, in the mountains above Redding, was the site of the first California State Championships. I felt fortunate to have the chance to ride up with Platinum teammates Todd Booth and Andy Osborne. With a ten-hour drive I’d have plenty of time to pick the brains of these experienced racers. The weather report called for rain from Wednesday through Saturday and we Southern Californians, used to dry and dusty hard pack, were second guessing our sanity, but with dreams of State Championship Jerseys we departed at dark thirty on Thursday morning; hoping to arrive early enough to pre-ride the course that afternoon. It was rain free all the way until Redding and by the time we reached Weaverville it was absolutely pouring and had been for two days. As it would be dark in a Couple of hours we decided to skip the pre-ride, have a nice meal, and hit the sack early. [/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]It rained all night and it was till coming down Friday morning, but we decided to test the waters, so to speak, anyway. So along with another teammate, Terry Dahl, and equipped with plastic bag vests sandwiched between two jerseys we headed out. The first part of the course was a 1.5 mile fire road climb reminiscent of recent Big Bear races. Soon we entered a 4 mi section of twisting rolling single track. Traction was fine while climbing, but a little sketchy on the descents and on the numerous plank bridge stream crossings. After crossing the East Weaver River on a footbridge we completed nearly a mile long single track climb and then a long off camber treacherous downhill. We’d covered barely a third of the course in an hour and now soaked and shivering decided to take a road back into town. Even with almost 3 inches of rain over the last three days the course was muddy but aide able; at least the part we saw.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]It continued to rain most of the day and night, but by race day morning it had stopped. However temperatures had dropped that night and emerged from our hotel to the site of fresh snow on the surrounding mountains. We eat breakfast, put on all the clothes we had, and headed to the starting line Team Bigfoot runs their races a bit different from what were used to; all pros and experts start together, followed one minute later by all sports and in another minute by the beginners. Oh and no leg markings. I watched Todd, Andy and Terry take off with the other experts and waited for my count down. Not knowing who I was racing against I wanted to get to single track among the first sports and then keep an eye out for any other “old guys”. We caught some of the experts and I entered the single track in about tenth place. The early single track offered few passing opportunities so I settled in to an easy pace with a group of about ten riders. Once I recovered from the opening climb I passed three riders and left the group behind. I soon caught a pair of experts and stayed with them until we crossed the river. I attacked and dropped them on the climb I’d done the previous day and after surviving the treacherous descent, where I was actually sliding sideways a couple of times. entered the parts of the course I’d yet to see. [/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Immediately the trail turned steep with ankle deep mud. It was hike-a-bike for the next half mile. The course became a slightly less steep fire road with alternating sections of well drained decomposed granite and mud puddles and for the next four miles I climbed trading places with two younger sports riders, Sean Davidson and Carlos Torres (sport’n a Columbian National jersey). Following the long climb we entered the signature section of the course, the Lagrange Ditch Trail. This is basically a 3.5 mi, 18’’ wide path running atop a mound that forms a 6 foot high ditch or flume on one side and 50 drop on the other. The ditch was used to move water for mining operations in the 1800’s. With the slippery conditions it was difficult to stay on top of the mound and I passed several riders in the ditch, including the Columbian. Ahead lay a long a Rim Nordic like switch back descent. Fortunately I was able to make a quick pit stop to wash my prescription glasses in a stream so I actually had some depth perception and cleaned the whole section. Another deep steam crossing left my shoes filled with water making the ensuing muddy climb the hardest of the race and both the Columbian and Seam repassed me. At this point I reentered the twisty rolling section from earlier in the race but going the opposite direction. This section had actually dried out nicely and I was really able to go hard for the next 2 mi. Just when I thought I’d have smooth sailing back to the finish the trail turned muddy again and I began to catch several beginner class riders who’s shorter course had rejoined the main race. I passed as often as I could on the muddy single track and regained contact with Sean. He let me by as we crossed another stream and I soon found the fire road back to the finish. As short detour through puddle filled section and I was at the finish both bike and body caked with mud; time 2:28. This race was 5 miles and 40 minutes longer than any previous race. Add the mud to the mix and I was worked. Though I knew I was among the first sports to finish I had no idea where I was I my class. I grabbed some recovery drink and anxiously waited for the results. A few minute later they stapled my tag to the board; Sport 45-49 1st place. Now I had a State Championship to go with my So-Cal Series and Rim Nordic Series Titles; a season way beyond my expectations. [/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Now it’s time to step up to Expert and try my luck against some of the best racers in the country as three of five Nationals podium finishers will be in my class next year. My performance in this expert length race gives me something build on for next year as I actually beat all the 45-49 Experts. Thanks to all my Platinum teammates who passed me bottles, shouted encouragement and gave me advice this season. A special thanks to Todd Booth for making a place for me on the team at the last minute.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[surlygal]

Congrats on the great season! and even BIGGER PROPS for moving up to Expert next year

[STP]

Wow....! Now you can race one of those Costa Rican jungle races, like the La Ruta de las Conquistadores. You've picked up the wet riding condition experience that's for sure! Great write-up and great race! Congratulations on a great season and looking forward to rolling out with you next year.

[deja vu]

that is very cool, congratulations!! Beat all the 45-49 experts, sandbagger!! (kidding!!) That must be tough to do, awesome. What kind of bike do you run? Any special tires used for the race? Any results posted yet?

[jbiron]

I ride a Giant XTC HT with Schwalbe Racing Ralphs, 2.25 f, 2.1 r. They have low widely spaced knobs that didn't pack up to much. It really didn't matter what tire you had for the descents; everyone was slipp'n and slidd'n.

You can find results here:Schwalbe Racing Ralphchwalbe Racing RalphScSchwalbe Racing http://www.teambigfoot.net/LagrangeFallClassic07.htmRalphhwalbe Racing Ralph

[Wrecker]

Congrats! Great write up, thanks for sharing

[Pugz]

Congrats on a great finish and a good write up, do you have any pics?

[jbiron]

No action shots of me, but here's a couple of my teammates, one of my bike, and me with the ageless wonder and fellow Champ, Terry Dahl.