RR: Fontucky RR xc

[andy aka rut]

When I arrived at the Southridge race the temp was a frigid 41 degrees. The wind was blowing hard and the sun was still behind the mountain. It was bone cold. The kind of cold that chills the core. I signed up for the race and noticed a few other singlespeeds in the sea of bikes.

Soon I saw some familiar faces. Maxwell and his daughter wanted to get a little warm-up in so we ventured out to the course. After a 1/4 mile of dirt riding the course heads up a paved mountain road. It was pretty steep and there was a strong head wind for the whole climb; getting stronger as you crest the top. It was now race time so I headed over to the start. MP3 and I yapped for a bit and talked about NewCastles.

I heard rumor that Todd Stephenson was going to be there. Over the last year he has been doing a ton of proper training, so I was "fearing" his presence. There he was in the flesh with a big smile on his face. Everyone introduced themselves and the loud speaker sounded. Todd was off in an instant. I did what I could to keep up with him, but he was just too strong. The first hill climb was painful. We were still cold, tight and stiff. I was stoked to finally crest the top and get on the singletrack. Little did I know we still had climbing to do. Of course singletrack climbing is WAY different than paved road climbing. I much prefer the singletrack climbing. Todd was just getting further and further away. But while he was gaining distance on me, some of the experts were getting closer. It was time to catch some rabbits. One by one they were getting picked off. I was starting to warm up. My legs were starting to feel better and my core was finally feeling some heat.

I could only hope Todd would break a chain or get a flat. Not that I would hope that for anyone. After the first lap Todd had about 2 minutes on me. The second lap was more of the same, but with what seemed stronger winds. Maybe it was just that I wasn't able to draft off anyone. The first big hill climb I felt like I was going backwards. The only way I knew I wasn't was because I was still catching some rabbits. I guess that is one advantage of singlespeeding. You don't have the ability to shift into the granny gear. You just have to stand and suffer. A fire of electrical shocks runs up the legs with each pedal stroke. It was time to concentrate on the rabbits and keep my focus away from the pain. I rode past a few people saying good job. Soon the singletrack was under my wheels again. There is a second hill climb in the back of the course. I really like this climb. You have to concentrate on the terrain instead of the pain. Todd was now completely out of sight. It was time to focus on staying strong and not worry about catching him. I finally crossed the finishline with Todd waiting to say congrat's. He is a true stand up guy-positive, upbeat and considerate. He beat me by 4 minutes. I didn't get to meet any STR people, at least you didn't let me know you were from here.
Congrat's to everyone who raced this bone chilling event. See you in two weeks.

[roadkillross]

pics por favor

[Pain Freak]

I couldn't bring myself to face that cold! Can you say "WUSS?"

Good job, Andy. Todd is not an easy guy for anyone to catch.

[Koke]

Podium pic (I assume that's you in 2nd)

[LBmtb]

Nicely written, Andy. Great job on your 2nd place finish!

[Pain Freak]

Yep that's him

[andy aka rut]

Yeah, that is me! Cool and thanks! If you look carefully, you'll notice my left hand is jones'in for a NewCastle!!

[Schecky]

Nice Path jersey. Congrats on 2nd!

[mp3]

Nice job. Next time I have to bring Newcastle. I left in such a rush I forgot to grab the 6-pack in the fridge!

[roadkillross]

im diggin those path jerseys. ive always enjoyed argyle

[maxwell]

SWEET post Andy!!