Greenbrier, MD, and more.

Last weekend I attempted to race in Maryland, along with Corey and Alex. The drive down went well, and after check-in we went for a preride. The course is a good race loop. Nothing technical, 5+ miles with two 4-5 minute climbs in the woods, and two fun downhills to match them. Rocks were everywhere, like baby heads half buried in the ground. The preride was fun, and i was excited to be racing the next day, even though my illness was still lingering and i was not feeling near 100%. hey, racing is racing, and it's been a long off-season.

Immediately after our preride torrents of rain started to fall. Driving back to the hotel cars were waiting on the side of the road waiting for this rain to subside, and vision was restricted to a good 50ft.

The next morning the course was soaked. The last downhill might well have been under water, and the lake that was adjacent to the race course had overflowed onto sections of the loop. Corey was reduced to racing in the sport class because of just getting a USCF licence, so his race was earlier 10 or so. Alex's and my race was later, around noon.

It was a good race for Corey, who finished third, and got his upgrade to expert!

I wish i could say the same. I lined up in the back of the semi-pro field wishing i was at home. When the race started, it was hard right away, but i settled into 6-7 place going back and forth with a guy on a scalpel. unfortunately the second downhill on the second lap was not good to me, and i flatted. Very angry, i finished my lap and continued to ride the flat for another lap, being lapped by the pros, and stopping to put leaves into the tire (it doesn't work by the way.)

After about an hour of this i had enough. Somewhat satisfied by the damage i had done to my disobedient rim, and all out of rage i told them i would DNF.

This week i was faced with building a new wheel, luckily Eric had some used 717 hoops and some dt revolution spokes that were the right length! I built a wheel that is at least 100g lighter than the defiant rim, and much sexier even if it doesn't match the front.

Mounted is a real life UST tire with super thick sidewalls. That, some tools, and higher pressure will hopefully end my 1 out of 4 DNF ratio.

Next up is Tymor park, and maybe a farmall or two to boost confidence before that.