Went to the high country this weekend to do a little sadistic single speed racing at 10,000 feet! The course layout was similar to past courses there. They started us out up a nice wide dirt road to drag race to the first corner that dropped us into a twisty fast downhill that was covered in wood chips. There were a few Midwest twists to this race such as multiple chicane in the little bit of grass that was there, as well as, sand and a nasty little (not so little) run up (that Jake Wells rode EVERY time).

It was 32 degree when we arrived at the venue so I headed over to the RLW table and worked in some embrocation. I have to say that the makers of this stuff go this one right! By the time my race started I was only wearing my kit. No need for extra clothes when the RLW Flahute is working.

At the start I got the call up, second row, I looked around at all the serious racers and shaking cold legs. The whistle blew and everyone gunned it. I was running a 42X17 so I spun up quickly. Half way up the hill people started dropping. By the top of the hill I was sitting on the tail of the lead group (maybe 15). We dropped in to the wood chips and railed. I sat around 15th for the first couple of laps and then I noticed that my seat was low (about an inch). Again the boys at RLW came through. They were in the pits waiting with the tools. I fixed the seat and went back out. I didn't lose much time, but in a 35 open race a second can be a life time.

I drilled it up the hills and then started day dreaming about the single speed race that I was going to do in 6 hours. I knew that I wasn't going to catch any more rides so i sat up a bit and just pedaled. I didn't win but I wasn't DFL either.

I rubbed in some post RLW, sat down and cheered for the rest of the day. As the day went on I realized that i pushed too hard in the open race and the fear of racing in the single speed race and doing well was creeping into my head.

At 3:46 I was racing again. It was a pretty stacked field, mostly cat 1-2 guys. The ref blew his whistle and everyone pinned it in to a head wind. Somehow I was leading up the hill. About 1/2 way up I slowed to let people block the headwind for me. As I slowed, 5 guys pinned it.

The course was a bit different because of all the riding throughout the day. It was very flowy and pretty fun. I knew that I wasn't going to bridge the gap because of the gear ratio and how I felt. The race of the race was me trying to flow and not use any brakes. I have to say it was pretty awesome to ride and only focus on flow instead of race leaders. I finished the day in 10th (out of 20 plus starters).

When it was all said and done I was pretty satisfied with 10th. Two a day's hurt!!!! Mad props to the Crossniacs who all doubled up at 10k feet! And thanks to RLW for the pre, post and flahute (and the hand ups) that helped me keep my legs and knees warm and helped me cool down.