For some athletes it is the end of the season, for others there is still some good racing left. For me, it is riding the tide of post-race fitness. The Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race, four weeks ago, was the last race of my season.
I had a very light week the week after the race and volunteered at the Leadville 100 Running Race. A tough weekend for the runners, with a good deal of rain and some snow; but nice for me as I slept in my car with the rain gently tapping on the roof.
If you click on the link above, there is another link leading to videos showing various trails. It is really a nice park filled with plenty of singletrack. I went with riders that are significantly better on technical terrain than I am, and lucky for me, they are patient and willing to give me pointers on how to be a better rider.
I forgot my camera, but Steve posted some nice shots on his site. Click on any of the shots to enlarge the photo. (Todd with a pick axe is nice...) I'm also told that Todd got video footage of several of us riding down a steepish rocky section. Did I mention that screaming improves your ability to ride tough sections? Some people prefer grunting, others a vocal "Hi-ya!" or a "Yiyeee!" What ever works.
A couple of days ago, I got a call from one of my old trail running buddies, Don Lorenzen (aka Goatman). He offered to take me dirt bike (the kind with an engine) riding tomorrow. I snapped up that offer.
Don is a great guy and I'm told he is an incredible motorcycle rider, as well as a great moto-skills teacher. I know Don raced flat track when he was slightly younger (I've seen photos in his office) and he may have been a motocross racer as well. I'll get more details tomorrow.
I there are probably six or eight of us heading to the town of Mountain Home, Wyoming. I haven't been on a motorcycle since I was about 14 or 15. Hopefully I won't be a complete dork...