As part of the 2011 Team NFI’s goals was to do as many free events as possible. The first being the Buttertart Tour about a month ago.
After getting the info from Endo Racing in Brockville. Info meaning a invite to join in. Amazing how you get stuff like that when it’s time. So loaded up the team car and up the highway we went.
The gathering spot was a old gravel pit out in Limerick. After some random hello’s the plan was announced by those who I think where in charge. One has to keep in mind that this is a free event so it’s closer to old school mountain bike racing. And so we went out on what was deemed a neutral lap to get a rough idea of the course.
After the easy one lap preride we gathered back on the road for the go. The course was 3 laps of the preride where the final instructions. Then it was go. Being the first sprint ype event in years took it easy for a bit. This was after all a short course style race and it’s been a long time since I went that hard and fast. And it was a better plan to save the go harder faster for the last lap. Basically build up the pace over the 3 laps.
Lap 1 was racing pace. Though not as fast as later. Took advantage of the trails little rollers.. pump track method. Looking for extra speed without effort. Rail the mini berms where ever they can be found. Hop the roots and loft the drops.
Lap 2.. Same as Lap 1 but go a bit faster and harder. made one little screw up and didn’t get mad. Misjudged the corner a little. Got passed at the beginning by of the lap by a high school kid. No big deal. Figured I’d end up passing him in lap 3 so let him have the lead. Even though I let him know don’t worry about it just ride. He kept looking nervously back. And after a while this led him to making a mistake. Made a mental note of this.
Lap 3. Same again except all out hard. At the end felt pain in my left knee. And suddenly was done.
After all was done. Good Tuesday night race return. Need to definitely work on strength and speed now. As well as some parts improvements namely.. rear tire, grips, and handlebar. Maybe now I can get a DMR Cr Mo Wingbar.
When I went back to the car the car next to me was the high school kid I passed when I messed up. Asked him how it went and he mentioned he kept looking to see if I was going to pass. He appreciated the info about never looking back. Kind of nice when one is able to pass on the info us old guys learned the hard way.
Next week will have fresh rear meat.
