Made the trek up to Ganaraska for the Dirty Enduro for the 3rd year. And doing the 30k for year 2. Plus unless I’m getting paid I don’t wake up for 9am starts any more.
On the way up had the mental argument of ride cliplless or flats this year. Or basiically treat this seriously, crap out a liver, and puke at the finish. Or treat it as fun.. bomb the DH’s and skid the corners. I do admit wasn’t feeling the race mentality this year as knowing a month ago was nailed by a car and lost almost 2 weeks. Then messed up my shoulder 2 weeks ago in another bail in the Don. Plus had been thinking about some news I received from BC.
The decision was made just after getting out of the car. Bunch of riders getting all stressed out prestart. Forget that noise let’s have fun this year so flat pedals it is. Maybe watching Klunkerz the night before wasn’t a great idea.
After the pre race briefing it was off. This year there was alot more fireroad to begin which was nice as it allowed the riders to spread out more so there was no pile up at the singletrack. Though it was like a funeral procession with everyone so quiet… no woo hoo’s. A couple of wheelies and the BBBBBRRRRAAAPPPP BBBBBBBRRRRRAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPP noises took care of that. Because this is supposed to be a fun.
Then it was into the singletrack. Since this isn’t being treated as a race I will not bore you with things like elctrolytes, puking, leg cramps, and whether my heart rate was to high. Nor will I whine about there being to much sand. That would remove the fun aspect of this year. Which is why we are all doing it and why get stressed about it all.
Climbing was just that this year. The fun was in the DH’s, clearing root sections with a good hop and launching off the small drops. Then of course railing some corners and some 2 wheel drifts in the sand. basically riding like a goofball. Like a Crazy Canuck pumping some of the bumps for some fun.
Didn’t stop at the aid station like in past years way to easy to stop and delay riding more. So back into the singletrack. And more of the same railing turns and bombing the DH sections. And suddenly it was the last bit before the finish, so popped the bump for a wee bit of air then it was done. After hanging for a bit was to the car to change out of the sweaty gear and back for some chili. Caught up with Dean formerly from the Cycle Solutions crew now of Picton. Met 14 Stone of MTbr fame. Watched the awards then it was time to hit the road.
The Don dirt jumps where calling. Beer, jumps, and other mayhem with friends.
