Prisoner At Granogue

Wow, I forgot how fast a Pro level MTB race starts.... I can't remember the last regular XC race I did; but it was at least 2004. Now I know why I like Triathlon and endurance events! Actually, the Granogue race this past Saturday was a lot of fun, and definitely what I needed to wake up to the effort needed from me in June. The XTERRA East Championship in Richmond is on similar terrain, and definitely something I want to be ready for in a few weeks. The big difference is the start.... when you get out of the water and on the bike in XTERRA you are already in race mode, and the competition is spread out. Not at Granogue; the first section of the start was the same as the cyclocross race in October with the climb by the tower; then we went down and around a few fields which was good, but then we hit the singletrack. There was literally a line at least 10 deep waiting to get into the trail. The last time I saw that I was in Minnesota in 1997 at the NORBA XC in the pouring rain. After a good 30 seconds we finally got rolling again. I was definitely impressed with the fitness level of my competitors, and their technical ability on the twisty course. After the first hour I was finally feeling pretty good and ready to try to move up a little. I ended up passing a few guys here and there, but the race was definitely over before it really started for me on the first lap. Its a different kind of effort required for XC racing and I definitely don't miss it! The good news is that when the race was over I was ready for a run. I definitely enjoyed the race and the course, and maybe one day I will be training for XC racing again. There is one thing for certain: I did not Escape From Granogue and I have a feeling that place will always have me as a prisoner!

Just a word on the rest of the weekend..... this may have been the nicest weather I have ever had on Memorial Day! A great 3 hour brick workout on Sunday followed by a good road day Monday has left me happy, and even showing a little farmer tan. That almost never happens to a 9 to 5'er, but I will take it! I changed my racing schedule this coming week so I could try some road racing for a change. I may be looking into more road events in 2009 with some friends so I will give it a try. Hopefully it will be another great weekend of weather!