Bavarian Bike and Brew - Recap by Henry

Greetings Supporters of Team Sega and many thanks to SEGA\Gameworks, Therapeutic Associates, Black Diamond Bike and Backcountry, FSA, Rudy Project, Schwable, Nuun, Marzocchi and Ritchey for keeping us rolling.

Saturday June 7th drew many of our team's best riders (and me too) to the annual Leavenworth race. Ron, Larry, Matt, Ann, Jarred (honory mention only), Vincent, Russ, Aaron, Erik, Francisco and Joel (not racing yet) were present. Please forgive me if I left your name off.

The weather was mild with mostly sunny temps in the low 60's. Rain from earlier in the week kept the dust to a minimum, but provided plenty of water for the two stream crossings.

As many know, the race sold out. Obviously attendance was good. For example, 30 racers filled out the 35-45 Mens Sport group.

There were no changes in the course from previous years: 4 miles up and about 4 miles down. Beginners did one lap, Sport two, and Expert three laps. Although not a technical course, I find it to be among the more difficult in the series because the climb provides little opportunity for recovery. Indeed, the climb seems to get more difficult as you progress from fire road (the first 1.5 miles) to the single track. The promoters are great about asking riders to yield to passers where possible. Consequently, racers at Leavenworth seem to be very considerate about letting people pass from behind. That may be less true in the expert class? I found this cooperation on the passing issue particularly helpful. My pitiful race began with me positioned right at the front of the start line. "Go!" Within 30 seconds I had been passed by half of my class. Some lady in a wheel chair began to pass me. I was wondering "do these animals know this is a 16 mile race!?" I spent the next 90 minutes passing and passing (later, simply passing out). Strong riders sprint up the 1.5 mile fire road to lock in a good position on the single track. The problem for riders like me is that if you sprint up the fire road, there is nothing left for the most difficult climbing, which is on the single track towards the top. My strategy was to apply hard and steady spinning- no attacking or aggressive assaults on leaders. Go right to the physical limit and hold it for the approximately 40 minute climb. No problem, right?

For me, the descent is quite terrifying. Like many XC riders (Joel and Patrick for sure), I am happiest when my bike s on the ground. The infamous water bars (aka launch pads for bikes) were unchanged- some small, some 3+ feet tall, some placed around corners, some with a landing strip designed for my mom to land a 747 on. All of us take those differently according to our skills and courage. I "jumped" most, but certainly not all of the water bars. I use the word jump in quotes because I jumped them in that incredibly dorky way that we XC riders take jumps. We aren't nearly as cool as downhillers who really launch with grace and authority across water bars, ramps, or drops. Can I get an Amen, Chris? We look like sissies who are too scared to really enjoy what the course has to offer. XC country riders try to absorb the vertical momentum from the jumps. Bikes move faster when they're on the ground too. For me, one byproduct of flying off the jump at 20ish mph with a bike seat in my lower abdomen is the bike usually lands on the front tire first. I hate that. On the Leavenworth descent, I (mostly) stayed out of the endo-danger zone, but I am wondering if my descent (speed and control) would improve by giving a gentle tug on the handle bars as I move my tush back?

It isn't all about the water bars. The descent offers several smooth and fast banking corners that are fun on a level that only a mt. biker can understand. Wow!

I should mention that there was an injury this year. I only have second hand information, but I heard the racer (Sport) broke his nose. I think he was badly hurt. They carried him out- 2ish miles- on a stretcher to the hospital. Poor guy.

The race went well for Team Sega.
Beginners:
Aaron Agudo - 15th place Mens 11 - 14 - cut 10 minutes off of last years time
Erik Beattie - 3rd place Mens 15 - 18
Ann Davis - 12th place Womens all - cut 10 minutes off of last years time

Sports:
Vince Haag - 2nd place Mens 35 - 44
Henry Shaw - 8th place Mens 35 - 44 - cut 9 minutes off of last years time
Russ Moul - 4th place Mens 45+ - cut 10 minutes off of last years time
Francisco Pons - 10th place Mens 45+

Experts:
Matt Lynch - 1st place Mens 45+ - crushed the 3 laps in 2 hours flat
Larry Parfitt - 3rd place Mens 45+ - improved last years time by over a minute a lap
Ron Collins - 21st place Mens 35 - 44

Keep the rubber side down...Henry