Chainbuster Racing’s The Bear 6\3hr MTB race at Yonah Preserve kicked off the endurance series this weekend in the beautiful little mountain town of Cleveland, Georgia. It was great to be a part of such a huge turnout and hang out with my Georgia racing friends along with some other great folks that made the drive from Alabama.
I got in town Friday afternoon and was able to get a pre-ride in. This is definitely one of my favorite trail systems for all of its roller-coaster descents, especially the ones through the rhododendrons. I rode with Derrick to take some stuff to Jason on the course as they were getting some markings ironed out. I rode some more, then called in some marking advice from the trailhead parking lot on course. With those stops I still had a 10mph average. I was really enjoying those descents.
On race day it was awesome to see so many racers gathered around for announcements. More special was immediately afterward as many of them moved to the podiums to be a part of fellowship as Jere Colley shared a very special prayer for the Chandler family’s recent loss, and we all blessed Adin and Noah together. The number of collegiate racers who took part gives me so much hope for our future.
I had prepared myself to stay in a good headspace during the race. I gave myself some goals that I was confident would help me to have a good race. I got a good warmup right before rolling out, I didn’t chase the front at the beginning, and I waited until my body said go to start hitting it hard. Anytime my heart rate hit 150ish, I would dial it back and ride smart until I recovered.
On my fourth lap, I just could not deal with that long gravel road climb anymore. All the rest of this course will spoil you with it’s fun and beauty, but this climb was the kick in the groin that reminded you that racing is not all about roses and sunshine. I mentally hung it up after my fourth lap and hung out with friends cheering on the other racers. Once I finally felt human again, I hopped back on for a fifth lap to just ride a fun lap with Josh as he joined Jen on her last lap.
Compared to last year, where I rode six laps and got forty-five miles in, I rode five laps on the new course and got the exact same mileage. This one hurt more. Because last year’s route was so fun, I recommend swapping back next year to be the gimme that gets ‘em hooked in before we really hurt them with the rest of the season.
Thanks to Jason and Dawn, The Hogan’s and the greater Chainbuster family, the sponsors, and all of the local volunteers that come out of the woodwork to make these days so special for those of us racing. What a great reunion with rarely seen faces and an amazing day on bikes. Congrats to all the podium earners too!