#stxc

Short Track lap 1 madness at today's US Cup in Fontana.

I had a decent start from last row, then we were fighting for not-last and, on lap 4, I had to stop quick to pull out a branch from my derailleur. But that was it! Only 4 laps for us. The leaders' pace was insane; gg

Yesterday's plan was a big mtb ride leaving from Denver and heading out to the trails.  I woke up feeling fairly crappy; a headache from having a couple of beers the night before (alcohol has been having an over intensified effect on me lately)...my stomach was still in terrible shape and I had a sore throat. 

Last week was a rest week for me and I still managed to get in 12 hours of riding.  It was pouring rain for 2 days straight and I really needed the break, but I'm still pleased I got in over 10 hours.  Despite the issues with my body, I was ready to hit it hard and change

John and I made waffles and I slathered almond butter and agave because I knew it would be filling (and holy crap, AMAZING at that. So good.)  We did some bike maintenance and threw on our kits to head out for a ~5 hour day.

We rode out towards Golden and went over S. Table Mountain, which provides a fairly easy, short ascent, a flat rocky section, and a descent which surprises with a few very steep sections.  We rode into Golden and began the climb up to Lookout Mtn to connect on Chimney Gulch.  The climb to Lookout, even on a road bike, is never forgiving. 

We hopped on Chimney Gulch which is a lung buster like most of the front rage trails; it provides great singletrack, some techy sections, power-climbs, but the whole thing flows very well.  After reaching the top, we headed down the connector trail to Apex.  Apex is very technical.  It's not exactly a cross-country trail; more of an all-mountain trail.  For someone who is only in their second season of mountain biking and who is awful at descending, Apex is a good place to practice.

With tired legs/lungs and empty stomachs, we rode back to Denver, completely out of gas.  Post-ride meal?  We stopped at Park and Co. where I inhaled a veggie patty with a fried egg and avocado on mixed greens (since I can't have the bun) as well as a mixed basket of fries.  Oh, and a few sips of Coca Cola...shh.

The ride was probably 45-50 miles and roughly 5 hours... it's about equivalent to doing about 80-100 with lots of climbing on the road.

Today?  Racing the New Belgium STXC in FoCo.  Tomorrow?  Riding up to Boulder to race the CU STXC.