swan song

Incredible conditions consisting of just under freezing temperatures, plentiful snow, little wind, & bright rays greeted athletes for the last time permitted to stomp around this amazing course! I could write a book on how the race boiled down so to mention the constant jostling of placement would be the easy way to sum it up. A half dozen enduro tough guys(mostly local) would find themselves sharing the lead or trailing behind as the caboose. Gaps would open and later bridged as nobody could tell who had the stamina for victory which made it the most exciting of the seven times I've participated. Unfortunately for me, it would probably tie as the worst my legs have been as it was evident after completing the preliminary B loop I wouldn't be able to fend off any challengers. Moose mountain never seems to bother me like the power lines and river crossings which again played out the same. However, going west thru the sugary ice along the pond before reaching the main aid station tent gave me confidence. A final lap that includes a field of lumpy tracks remained and I found a pleasant surge to energy as we approached the top of the park. Gaining a couple spots as Chris and Erik would bonk hard secured me third overall coming down the ski trails to the pavilion.

Banquet was stellar like always having bevvies and pizza pies. The keg of lager was tapped rather quickly but to my delight there were leftovers to eat! Either people weren't hungry or they ordered enough which meant I packed away ~1 1/2 in my tummy!! Things got a little emotional too as individuals presented event coordinator, Barb Van Skike w/gifts & memorabilia. Following the conclusion, Jen and I went over to Carmody Irish Pub w/a group of friends that came from River Falls, WI. Car bombs, lemon drops, Old Style & micro brews got us all lit and having an absolute blast!!! By 1:15 AM, we decided to flounder our drunken asses home. The next morning, Jen treated me to a never disappointing breakfast @ New London Cafe. Around 1:15 PM in the afternoon I'd be pedaling my bike up the snomo trail to meet Dave Hyopponen in the lot off of Martin Road. We had fun on the packed base that held up OK to the above freezing temperatures but occasionally sank a tire. Last night's escapade dampened any chances to get an early departure, so, a lame 2 1/2 hours would have to do.......