Race Report: Missoula MT

Posted by The Rev in Scripture on November 24, 2008 | one response

Here it goes ladies and gents, boys and girls, another cross race up in the Big Sky for me to report on. We’ll start with Saturday afternoon, where ten members of “the mangy crew” met up for a group mountain bike ride. Ten guys, all on 29ers, all with different sounding rear wheels, and some great singletrack made for a phenomenal three hours in the saddle. The ride finished and everyone went on their separate way, knowing we would meet up later that evening. Our gathering was for the premiere of the documentary film Giro D’iscovery. During the summer of 2007, ten of Missoula’s finest cyclist hit the road for a 21 mile 2,000 mile odyssey through the Rockies, studying the effects of stress on the body. The movie was great, and the post race gathering downtown was even greater, full of “man shots”, massive plates of nachos, and the promise of a terrible hangover come morning. When the morning came, I was short on motivation to race, however Soph and KG changed my mind, and I got my shit together for the race.

As old man winter gets closer and closer to setting up shop here, the weather for cross is becoming more appropriate. Temps in the 40’s, not a ray of sunshine in the sky, and a constant threat of rain, made this race feel authentic. Anyway the course consisted of long straightaways, tight turns around trees, a woodchip pile, and an irrigation ditch. Big ups to Kyle Shannon and Elliot Bessetti for putting together a great course. We head off, and as usual I take my spot at the back of the pack, planning to hang out there all day long. At certain points I manage to pass some folks, nothing too special, but at least I was feeling strong. Maybe I get too cocky, and as I head around a turn, I lose my front wheel, and take a digger. My knee feels terrible, but I can still pedal my bike, so I soldier on, although at a much slower speed for a lap. In the end I wind up at the back of the pack, but enjoyed the course, and the time spent pedaling about. My apologies this report isn’t longer, but I’m sure you’ll get over it. Until next time, go ride your bike as much as possible, before its too cold to get rides in.

Brother Andrew