Saturday I race the Whiskey Off Road 50 for the 4th time. I DNFd once, should have been DSQ once, and last year gutted out rain/sleet/snow/dirt/wind insanity. Hoping this year is truly a great day on the bike.
The Whiskey feels very "Arizona". Laid back vibe with riders who can rip your legs off going uphill, and demonstrate that you're a giant wimp going down. No matter what you do on the course, there's great people, good music, and good beer at the finish line.
There's also a little bit of a scene...
My prep is what it is. I may ride faster than before, I may not. I have my list of stuff to take, nutrition to take on, etc. I don't have to worry about podium position, so I put the knobby on the line, and take the (hopefully less than) 5 hours to enjoy riding as fast as I can with no other worries. Nice bonus that people will have some food and water for me along the way, and I get a glass when I finish.
My kit is usually utilitarian. Shorts that fit, a jersey that lets me put stuff in the pockets and does not itch. Socks that don't hurt my feet.
This year I have a decision to make. Two pieces of kit arrived in the mail this week. Do I wear the colors of my favorite shop (RIP Nobilette Cycle Cellar), or do I wear the colors of what can best be described as a "movement". Whatever happens Saturday, I know one thing. Flying with Shadetree or DC will make me feel a little more like an AZ MTBer when I'm done.
The Whiskey feels very "Arizona". Laid back vibe with riders who can rip your legs off going uphill, and demonstrate that you're a giant wimp going down. No matter what you do on the course, there's great people, good music, and good beer at the finish line.
There's also a little bit of a scene...
My prep is what it is. I may ride faster than before, I may not. I have my list of stuff to take, nutrition to take on, etc. I don't have to worry about podium position, so I put the knobby on the line, and take the (hopefully less than) 5 hours to enjoy riding as fast as I can with no other worries. Nice bonus that people will have some food and water for me along the way, and I get a glass when I finish.
My kit is usually utilitarian. Shorts that fit, a jersey that lets me put stuff in the pockets and does not itch. Socks that don't hurt my feet.
This year I have a decision to make. Two pieces of kit arrived in the mail this week. Do I wear the colors of my favorite shop (RIP Nobilette Cycle Cellar), or do I wear the colors of what can best be described as a "movement". Whatever happens Saturday, I know one thing. Flying with Shadetree or DC will make me feel a little more like an AZ MTBer when I'm done.
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