12 Hours of Temecula

Josh and I joined forces again to compete in the 2 person Co-ed category at the 12 Hours of Temecula. This time we were accompanied by our other Sho-Air teammates Todd, Brad, Super Mario, Matt, and Fuzzy. Todd and Brad took first place in the 2 person open, Super Mario was leading the solo pack but didn't have the legs this early in the season to take the win. Josh and I took 2nd place, beaten once again by the super strong Pro team Spinergy. I felt really great through most of the race. Last time I had a bit of trouble with over fueling between laps. This time I may have under fueled just a tad because I started to bonk on lap 4. But I knew how to fix it and the problem was solved by my next lap. I can tell that Lynda's training is working. I was definitely stronger on the straightaways, an area I had trouble before. I even rode down every sandy, technical section without mishap, which is quite a feat for me! Matt and Fuzzy were the real heroes of the day, taking care of all our needs and supporting us to our fine finishes. We owe them!

Josh praying that his teammate will race fast!

Southridge Race #1

I made a very last minute decision to compete at the Southridge Winter Series XC MTB Race at Fontana, CA. Even on the drive out there I was hesitant about racing because it was super cold and windy. Am I getting soft? Nah,,,it's just that I spend so much time suffering through poor conditions during adventure races that I feel like avoiding the suffering whenever I can. But once I got there, the atmosphere, my Sho-Air teammates and the vibe of competition motivated me to race. It was fun to ride a new, unfamiliar course, and the gusting winds made it even more exciting! I'm also looking to use the XC races as tools for getting speedier and for overcoming my fear of "short" races. It was good practice for me to ride down technical sandy sections because that seems to be one of my weaknesses. Turned out pretty well as I finished 1st in the Sport Women category (and there were 5 other women racing! ;-)

And a huge congratulations to a wonderful showing for the Sho-Air team! Super Mario Correa - 1st place Expert Male 35+; Josh Smith - 1st place Expert Male 31-34; Ty Kady - 1st place Semi Pro Male; Craig Hopps - 4th place Expert Male 35+

Todd Stephenson - 1st Male Singlespeed

Brad Stephenson - 2nd Pro Male