First few turns reminded me about the course and also why it is so important to pre-ride the course (which I didn’t). I was hanging with the front guys, lost them half way through the first lap and then just blewup half way throughthe second lap. I had a headache so bad that I was straining my eyes to focus on the down hills. One of the guys in my group fell here and broke his helmet. He is okay, but a reminder as to why we wear helmets and why I needed to focus so intently on the course—nearly impossible with my head pounding. I will save you the effort. I finished 8/9 and the only guy I beat was in the med tent getting looked at with his broken helmet.
Top 10 Signs that You are finishing DFL (Dead Last) in your group (some of these I made up, some really happened to me today.)
- The water hand up station is closed prior to your last lap.
- When you finish, the photographers have already uploaded their pictures for purchase.
- The results are posted before you finish (this actually happened today).
- They ask you if anyone else is on the course when you finish.
- The race organizers wonder how many course flags you picked up on your way in.
- Neil Sharphorne claps and says, “way to go old timer”!
- The leaves have changed and they ask if you want a hunter’s safety vest for your last lap.
- Your Gel Shots shelf life expires while you are riding.
- The team sponsors change during the race.
- 10. The end of winter party starts just as you cross the finish line.
I hate Addison Oaks….maybe next year.