VCHSS - Pipsico

In an effort to finish up my Skoolie project (3+ years so far), I've sat out the majority of VCHSS races this season, only making it to three thus far.

I suppose I've been a bit lax on riding my mountain bike also, and I think those losses in physical stamina were on full display this weekend.

Although I did catch the 1st place rider near the end of the first lap (which was run as a "double-lap" as we circumvented the start/finish line initially), I was well-aware that my arms and legs were beginning to feel heavy.

I knew I'd need to stay alert most of the race, though, since the dry conditions meant deep silt were piling up, concealing hidden obstacles underneath. I typically attempt to stay seated during these races to conserve energy, but this course did not allow for that luxury.



For nearly the entire second lap, I attempted to pass Mike, the rider in first place. Eventually, we caught traffic which made the pass even more unlikely. I had made the choice to divert from Mike's line whenever he attempted to get around the traffic, in the hopes of passing him (whether or not that meant I got ahead of the traffic). At one of the hillclimbs he went left, so I chose to go right. That was a BIG mistake, as that option was clearly the long way through. I not only stayed behind the traffic, but slipped into third place as our other class competitor, Tim had caught us both.

I eventually made it back to the two of them, but then a root hidden under deep silt turned my wheel and sent me into a tree. I flew over the bars, smashing my thigh on the way over.

When I got off the ground I spent a moment just making sure my leg could hold weight before hopping back on the bike.

Not much of that lap was left, and my leg was throbbing, so I decided to simply finish out the race without another fall.



I stood most of the last lap, as bending my leg meant a possible cramp. That lap was when I realized just how out-of-shape I'd become. It was rather hard to stay in the upright stance, but I made it to the end without issue, finishing in third place about a minute and a half behind Tim, who'd overtaken Mike.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Follow