Race Report: Yellow Creek Monthly MTB Race (Short Version)

With only a bit time before we hit the road to go the New, I’ll just offer a brief overview of the race, with a longer report to come. The Yellow Creek Monthly series seemed like a good introduction to the world of mountain bike racing, so Alan and I loaded up his car and headed to Indiana, PA. So, here’s the overview of the race, in bullet form:

* The race was well-organized. I thought about adding the qualifier “for a grassroots race,” but the race started on time, the course was well-marked (and quite fun), and the organizers were friendly, and stoked to see people out riding. I don’t think the qualifier is really necessary.
* The course was fun and varied. Lots of flowing single track, with some technical descents (with rocks!) and a stream crossing. It started (wisely) with a service road climb, which separated the field quite nicely before the single track. Oh, and there was a MONSTER climb in the middle of the course.
* I was riding in the top 15 for the first half of the race (maybe closer to 10, even), then I flatted on the rocks. Two other folks were changing tubes, too, but we all lost quite a bit of ground. Though we didn’t stick around for the results, I suspect I may have finished in the top twenty, but I’m not sure.
* The course had some serious mud bogs. Much of it was just tacky (which was just fine with me), but some sections were muddy, and will likely stay that way for awhile.
* The foliage varied wildly between sections. One notable stretch was something out of Rocky Mountain National Park–red dirt, tall pines, lots of ferns. There was also a long stretch of double track next to the lake. Good stuff.
* I am not at all in race shape. I didn’t really bonk at any point, but near the end, going up a hill I thought “gee, there must be mud around my back tire because it’s quite hard to pedal.” Upon further review, mud was not the issue, but my legs. Oh well. What do I expect after only a month of commuting and a couple of trips to Frick in my legs?

Will I go back next month? As long as it fits into our schedule, yes.