Yesterday was the Winter Park mountain bike series race number 3. This is the first cross country mountain bike race I've done in probably 15 years. To be clear, the one I did over 15 years ago was the only other cross country mountain bike race I've ever done. So, if you're counting at home, that makes two.

Blue Sky was very well represented with 14 folks lined up across several race categories. I lined up with the Sport 40-44 group with Blue Skyer Michael Starck. Mr. Hole Shot was one group ahead with the young guys. The start was a fire road climb for a mile or so that led into a single track descent. This was my kind of start to a race. The group of about 50 (they combine the 40-44 and 45-49 for the start) split up quickly on the climb. At the front was a group of about six guys that contained Mr. Starck followed by the next group of about six guys that I was in. I was feeling pretty good and ducked into the single track 3rd in my group.

We flew down the descent and at one point we had to yell at the guy in front who was holding a bunch of guys back. He pulled over and we picked up the pace and just as we got to the bottom and the beginning of the next climb we had caught the leaders! As I began the start of the steep technical climb I dropped into the granny gear but my chain just kept going and got stuck between the frame. Argh! I tried desperately to get it unstuck, but I couldn't get it out. After about five minutes of frustration and watching an untold number of riders go by, a guy pulls up and asked if I need help. He helps me get it out and I jump back on and try to regroup. After getting back into a rhythm on the climb I start picking guys off again. Ok, not too bad I tell myself. Just keep a good pace and you'll be AOK. Well, during the rest of the race I have the chain drop/stuck problem 4 more times. Operator error? Problem with the bike? Not sure, but it sure killed the momentum. I soldier on and finish the race in an hour and thirty-five minutes, good for 26th out 31 in my group.

Minus the mechanical problems, I think I had a good race. I was happy with my improved descending and my fitness was good for where I'm at in preparing for cross. Good times!