Salsa 24

The Goat

Lap #3 - 2nd Night Lap

After all the rigamarore of going back and forth between riding solo or filling in on a 4 person co-ed team, I landed myself on a co-ed duo team w/good pal "the goat" (given that name for his extreme climbing abilities). He kept me on my toes from the start of the race when I had to scurry to put his # plate on his bike amidst all the other bikes scattered about for the start. Orange Kona... found it!Phhhsssshew.

First 6 laps we did one on/one off. My first lap was nice. It was only hour 2 of 24 & I knew we had a long way to go. I felt I pushed myself in a conservative fashion. This being my second year at Afton & 3rd event here, I felt I had a better handle on the course & what to expect. I did my best to stay on my damn bike for the hills, but Shady Lane & Manhandler still got the best of me... not that walking those gave much relief! My heels have developed a hatred for me, for not wearing socks on my first 2 laps. The technical & gnarly down hill sections that I was repeatedly warned about were not an issue (minus the teeny otb at the sharp left hand turn into the steep,rooty/rocky descent... which one right?). I had my fastest lap at sixty one minutes & eight seconds... damnit - was hoping to have a sub 60 minute lap this year... there's always next year. Laps 2 & 3 were in the dark... and dark they were... legs were getting heavy, grass was getting dewy, the wind was starting to hit you on the face of the mountain like a throaty whisper reminding you how cold, dark, & lonely it was out there. Not to mention, I had to keep visions of bears & wolves at bay as my imagination has no boundaries in when it's dark & I'm alone... Usually, I like riding alone, not having to worry about passing or being passed, but some company sure would have been nice out at those moments.
Sleep, that night was elusive. The damp, the cold, the loud MORCers... it just wasn't possible. At least I was fed and off my feet.

Morning came - wasn't sure how I was going to feel considering after my 3rd lap I was feeling pretty beat up. Goat started the day & I followed. Lap 4 felt pretty good.

Ended up with 5 laps - the goat with 7 - we finished 1st out of 3 teams in our category. The swag left much to be desired for a first place finish, but I won't complain - I enjoyed every minute & am looking forward to another year at Afton! Maybe solo next year?...

Time to prep for Laddies Loppet in Maplelag this weekend... Over and out.