Sierra Cup #3 Ridin' High at the Ranch

I was hoping for a better trip because we were in the Forerunner and some better attitude as well. I fell asleep just before we got there but felt refreshed instead of sleepy.On my pre-ride I noticed the course was very fun and hilly at the start. I felt great before the race and felt great during the race.

The whole first part of the race was uphill. Another racer, Arturo, and I battled the whole time. We both pushed our bike up a hill but I couldn't jump back on fast enough and he passed me. On the last part he sprinted so I wasn't able to pass and we were right together. I the last corner, I wasted some time and couldn't make the pass. I got second.

I was happy with my race and my attitude. My grandpa came to my race for the first time so that was nice. Thanks to Roseville Cyclery for all of the help with keeping my bike and gear in good shape. Thanks to Julie Young for the training and feedback to keep me competitive for first place throughout the race.

Sierra Cup Race #2 Pinenut Cracker

The first NV Dirt Classic was Sierra Cup #1. I was anxious to race another Sierra Cup Race. It was outside of Reno near Gardnerville. It was an early morning and I didn't eat before the race. I got car sick on the way partly because we had to take the truck and it was very cramped.

When we got there my mood wasn't great. I pre-rode a tiny section and got all worried about the last lap, multi-lap routes. Turns out it was fine and well marked during the race. Before the race, I tried to stay out of the wind but that caused my legs to get cold. I started out feeling like I was carrying 2 sandbags.

A group of four racers left me in the dust so I was alone for the rest of the race. My attitude during the race killed me and the course was hard. I was glad to see the finish line. But when I came around the last sketchy, dippy corner, I saw a kid lying on the ground. I instantly noted that it was my friend Crispin. I follow him on Strava and he's on the Reno-Tahoe team. Adin, another racer, said that he hit the dip and went over his bars. He had a concussion but I'm sure he'll be back soon.

I ended up third but wouldn't have been on the podium if Crispin hadn't crashed.  It wasn't a deserved finish.
Thanks to Roseville Cyclery for keeping my bike in perfect running condition and Julie for the extra strength training.

(Typist's note: I didn't get any pictures before or during the race because it was kind of a rotten day. He didn't want the podium picture included)