The 2021 FLE #7 - 30/60 mile MTB race took place on a 6.8 mile loop of pure single track at the famous Santos MTB Park. Santos boasts 81,290 acres of pure off-road riding bliss. Santos is the largest and best known mountain biking park in the Ocala, Florida area.
Unless you like the heat, humidity and energy sucking wet trails, you were very lucky to miss this race! I don't do well with extreme heat. The temperature that was displayed on my Garmin at the start of the race was 92 degrees and relative humidity of 77 percent. From the first climb until my back wheel crossed the finish line the fun was out of the bag -- the party was on survival mode as it was a sweat fest. My sweat drenched my kit and was dripping into my eyes. I wasn't anywhere near muscle fatigued, or any other type of worn down, it was just hot, hot and more hot. This was my first mountain bike race that offered such extreme riding conditions.
I knew with all the recent rain that it would be wet out there, the course would be especially challenging. My assumptions were accurate as this was proven through some of the more technical sections. The demanding single track allowed racers to test their skills over picturesque flowing technical trails. Terrain including grass, mud, asphalt, gravel, sand, roots, rocks, and the “Equalizer” a challenging set of steep rooty climbs.
I knew with all the recent rain that it would be wet out there, the course would be especially challenging. My assumptions were accurate as this was proven through some of the more technical sections. The demanding single track allowed racers to test their skills over picturesque flowing technical trails. Terrain including grass, mud, asphalt, gravel, sand, roots, rocks, and the “Equalizer” a challenging set of steep rooty climbs.
In the end, I crossed the finish line feeling pretty happy with both my effort and result. I was able to land on the podium. I had finished fifth on the day. With this finish, it moved me into fourth position in the overall standings. Despite just moving to the Orlando area and suffering a nasty broken ankle, I was able to quickly mend my ankle and get back on the starting line. I'm ecstatic about where I finished because I was only able to race in four out of the seven races that the series had to offer. Well that's a wrap to our local racing endurance season. I think it went well. Its been an exciting season and the racing was great. Big shout out to Gone Riding as they provided a fun and friendly atmosphere, while combining camaraderie and competition.
A big thankyou to our sponsors for their continued support! Athlossports, ESI Grips, Honey Stinger, Vittoria Tires, Togs, Your contributions is what helps make our program a success.
 |
| Fifth place on the day. Hard, hot, humid battle! |
Comments
Post a Comment