Haile's Trails is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Newberry, Florida. A popular cross-country race loop that's only rideable during race weekends.The property is only open on FSC / FLE race weekends. On Saturday, the trails are open to everyone. On Sunday, they are only open to registered racers.
The racecourse views are breathtaking, the singletrack is in great condition and flows well, and you will be tested by the rugged terrain. Mainly the chunky rocks that are scattered around an old rock quarry. There are many elevation changes using the quarry terrain and medium to long climbs throughout. This makes the racing exciting. The 2022 version of the Highway to Haile's presented by Gone Riding had the course running in the opposite direction. The race had racers doing 5 laps on a approximately 6 mile course.With a big turn out the stage was set for an action packed day.
This race demands you go hard in every section of old quarry singketrack to hold your position and then try to hang on in the fire road sections. I settled into a good group after the first section of punchy hills and about halfway through the first lap, I put in a couple of big efforts and made a few passes on the singletrack. I was feeling good and started to get into my groove.
On the start of lap 2, I was presented me with a mechanical. A broken dropper post.I decided to continue and try to maintain my position and make gains were I could. For the remainder of the race I had to race with a super low seat.This did present me with an interesting day in the saddle. I was able to dig deep and work my way up to P4 for the day.
What did I learn? I had high hopes for this race but as Mike Tyson once said "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." The mechanical definitely tested my ability to persevere and and overcome. My conclusion, If you keep going, your mental strength, determination, and perseverance will eventually pay off.
I would like to sincerely say thank you to our sponsors for having such a caring and giving heart because without their support for events like this it would not have been possible. Thank you ESI Grips, Honey Stinger, Togs and Vittoria Tires and Speed Lab 
Comments
Post a Comment