Total Domination–Hat Trick Time!

I just got back from the Return on the Jedi. Another stop on the Oregon XC Series with just two races to go and the points chase was still tight. I knew it was time to seal the deal, so I packed up the MoHo and headed south.

Jedi is a rad race. Total old school–it starts pretty much in the middle of the southern Oregon wilderness. The only cell coverage involves driving up a hill a couple miles, getting out of the car, and standing on a mound of dirt! Oh, yeah–good bye civiiization!

The first race Saturday was the short track. My teammate Steve Carwile punched it early, but then dropped off the pace after a few laps. So I drove hard for about half of the 11 lap race, then eased off the gas and cruised to victory numero uno.

After some tasty lunch courtesy of the Blazing Saddles Cafe, I jumped aboard my Scott Ransom and peddled uphill for an hour to the top of the Super D course. This track was a mix of rough double track, smoother fireroad, and some singletrack velvety-smoothness.

While the Ransom was probably too much bike, it still was kickin’ and delivered me to the finish well ahead of the the next closest rider in any category. Win Dos!

I woke up sometime in the middle of the night with my left nostril, eyeball, and ear feeling like they were about to explode–I knew I should have been wearing a dust-mask while sanding Bondo the other day… I covered my head with my down comforter and passed out until an hour before racetime.

The XC is a super grueling big loop with two massive climbs and a load of singletrack. Some of it is off-the-back rocky steepness while the Jedi trail caps off the race with a swooping, buffed out shreadfest.

I was suffering even after getting the early lead on the first section of climbing trail. My teammates Matt Russell and Steve caught up but then we were delayed by some horses for a minute or two. This probably allowed Jon Myers (S&M) to catch us catch us on the long climb to the top of Onion Mounntain.

I gave Jon some leash but then reeled him in just before the upper singletrack climb. Once the knarly descent began, I was in my element and while Myers was dropped, Matt suffered a flat tire. All alone at the front, I twisted the throttle and opened a sizeable advantage prior to winning easily for the third time of the weekend.

The wins gave me a commanding lead in the XC series which is all but sewn up now!

Thanks again for your support,

VP