Mark Checks in!

End of Season Update

My focus this year was on the Oregon XC series. I did a few early season road races to test my form. Fortunately I had a good base and was usually able to keep pace with the state’s elite masters group.

Unfortunately, my form did not progress for the bulk of the XC season. I could not manage to step up to the top 5 to top 10 finishes I hoped for. Life happened to me in the late spring. While, I met family and work commitments, my training became less focused. However, I finished all XC events I entered, (usually in the middle of the field) and managed 7th in the overall State Championship Series. This was a rather lack-luster outcome and less than I hoped for.

I didn’t race at all from July through August, but instead focused my weekend riding on solo MTB rides of 4-6 hours with lots of climbing and technical trails. This prepared me well for my last-ditch effort to make the podium at the “Fat 55″ in Oakridge OR in September. With a field of approximately 60 athletes and no “pro” riders toeing the line- I was pleasantly surprised to find myself with the front group after the first 30 minutes of climbing.

Inspired by my turn of fortune– I probably rode too hard over the first 30 miles as I rode steadily in the top 5 overall. Over the next 27 miles I focused on holding my position but lost a couple of places having to stop and fix a slow leak in my front tire. I endeavered on and managed to hold onto 2nd place in my age group and 9th overall. This netted me my first cash prize since I was 16 years old. Then, as junior rider in 1986, I won $10 for 3rd place in Bend’s “Lava Lands Stage Race.” 25 years later, my inflation-adjusted beavy was a generous $95 in cash (+ cool swag and grog). This was nearly enough to cover my expenses for the day.

All in all, 2010 was a good year, both on and off the bike. A few months disappointment made the end all the sweeter.

Thanks to EvanPlews.com and Kenda USA for continued support. I’m looking forward to yet another year of battles on the bike.

Mark Rasmussen