Singlespeed National UN-Championship–USA Cycling FAIL!

Ibis Tranny taking in Mars Ridge

Against any sort of good judgment, I headed to Sun Valley for the 2011 national event only planning to race single speed. My Ibis pal Don Myrah and I rolled out for a pre-ride on our geared bikes and it became instantly apparent that the race was going to be another joke.

The course began with some fun single track (if riding downhill) instead it was more of the “un-climb-able” climb challenge. This led to steep uphill fire-road followed by an equally steep gravel road descent. The main loop was completed on a long switchback trail followed by a lap around the ski lodge which included about a hundred yards of man-made rock garden which was flat to slightly uphill.

First amusement was arriving at the venue in the afternoon only to discover that the registration was “closed”. Apparently USAC officials are taking siestas now or need naps to handle their stressful jobs—afterall they have to yell at their customers all day! Having a couple hours to kill Don and I “pre-rode” the course which amounted to pushing our bikes up at least half the trail then coasting back down. Since I had gears on my bike this wasn’t a good sign!

I set my bike up with the lowest gearing I owned and used all season (2:1) and tried not to think about having to race my bike at 7:30AM. We were up in time and rode across town for the start. To my dismay the single-speeds were scheduled to start behind most of the CAT1 men up to age 49. Since the winner of the SS category often times faster than all these riders there was going to be a lot of passing on tap!

We were to be disappointed when just a few minutes into the race we were off our bikes following a traffic jam of riders ahead. This continued for virtually all of the race as there was few places to pass and even less motivation from those ahead to allow it. By the time we did our “parade” lap and started the singletrack climb it was and endless conga of bike pushing. The ensuing hollering back and forth pretty much turned me off on the whole scene and dampened any remaining desire I had to ride fast.

USAC had done a tremendous job of making most everyone’s day miserable and frustrating by creating a course too steep to ride in many places and too tight to pass. Unfortunately this came at the expense of one of the greatest venues and community efforts put on by Sun Valley. In the end I did my best to pass when it wasn’t too dangerous and when other riders were amicable and finished 5th or 6th. I am not sure which since the results have my time 5th and my place 6th and USAC officials were unconcerned about fixing the issue.

After the race I thoroughly enjoyed several days of great riding in the Sun Valley/Ketchum area. I have been through the area several times without time to stop so it was awesome to check off some sweet trail off my bucket list!