June Gloom is what the locals told us we were experiencing, a smog/haze so thick that the sun could not break through until mid-afternoon. Despite being at the base of the San Bernadino Mountains we could hardly ever see them!
And, it was May, not June.
Between the endless shopping malls, the freeways, the boring stucco architecture, and the smog, we longed for home as soon as we arrived.
The race venue was challenging. The Cross Country Course was 7 miles/1500 ft. climbing per lap.. There were no long climbs, but rather many quick ups and steep downs. The descents were rutty and dry, made much more difficult as the week wore on by significant braking bumps. In all there were three climbs, separated mostly by singletrack (overlooking housing projects). On the return leg there was nearly 2 miles of flat singletrack and fire roads. Just before the finish was a nasty, loose, rocky climb that Colt cleared every time. I didn't.
The Pro racing was exciting. Shonny V destroyed everyone in the Women’s XC. Kabush, Wells, and JHK were in a shootout until Wells and JHK crashed into each other giving Kabush the victory. What was very cool is that Shonny and Geoff actually crossed the finish line together. It was also the best NORBA National finish for Barry Wicks who took third.
In the short track, riders rode up part of the mountain cross course something like 9 times! The women’s race was contested by all the favorites, but Alison Sydor bested everyone. Most of the race she just sat in second place as several people took turns at the front. I even saw her sit up on the fire road section to let other riders take the lead. She commented after the race that her road racing experience had made her victory possible.
Men’s Short Track also saw many leaders including Kabush, JHK, Wells, and Trebon. With one lap to go Kubush attacked on the uphill section and led into the singletrack,where passing was nearly impossible. He took the victory with room to spare.
Colt’s Expert Race was also hotly contested. Colt got off the line well and was second into the singletrack. At the end of the race he got fourth place,and his second national podium in a row. It looks like another good year for him despite racing against much older riders.
On to North Carolina! |
