Rob Ballou

3rd in Castlewood

It’s been since March since we had a truly home-turf mountain bike race, and I was ready for it to be something familiar (and not racing with a two, four, or six hour drive before and after!). Even if it was the climbers battle at Castlewood. The race was a bit different because Steve C. wasn’t going to be in, having crashed in the Show-Me race. Racing him has been fun and he’s always beat me, so I’m still looking for my time to put down some hurt.

The beginner’s race started fast. It felt like we were going into the dirt crits as we left the field. Knowing we had a good chunk of climbing ahead of us (apparently about 680 feet per lap), I took it relatively mellow, sitting in at I guess fifth or sixth. This kind of put me in a defensive mode because I didn’t see how many guys got off the front.

As expected, I was able to pick off at least two riders, maybe three in the first climb and closed a pretty big gap on the second place rider (I didn’t realize he was in second at the time!). Rollercoaster at race pace was a freaking blast! I passed into second after crossing Ries and the rider in front walked it up the hill. At this point, I let the other rider behind me go as I was cooked after that climb. I did my best to peddle after him, but he was out of sight by the time I hit Justin’s.

After the creek crossing I had instinctively tried to turn right like it was the dirt crits, which was wrong, forcing me to put a foot down forcing me into fourth. After we came around for the first lap, I climbed away as best as I could in third, but was passed after botching one of the water bars. One of the 30+ riders was on the hill with a flat, which he fixed, climbed past us and the flatted out again (handed him my pump as I rode by). I wasn’t caught up by the 30+ riders till the second time I hit Ries when two of the worked past me as I fought my way down the descent again. I felt better on the climb to Justin’s and gained a bit on the guy that just passed.

As I came towards the creek, Steve pointed out I was in third and Steve V. (age group up from me) was on my tail. I let him pass and rode his 29er wheel across the finish. Looking at the results, the 1st place went to a guy who put down 3 sub-30 minute laps (the only beginner to get 3 laps, while only three or four sport racers had a lap under 30 minutes). Peat, who took 2nd, was much stronger than I was. Hopefully get ride/race with him again!

This race also probably put me ahead of Steve C in points for the lead. I am starting to really feel the urge to move to sport, but may just finish the season as a beginner. There were a lot of new beginners out there, so hopefully they stick with it!

Next up is a “relatively flat” Spanish Lake race. I hope to have my bike issues settled soon (just got my new rear shock in today!)…

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