I am now 1/3 of the way toward realizing my goal of entering and finishing 6 XC MTB races.

Today's race was at Heritage Park near Athens, GA. We had very hard rain last night with light showeres continuing through the morning. I was afraid that the course would be muddy, slick and awful. To my surprise it was in great shape. The only problem was some of the roots on the trail were a little slick, requiring extra care not to slide and fall, especially on some of the twisty downhill sections. But I managed to complete the two 6 mile laps without a fall and only a couple of real scares. Temps in the low 50s and winds gusting to 25mph made standing around the start area miserable, but out in the woods on the course it was a non-factor.

I felt good about my race. I met my goal of finishing and not being last. I didn't stick around to see the results posted, but I think I was again about 20th of 25 with 2 DNFs. My only dabs on the first lap were caused by other riders stoppping or falling ahead of me in some tricky sections. I cleaned the second lap without dabbing. That was a real accomplishment as there were a few technical sections that gave me trouble when I prerode the trails last weekend. My biggest problem remains being slowed and winded by hauling my 200lbs up the hills. I recover fairly quickly, but I need to keep working on keeping my output level going when I'm tired and hurting.

The next race is in 2 weeks at Ft. Yargo, a course with more of a rolling profile that favors power generation over climbing. Maybe I'll be able to get ahead of a few more of those skinny younguns. My wife didn't go this time so I don't have pictures.

You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din.

I is proud to know you! Good stuff.

Great race and results - keep it up.

WTG, I'm impressed with anybody that races a bike.

Way to go, BD. I've never done the off-road thing, but I always figured the technical part would be the toughest for me. It sounds like you are doing very well with that part of it.

I guess I would say that is my strength. Speed sure isn't it.

A friend got this fuzzy shot of me on one of the fast downhill sections.

Do not be disapointed about being in the lowly half of the field. Most of the people you are racing against have a few more years of racing behind them that you have. Experience counts- as you found out on your second lap of the race with no dabs or falls. I used to race but no longer. I came to my senses and do longer rides than sprints for 20 k that I can no longer do.

But even on my enduro rides- experience counts- I can look at a section of track and find the quick line- or the sensible line- or even the comfortable line. It pays off after 50 miles when you start passing the 25 year old Hares that are running out of steam.

Keep racing and keep enjoying it- but rather you than me nowadays.

That's terrific!! I admire you for having the gumption to get out there and mix it up!!