Rim Nordic #1
by Paul Amodei

Having prerode again the day before with a time of 1:00, I thought I would have shaved off more than 2:30 minutes considering how much harder I pushed. I attribute it to a few stumbles and traffic jams.
Rory Jorgensen and Jim Palmer were the other two clydes. Rory took the lead onto the single track, behind him Jim, then myself. I figure I could just hang with them at this comfortable pace and have enough "matches" to burn near the end. I did not even need this strategy. Jim stumbled so I over took him, followed Rory to the bottom of the first hill back near the start line. I could not believe how fast this guy is downhill. Turns out, at 29yrs old he has been racing downhill for a while. No wonder!

Starting up the long uphill singletrack, I just hung with him. I think he was breathing harder than me, but maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Then it happened. Rory lost traction, pulled to the side and started to walk. This was my chance and I knew I had to increase a substantial lead on the rest of this hill and the fireroad if I was not going to let him catch me on the downhill switchbacks (my weak point).

 

 

 

Remembering what Mark told us during the preride regarding the steep pitch that many walk up, but can be ridden. If your not going to do a second lap, ride it. If doing 2+ laps, maybe walk first then ride the 2nd time. I went for it and past three others walking. Huge gain, but definitely burned a match. Got through the gate quickly ( I was surprised it was still locked) and hammered across the fireroad. Passed a few others and then the switchbacks. I really hate these. My foot cautiously comes out for the first turn - wuss. Then I just keep thinking about what Mark said. Pedal up on the inside, then pedal hard coming out even keeping my brakes applied for resistance. Much better for the others although it is hard to accept seeing 12yr old Cameron Williams asking to pass and jetting by me. I past him again on the next uphill. The rest was an easy cruise, I decided to finish the last mile in a higher gear and pretend I was on a single speed.

All in all it was a lot of fun. Miss seeing some of the other team members, but that forced me to meet a few others. Vicki Chernoff told me of her accident that broke her C1 vertebrae. With limited motion and just back after a month, she took first place. A simple fall could have left her like Christopher Reeves. The doctors were amazed at how quickly she rehabed.
Looking forward to RN #2.