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My east coast trip hasn't been going quite as I had planned. First I had some bad luck at the Windham NORBA with a flat tire in the middle of the race and then the National Championships in Mt. Snow didn't go so well either.
I really love the course at Mt. Snow, it's a true mountain bike race. It has steep climbs and descents, tons of roots and rocks and usually a bit of moisture thrown in to make things interesting. It is where I did my first NORBA National back in 1996 on a fully ridged bike and I won my first NORBA as a Semi-Pro there in 97. Since then, it's been a struggle.
I have had great form all year and I was hoping I would finally take home that elusive XC U.S. Champion jersey but I guess I'll have to wait for another year. I was having a pretty good race, riding around in 2nd place slowly closing the gap just past the half way point in the race when I flatted going uphill. I don't know too many people that pull that one off. I tried to seal it up with the Big Air but it didn't hold so I rode the entire descent on less then 10 psi and still had to change a wheel in the tech-zone. Needless to say my race was over.
I was hoping for redemption in the short track the following day but bad luck struck again. Midway through the race I was off with Trebron when my front derailleur cable pulled out forcing my chain to fall off continuously and ending my day early. Another jersey chance down the tubes.
I was pretty bummed out after the races but I'm over it now. I have been training hard this week getting ready for Mount Saint Anne W.C. this weekend. Tomorrow my brother, Troy and I will make the long eight hour drive up North. It has been raining pretty hard here in N.Y. the past few days and I think it's suppose to rain this weekend too. I tend to race better in the mud so maybe it will work to my advantage.
After Saint Anne it's back to N.Y. for another week before I finally get to go home to Durango. I only get to go back to Durango for five days but I can't wait.
I wonder what Winston is doing right now......
Todd Wells is a freelance contributor for teamusa.org. This blog was not subject to the approval of the United States Olympic Committee or any National Governing Bodies.
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