We’ve made a successful journey to Seven Devils, North Carolina and have laid claim to our campsite for the Norba weekend.  We’ve got satellite TV, wireless internet and full cell phone coverage here. All the comforts of home, only with a mountain view. There will be little miscellaneous stress, so 100% of my energy can be focused on racing.

Yesterday was my first lap on the course and it is very much to my liking. There is a serious climb to start things out that is steepish towards the bottom, but flattens to a nice three or four percent grade by the summit. It’s one of those climbs that you can stay seated and really power up if you’re feeling good.  The downhill is a straight shot back down the hills with not too much traversing; quite steep with some fun, gnarly rock features. All will be good if conditions remain dry, but things could be slick if we’d get some rain. I guess we’ll wait and see on that one.

Wednesday we were able to tour the Litespeed factory in Chattenooga, TN. It was cool to meet the people who are directly responsible for my beautiful bikes. The factory tour is very personal and we got to closely follow the entire frame building process from start to finish. There was no mass-producing ‘machine’ feeling here; only individuals putting their personal energies into each and every frame.  Everything is done ‘hands-on’ here.

The morning sprinkles are clearing off now so I’ll be able to get in a dry ride now. Check back and you can find more race weekend reports. Until then, keep it real.  TJ