This past weekend I was able to race in my hometown on the trails that first got me hooked. Tight and twisty singletrack set the course for the 12 hour Stampede in the Park. Held during Spooner’s big Rodeo weekend, the name was a fitting name. Chloe and I teamed up for the 6 hour duo, an event that allowed us to hone our xc intensity. One lap on and one lap off was the drill as the Forewood’s turned in some fast times. In the end we totaled 13 with just fewer than three hours of pedaling each. I wasn’t sure how fast I’d be doing some of the later laps, but it turns out that 30 minutes is just enough recovery for a full on effort every time. We enjoyed the company of a lot of good friends and also got in some great training. New and old faces alike came out for this well run and excellent event. The best part was that 100% of the proceeds went directly to the local Momentum U23 club. What could be better than supporting young people on bikes?

Plans are developing for the east coast trip that is soon to come. It ought to be a fun road trip and I’m really looking forward to my third chance at the rugged Mt. Snow course. As others agree, it is a true mountain biker’s course and the best riders will surely win. I’m hoping simply to finish before coming unglued, having twice bonked here before. If that happens the result will come naturally.

For now, I’ll continue to enjoy my stay here in Wisconsin. It’s been great to hang out at the lake, ride the old trails with old friends, and visit with the family. We even took in the Friday night Rodeo performance. And the rain storms have been great. All for now, TJ