USDR Round 4

Whoops, Whoops, and More Whoops

Round four of the U.S. Desert Racing Series took place over Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25. We arrived early Saturday morning to get the trailer set up and ensure we had plenty of time to get ready for the practice lap. Setting up was pretty uneventful (thankfully!) and we were ready to go check in and get ready to ride!

As I start the practice lap I begin to realize that dust is going to be a major issue in the race on Sunday. The dirt out there is very soft causing insane amounts of dust everywhere and making my visibility almost nothing. As we get farther out in the desert the dust seems to settle a little bit so I can really start to open it up. The course is fast and pretty smooth, but even with only a handful of riders ahead of me I can start to see the course becoming choppier. All in all the course seems quick with a couple rocky hill sections and lots of open areas.

After the practice lap I go to watch the kid's race which is probably one of my favorite things to do out there. Some of those kids are so quick on their little 50's its amazing. I wish I could be fearless like them!!

As the afternoon wears down, we decide to go out for an evening ride with some friends. We go for about an hour ride through the Mojave Desert exploring only a little piece of what it has to offer! Once we return to camp, we grill some fajitas and eat. Having worked the past five nights before I was completely exhausted and turned in around nine that night.
When I woke up Sunday morning I was eager and a little nervous about the race. I got up, ate a little breakfast and got ready. My bike started right up and I took it for a short ride around the desert. Loosened up and ready to race I secured my spot at the starting line. As the other classes are taking off all you can see is dust, the riders are not even visible in the cloud of dust, which is a little nerve racking. As the green flag is waving I hope for the best and a give my bike gas and can see absolutely nothing. Every once in a while I feel a bump or get a little jolted as I hit a bush or a whoop but keep on the throttle hoping to get away from the pack. Once the riders are more spaced out I focus on the course and what I need to do and start to get in a nice groove. My first lap went smoothly, the track was still relatively smooth but I could already see the wear and tear from the previous riders.

While I am working on my second lap I realize that the course is extremely choppy. The whoops are bigger and more in number. I can feel a little bit of arm pump coming on and am starting to get tired from trying to keep the bike in some form of control. However, I know my competition is a little ahead of me so I keep on the gas and go for it. Starting my third lap I can feel the exhaustion creeping in, but once again I am to competitive to let it take a hold and keep on the throttle. The course by now is completely whooped out and cross rutted making it hard to stay in a good line. Once I can see the finish line a smile of relief takes over, I give the bike a little more gas and pull into the scoring zone. I pass another competitor as she is picking up her bike, and think sweet a second place. I cruise past the checkered flag exhausted but with a smile of accomplishment on my face.

Round Four was a great race, the course was a little rough but fast and fun. I ended up with a first place due to technicalities regarding another rider. My first first place finish of the season and it sure feels good!! This race is bittersweet though, as we have the summer off of racing due to the heat out in the desert, so I have a three month break. However, I can't stay off the bike that long, so until then I will keep riding out in the desert, and hopefully discover some cooler new places!!