Helen 6/12 hour aftermath

This past weekend marked the last race of the dirty spokes endurance series.The series started way back in March and finished up this past Saturday in Helen,Ga.

After racing a 6 hour race last weekend I was less than thrilled about racing again the following weekend.This time of year I have a tendency to not be as enthused as usual.In addition to that the weather was also suppose to be not so good.Also,my knee has been hurting since last weekends race and I wasn't really sure how long the knee would even hold up.I had only ridden one time the week prior and it hurt like a mutha.Since I had already pre registered for the race and paid for a cottage for 2 day's I figured I would suck it up and head on up.The local MTB group was having a festival up there as well so I figured if I decided not to race i could at least partake in some of those festivities.

I got to Helen around 2 and set up my pit area,talked to some friends and did a short pre ride.My knee wasn't feeling too bad which was a relief.



After getting my pit all set up I went to check into my cottage.I had no idea what to expect.The only reason I opted for the cottage is because this was the only thing that didn't cost 200 bucks a night.I reserved this place way back in April and it was the last one left.Oktoberfest is going on and getting a reasonably priced place to stay was nearly impossible.I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this place was.

The cottage resembled a beer keg from the outside.


The inside looked like a log cabin with lots of wood.Really nice and beat the hell out of a hotel room.The cottage had a kitchen,living room,bathroom and bedroom.The bedroom was a loft.It also had a back deck with a really great view.



Back to the race.Woke up bright and early and went to eat breakfast at the Unicoi lodge.Can't beat a breakfast buffet.After breakfast i loaded up my car and headed to the race venue.



It had rained some the night prior and was suppose to rain even more during the race.I was hoping the course wasn't going to be muddy.I went into this race as usual thinking to myself that it was going to be more of a ride than a race.I had originally signed up for the 12 hour option but decided since my knee had been bothering me that I would change and race the 6 hour option instead.The 6 hours of dauset last weekend spoiled me.It's really nice racing for 6 and then being able to hang out for the remainder of the race.

The race got started on time and it was good to see a good turn out of racers.My race went off without a hitch.I felt like i was riding as good as I have ever ridden.My body was feeling good,nutrition felt spot on and I was making really good time.Wasn't really sure how well I was doing but tried to keep a steady pace for the entire 6 hours.The only snafu was on my last lap when I over took a switchback( a switchback i had already ridden 6 times) and endo'd over my bars.Luckily neither me nor my bike were injured.

In the end I ended up finishing 2nd in my class.More importantly was how great I felt.Nothing on my body(except my knee) was hurting.My knee started killing me on the last lap.

Podium shot.I'm on the left.


All in all it was a great weekend.Got to see several folks I haven't seen in awhile and the weather was perfect.

Next on the agenda is the Gainesville college 6 hour race in a couple weekends.