Bend Elite MTB - season kickoff report at NOVA Desert Classic, AZ
Published by benthompson April 5th, 2007 in Mountain Biking
April 2, 2007 – Fountain Hills, AZ - Trial by fire. Such was the case at the first national race of the season, in the crippling heat, on the exposed, pedaling-intensive, rolling desert course, just east of Phoenix, AZ.
Oppressive heat, flat tires, and a fast early season pace separated those who live in the southwest from those who don’t. Despite, the course was highly enjoyable, with high-speed, sweeping corners, rocky technical sections and quick power climbs, all on fast singletrack with questionable traction. Brig set the bar high, with a 21st place finish in the TT on Friday, to start the weekend of racing. James finished 25th in the semi-pro field, following a conservative ride. Saturday’s twilight short track saw Brig and Ben fight tooth and nail for position. A mistake in the call-up left Brig and Ben at the back of the 100-rider pack, but both raced valiantly to finish in good position in the notoriously fast event. Sunday dawned bright and…hot. The day of the 40 mile xc race would be prove to be the hottest in days, with temps hovering around 100*….ouch.
After suffering a flat in chaos of the pro-men’s start, Ben managed a quick change and spent the lap catching flailing racers, setting a tough pace. Two laps into the four-lap race, Ben had ridden himself into the top-30, no small feat, especially in foreign conditions so early in the season. Then a flat… then another and another, until Ben’s supply of fix-it tools was exhausted, as was his patience. He rode on his rim/walked to the finish line, finishing his trying day. See his MotionBased upload at: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2372523
Brig started well too, but became too dehydrated to safely function. Determined to get his money’s worth, Brig forced his way to the finish, a commendable job, as a third of the field did not. In the semi-pro field, James hung with the lead group for the first two laps, milking his camelback and liking his chances. The water-supply dried up and the heat took its toll, as James suffered through the third 10-mile lap, trying to figure out if it was appropriate or legal to ask the few spectators on-course if they had any potable liquids to spare. After slamming all the water his belly would hold in a 30 second pit stop, James would go on to have a considerably better fourth lap, ending up in 10th place. A tough way to start the season, but a purpose was served…our Orbeas proved to be light and efficient, fast on the climbs as well as the rough descents and we are all happy with how our form is developing. Sea Otter in two weeks…
Ben and James were lucky enough to have a few days after the race to head up to Sedona for some fun slickrock riding and a few good hours of bases miles under the sun. Until next time - Bend Elite MTB - http://www.bendelitemtb.com
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