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A group of mountain bikers in various colored outfits and helmets are lined up next to a starting banner on a dirt path. The setting appears to be a grassy area with hills in the background, under overcast skies. Some participants are holding umbrellas due to the weather, while others are on their bikes, preparing for the race.
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Alt text: A detailed view of a mountain bike featuring a black and green frame, showcasing the suspension system and handlebars. Images include close-ups of the shock absorber and fork with branding, highlighting the bike's advanced components.
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A mountain biker climbs a dirt trail on a hillside, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
Four containers of Nikwax cleaning products are displayed on a red background. The products include TX.Direct Wash-In and TX.Direct Spray-On on the top, and Basewash and Tech Wash bottles on the bottom.
A scenic landscape view featuring rolling hills and a valley, with a winding river and patches of trees. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise against a cloudy sky, illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds.
A black and yellow GT mountain bike frame is positioned on a workbench. The frame features a stylish design with prominent branding and is equipped with a shock absorber. A small piece of wood is supporting the frame, and the background shows a power outlet and a row of electrical sockets along the wall.
A blue fat bike with oversized tires is displayed against a textured white background. The bike features a sleek design, with a modern frame and disc brakes. Additionally, a graphic reading "Coming Soon" is positioned at the top left corner, adding a promotional element to the image.
A mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action shot that captures the thrill of the sport.
Two people riding mountain bikes along a dirt path in a desert landscape. The scene features sparse vegetation and a distant mountainous horizon under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with orange handlebars and two water bottles mounted on the frame is parked beside a trail sign featuring symbols for biking and hiking. In the background, a rocky mountain range and clear blue sky are visible. The scene is set in a natural outdoor environment with scattered shrubs.
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A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail on a bicycle, with a wooden bridge in the foreground. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, showcasing the challenging environment of the bike ride.
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Close-up of a man’s face with a focused expression, accompanied by the text "dirtTV" in the top left corner and the words "BEYOND THE BIKE 'NEEDLES'" prominently displayed. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject's features.
A black fat bike displayed in a shop, featuring oversized tires with white rims and a sleek frame design. Various bicycle accessories and other bikes are visible in the background, showcasing a vibrant retail environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by tall grasses and rocky terrain, with hills in the background under a partially cloudy sky.
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A spacious bicycle shop featuring a variety of bicycles on display. The interior has high ceilings with bright overhead lights and large windows allowing natural light. Rows of bikes are arranged around the shop, with a counter where staff assist customers.
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Logo of "Bell Built" featuring a hexagonal design in red with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included, accompanied by a gear symbol.
A cluttered bike shop filled with numerous bicycles, both on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. Various styles and colors of bikes are visible, including a bright yellow bike prominently displayed amongst many others. Price tags are attached to most bikes, and posters and signage decorate the walls of the shop. The overall atmosphere is busy and vibrant, highlighting a vast selection of bicycles.
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A person standing outdoors in a black t-shirt, speaking towards the camera with a scenic background featuring trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. A video player interface is visible at the bottom.
<strong>I picked a bad time to start racing. </strong>

<strong></strong>After all, I’m getting a little long in the tooth for this sort of thing.  This August marks my half-century point.  Why would I take up such an activity now?

Actually, this wasn’t my first race.  I entered my first race at age 39.  Of course, I had a good reason for it then.  After purchasing my first mountain bike at age 35 in <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Wyoming-bike-trails_49.html">Wyoming </a>and having enjoyed trail riding far more than I ever expected, I was then transferred to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/North-Dakota-bike-trails_27.html">North Dakota</a>.  While North Dakota is a wonderful place, the trail riding just didn’t compare to the Rockies.   I had to do something to put the jazz back in the ride, so I entered a race.

Physiologically, racing just isn’t my gig.  I’m aerobically challenged and mentally much more attuned to one-time shows of strength than extended, heartrate-in-the-red-zone excursions.  I’d much rather pound out rock gardens than a cadence.  Nevertheless, since rock gardens are as scarce in North Dakota as palm trees and manatees, and since races were available, that’s what I did.

[caption id="attachment_43493" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0484.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43493" alt="The Black Mamba, ready to Rumble at 18 Road" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0484-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The Black Mamba, ready to Rumble at 18 Road[/caption]

Fortunately, my time in NODAK was short, and I was back in <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Colorado-bike-trails_6.html">Colorado</a>, then <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Montana-bike-trails_25.html">Montana</a>, with no thought of racing.  Mountain biking is supposed to be <em>fun</em>, not painful.  Then a couple years in <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/District-of-Columbia-bike-trails_51.html">DC </a>prompted me to enter into a couple races.

Finally, I settled permanently in Colorado, surrounded by fun singletrack, so racing was out of mind again.  So, after three years in this singletrack paradise, having more <em>fun</em> than any human should be allowed, why would I sign up for what would be my fourth race: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rumbleat18Rd">The Rumble at 18 Road</a>?  Two reasons:
<ol>
	<li> My son races in the <a href="http://www.coloradomtb.org/">Colorado NICA league</a>.  Our league only has a fall season, but I wanted him to keep up the pace in the spring, so I found other races for him.  I figured if I was signing him up, I better sign myself up as well.</li>
	<li>My physical capability had really fallen off the last few years.  While some of this is inevitable at my age, I still found the total level of degradation unacceptable.  Just putzing in the rocks was not making me any stronger.  Having to train for a race--that should help reverse the trend.</li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_43494" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0489.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43494" alt="Warming up before the race--the mud is just starting to get troublesome." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0489-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Warming up before the race--the mud is just starting to get troublesome.[/caption]

<strong>I picked a bad time to start racing.</strong>

<strong></strong>Like many teenagers, my son has a lot of irons in the fire.  He was on his school's <a href="http://www.soinc.org/">Science Olympiad</a> team.  As a freshman, he was on Team 3, which didn’t qualify for the state competition.  However, Teams 1 and 2 did, and when a Team Two member dropped out, Kyle was moved up.  It wasn’t until the Tuesday before the race (held on April 19), that we realized it was on the same day as the State Science Olympiad competition!  His commitment to his team was more important than the $55 non-refundable registration fee, so he was going to Science Olympiad and I... I was going alone to a race I really only signed up for because of him!

[caption id="attachment_43495" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0492.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43495" alt="DSCN0492" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0492-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The 50 - 59 wave just before the gun.[/caption]

<strong>I picked a bad time to start racing.</strong>

<strong></strong>The night before the race, I checked the weather.  There was a 40% chance of showers at 2am with the clouds clearing to mostly sunny by the first gun.  Perfect: a little sprinkle would knock down the dust and turn Fruita’s usually dry powder perfectly tacky.

When I woke at 6am, it was raining, and it was clear it had been doing so for some time.  Upon arriving at the race site, the few riders who were warming up were gathering mud on their tires.  I thought about the upper reaches of the race course and shuddered at the thought of all that clayey soil being thoroughly soaked.  But the race was to go on, and so was I.

[caption id="attachment_43496" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0498.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43496" alt="Dads walking Juniors' bikes back to the start due to severe mud.  " src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0498-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Dads walking Juniors' bikes back to the start due to severe mud.[/caption]

The first mile on dirt road wasn’t bad, but a couple steep pitches were so slick they did force a few riders off their bikes.  Some riders, especially in the younger age groups, simply turned around and headed back to the start without ever reaching the singletrack.  Seeing a hard-packed road cause this much difficulty, I knew we were all in for it when we hit the singletrack on <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/prime-cut.html">Prime Cut</a>.  Over the course of that first sloppy mile, it was easy to keep track of the competition.  There were nine riders in my class.   Of the nine, six were clearly out in front, and steadily increasing the gap between them and the rest of us.  There were two who had fallen back and were steadily falling further back.   And there was me--all by myself--unable to make up ground on the lead pack, yet in no danger of losing ground to those behind me.  This seeming intractability of my placement began to sap my desire to really push myself.

[caption id="attachment_43497" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0515.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43497" alt="I always thought that &quot;Just finishing is something to be happy about&quot; cliche was bogus . . . until today!" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0515-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> I always thought that "Just finishing is something to be happy about" cliche was bogus... until today![/caption]

The start of Prime Cut wasn’t as bad as I expected, and I chugged up the sloppy singletrack with an occasional dab to prevent a muddy faceplant.  The higher I got on Prime Cut, the more conditions deteriorated.  Occasionally, a hardy youth would shout “track,” and I would yield to allow the pass.  As I approached the high point on Prime Cut, ready to cross the meadow that precedes the vicious climb which begins <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/chutes-and-ladders.html">Chutes and Ladders</a>, I could see lots of bikers... none moving.  That upper meadow was completely unridable.  Some were doing their best to push their rigs through the squishy slop, and some were doing their best to clear mud from all those places where clearance is tight.  A few sat down out of frustration or, knowing how much worse Chutes and Ladders would be, chose to accept a DNF and bailed for 18 Road and the easiest way back to the staging area.  I could tell doing well, or just surviving this race, would be much more a function of attitude than of fitness or even cycling prowess.  Knowing my position was set and then realizing this race had little to do with mountain biking, the last of my incentive to really push myself dissipated.

[caption id="attachment_43498" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0518.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43498" alt="Smiling, but I'm not sure why.  Delirious, maybe?" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0518-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Smiling, but I'm not sure why. Delirious, maybe?[/caption]

All week long, I had pondered whether I would make the best time riding or pushing the climb that starts Chutes and Ladders.  Well, Mother Nature had made that decision for me.  There was absolutely no riding this slop at this angle.  The only alternative was to shoulder the bike and hike up the miserable, muddy slope.  Even pushing the bike was out of the question, as mud would fill everything, and both wheels would come to a complete stop.  The course marshal shouted words of encouragement as muddy-faced riders struggled up the hill, many cursing under their breath or even out loud.  I passed a lot of folks here. Those skinny, lycra-clad youngsters who sailed by me on the ridable section—well, they’re not so tough when you have to shoulder your 25, er... 30, uh... make that 40-pound carbon fiber and mud-framed wonder and hoist it up a major slope!  Aha! I found my relative strength in the sport of mountain bike racing!

[caption id="attachment_43499" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0523.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43499" alt="Did I just cover 11 miles in the desert?" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0523-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Did I just cover 11 miles in the desert?[/caption]

Usually, cresting the high point on Chutes is a time of great joy: the worst of the climbing is over, and the great roller coaster ride is about to begin.  Not so, this day.  The mud was so bad, it would cake up and bring all moving parts to a complete stop, even on a steep downhill.   It was comical watching determined riders slip, slide, and slither mostly out of control down the steepest parts—quite a reward for all that hard work going up!  Overall, I spent far more time clearing mud from forks, swingarms, and derailleurs than actually riding, or even pushing.  I tried using a piece of broken juniper to poke mud from difficult holes, but it had been lying in the rain so long, it was as soft as a strand of overcooked linguini.

By the time Chutes dumped out onto the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/vegetarian-loop.html">Vegetarian Trail</a>, the singletrack was mostly rideable.  Still, there were mucky spots which would force a dismount and cleaning session, consuming more time.  But speed picked up, especially for the final two miles of dirt road riding.  Unfortunately, my glasses were muddy beyond cleaning, and I had to ride through the rain, squinting as I picked up speed, hoping I could see the faceplant-inducing sloppy spots before they claimed me.  In the end, it took me 2hrs 9min to complete a course which should have taken scarcely an hour.  I really felt for the Cat 2 riders who had to go two laps!  The Cat 1/Pro riders, who started three hours later, were put on a modified course which didn’t make for much of a race, but prevented further damage to the singletrack, as well as a result which would have been meaningless.

[caption id="attachment_43500" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0529.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43500" alt="Did all these bikes just ride in the desert?" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0529-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Did all these bikes just ride in the desert?[/caption]

<strong>I picked a bad time to start racing.</strong>

<strong></strong>Being 49 years old, I signed up to ride with the 40-49 year olds.  I subsequently learned that age at the end of the year is the key, so I modified my entry to ride with the 50 – 59 year olds.  That should have been a good thing, putting me at the young end of my group.  Upon checking results, I finished 6<sup>th</sup> among the nine Cat 3 riders in my age group (one of the six in front of me bailed and took a DNF).  However, it turns out only two of the 40-49 year olds finished the race, and my time was better than one of them.  Not only would I have podiumed, it would have been silver!  Adding to my frustration was that I learned that two of my age group who finished ahead of me did so by only a couple minutes.  In retrospect, that decision to not push myself harder was a poor one.  Lesson learned.

Despite the difficulties, I must say the day was an absolute hoot.  Rain in Fruita?  What are the odds?  Especially on race day and hard enough to completely destroy the race!  The sheer absurdity of the whole situation had me chuckling rather than cursing.  I had a great time and don’t for a minute regret having done it.  Of course, it’s easy for me to say that—it was my first race in years and I was in the Old Guy Cat III category.  The Cat 1 and Pro racers who were looking to rack up points for national qualifying weren’t quite so amused, but I'll be smiling for some time to come.

<strong>What a great time to start racing!</strong>

<em>Editor's note: Some folks, and especially the locals, may be upset at this tale of potential trail damage. For those concerned about the topic, dgaddis's two-part opinion piece about "<a href="Wet Weather Racing and Trail Protection Policies">Wet Weather Racing and Trail Protection Policies</a>" is a great analysis of the issue.</em>
<ul>
	<li><em><a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-events/opinion-wet-weather-racing-and-trail-protection-policies/">Part 1</a></em></li>
	<li><em><a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-events/opinion-wet-weather-racing-and-trail-protection-policies-part-2/">Part 2</a></em></li>
</ul>
A mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail, leaning forward with intensity as he expertly rides his blue bike through a rugged, natural landscape surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
An artistic arrangement of Shimano XTR bike components, including a crankset, cassette, chain, and derailleur, set against a dark blue background. The text "SHIMANO XTR" and "ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIDE" is prominently displayed.
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A fat tire bike parked on a snowy trail, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A man wearing a black helmet, a dark plaid shirt, and black pants is standing next to a mountain bike. He is holding an orange object in one hand and has a relaxed expression while posing against a textured gray background.
A bright turquoise mountain bike with striking pink accents. The bike features a sturdy frame and is displayed on a stand against a green backdrop, indicating a bicycle event or exhibition.
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A cyclist navigating rocky terrain on a mountain bike, wearing a helmet and a red shirt, with trees in the background. The cyclist appears focused and is leaning forward, showcasing a dynamic riding posture.
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A high-performance mountain bike suspension fork with a black and silver design, featuring adjustable settings and a sturdy crown. The fork is shown from a frontal perspective, highlighting its sleek lines and branding.
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A sleek black fat bike positioned on snowy ground, showcasing its wide, knobby tires and sturdy frame. Pine trees in the background add a natural, wintry setting. The bike features a minimalist design with a small storage bag attached to the frame.
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A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a rocky trail, with a mountainous landscape in the background under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an adventurous moment in an outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showcasing its textured tread pattern, designed for grip and traction on rough terrain. The background features blurred earthy tones, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist riding along a winding dirt trail on a rocky, arid landscape with sparse vegetation, surrounded by hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
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Illustration of a cyclist riding a mountain bike over a winding path, set against a map outline of Georgia. The design includes the text "Georgia State Parks" and "Biker" at the bottom, with earthy colors reflecting outdoor adventure.
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A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snowy trail in a mountainous landscape, with trees lining the path and clouds in the sky.
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Image of a black bicycle suspension fork with red accents. The fork features a sleek design and is branded with the RockShox logo. It is viewed from the front, showcasing its dual legs and mounting points at the bottom.
Outdoor recreation map for Sedona, Arizona, featuring topographic shaded relief and details on 14 popular mountain bike trails, including elevation profiles, trail mileages, and difficulty symbols. The map is waterproof and designed for outdoor use.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail in a dense forest, surrounded by lush green foliage and trees. The biker is leaning into a turn, showcasing dynamic motion, while vibrant green plants are in the foreground.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snow-covered trail surrounded by trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.
A person dressed in a bright green and black ski outfit, wearing a blue helmet, is standing on a snowy mountain slope. They are riding a snow bike, with snow-covered peaks and a clear blue sky in the background.
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A cyclist stands on a dirt path, gazing at a vibrant sunset over a green landscape dotted with yellow wildflowers. The sky is filled with soft, colorful clouds, and the cyclist is wearing a helmet and sport attire, with a mountain bike resting by their side.
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A black mountain bike leaned against a wooden railing overlooking a scenic view of a river and bare trees. The landscape features rolling hills in the background under a cloudy sky, with patches of grass and vegetation in the foreground.
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A narrow dirt trail winding through rocky terrain, flanked by large boulders and sparse vegetation. The path is surrounded by low trees and shrubs, creating a natural and rugged landscape. The scene captures the essence of outdoor exploration in a mountainous area.
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A female mountain biker navigating rocky terrain, wearing a helmet and cycling gear, as she skillfully rides her bike through a natural landscape. The background features scattered boulders and sparse vegetation.
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Two cyclists riding mountain bikes along a dirt trail near a lake. The scene features clear blue skies and rocky terrain, with one cyclist in a blue shirt and the other in a pink shirt.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire with a rugged tread pattern, set against a natural outdoor background with earthy tones and vegetation.
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A modern mountain bike featuring a black frame with bright yellow accents, equipped with thick, rugged tires and a front suspension fork for off-road performance. The bike is shown from a side angle, highlighting its sleek design and sturdy build.
A modern mountain bike featuring a sleek black and bright green design, equipped with dual suspension, wide tires, and intricate gear components. The bike is positioned to showcase its frame and handlebars against a plain background.
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A bright blue Santa Cruz mountain bike featuring a sleek frame design, prominent pink lettering, and thick tires with pink accents. The bike is equipped with high-performance components, including disc brakes and a multi-gear setup.
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