...and I will be my last - at least that's what I swore half way through this course.  This was my first dose of competition since I played my last game of football at Knox College in 1999.  Perhaps I was confused as I seemed to resemble more a linebacker than a mountain biker out on the course.  I was like L.T. on crack out there (only no where near as talented).  I proved to be pretty good at "tackling" other riders but I was no match for the tree that smashed my helmet.  This was easily the most physically demanding endeavor I've ever been through.  It made doubles and running the Bix seem like walks in the park.  There were many times that I literally did not think I was going to be able to finish.  I almost gave up multiple times.  I sprained my ankle, have some pretty impressive cuts and bruises on my arms and legs (I am particularly fond of the bloody imprint of my chain ring on the back of my calf), and have a mild headache.  No doubt I bit off more than I could chew with this one - I fell more times that I had anticipated (I did anticipate it) and walked more hills than I care to recount.  However, as I emerged from the woods at the end of the course, I some how couldn't help but to look forward to the Forc side Thrill Ride.  Maybe it was the adrenaline rush I got from finally seeing the finish line after telling myself that I'm not a quitter time and time again (usually as I was laboring up yet another slippery hill) or maybe it was the commraderie I felt from my fellow competitors and FORC'ers hanging out at the end of the race or maybe it was the challenge that I felt after not finishing as well as I had hoped.  Whatever it was, it is bad news for all of you who plan to attend the Chill Rides and race me in the Thrill Ride because your very own mountain-biking linebacker will be there shedding blockers and sacking trees every chance I get! 

I saw the true value of being part of this club today.  It was really cool to see so many familiar faces.  I set a goal back in 2005 to start racing mountain bikes.  Had I not joined FORC, I probably never would have done it.  Also, special thanks to Crash for fixing my bike.  I shifted smoothly through the entire course!  By the way, there were some exceptionally impressive finishes by FORC members today.  It's not my place to say who did what, but you will all be very proud. 

I just read the post about Brian.  Obviously this is not the time for my story or to complain about an ankle.  When I left today, my understanding was that Brian was doing fine. 

No worries, man - we were all shocked at how fast his condition worsened.  But it seems to be looking up.  Good job on the race - that was one hell of a course to ride for anyone, let alone for your first race!

Later,  Nate

I heard it was really tough.  Sounds like just finishing is a great accomplishment! haha

-S

Finishing was definitely an accomplishment. The Sport and Expert races turned tough after a brief downpour made the course extremely slick and already killer climbs into run-ups. Worse, the rain made already humid conditions even more steamy. Only 4 of 10 in the Expert class finished, and Aaron (who won) strongly considered pulling out after his second lap, even though he had a strong lead.

Congratulations to all who finished, and remember: let's be careful out there...

Rg.