Cold Bear Challenge #2

The second round of the winter MTB series at Hillside Park was today.  Conditions were similar to the last round two weeks ago, with the addition of about 1-2" of fluffy powder.  The ice that claimed me a couple times last race was still there, but more had shown up in other parts of the course too. As an added bonus it was all hidden under the snow, which didn't adhere to the ice at all.

The official pre-race conditions report from the organizers said "studs not necessary if you are a skilled rider," which I interpret to mean "studs are necessary if you want to corner with any confidence and stay attached to your bike the entire time."  I'm gaining proficiency in intrepreting race organizer conditions reports.  My all-time favorite was when the organizers of the infamous and apocalyptic mud-fest at Mt. Du Lac in 2010 said the trail was "tacky."  I had personally pre-rode the course when he reported that and it was basically like riding down a small and rapidly flowing creek with a clay bottom.  But I digress.

I rigged up the 9zero7 fat bike with 29er wheels and homemade studded tires, which offer Velcro-like traction on pretty much any surface.  It's uncanny how you can stand up and crank up hills without slipping.  People tend to shy away from studs unless they are going to be riding glare ice, but I like them even if it's not totally icy.  It's nice to not be tentative going into corners.  The disadvantage is the "rolling resistance" of studded tires.  The self-tapping screws that are the studs sink deep into the snow or dirt, and it's tough to make the wheels turn with that much bite.  It's noticeable, but after last week's debacle I didn't want to bang my knees off the ground anymore.

The race went okay.  My sole criteria for that assessment is that I didn't fall down.  I started too hard, which is typical when my brain thinks like it's summer but my legs quickly find out it's not.  These races are not for killing myself trying to get a result, so after feeling like barfing after the first 15 minutes I settled into a pace that was more reasonable.  Obviously racing is more fun when I have fitness, but it doesn't make any sense for me to be in shape now, so racing at this time of year takes more effort.  That's the irony of sport: it's more fun when you put in more time, but if you put in too much time it's not fun anymore. It just takes measured expectations and a temporarily lax attitude. Fortunately I can do both with ease!