ZOOMlove

Why do I always end up loving riding at Crystal Ridge? Maybe it's the fun twisty singletrack, maybe it's just getting up those climbs without walking that makes me feel good. Maybe it's that the folks from Metro Mountain Bikers who run the place and the races are AWESOME and everyone's so dang friendly. Either way, hooray for the ski hill.

Adrian and I hit the parking lot a mere 5 minutes before the race was starting, I still in my work clothes and we both needed to assemble bikes and register. I spotted Anne and asked if they usually start on time. "Yup," she replied, but then in super-friendly-awesome fashion went to registration to let them know of our straggling selves. We made it. It was funny lining up on the bottom of that hill with just two dozen people-- last time I was there it was with 100+ riders. Gulp down a Gu, try to forget the drive. A countdown from ten, then start. And climb straight up a ski hill.

The course was bumpier and more rutted than I remember and there were two or three riders down in the first open section. Then into the tight twisty stuff- more technical than I remembered it - with traffic and chatty riders. Climb up the hill, more singletrack in the back, then craaaazy downhill (I still can't make those right hand turns!) and back up again. Same as always.

Anne mentioned that there were wolves in the woods, I thought she was kidding. Then I heard howling and assumed it was riders in front of us, just setting up the joke for the gullible Chicagoans. But I think I believe her now. Either way, I enjoyed howling along.

On the second lap I rode the first section alone and at one point had to dab to get through a rut. Instinct made me turn around to see if I was about to be in anyone's way, but behind me, watching me, was just a deer munching on grass. Sorry, fellow. Back into the tight singletrack and I slammed my shoulder into, then hugged to avoid falling off of, a tree. Luckily a trail maintenance volunteer was right there so at least someone got to enjoy the show.

Finished 3 of six women, which I'm super happy with, especially considering the stress of the drive down. I was redlining my HR on some of those climbs- hopefully they feel better on Saturday. Thanks again to Metro Mountain Bikers. What a great time, and a great value at just $10! I'll be back... if I can.