Sara and I headed over to Gunnison Co for the annual Growler 64 mtb race this past weekend. This was the third year for this event and it just keeps getting better! With 350 people lining up at the start it seemed like a huge race! After lasts year cold and rain the dry cool, ok, cold start made the first miles a little chilly.. the temps warmed up and the day was beautiful! My whole goal for this race was to finish under 7hrs, my fastest time on this course. With the direction of the route changed, it made for some tough climbs and a little harder course than last year. I went out a little slower than normal just to make sure I wouldn't blow up too early..and when passing under the start/finish after the first lap my time was 3:18.. I knew I could beat 7hrs if I just rode steady. After slight cramping and another 32 mile lap I came in at 6:32.. well under my goal time. I had a great time and racing with Sara is always fun! She had a steady race and finished strong.. Not having a lot of training time this spring made the day less than enjoyable for her, but, she always finishes! All in all, a great weekend and a TOUGH 64 mile mtb race!! 24hrs of The Enchanted Forest mtb race in New Mexico is next up for us. Racing it solo will be interesting!! Seems to me the longer distant races are becoming more popular and more and more people are signing up for these events. Makes for great racing and you also meet new friends at every event! Good times!!
