Participated in my first mountain bike race this weekend.
I'm still a bit of a noob at trail biking. Started from scratch 2.5 years ago, only biked on forest roads before that. And with two small kids, a total house refurbishing during that time, mountain biking hasn't had top priority. So entering an enduro race was not the obvious thing to do.
Signed up a week before the race. Have been doing volunteer work on the trails for the race, and finally thought I'm going to regret it if I don't try.
At the time of signup the forecast was nice. Two days later it changed to 16 mm on practice day and 15 mm on race day. Fortunately it ended up with 33 mm on practice day and 0 on race day. At times it did hurt in the stomach that week before the race, what have I signed up for? Broke three ribs in a crash last year around this time, so have experience that side of it.
Practice day was a wild experience. Constantly raining on trails that was wet from all the rain in the week before. Did get through all of the 7 stages once.It was not cold so actually fine as long as one stayed in activity, even if soaking wet. I've tried to avoid biking in wet conditions so this was a new experience for me.
Video from practice day:
Pictures from practice day:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r14ylug5...BmVHyfpcjXvvW9JmXncr1_Y8&preview=_A736108.jpg
http://www.jonborgersen.com/oslo-enduro-2019/#90
Then race day the day after. The forecast changed to no rain. And that was good cause racing involves a lot of waiting. But the trails didn't have any chance to dry up. And now hordes of people had passed over them the day before. Lots of black soil in this trails system, so not really terrain that handles moisture well.
Got stuck in the mud many many times. Had one crash over the bars when the front wheel got stuck in a deep mud hole. Didn't hurt a bit but broke the shapeshifter handle off the bike. Luckily it got stuck in downhill mode.
Had fun, met lots of nice people. Pushed my own limits. Got better at letting the bike go loose in the mud, and handle wet roots and slippery rocks. Now I'm ready for autumn and early winter.
Last stage got canceled after a bad crash that left a kid unconscious for a while. Helicopter landed but ended up in the ambulance. He got away with a concussion and some stitches. Hope he is spared of long term effects.
But my results? I ended up on last place in the masters category. Well someone has to be last ;-) And then it can only go better (or equally bad) next year
A whooping 67% behind the winner, a promising young guy who has been doing his first EWS races this season.
Added:
Picture of me on race day
http://www.jonborgersen.com/oslo-enduro-2019/#71
Half lid and goggles might not be stylish but I'm very glad that I panic purchased goggles in the week before.