Dave Benjamin's Page

   After only  being able to race one of the first 4 races in this series (Sea Otter), I decided to sign up for this race held at the Sugar Bowl ski resort near Donner Summit.  My son, Carson, had registered and pre ridden the course the prior week.  Based on his assessment, the trails were tight and fun, with only one extended climb and a total of about 400 feet per lap in the five lap race.  It turned out a week of dry weather and three waves of racers had reduced all the tight corners to…

  The 2018 Sea Otter would be my 7th in a row, having first raced when my son, Carson, was a Freshman in high school.  It would also be my third race on the current course which covers about 28 miles and over 3500 feet of elevation gain.   Two years ago was maybe my best Cat 1 Sea Otter, coming in 5th in the 50-54 race with time of 2:11.  Last year was pretty much the opposite result.  A lack of training and a short warm up led me to a 2:19 time and 15th out of 17 riders.  This year I felt…

  Last year I did two new races for me, the Lake Sonoma Grasshopper and SoNoMas,  both of which kicked my butt.  This year I finally got up the courage to ride the Old Caz Grasshopper after watching my son, Carson and many of my Acme Bikes teammates grind up to the Willow Creek Rd hilltop finish over the past two years.  What could be better, ride 50 miles, climb 4400 ft and get to eat chips and drink beer overlooking western Sonoma County?  

  As the majority of riders use a CX bike…

This was my second attempt in the Annadel race, having first raced last year.  I have ridden the trails in Annadel State Park a handful of times and each time I have come away with various bumps and scrapes.  Leading up to yesterday's race, I tried to keep a positive outlook on my chances of having a clean race, despite the rocky trails.  

  With only my Santa Cruz Highball hardtail to ride, I set it up with the Fox Transfer dropper post in hopes a lower center of gravity on the…