No really, this is my LAST race of 2012 (a true addict)...first Super D!

[Ryan Gibson]

Well, further exploring different bicycle racing disciplines led me to the final CCCX Super D race in Salinas (next to Monterey) Dec 16 for one last final race of 2012. What a blast!

 

A local hucker buddy of mine that I ride with, who happens to be much more DH oriented, talked me into trying out super d. I recently traded in my Santa Cruz Tallboy carbon for a Tallboy Long Travel carbon and figured it would be the perfect bike for the sandy and fairly buff super d course at Toro Park. This was a total last minute decision, and one that I took with no expectations...just to have fun.

 

The week leading up to the race my wife and kids left ahead of me for a holiday trip to Indianapolis to visit family and friends....thus leaving me to my devices, which resulted in me hunting down my 2012 elevation gain goal of 500,000'. Needless to say, I went to the race with absolutely fried legs, thinking it would not make much difference-wrong! In fact, I climbed 80,000' in December and 30,000' the week leading up to the race. Turns out there is a bit of a climb on the course and several pedaly parts, not to mention the 850' climb for each practice run and the race run. Not feeling deterred I took three practice runs, putting me at 3400' of climbing before my run....

 

Weather was beautiful and the course pretty buff, so I opted for trail helmet and no pads, clipped in. Tires were the new super beefy 2.35 Specialized Butcher 29er front and 2.25 Specialized Ground Control in the rear-both tubeless with ~30lbs pressure. Having had three practice runs I felt good with the course and just simply went all out. When I got to the climb and stood to power there was just nothing in the tank...leaving me back in the saddle grabbing for gears. Pedaly parts certainly lost me time too with no kick. Super fun course with a few jumps, but pretty much all a buff flowy and sandy downhill with a few switchbacks (nothing tight).

 

I ended up clocking a 3:48, good for the last spot on the podium in 5th out of 12 for Cat 1 19-34. While the race was fun, I have to say that the post race trail ride was better. Simply put, the most fun trail I have ever ridden. Another 1800' of climbing put me and a big group of other friends and racers at the top of a ridge with clear beautiful views of the Monterey peninsula....and a heck of a 10 min downhill filled with drops, gaps, jumps, berms, features-all hand built and amazing. To keep it that way I will not reveal the trail, but I will be back soon!

 

Moving into 2013 I am looking at doing lots of racing and hope to compete for the podium in cat 1. I plan to do mostly XC, with a few road hill climbs, a few CX, and as many super d or enduro as I can find (including the new California Enduro Series!).

[Adam Nuyens]

Sounds like your results will only get better, Ryan! And that trail sounds like a blast!

[Ryan Gibson]

Thanks Adam, we definitely need to take a road trip with the night ride crew...maybe stay overnight in Monterey and tear it up after a big day of riding.