Summit Shorties Round 2

[Gavin Parnes]

I enjoy getting to race venues early, as it provides more time to settle into the mental game, and hang out with old friends.  Hence, my arrival to the second round of ACME’s Summit Shorties, 2 hours before my start time.  I also felt like I was going to need a lengthy warmup, considering my tired legs from the weekend, and pushing a little to hard at Tuesday practice.  Heading up to the venue, I double checked my gear, then signed in and grabbed my race plate.  I devoured some of the best cookies in town and had some quick convos with some friends.  I noticed a familiar face was missing, as Phil Mooney would not be racing today.  I let out a small sigh of relief (as at least now there was SOME chance of a victory), but this relief was quickly trumped by the arrival of Sebastian from Bear Development.  I instantly knew this was going to be a hard race, as if it wasn’t enough already.  I took a SiS and headed to warm up.  A few laps into the cruise, I found my legs to not be present; this one was gonna hurt.

As Jim calls A 35+ and A open up to the line, I am shocked at the size of this category compared to last race.  I find my way in the cramped start and just like that we were off.  I had a decently strong start, maintaining my starting position that I had off the line.  The first descent is always crazy and packed, but I was able to make a few moves on the paved climb back up.  A small group started to form, consisting of a few veterans and a few new kids.  I stuck to the tail of a Tam rider who I had raced last time; I knew that I could keep up with him.  Oh, was I mistaken.  I held on the first 2 or 3 laps, but as we started the climb once again, I could feel the legs giving in. Some days, the legs just don’t show up, and this coupled with one of the most intense races of the year meant a sufferfest.  I knew I couldn’t hold the pace or I would be gone for sure, so I dropped off and joined another, less aggressive group.  Even maintaining that pace became a struggle on the last lap and a half.  I believe I gave up at least 4 or 5 positions just from the last two laps alone.  I powered through to the end, taking a semi-poor result, as I had expected something similar to this.  But Shorties never disappoints, and after some closing conversations, I headed back to my car, excited to race again next week.