Tahoe Sierra 87 give or take

[shiloh]

I've kept from doing this race in the past because I heard it was all on fire roads.  This year he added lots of single track so I thought I'de give it a shot.  The trails we raced were awesome.  the only reason that course isn't as popular as Downieville is because the accessibility sucks.  

The race organizer warned that this was going to be the toughest race we have ever done and for me it was. dew to poor tire choice I got a flat within the first 40 minutes of the race.  A bunch of people had taken a wrong turn. for some it was a short cut and form some it cost them.  I figured I was pretty far back and out of contention but, it was a long race.  All aid stations were well stocked and very helpful.  They lubed my chain, offered me all sorts of food I didn't want, and gave me an ice cold wet rag to put on the back of my neck. 

After a downhill that equaled Downieville's there was a 45 minute hike a bike section out of the canyon.  I passed a pro woman who I could swear I had passed once before.  And I heard Jim's voice saying don't get chicked.  This chick was strong and if i stopped for more than one minute she would be right there hammering on. I thought I was somewhere in the top 30 when I caught Carl who had had some.... "problems."  Carl said it was more likely the top 15. This raised my spirits a bit and I hobble on to a tenth (9:17) place finish.  One hour behind the fastest rider. It was a long time in the saddle but the trails were awesome so it was totally worth it.

[Paul Montgomery]

Sounds like the real deal x10... excellent work!

[Carl Sanders]

NICE WORK!