Race to the River

It was a great day today and things panned out way better than I had set expectations. I managed to pull out a 1st place finish in my class (30-39 Sport) and 2nd overall for sport. The second overall was somewhere around 30 seconds difference but I just couldnt real him in.
Heading into the race my plan was to go as light as possible with hopes of placing somewhere in the upper half of riders. I did a little gambling on the gear trying to shave any weight I could and just took my sons smaller cammel back with NO tools or xtra weight whatsoever. I thought this being the last race of the season I would go all out and make it thru problem free or have to settle for last if anything went south.
It was a brisk morning starting out but didnt take long to get into a groove and warmed right up.
From the start down the gravel road to the single track I managed edge into second position entering firebreak. After a couple of turns I couldnt hold back the urge and even though I knew it was early decided to drop my first hammer and take the lead before entering the flowy section. I was determined I wanted to pick my own lines thru there and not fall victim to the follow the leader role. Having nudged up to front so early I just kept thinking I better keep laying it down to put some distance between us before I start to back off. Unbelievably the legs were feeling fine and breathing wasnt to labored so I pushed it all the way thru the connector to the slight uphill climb right before the stewardship downhill. It was there where I backed off and let my breathing and heart rate stabilize. The plan was to regroup and save the next hammer for the downhill and get into harder with no one ahead of me. Having passed a couple of the other class riders along the way to here there was one more about to enter the downhill section and had to drop hammer two here to make an unannounced pass but then I was good. Next up was someone inside of harder I caught up with that didnt want to have to follow all the way thru so had to do another awkward pass. This is cool I was thinking, I'm usually one of the ones riders being passed but having efficiently worked thru a number of riders it kinda worked as a mental boost so just kept laying down what I could. By the end of lap one things were looking good and started thinking I actually have a chance at a podium position if I can keep it going. Trails were nice and fast especially consideirng all the leaves, aside from the usual wet spots and creeks.

Lap two was another good one, passed some more other class riders and was stoked that I wasnt dualing it out and fighting anyone off. Kept thinking I was hearing someone just enough behind me that I was able to keep at bay by dropping the hammers when I could and concentrating on trying to be efficient.

Lap 3 things were to good to be true, still nobody had passed or came to within the uncomfort zone. This was it, now or never, I may not have another chance this close within grasp I thought. Lap 3 I dropped all I had left to keep the pace going the best I could and by that last firebreak hill climb after the creek the legs were on fire but the end was just around the corner.

Never felt so good to finish. Was one of those good riding days, good energy levels and boy how nice it is to know the trails, I think that helped sooo much. Where I usually have a few wrecks today was able ride my own race.

Think my time ended somewhere around 1:23:15 +- .xx
Avg 12.8
Max 25