3/16/2011

I survived the Shootout on Angler's Ridge

Bummer.

Really perfectly built, sweet, extra fun, well maintained trails made for a fun lap. These trails were so fast and provided a thrill around every turn. I met some cool people and passed out tons of skins so despite the big fat DNF i'd say it was a fun and productive trip.

It was a little chaotic race day though. I've never seen anything quite like it. Three massive pile ups in less then 1/4 mile. First the pros wrecked into each other at the start line, then about 10 seconds after that a dog got loose and caused an even bigger pile up, then 1/4 mile down the dirt road where the trail head started another massive pile up and subsequent bottle neck.

This photo about sums it up. At the third pile up (I avoided each one by using my brakes to stop!) a chic ran full speed into me, bending my hanger so bad I could barely finish the first lap. I stood there trying to rig it back and watched literally every single racer except those on the ground in the pile up pass me. I slowly made my way around the first lap, had a ton of fun on the downhills.

Then, since my extra hanger was in my tool box at the EZ up, and not on my person I was unable to use it. Never heard of that rule, but i'll never make that mistake again. At least I got my DNF for the season out of the way!