Last night I rode expert at the Bitterroot After-Work race, and finished DFL by a significant margin.

It’s the third time I’ve ever paid money to ride my bike (if giving DJ $ for pizza counts), and by far the shortest race I’ve ever done. Three laps, 4 miles a lap, with 850′ of vertical gain. Climb the fire road up the right edge of the resort for 3+ miles, bomb down brand new singletrack, repeat. Newly birthed single made for some fun dirt surfing on tight switchbacks, good entertainment. Winner was local fast-kid Sam Schultz, who was already in his plaid shorts by the time I got back. I have no idea how Bill did, other than that he had the legs to chase Sam off the start, and I did not. (Ya’ll better watch out when I drag Bill south this spring, he’s a fast mofo.)

Best part of the night:
It comes in cans! Brilliant!

Bill and a few other guys and I lurked around the parking lot drinking beer, bullshitting, and watching the amazing evening light on the eastern slope of the Bitterroot Valley. Then I went home, ate, and slept well. Given that I drank and took my entry fee in beer, I’ll be back next week.

And starting next month, ‘cross season! Should be an easy fall to get fit. I’ll need it.