Laguna Seca Recreation Area

Jerry Hazard Had drivetrain issues throughout practice. My chainguide would not keep the keep the chain on the fron ring after bit hits or braking bumps. Chain was also skipping, but was able to sort that - found a "frozen" link, got some pliers on it to force it to articulate, and it was good to go for race day. On race day: Felt good out of the gate, had power coming down to the first turn, pedaled through it and was aiming for the larger booter but couldn't seem to generate the speed so I skimmed the dipper and table tops, hit the step up and doubled over, railed the berm. Felt pretty solid coming up to the "rock garden" - hopped it, hit the doubles after and pedaled up to the turns. Hit fast through the turns, cranked out of the last turn and lined up the little drop. Came in to that little hotter than I needed to I think, as I landed way off to the right of the trail. Cranked as hard as I could in to the freeway section, but as I was approaching the top of hill to attack the off-camber section, my chain had found its way to the outside of my guide. This meant no pedaling for the rest (50%?) of the course. Well, was able to navigate the off-camber section pretty fast, stayed in the middle line with solid traction, railed the berm, step down and hip all with no pedaling. Came close to clearing the step up, and managed to bobble my way through to the finish. I was 3rd as I crossed the line, but one by one, peeps came in a bit faster. Finished the day in 12th. Disappointed a bit, but not too shabby considering I could pedal half as much as the rest of the field. Next year!!
22 days ago

Allison Oliver Sadly, blew up my drivetrain in the first 100 m. I finished the course, but it took a ridiculously long time since I couldn't pedal and had to stop several times to unwrap my chain from around my deraileur and foot. Oh well, I'll be back next year to slay that thing! Met lots of cool chicks from all over North America, which was totally rad. Good times.
25 days ago