mountain biking 5:26:00 [5]
Eager Beaver 100k at Mansfield with Browner, Mique, CP Bruce and Rob. Normally we would be riding the Parry Sound hydrocut this weekend, but there was no way I was going back there anytime soon after WT, so Browner suggested this race as an alternative. Very impressed by the course marking on a 100km course that was probably 75% trail - the RD said he had put out 1,200 arrows!
The pace off the start was ridiculous, so when reached the point of nearly losing my breakfast, I decided to back off and watch Mique disappear in the trees. It paid off though, as I was able to catch him at 80k and we rode the rest in together. I had myself a little pity party in the first 25k over how little training I've been able to do since the spring, how obvious it was, blah, blah, wah, wah - but once I finally settled in/settled down I actually felt pretty strong throughout. I think we finished 7th but not certain - it wasn't a big field but given that the extent of my mountain biking this year includes WT and some course scouting/marking, I'll definitely take it!
Tough, tough course, good times with fun people, and super-proud of Browner for finishing faster than the time she had planned for herself. The Parry Sound ride is always fun, but I'm glad we chose this option instead.