Wigwam Ultimax, An American Classic

Wigwam was the major sponsor of the Wigwam MTB Challenge. Again a very enjoyable and successful event, typical for WORS, put on by Fatkats. Here is the course map. It is a challenging course with lots of slippery roots and intimidating drops, and the Equalizer of course. Click Here

I finished about nine minutes slower than last year though I've had improved times this year prior to this race. There were some changes and the course was damp in places. All times seemed slightly longer than last year. Contributing to my poor time was the fact that I had not been on my bike for three weeks after my last crash, gaining some weight. Could feel it in my legs. My ribs ached a bit, especially the next day, and had pain in my lower right back. Lost some time caught back in the long train of bicycles when we all hit the first single track. As things loosened up I was racing two in my field, both in red shirts. Passed both of them before the single track in the second lap. One of them passed me and left me behind. The other, having trouble keeping up, slipped and did a belly flop in the mud. He said he was OK. My designated nemesis, the one I set my sights on to overcome this year, was sitting by the side of the trail, having crashed earlier, to offer him assistance if needed. I kept going and he never challenged again. I had a great flow and worked all the elements well with no major mishap. Felt satisfied with my performance considering.

One of my goals this year was not to be caught by the women, who start three minutes behind us. Not so that day, though their compliments and encouragement they gave when passing sure make one feel better. Caught a few other compliments from the spectators too. I was just working everything so well, but I could have been pushing my limits more. Skipped the bypass and took the jump the second lap. Hope they got a picture. Maybe I'll go for one of Extreme Photography Unlimited's collages. It appears they have been working to get more action shots this year. Many actually crashed, if not that day on the pre-ride the day before, and one taco-ed his wheel. They were pushing hard and those I had been competing with this year finished well ahead of me.

Yes, I am quite proud of my field fellows and how well they did this year in response to my encouraging razzes. I'm sure they are all grateful. One was anxious to show me the replacement frame he received from Gary Fischer on warranty when his broke. He had the new frame painted black, obviously wanting to emulate me, rather than the flame pattern he had on the original frame.

"Did lots of people comment on your flames?" I asked.

"Only You!" he said.

I just keep giving and giving.

I was tempted to buy a new camera but resisted. It's just not as fun to watch the rest of the races without a camera. Went to a friends house and was rewarded with being able to watch the Bears lose. The Bears were leading and kicked the ball to the Falcons with 11 seconds left. Ha! Ha! Returned later for the raffle, but alas, WORS has not been a raffle friendly environment for me. Two people won twice! Lots and lots of prizes supplied by Wigwam and WORS.

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