Yesterday I entered the First Annual Hollister Hills Mtn Bike Race and placed
first of 3 finishers in the Men's 40+ age bracket, Sport class 20 miles(4 laps).
My time was officially 2:47 including a wrong turn (add 5 min.) and a wipe out.
There were about 25 racers overall in that class who started, all ages combined.
I think only 10 finished. Winning time was 2:25 in Sport Class. It was an
intense course. 1200 feet of climbing, each of 4 laps (ouch!). And one very
tricky technical descent (rain washed out rain gully with deep crevices,
potential ouch!). That was probably the longest 20 miles I've ever ridden on a
mtn bike, but the most rewarding in the end. I was a little disheartened to see
the low turn-out of riders and no one from SLO Nexus at the race. I was
surprised as it was a beautiful day, perfect conditions after our last rain, and
no other events slated for the this weekend. Oh, well. I will not easily forget
my first mtn bike race.

I may be able to make the Cyclebration today after church and a ride. We'll see.
Thanks.
John