Tag Archives: Firecracker

WORS #5 Firecracker

Posted on by
Reply

Photo Credit Jereme Rauckman

The preparation at times trumps the race itself.  If not careful one can knot themselves up so tight that they are conquered before the race even begins.  I can easily turn up the pressure, especially when the race is run on your home course.  WORS #5 Firecracker in Eau Claire is my stomping grounds.  Knowing the course, knowing every root, rock, berm, and drop gives you not only an advantage but adds to the heat of battle.

At the sound of Don’s GO we were off for what would end up being by far the fastest, gnarliest, and fun WORS race yet.  Long roll out on ski trail brought us to the new “whoops” section of table top, pump track jumps/bumps.  I wanted to be in the top ten through the “whoops” section so that I could ride through it and not get caught in the middle.  Came out of the section and dumped into the first single track riding six back.

Jumping out onto the first ski trail section I passed two riders, bridged up to the lead riders and rode on.  Following the drop down on “onion” and into a ski trail section the ss speeder and I got gaped a bit so feeling good I moved in front to pull and work on closing the gap.

Every so often I could see 2nd place riding in and out of the trees.  And after a sweet descent towards the end of the first lap I caught his wheel, passed and rode off.  The legs were turning over faster then my mind would allow.  Trees were whizzing and I was turning out of each corner…until my front wheel caught the soft part of the trail on a ridge and over the bars I went.  Got up, quickly mounted, assessed my bike as I pedaled and thought nothing of it, until I went to shift up and there was nothing there.  Look down and notice by rear derailleur cable busted.  I finish up lap one running second and with a 28 x 11 combination.  Saweeeet.  Like it or not I had to run ss for laps two and three.

Continued the chase but also went into a little reserve mode knowing the climbs were going to be harder.  Pounded the hills, flew the single track, and sat back and enjoyed every minute of it.  That was how laps 2 & 3 played out.  Rolled across the line what would be 3rd overall!  Best race yet…

Started the race with a 2×10 and ended that race on a single speed.  Don’t think I would have been able to last without the FitElite training and Carig Manthe.  Huge props!

As for the race, I had to ask myself, “Did I climb up a rung on the ladder intellectually or physically? If so there will be other races where I can do better.  Keep tuning the engine, grow some larger balls and victory may be mine someday….someday!

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

WORS #6 Firecracker

Posted on by
Reply

If there is such a thing as home course advantage then it happened on Sunday.  I love the Firecracker course for two reasons 1)  it’s fast and full of lung blazin fun and 2) it is a simple 15 minute warm-up ride from my front door.  Seriously, this race is right out my back door.  I had high expectations going into this race and anything less would have made for a bad day.

From the moment Don yelled GOOOOOO I was off and focused on the guy/girl ahead of me.  The whole race I made every effort to stay focused and ride with intensity.  The start was fast as expected.  I wanted to stay towards the front and conserve until we hit the single track.  I hit the single track in the top ten and began my work from there.

During the first lap we started to hit traffic and found ourselves working to pass some of the elite women and 50+ men.  By the second lap we were deep into traffic and actually came to a stand still in two spots.  Tempers were getting high but in the end everyone kept their cool and focused on riding a safe race.  I would get passed here and there but would find myself passing those same riders in the single track so I kept my cool.  By the end of the second lap I had worked myself up to the top five and could see the leaders during the open field sections.

The best part of the race the Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde which was advertised as a “rock garden.”  I would say it was more like a “rock fountain.”  The section was tough and you basically could flip a coin as to whether it was faster to run the bike thru or ride the bike thru.  I opted for riding and only made it through on top of my bike once.

By the third lap I was feeling the cramps coming on and the heat was beginning to take its toll on me.  I switched from attack mode to survival mode knowing that I was in the top five of my age and just hoping that I was cracked the top twenty.  I finished strong and really blew away my expectations.  I finished 16th over all and I got to stand on the WORS podium for the first time for my age.  I got a sweet medal that I pretty sure I can pawn on ebay for about $10.  We’ll see.

It was a great race and I’m feeling pretty good with where I’m at.  Races like this really fuel the fire and help with the training during the times when the seasons starts to feel long.  I have some work to do but I like where I’m at.  Brothers wedding is next weekend but I’m looking forward to an August packed with races and family time.  Thanks for the support and see you on the other side of the single track.

Single Swizzle

Aaron