This past weekend was race weekend #3 in a row! Luckily for Justin and I, it only was only a day trip so we got to sleep and eat at home. Two of our training friends from last year came up to stay with us and carpool to the race both days. Saturday was XC racing at its finest, and Sunday was the much-anticipated Super D race!

The forecast called for rain on Saturday, which could make for a pretty cold race up in the mountains. When we arrived at the venue (Hurkey Creek park) Saturday morning temps were chilly, and it was windy, but it didn't seem like rain was going to play a factor.

Knee and arm warmers weren't even necessary after warm-up. It was going to be a great day for racing!

The Pro women's field took off just after 10 am with the Open Women's field (non-USAC category for those that want to race the 30-mile course). Pua led out the 5-deep Pro women's field, with Sarah Kaufmann in pursuit. I trailed with Joy Duerkson and newly back to action Carolyn Popovic just behind me. Joy pulled me back up to Sarah on the pavement as we headed up the bottom of the 24-hour course to climb the descent!

At the first hike-a-bike sandy section I wound up passing Sarah and charged, but knew that Pua was long gone! I passed a few of the Open men and kept charging through the meadow and up May Valley fire road.

On the next singletrack section I saw Sarah had caught up and was making great time on the singletrack. I put in some efforts on the descents, but she wasn't budging. We traded places back and forth up the entirety of the Southridge "cyclocross" climb, and I just edged her out at the top. Once through the feedzone I put in a big effort in the climbing over the next few miles to try to gain some separation. I knew she had me on the singletrack, so wanted to gain whatever time advantage I could going UPhill!

I didn't know what kind of gap I had created, but just kept it spinning up Southridge fire road, which is so steep that parts of it are paved. I was relieved to hit the top and start the descent back down the other side.

Despite a few bobbles and scrapes on the twisty and turn-y fun singletrack, I pushed through to the end and finished 2nd overall.

I had a blast descending, and always enjoy riding the trails. The race was great - amazing support at the feedzones, and one of the most fun and challenging courses I've raced.

Thanks to Katie, Idyllwild Cycling, and PossAbilities for putting on such an amazing event!