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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by R. Jorgensen
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Monday, 16 July 2007 |
Rim Nordic Series #2
California State XC Series #6
Running Springs, CA
July 15, 2007
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July 15, 2007 at Race #6 of the California State XC Series in Running Springs. This small hamlet is between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake in the San Bernandino Mountains. On the South side of the highway is Snow Valley, the venerable 'ski hill". On our side of the highway is Rim Nordic Ski Area. They specialize in cross country skiing (when mother nature smiles and produces a winter). Fortunately for us they know how to put on a bike event! For us locals to register in a building, with lights and a phone connection is truly a modern advantage.
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Since they were selling off parts inventory I picked up some Kenda tires at 50% off. Well I just had to use a credit card to pay for the tires and race fees to prove to myself that it could be done.
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Our race day starts a bit different here. At 9 a.m. out goes the Beginners for a lap, then at 10 a.m. out goes the Sport for two laps, then at 11 a.m. the Expert/Pro come sweeping by the whole lot. I was out on the course for quite a while.
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I must admit the scenery is beautiful. It is a combination of oak forest and Jeffrey and Ponderosa pine with a mixture of scrub ground cover and flowers. I counted no less than 8 bridges and the upper most stream crossing actually had a trickle of water. True to the published information the course consisted of 50% single track. Really amazing "stuff".
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Reflecting back, I really wasn't in a hurry. This was my first outting on the "Mamasita." So aside from breaking off some piece on the new saddle and hooking my pants every other minute, the ride was "different."  | | click to enlarge |
The 29'er tires really assisted in the soft steep descents, although they did require a good bit of effort on the up hill. It was my first SRAM shift and I like the positive sound and feel. The Avid Ultimate brakes are something! I think I'll keep her and ride around my local trails and try to get an objective opinion and perhaps a few photos.
Roger
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