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Mt. Washington Great Glen Trails Kona Summer Mountain Bike Series Week #1 Race.

By William Turner #46

I had a blast racing against the clock!! Much better than no racing during COVID 19.

The backdrop for this race series is the Great Glen Outdoor Trails Cross Country Center.

The location is the same as the now postponed 24hrs of Great Glen and the spectacular scenery and never boring weather of the Mt. Washington Valley. Whatever the weather, racing at this location is a memorable and fun event, especially if you like to observe family's and kids having a fun time with their parents on mountain bikes.

There is a mini-kids loop, and some often-challenging single track for those who want it and there are raffle prizes draw each week. If the spirit wills, after the race series, you can dine at McDonalds or Subway in nearby Gorham and listen to the free on the green Tuesday evening concert series with appropriate social distancing. The 1st race this year again has plenty of young riders, many who are first timers, very inspirational to say the least.

This series allows me to push my now 70 year old body to the limits. Thanks to Hammer Endurolyte capsules I actually managed to do both the short and long course and not get muscle cramps. The MSW Miniac 333 GPS computer and Garmin sensors let me keep track of both my heart rate and cadence. The 11-40 Sunrace 10 speed cassette I added to the rear of my 2014 Specialized EVO 29 lets me spin up most of the hills instead of smashing. The Racing Ralph and Racing Ray tire work great on both the very fast gravel and rough stuff.

I have finished in a good spot in the Sport Masters Division doing both races. The fractured tibia plateau leg is no longer a limiting factor, just my poor balance. Hope to see your there, we could use some more adults.

Happy Riding!!!!!!!!!

Bill Turner