Blog

Spring XC at Fair Hill
Mid Atlantic Super Series

Saturday, April 24, found us in Elkton, Maryland, for The Spring XC at Fair Hill, and just like that, race season is off to a start in the Mid Atlantic Region. Fair Hill is a fast course with a lap that is just over 7 miles. The lack of technicality makes for a spirited race that does not slow you down with tricky rock gardens and long loose climbs like many other MASS courses. The route twists around the Fair Hill State Natural Resources Management Area. You pass the ruins of old stone farm buildings and houses, an old silo that stands tall, only now it's filled with briars and vines instead of grain and feed. Steep, short, punchy climbs reward you with fun twisty downhills and switchbacks. Pedaling along an off-camber trail along the park's stone roads, you pop out into vast open grass fields where you stay pinned in a track that is only as wide as your tire. It's a beautiful location for an XC course and a great way to kick off the Mid Atlantic Super Series each year.

The Spring XC was the first race of my first year in Pro-Elite-Cat 1 and also my first race on my new 2022 Kona Hei Hei. Last year was a mixed bag of placement for me, finishing anywhere from first to last but ending out the year with an overall series win in CAT 2. I knew Cat 1 was in my future, and I would need to be fit and fast, but I wasn't sure how much of a jump I was making. Fair Hill was sure to be a good judgment.

Lining up at the start, we had eight ladies in our group, ranging from 17-55. We took off together fast; my highest speed all race was out of the gate, down the gravel prolog, and into the woods. The 1st stretch of the trail takes you down a short span of single track, along a field, and into the woods again to the 1st creek crossing, quick and easy, just enough to get your feet wet. Next is a set of whoops that cause a crash on our first lap, taking out one of the women. The remainder of our group charges on, and we remain pretty close together as we reach the second creek crossing. This crossing is a little broader and deeper; the water will drench your feet if they're not feeling a little chilly already. When we reach the 1st climb, some space starts to open up between us, and we settle in for the race ahead.

The Pro-Elite-Cat 1 race is three laps, around 23 miles in total. Stepping up to a new category, I knew the distance would be further, and the pace would be much faster, so I set some goals. My goals for this race were to finish and beat my lap time from last year. I achieved what I set out to accomplish and learned what I'd need to work on for the next race.

I finished 7/7, a decent way back from 6th place, and I am happy about the learning experience! The Elite women of the MASS series are fast, and I look forward to chasing them again next time. For now, I'm off to the gym to work on my fitness, so hopefully, before long, they'll be the ones chasing me!