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race report: greenbriar challenge 2006

RACE REPORT: Greenbriar Challenge 2006
by joel gwadz

it is hard for me to try and start a thought about my first race of the season without some mention of my first race from last season
last year at the first michaux race, my first race of the season, I crashed on the first rock on the course
it was aggravating
it was painful
it was so early in the race that I figure than waiting in the parking lot for my friend dave to finish would only be more painful
in addition to the potential painful time in the parking lot I was confident that my injury was serious enough that I would be off the bike for a few months

so, I continued the race… with occassional yeti-like screams I continued to race
sure enough… my index finger was dislocated and the knuckle was shattered… not only was it messed up but it was so messed up that I needed surgery
that was a bummer
that was was last year
this year went a bit different
this year as my season opener I went up to Western Maryland for the Greenbriar Challenge
the racers could not have asked for a better day with better trail conditions

my approach to the race was not without anxiety
in addition to my spring injury to the finger
in the fall I managed to dislocate my shoulder going over the handlebars on my cross bike
yes, bummer… total bummer
but in the scheme of things nothing more than a slight set back
simply a speed bump on the road of life

so I approached this race with the classic anxiety of race day
ontop of having only gone off road twice in the last 6 months
there was fear of fitness as there had not been any significant riding since the Shenandoah Mountain 100
then on top of all the classic race fears there was the black clouds of previous injuries and worst case scenarios and potential injury looming overhead

the spirit of the day can do a lot to carry me
this was a beautiful day in the woods with friends
what a rush!
I love riding my bike
I love racing my bike
I love a little heathy competition
and
I love spring time

this day at Greenbriar served up all the above
it was like a buffet of so many things I love
and as most clydesdales
I love buffets

the course was challenging and fun
there were moments of fear
there were moments of hesitation
there were moments of panic
there were moments of great pleasure
there were many rewarding moments

riding a mountainbike is an all body experience
my stomach cramped
my mouth went dry
my arms ached
my hands hurt so bad that they locked in a GI Joe Kung Fu grip pose
it was awesome

there were smells and tastes that I live for
less than an hour from the center of Washington, DC and I am getting an experience that is reminesent of California, Colorado, or Vermont
sure the climbs were not miles and miles lon

g
as I hate long climbs so I am not bummed about that comparision

it was an epic day
a great day that reunited me with many friends and the sport we all love
it was good to to get that rush from riding and racing
as it is early in the season and there will be the opportunity for many similar such experiences

the results are posted
there are additional images and words on my blog

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