More World Cup Racing in Europe

Mike and I have figured out that the best way for us to get fast is to race consistently against high level competitors.   Central Europe has no shortages of such races on any given weekend as the proximity of countries backed by nationalistic cycling support programs, and brimming with a history of bruising from cross border rivalry, demand it.  There is little wonder that Europe is really the most competitive place to race mountain bikes.  

A well attended MTB World Cup race in La Bresse, France.

Most recently Mike and I  competed in 8 elite UCI races in the 9 weeks we were in Europe, tasting the dirt in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, and France.  Racing in each country helped to remove us from the comfort zone we have acquired around the races and  gave us something of an idea of what it is to be a competitive cyclist in various countries. It really gave us the chance to intermingle with a tremendous number of new and exciting people/ places that we would have never likely seen.   We learned an awful lot about how far we can get as a couple of Americans racing our mountain bikes in Europe and  came out with a refined  perspective on what is possible and what is intelligently possible with our two person racing program.

Mike tunes Mary's race bike in the local campground.

With our two person hyper mobile RV attack program at our disposal Mike and I have had easy access to our choice of pertinent competitions and have been re-relocating  to different countries with our comfort levels intact (or at least familiar) each weekend.   The weeks between these competitions were cramped affairs as life in the RV can be significantly altered when rain and cold weather persist. In the end it was probably the best thing to just rest and recover more than train, although we often heeded the beckoning epic terrain that was calling outside our front door.  

Sometimes you have to break the rules...

We spent as many nights as possible up in the mountains to get in some form of elevation training.  It was a special challenge to make the long winding drives up to these mountain passes, but we always appreciated the an extra quiet place to spend the night and were looking to manifest the best form we could for the soon upcoming selection races.  It was also helpful to be near the snow pack on several occasions as we could more conveniently keep the ice to tend to our swollen & bruised bits.   With the methodic preparation and little else on our minds our fitness improved and we seemed on track to bring some excellent form to the final 2 Olympic qualification races in the Czech Republic and France…

Swelling control after ridiculously muddy Italian MTB Alpago race...

Competitively The World Cups tend to bring out the A game in most athletes and so it was impressive to see the the added Olympic pressure bring yet another up tick in competitiveness.  This year we rode with an increased feeling that every little space on the course was jammed with someone else trying to come upon their fairy tale olympic dream spot.  The sheer nationalism and intercountry rivalry really seemed to help turn the screws of motivation throughout the world cup series this season.  

The World Cup series itself has been effectively working to evolve its own image into a more exciting, spectator friendly sport.  The new generation races take place on shorter laps , contain steeper, and more technically demanding segments that are pushing the envelope for XC rider's technical skills as well as adding excitement for athletes and race fans alike.   There are some who would prefer to have cross country racing stay closer to it's more drawn out and endurance based roots though few would deny that this new XCO format is more fit to be seen. 

World Cup #3, Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic (May 14, 2012)

It was our third time racing in the Czech Republic and we were looking forward to the hilly little course riddled with the roots of a dark pine forest.  Man made rocky tech features, abrupt log ledges and even little gap jumps characterized the tight swooping trails.  The spectator friendly multi loop format seemed to work for the fans who came out in big numbers to see the cross country specific event.   Mike and I loved the back in time quietness that we felt upon crossing the border into Czech Republic, complete with the convenience of a remote camp spot in the woods where we were an easy bike ride but far enough away from to the bustle of the venue.   

100 meters into the fast pavement start of the elite women's race there was a pack crash that took me down hard. Due to a riders twitchy swerve across the tight accelerating pack of sprinting women.   I mostly remember the horrible sounds of skidding while I was busy going over my bars onto the downed riders and bikes on the pavement in front of me - I hit the deck HARD and only my fear of getting run over by the pack from behind had me jumping quickly to my feet,  I wrenched my still functional bike from the pile got on, found I could pedal and just started to ride away from the hurt of the impact. 

Mind over matter...

Endorphins filled me and the pain of my crash dissipated as I grappled for that mind over matter flow aimed at getting back into the racing at hand.   I soon caught the back of the pack and moved forward passing riders when ever possible on the wider parts of the course.  My power felt  good and I was recovering quickly from hard climbing efforts and attacks so I knew the fine tuning and racing regimen we had been on for the  past few months was working out and my race form was good. 

In the end, I can only speculate how things might have gone down if I had a clean start, but oh yeah, I guess that's racing…  I was glad to at least have salvaged a strong 31st place finish after such a disaster at the start.   Post race, the pain set in down my entire right side which took the brunt of the impact.  I was sore, cut up and discoloring with heavy bruising but still feeling lucky to not have to be visiting the hospital on this one.  

Despite Mike's plea for me to rest up back in the RV, I hobbled down to the track side after a few minutes alone to clean my wounds and begin swelling control.   There was no way I was going to miss mike and the men's field contest this exciting course even if it was with 6 ice packs on various parts of my body.  What I saw immediately reminded me that the start its the first important selection point of the day and that without a good start everything is going to be WAY more challenging.  I could see that Mike was riding really well but only just beginning to recover from being caught up in race traffic due to his pack start position.   It was a spectacular course to watch as well as for Mike to take advantage of the advanced features to move up on his competition.   

Mike making his way through the pack

It was a tough week in the RV as we made our way across Europe to La Bresse, France.  I was suffering from bumps and bruises, some sort rib displacement, whiplash, as well as being in lower than cheery spirits by the outcome of the previous weekend.  Everything was all about recovery, managing the pain and swelling, while trying to remain positive and open to having a good showing when I felt pretty bad.  I was limited in what I could do without pain and feeling very lucky that I could pretty much do everything I needed in the RV with out really moving around at all.  Even as I took every effort to take care of my banged up body and speed my recovery, I knew it was going to be a long shot to be 100% by Sunday…

World Cup #5, La Bresse, France (May 20, 2012)

The technical rocky course with a long climb and descent at this new WC venue made a big impression on the riders and did not disappoint the 20,000 who came to see the event.  It was a natural track weaving up the town's hillside in one formidable push.  Nice that it contained enough technical elements to make it something special rather than just plain difficult.  I waited until Friday to look at the course, needing every hour to heal up... but could tell by Mike's smile when coming back from his initial course evaluation that it was a good one. 

The video footage that Mike brought back really gave me a look at an exceptionally challenging course - and one that would cater to only the most complete rider.    As my energy for the hard bumpy riding was limited, it was quite helpful to be able to watch the footage of the racing and dial in some lines before I even rode it.

Here we are the afternoon before the French World Cup.  As ready as could be...

A heavy rain pounded the RV keeping us more wakeful than usual the nights before big races.  I knew the track was going to be extremely slick and dangerous even before seeing the carnage from the 9am junior race.  Luckily the sun came out and helped the juniors to dry the track for the elite women's  11 am start time…  

I lined up on the 4th row of 10, all crammed in as the gun went off… Unfortunately I could not help but be a bit tentative on the paved straightaway start, enclosed by metal barriers, still feeling my injuries from a similar scenario just 7 days prior.  Thoughts of self preservation flashed for just a second and I was somewhere back in the 60s - not where you want to be at the bottom of the long and narrow technical single track climb.  I was now unable to ride because the pace surrounding me was a sea of walking riders.  Though this was not ideal I used motivation to dig deep and pass people when possible on the narrow single track and was happy to feel that underneath everything, my form was good.  

The demanding course took it's toll on many.  There were more mechanical problems and bloodied riders than at any of the other WCs in recent memory!    Sketchy chutes seemed to be enough to take down even the best riders including the world cup winner Julian Absalon who took a solid tumble over the bars on his way to victory.   It was enough course for me to reopen an elbow wound, but all and all it was a minor spill compared to last weekend's.   I was able to push through the 5 laps successively faster and more confidently, finishing in 26th place, as the 3rd American.

A little blood, a lot of sweat. Smiling at the end of a difficult WC race in La Bresse.

Mike was caught in tighter than typical race traffic at the start and unfortunately this resulted in a smashed wheel on the opening lap.   He managed to tiptoe to the pit, but by this time, the leaders were entering into their 2nd lap and Mike was going to have to move quickly to get in a few laps before getting pulled.  On the good side it was great to see him freed up to really race… from dead last place he rode into finish a respectable 86th.  He was disappointed in how it unfolded but happy about his experience of riding the course overall.

A super cold post race leg soak can be good therapy.

We are glad to currently have a brief period to rest then train up before we hit the road again for the continuation of the XC race season with some of our favorite World Cup race venues of all time.   We are especially looking forward to the competition in our own time zone with the next two rounds of the Wold Cup in Mont Ste Anne, Quebec and Windham, NY.  It is always an advantage to race near home for so many reasons.   We are both inspired being back on North American soil, knowing how good we mountain bikers have things across an expanding portion of the states!

Honored to be a part of this great community of cyclists that we can call our people!   Thank you to all those who take part in cycling for a positive way or use the bike to do better for yourself and others.  hope to see you out on the trails!  

Ride On! 

Mary and Mike

Team KENDA/Seven/NoTubes

Our trusty steeds...

Huge THANKS to ALL Our Great Sponsors who have made this journey possible!! :-)

Making the most of RV living

Late evening in the mountains of Tirol Austria

We hammered back some particularly satisfying coffees looking to put a rough nights sleep behind us, opting only for a quick oatmeal as we saw the the first of the heavy snow flakes fall from a dark storm front.  We had just completed our first night of elevation training in the RV and were lucky that the snow had held off as forecasted through the early hours of the morning, allowing us to return to our training grounds in the valley below.  Clearly the 10k and 4000 feet of pass we had summited the night before to get to our 6000 foot roost would not be anything to trifle with driving down in our trusty though summer tire shod RV.   

The Spirit of the sport 

Mary and I are currently in the Tirol region of Austria where we have found ourselves since competing at the Haiming Bike Festival this past weekend.  It was a our second time attending this spirited event and we were happy to see the level of mountain biking in Austria continuing on at an impressive level.  This year's festival brought out the Austrian mountain bike families in force where they mixed easily with a thick crowd of multi national professionals.  Well attended amateur and age group races with course variations to meet their needs really gave a clear indication that the Austrian MTB scene is healthy and all about developing up and coming talent.  Although the competition was taken seriously from the pro ranks on down to the under seven groms, the experience overall 

was focused on everyone having a good time. 

Mary Racing in Oetzal Austria 

The highlight of the race weekend was set by the backdrop of this incredible alpine town full of the friendly folks as well as a the opportunity to compete on a good old fashioned technical course that brought Mary and I happily back to our days of racing on the east coast of the USA.  A narrow mix of black mud and roots would have been enough to test the skills of most and the storm front that pushed through on race day just pushed the advantage further in the favor of those able to handle their bikes well.   In short, it was Sweet! 

Mike enjoys racing Kenda's 29er Karmas in the mud and roots!

Mary and I only really came to discover how special this part of Austria is after spending a few post race days training and living out of the RV  here.   A post race ride on one of the highest trails we could access due to the substantial snow pack with team Rabobank friends Adam Craig and Rosara Joseph initiated us into the sweetness of Tirol riding.   On this outing we made a single substantial climb, finding our way through some snowy patches in the higher elevations and managed to cap it off with a local favorite single track drop that rivaled the best that we have had the chance to put tires to on this continent. 

Recovery ride with team Rabobank

Rolling with Team Hai Power Bike Tirolers.

  

Over the next days Mary and I were treated to riding adventures by the local rippers from Hai Power Bike Team Haiming that oriented us to some of the areas premier lower elevation trails. The area is really a mountain bike racers dream chock full of skill pushing steep single as well as valley floor flats for miles and enough of everything in between.  The biggest problem was trying to keep our eyes on the trail with the full winter of alpine scenery looming around every corner.  

Incredible spring scenery in Tirol, Austria.

Mary and I found ourselves smitten with the area and decided to make the most of our week between races by taking advantage of the high elevation passes that are "easily" accessible in the area to sleep in the breathe in some of the thin air and push our training into our sleeping hours.  We know from experience that the adaptive effects that come naturally from sleeping at high elevation can help to put that final touch on our hard earned race fitness.  We are of course looking for every little advantage that can go into improving our racing and might even turn out to be effective in gaining that critical spot or two in that important race that makes all the difference. 

MnM in Kuhtai Austria 

For this it seems we are willing to suffer a bit since what sounds simple in theory is really up to the elements to decide if it is even possible.  Right now this latitude of Europe is experiencing what is essentially a continuation of winter and so we are having to be very picky about where we go and how and when we get there as driving an RV in the high mountains at this time could quickly become  more of an adventure than we really want to get ourselves into.   

Mary takes the hard line in training.

There are an incredible number of fantastic paved passes in the Alps, Dolomites and really all over the lesser ranges across central europe that are high enough to acclimate to thin air.  Unfortunately for our purposes most of the areas at this elevation are seasonal places and are subject to stormy weather.  Looking for a similar training advantage last August we had a foot of fresh snow pin us to our high elevation pull off in switzerland for full day of waiting to drive off the pass - a freak storm, so we thought, until a local amused by our situation, stopped in with his 4X4 to tells that it is nothing short of common in these parts.  

As you can imagine our timing at this point is less than ideal but along with the scary bit of putting ourselves out there in the elements we are experiencing a unique time between the seasons when ski areas are closed and summer camping is still months away.  Among the challenges we are getting to see the quiet europe that seems impossible in the "right" season when we are just one of the incredible number of people that seem to clog up every little bit of the good parts of the content.  At this time we are often the only ones in campgrounds where the owner may even come to greet us in person, happy that our arrival might indicate the start of their money earning season.  In some ways it seems to be  the most fantastic time to travel even though we can easily appreciate why others might wait until the season has really begun. 

A very cold and clear morning 

Mary and I are headed back to Germany this weekend to compete in a legendary high category race 'Bike The Rock'.  It is an incredible opportunity to be able to attend two HC races in as many weeks and even more so to consider them just training for the world cups that lay ahead.  Now in its 12th edition, Bike The Rock is typically one of the best attended XC races in Europe and always a challenge as it brings out the best competitors in the sport.  The forecast is for 30 degrees (somewhere in the high 80's) and from here it seems a bit hard to believe given that we have just endured another lashing from a brutal storm that blanketed our RV in snow for the night on top of this mountain pass.   It is amazing how much difference a couple of hundred of meters of elevation cam make in the climate and we hope in our performance as well.

Hope everyone is out charging in the day and tucked in safe and warm at night! 

MnM 

Mary getting ready to race in Heubach Germay 

Jim's Organic produces particularly satisfying Coffees!

The European journey continues

The Black Forest, Germany.

We pulled into the latest desolate campground after picking up on a strong WIFI signal and even though the laundry facilities have yet to be switched on for the season we really needed to spend a couple days in one place training and getting in some communications between the races.  Except for some staff preparing for the summer months we are the only ones here - outlining the fact that it is definitely still way too cold and wintry to be rolling around northern europe in an RV.  Still we love the peaceful vibe especially since our out door yoga sessions (in the 40 degree weather) go by with much less fanfare and we can sleep without earplugs to block out the typically festive campgrounds. 

Some prefer hot yoga... 

We just completed the 2nd round of the World Cup in Houffalize this past Sunday and the event lived up to Belgium's reputation for THE country to race bikes in.  Rowdy horn blowing cycling fans, fueled on frites, belgian waffles and strong beer pleasantly re affirmed an only slightly exaggerated stereotype, and gave us racers a feeling of being something worth watching.  The world cup series skipped this venue last year, so we were especially happy to return to this special and historically significant spot in the Ardennes.   I felt a twinge of nostalgia before the event remembering the various incarnations of the track in our past seven times racing here and especially cherishing the time I finished 5th here in 2005.   At that year's podium presentation the top women received trophies and huge platters of salamis and smoked meat that are specialties from this region.  The Norweigian champion, Gunn Rita Dahl and I looked at each other, laughing like we didn't know what to do  with such a prize!?!   We don't eat that stuff!  Or so I told myself until Mike and I managed to polish off the whole darn tray!  :-)  I seem to remember Gunn Rita confessing to the same thing.

This whole month in Northern Europe has been the type of cold and grey where the slightest shadow begs mention.  Scattered freezing rain and wind have been the norm and this continued on this past weekend as if to add to the classic feel of spring racing in Belgium.   Mike and I kept  busy preparing and training in the days leading up to the race.  The traveling village that accompanies the world cups gave some respite from the elements and we especially luxuriated in the time spent at the SRAM mobile headquarters.   Time passes quickly especially as minutes are soaked up here and there with brief visits with good friends and sponsors on the circuit, as well as the run around for registration and making sure to be ready to go for specific and limited training times.  

Mike dials the bikes at SRAM's mobile headquarters

The track itself drastically changed from years past and was a good example of the newer style short and technical course that is said to better please TV and spectators alike.  Instead of an extended clover leaf loop in and out of town, the course was situated on one segment of bulging, steep, clear cut hill.  From the riders perspective the track was difficult, requiring skill and power to ride.  Though there is something clearly lost from the pure mountain bike days of back country self supported feel it was a rad course and after one lap, we had smiles on our faces even as we decided it would be a good move to bolt on compact chain rings. 

Mike freed up to shred this shredded forest

We got lucky on race day with dry weather, as nothing but snow could have fallen in such cold temperatures.  I know from experience that my body is not at its best in the bitter cold, so I opted to race for one of the first times in a mtb race with full arms, legs AND a beanie.  My 5th row start was what I expected - clogged - a sea of aggressive riders blocking and preventing each other from really racing to our potentials… After a lap, I finally got into my own rhythm as the field opened up, although unfortunately by the nature of the start loop this was not before considerable time was lost.  I pressed on, feeling lucky to not have any new chain ring tattoos, and determined to regain time as quickly as I could in what had become a race against the clock.   The start loop aside, my lap times were not too far off the top women… 

Mary pinning the climb...

Although the selection process of the world cups leaves a lot up to chance I believe it is a worthy determiner of our strongest riders.   Most other countries have a similar selection process for the Olympics (based on the first 4 rounds of the series) and thus the level has been noticeably elevated.   I still feel I have a good chance to be one of the top two who will qualify for finally selection for the Olympic team after the next two world cup competitions…  I find that staying positive, falling back on experience and hoping for the best luck especially at the starts is all I can do.  At this point the season is ON and staying healthy and positive are just as, or more important than any hard training or stressing out about things. 

The current incarnation of the W/C's really feels more like a bunch of short interval efforts rather than the soul mountain bike racing that mike and I would both prefer.  On the positive side the promoters seem interested in including more technically challenging sections in the courses that make for some fun riding in the descents to say the least.  In any case we are committed to giving it our best shot with whatever course they mark off for us.   Both Mike and I are feeling like our race legs are coming into form and we are hopeful that we will be able to make the impact that we need to make in the coming selection races.  

Our trusty steeds...

Mike and I continue to enjoy the adventure and freedom of our life on the road, focused on running our race program, specific training, taking care of our bodies and bikes.  Whenever possible we take interesting back roads where we can see a bit more of the european countrysides and stay away from the fast moving autobahn traffic, big trucks and higher gas prices.  Our approach has us moving a little slower, but enjoying ourselves a lot more.  We have been able to find  some great training opportunities by just just riding randomly out of the RV and following the incredible number of signed bike routes indicating the general direction and what to expect.  There is rarely a dull moment riding mountain bikes in this part of the world,  that is if you are excited about riding through ancient villages, past beautiful views, jutting mountains covered with forests, where a little searching and luck could provide that sweet single track descent back into town. 

Finding the local specially foods has also been a good and enjoyable way to get to know the culture of the various regions we visit… Kurbiskern Oil (pumpkin seed), Rye spice cakes, local honey, cheeses, meats, incredible fresh breads and fine wines, just to name a few.  We feel especially lucky to be cyclists when it is time for dinner as there is of course every need to refuel from the efforts of training.  

Wishing you all good health!  Bon Appetit!

Mary and Mike

Who says you can't garden in an RV?

Spring in Europe

Early spring in Bavaria

It was a bit of a shock to step into the early spring in Europe after enjoying the warm embrace of South Africa for the past weeks.  The leafless trees and grey skies of Bavarian Germany had us feeling like it might have been a better plan to stay south a bit longer to train or take the option to participate in one or more of the world class stage races that highlight the global endurance cycling scene…next year perhaps...

No matter where you are in the world, Stan's NoTubes is #1!!

Mary and I spent a couple of days in Ingolstadt, Germany adjusting to rolling out of bed directly into down jackets while we outfitted our sweet little rental RV with healthy foods and the latest update of winter riding apparel and bike parts that we had shipped ahead of time to what would likely be the last stationary address available to us for the next several months.   

Our plan to attend the next 3 rounds of the World Cup series that will be held in Houffalize, Belgium (4/15), Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic (5/13) and Le Bresse, France (5/20) as well as National races in Italy and Austria will have us covering a good portion of the EU while continuing our first hand experience of the highest level of XC racing in what is sure to be the most highly contested season to date. 

Team presentation ceremony in Nalles, Italy.

Our European travel experience has transformed drastically over the past years, happily much for the better.   We began our travels here 9 years ago with a complete ignorance that often resulted in unnecessary self inflicted suffering.  This was only possible to overcome with an incredible amount of enthusiasm for what we were doing and a good bit of laughing (at ourselves) and the ridiculous situations that presented themselves around every corner. 

Another inside tip of where to eat the best pizza!

We are now happy to able to rely on a wealth of knowledge of how to travel Europe by RV.  Although the most important lesson we have learned is in no way exclusive to any one mode of transportation or global position.  It has everything to do with the people that we meet along the way and being open to communicate and learn from them regardless of any language barriers.   Those who become friends always seem to go above and beyond to make sure we are not too far off course in their areas of expertise.   The location of the best pizzeria, the best place in the neighborhood to park the RV, or where to get the laundry done are always first on the list of questions.  As much as we love our Gamins GPS units and can absolutely rely on them to show us the way (and way back) there is nothing like riding with a good friend on their home town trails and back roads.

Wide angle view from our camp spot in Nalles

The price of living and traveling in Europe has increased drastically in just the past 6 months with diesel commonly topping 1.70 euro per liter (um, roughly $11 per gallon!!) and the astonishing number of police speed checks clearly aimed at bringing revenue to needy economies.  Even with the significant kilometers we will be driving we feel that our RV attack style has a lot of merit, enough economy and certainly remains our preferred approach.  The ease in logistics of not having to book accommodations while keeping the opportunities open to change plans when other ideas present themselves really makes up for a lot.  

Change of plans happily brought us to Lago di Garda...

Mary and I headed south to Nalles Italy this past weekend where we were happy to see some signs of spring.  Here the apple trees that dominate the local agricultural economy were in full blossom and even the grape vines were beginning to awaken from another hard winter.  We came to contest the 12th consecutive running of the Nalles Sunshine Cup and experience what has become one of the premium XC races in Europe.  The level of racing we found is sure to only be possible at a European based venue as the top end of the field was multi national and could have easily made up  the podium at any world cup.  The crowds and press who came to see the spectacle really made it apparent that mountain biking in Italy is taken seriously as entertainment, professional sport as well as for business. 

Mike preps the bikes for the Sunshine Cup.  Nalles, Italy

The world is quickly catching on to off road cycling for fitness, sport, lifestyle and passion though it still seems the European community in general is enjoying a bit of a head start.  That's what brought us here in the first place and why we have made an effort to be here year after year to experience and be a part of the real deal.  We look forward to utilizing and sharing what we learn here as we travel to other parts of the world to ride and compete in the many disciplines of this sport that defines our lifestyle.  Competitive off road cycling is now found in every continent and is sure to soon be found in every corner of even those places where it still may just be in its infancy.  We are hopeful that the majority of those places will grow this beautiful sport up in the right way.   

For now, on to the second round of the world cup in a town steeped in cycling culture - Houffalize Belgium! 

Good rides and health to you all!

Mike and Mary

Mary on mechanic duty...

Rest day cave exploration on Monte Mauro, Italy.

South African Adventures

"Getting there is half the fun" was not a phrase coined on a trip that started out with back to back over night flights.  This is certainly the case with our current travels from our winter home in Northern California to the exotic lands of South Africa.   

ready to cross the globe...

Our two person all inclusive team program was pushed to its limits in the past weeks as we battled to time product shipments, build up our new and impressively re-designed race bikes as well as handle the extensive logistics required for this solid 3 months of travel that encompasses the first half of the world cup season.    

Packing the essentials to meet the needs of our professional race program within current airline weight restrictions is no easy task and in this case our managerial duties eclipsed the normal delicate balance required to be on top of our physical preparation in place of getting on the plane with all the right equipment.   Logistics are always a challenge especially when the travels include changing continents or are spread out over a longer period of time.  We started preparing for this 3 month trip several weeks in advance but much like a term paper from the long gone college days it came down to some serious hours of sleep deprived cramming to get the job done.  

Unpacking into South Africa

Disoriented by the crossing of seven time zones without moving from the confines of our budget airline seats we found ourselves laughing nervously as we finalized our rental contract for a right hand drive (yikes!) economy car and pulled directly into the volatile Johannesburg traffic.  The excitement of potential "Big 5" game sightings and exploring highly acclaimed single tracks that lay across the foreign landscapes of the KwaZulu Natal region of this southernmost county on the African continent were most of what kept us from crumbling on the spot and checking into the nearest airport hotel to begin on some much needed recovery.

Unfortunate realities of driving in traffic... Our rental car got a little dented and luckily no one was hurt.  

We emerged from a tedious city crossing into wide open plains where black thunderheads plowed across an impossibly huge sky framed by table flat plateaus and the jagged peaks of the Drakensburg mountains that lent more than a hint of the potential for outdoor adventure found in every direction and stoked our excitement for what lay ahead. 

There is little doubt that South Africa packs more outdoor activities per square meter than most countries as such the majority of the locals seem wired with an interest in an outdoor lifestyle.  Opportunities for game sighting, hiking, surfing, canoeing, moto riding, skydiving and the like are pretty much found outside every town.  Luckily to simplifying things for us we have come here with a mission to race our mountain bikes.  

Mary stands behind her sweet new Seven Cycles IMX 29er.

Our seasonal plan was all but solidified by our inclusion to the US Olympic long team - an exclusive pool of athletes including 8 US men and 9 women from which the eventual 4 person (2 men and 2 women) US Olympic team will be selected.  The criteria for selection is straight forward and includes little more than our performance at the first 4 world cup races of the 2012 season.  Being that the first world cup is taking in place in Pietermaritzburg, SA and accounts for 25% of the Olympic selection it was a given to come with our game faces on.  

Although Mary and I compete in several disciplines of cycling that effectively slim down our off season to a matter of weeks, the world cups are something all together different.  The difficulty of the WC courses often pale in comparison to those of some of the other competitions we are involved in but the caliber of the athletes competing at these races would effectively elevate a dash across a parking lot into a world class event.  Significant national team cycling budgets are typically spent sending a select few of the best riders to these events, often accompanied by highly acclaimed coaches, nutritionists, massage therapists and team managers to help elevate each to the best version of their A game.  

Mary threads the rock garden.

It came as no surprise that the competition was stiff at the world cup opener especially since this was effectively the first XC race of the season for both Mary and I.  In my case  The battle for the first single track was lost by a combination of back row (of 120) start position and a bit of bad luck that saw me walking up the majority of the opening climb behind a swarm of  congestion that allowed those at the front to put on an insurmountable lead.  The rest of the day was just damage control battling with those unfortunate enough to have been dealt a similar hand and just trying to ignore the absurdity of the overall picture in place of getting in some good racing. 

Mike flows down the Log stairs...

Mary was little better off in the middle of the women's field where she was able to fight the good fight only after loosing some considerable time due to a poor start as well as the mistakes of those surrounding her.  Every touch of the brakes is a guaranteed place lost or more but when not braking means guaranteed contact the choice is an obvious one.  

We both came out of the race experience with a feeling of disappointment but also an important lesson re learned that the world cups are an experience all together different from the racing we have recently been competing in.  The W/C races are a strategic battle that fitness alone will not fully prepare you for.  These races require tremendous mental strength and the ability to include every effort over the entirety to have a chance to make it through with any level of success.  A good start position, having the best lines dialed, making no mistakes and timing your body to lay everything on the line past the point of exhaustion, are all components that would help to garner a successful result.  

Wanted to give a shout out to all the people who helped us to make this trip something special to remember.  The strength of the friends and family end of our program was once again a saving grace throughout our travels.  Having a safe quiet place among friends to recover and get our spin back into circles after the travels is an incredibly important part of our program and overall success.   Huge thanks to both the Duncan's and the Stark families for their tremendous generosity and willingness to open their homes and take us in! 

Mary and I are looking forward to re shuffling the deck and preparing ourselves for the next round now just three weeks way in the classic race town of Houffalize, Belgium.  But first more training and a little peek at Africa!

Mike and Mary