Photos
Essex County Velo had a small but strong showing at the Bear Brook Blast-Off mountain bike race on Sunday, June 1st. The race recently became EFTA's NECS #2 race, as there was a snag with the originally scheduled race in Sterling, CT. Race organizer Kelly VonRuden did an incredible job running the event, and Bear Brook State Park - in Allenstown, NH - lived up to its reputation of being a great race venue.
I met up with fellow ECV'ers John and Connor Adamik around 8:15am in the Snowmobile Parking Lot. We were all pre-registered to race in our respective Novice age groups, making the check-in process a breeze. It was quickly pointed out to me that someone else was garnished in ECV garb, so I made my way over to say hello to Greg, returning from a long hiatus to race in the Sport category. As I was preparing to warm up, yet another ECV'er emerged from the crowd; Jack, making his Expert debut.
After socializing a bit, we warmed up until 9:40am, at which time we gathered for the pre-race meeting. After the meeting, groups began lining up to start. This process took quite some time as the race organizers were very kind to start us in groups no larger than about 15 racers. Typically, I'm intensely stressed out in this kind of situation, but my fellow racers were so chatty and friendly I hardly felt the least bit anxious.
We were off and pedaling before we knew it, beginning our 12-mile voyage through the woods. My strategy in the beginning was to start close to the front of the pack, but not in the very front. I'm easily phased when someone is right on my wheel, and I become clumsy over things I could normally ride over easily. The course started out through some thick sand and loose gravel fire roads, so our field was fairly well spread out before we came to the first singletrack.
I passed two of the girls on the first technical climb, and they both shouted words of encouragement to me. It's a great feeling to have someone cheering you on - especially your competitors - and I've found this same friendly atmosphere at every MTB race I've been to.
For the most part, the course was smooth and fast, with the exception of the final singletrack - the Carr Ridge Trail, adorned with abundant rocks and roots and a few logs. The descent seems steeper than the climb, with no fewer rocks and roots, but the turns seem tighter and more frequent. The grand finale is a 90-degree right turn, followed immediately by "The Steps".
Once I got through Carr Ridge, I knew the finish was near. There were more spectators lining the course, with cowbells sounding as I rode past them. Riding along the final stretch, I can hear people on the sidelines cheering for me, and I see Mike with my parents near the finish. I ride over to them, and they all inquire excitedly about the ride. I had a great ride, and feel like I did well for my first race. I tell them I'm not sure how I placed, but I think I probably came in 2nd or 3rd.
When I finally made my way over to the tent to check my official time, John's wife, Mary, was standing at the outer edge of the crowd. "It looks like all three of you are winners!", she tells me. I stare back at her in disbelief, but then I see the report myself. John, Connor and I all have a moment in the limelight on the podium.
I hope Bear Brook remains on EFTA's NECS roster for next year. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to the next race!
I would like to thank: EFTA and all of the race organizers for making the event so fun, Mary for bringing snacks and a pleasant attitude to EVERY cycling event she comes to, my parents for driving all the way up to Bear Brook to watch me race, and to Mike for coping with my pre-race jitters and for adjusting my rear derailleur more than once in the mosquito-laden woods before the race.
