It doesn't happen often, but I got to sleep in my own bed for the first running of the Firebird 40 here in Eagle, CO. The Firebird 40 was part of the Eagle Outside Festival, a 2-day outdoor festival located in the Brush Creek area of Eagle. FYI, don't miss it in 2014! In addition of the high dollar prize purse mtb races, there was a massive bike demo and expo. So, once again, I got to mix work and pleasure.....racing first, then working the 2-day expo.
Due to the long winter and BLM permitting issue, the organizers didn't get to use the single backcountry 40-mile loop to race on. Instead, we were forced onto a 7-mile loop in the Eagle Ranch area on the east side of Eagle. This was a great mix of singletrack, double track, and rec path. Going into the race, I just wanted to feel good from start to finish. I wanted to ride hard. Take risks. Empty the tank.
The lead out was neutral on a narrow rec path for about 2 miles before we turned onto a road to sprint for the single track. I stayed at the front for the duration. I wanted to be one of the first riders out of the 90 rider field into the singletrack. Our field was staked with the Wells brothers, Hoke, Cares, Henry, Sonntag, etc. I found myself at the front chasing the leadout vehicle. Surprisingly, I felt good. About 100 yards from the singletrack I let up to see who would roll past. I had Todd Wells and 4 other go floating by. I was 5th into the singletrack with a pegged HR. I had nothing to loose.
Due to the long winter and BLM permitting issue, the organizers didn't get to use the single backcountry 40-mile loop to race on. Instead, we were forced onto a 7-mile loop in the Eagle Ranch area on the east side of Eagle. This was a great mix of singletrack, double track, and rec path. Going into the race, I just wanted to feel good from start to finish. I wanted to ride hard. Take risks. Empty the tank.
The lead out was neutral on a narrow rec path for about 2 miles before we turned onto a road to sprint for the single track. I stayed at the front for the duration. I wanted to be one of the first riders out of the 90 rider field into the singletrack. Our field was staked with the Wells brothers, Hoke, Cares, Henry, Sonntag, etc. I found myself at the front chasing the leadout vehicle. Surprisingly, I felt good. About 100 yards from the singletrack I let up to see who would roll past. I had Todd Wells and 4 other go floating by. I was 5th into the singletrack with a pegged HR. I had nothing to loose.
I remained in 5th until the doubletrack. At this point, I started to gas out on Lap 1 of 5. It was a long race and I knew I would get my legs again. Just a question of when. I drifted back to 25th or so, back riding with the guys I typically see while racing; Jon Davis, Jason Hilimire, Travis Sheefer, Matt Schiff, etc. The pecking order was set for the day. We would battle all race. Living in Eagle, it was a huge help to know the course. Riders were over shooting corners and crashing in the twisty blind corners. I was able to keep a smooth race.
Bailey's Climb proved to be the toughest part of the race. This short steep climb crushed riders. Riding aboard the new SRAM XX1, which kicks ass by the way, I was at the limit riding the 32 x 42 gear combo. I was at XC pace. No time to recover. Full gas from the gun! Surprisingly it felt good.
For the remainder of the laps, myself and the riders in sight would battle. It was a good healthy race. In the end, I finished in 21st place out of the 90 or so that started.
Results: http://eagleoutsidefestival.com/firebird-results/
Strava file: http://app.strava.com/activities/53684131
Next up, I get to race on this course again in a few weeks time for the Vail Rec. District XC Series. But, before that is the 64-mile Gunnison Growler. I haven't taken part in this race for a few years. Looking forward to putting rubber back on Hartman Rocks.
In the meantime, the trails are perfect here in Eagle. Going to load up on miles Friday-Sunday before chilling out heading into the Growler. If you need your dirt fix, come to Eagle. Trail map here: http://eagleoutside.com/activity-overview/#/mountain-bike/