Lemurian Race 2006

Took on the this race again this year - 2nd time doing it. Not so much a race for me as much as a badge of honor in just completing the course of 20 miles. Some cruel climbs and sweet singletrack - Redding has some truly wonderful riding trails! Went up with a couple of guys and had a really good time getting there - met Jay Rawlins and Rany Hobbs drove. There in plenty of time to get warmed up and mentally geared for what was ahead. Jay did volunteer work for the club putting it on and Randy was racing as well. Met with James Plummer and got an intro to the ever elusive Tyler Honeyman - heard a lot people talk aobut him but had never met him. The race/ride was really fun - the first climb wasn't as bad as last year's newly laid gravel. Did well and only had a minor mechanical during the first part when I wasn't able to gear down for the first small climb. Only other issue was having to stop twice to put more air in my back tire - but the CO2 cartridge made it quick. It was humbling to have the long course guys (& more so - gals) blow by knowing that they had already completed an additional six mile loop - talk about being fit! Didn't really latch up with anyone during the run but was around other riders almost the entire time. Main thing was no cramps this year! Ended with a time of 3:28 - a mere 1:20 off the top times...hmmmm - next year's goal is to get in under 3 hours. Had a great time clowning around with the other Chico guys at the burrito/awards show. Randy took 2nd and so did Tyler!! I came in next to last in my class (12 of 13) and 50th overall - definitely room for improvement. The ride/race was a great challenge - got to meet some good riders/people and set the benchmark for next year. It will be interesting to see the timing for next year - the Wildflower Century was the next day - will make another post for that day....and entirely different adventure.