Berryman Epic 2011

Ever since I rode this trail last year I have dreams and nightmares of riding it again in 2010, only this time not letting it kick my ass.  I had spent time working on my endurance riding and prepping for this race.  Not that I would be competitive, but just wanting to post a respectable time that was not close to dead last.

I feel like I was better prepared this year than last year.  A 6 hour ride was a walk in the park and I always felt like I had something left in the tank at the end.  I dialed in my pre-ride, ride and post ride nutrition,  solved my cramping issues around the 4 hour mark and had my hydration spot on.

Folks that I ride with commented on my increased fitness and improved riding skills.  I really felt like I was going to peak at just the right time for the BT Epic.  That was of course until an ill-fated journey to Finger Lakes to check out the new trail they just added.  Like the idiot I am, towards the end of the ride I chose to go ride some of the motoX trails I did last year to see if I had improved and was able to ride stuff I walked last year.  Yes, I am extremely competitive with myself:)

Things were going well and I was having a blast.  That is really all I can remember until, Mike told me he was going to find the EMTs and lead them to me.  These are some awesome folks.

After 3 more days in the hospital and a surgery to repair my right arm, I have some rehab in front of me before I can get back on a bike. 

I am still heading to the BT Epic to cheer on my friends and provide support.  I plan on working hard to recover from my injuries and taking myself to the next level of fitness.  I will probably start with some cross training activities until I can support myself on a bike.  Here's to the 2011 season...fear me:)

Special thanks to Mike Best for keeping an eye on me and not letting lay there more than  8 seconds before coming to my aid.  The video showed him more than fifty yards away when I crashed.  That is moving pretty fast for an old guy in bike shoes...haha.  He kept his head and did not hesitate to call for support.  Thanks to Evenslower for helping get my vehicle back home.  Thanks to my team for the food when I got out of the hospital.  Thanks for all the texts, calls and cards from my friends and family.  I could feel the love and support and it motivates me to get better with each passing day.

Anyone want to teach me how to jump and land properly?....