hello blog: Gunnison Growler quick report

The Ergon FJ. Yeah, we fit 5 of the 6 Topeak-Ergon USA riders in here plus all our gear!

I have a lot to catch up on! What a trip it's been so far...I'm back in Denver for a couple days before reality really sets in again. In the meantime, I'll do my best to remember all the fantastic days I've spent in Colorado...

For now, I'd like to give a huge thanks to Jeff Kerkove, Dave Wiens, and the rest of Topeak-Ergon USA for having us out here! The Gunnison Growler was probably the best race I've done in terms of the course...the trails are just amazing. Everything was perfect (except for the weather, but that's no one's fault). I did think it was kind of funny that we traveled across the country to race in the desert...and ended up racing in mud again! I, personally didn't "race". I never made it past my endurance zone...though my legs felt good, I just couldn't go hard because of the altitude. Still, I rode very consistently, was pleased with my skills since I haven't really been on the mountain bike much lately, and just had a really really good time riding. The Rotwild R.R2 hardtail was the perfect bike for the course..I love it. The Conti 2.2 Mountain King tires were also the best tire choice (Thanks, Jeff), the Magura brakes and Durin Race fork made the technical sections much more manageable. Yeah, I have nothing but good things to say about the bike! I'll have a more detailed report with pictures later but for now, here are some of Yuki's shots. I think I ended up 6th place in the overall women and 2nd in my age group. I'm ok with that since I think I was probably the only woman coming from sea level! And, this was my longest mountain bike ride since last September!! I'm just really happy to finally be racing again..that break was too long.

Yuki, me, and Jeff preriding two days before the race



One of the smooth sections of trail, weeeee!



Team Topeak-Ergon USA minus Dave Wiens


(out of order) Waiting for the start

Yuki showing us lines two days before the race

The ladies of the US team (Sonya Looney and me)

Mid-way point, muddy and refueling for another 32 miles


Coming in after getting stuck in the hail storm...very very happy to be DONE!

My teammates were really nice to wait for me. They must have been freezing..I know I was.

Stay tuned, I have a lot more days to report on and pictures to share. It just might take me a few days to get it all updated!