Race Day

Perfect weather and perfect trails started off the racing season in great style. I am convinced that Rody is some sort of nocturnal creature that doesn't need sleep. He stayed up all night working on my frame. I got to the shop around 9 am and he was putting her in the drying box with some fresh primer. No time for paint but who needs that anyways.
My first off road ride of the year was also my first race of the year. And my first ride on the Groovy. I finished building it up 3 hours before the race and was anxious to hit the trail.
The 650B wheels were awesome. Rody had the frame geometry dialed in perfect. I did not lose any of the quick steering that a 26 provides. But I gained noticeable traction and faster rolling with the bigger wheels. I took the 1st lap a little slower as I got used to the bike. By lap two I was simply blown away by the experience. No bike has ever left me with such a great impression. I did find a few sharp turn tougher to negotiate. Not for the lack of handling, but because I was simply coming into the corners faster than before!
A steady pace and no mechanicals found me on the winners podium. Bad luck for John and Wes with flats that cost them lots of time to repair. I feel your pain guys.
Jeff Pendleberry and Steve Twinning took 1-2 in the younger Expert class, making Groovy Cycles the dominant race machines this day. Jeff has gears now, and it shows.