Return on the Jedi and other races

Since my last post I have raced Spring Thaw in Ashland, the Jacksonville short track xc series and the Return on the Jedi race weekend. I was having trouble deciding on Cat 2 or Cat 3 at Spring Thaw but went with Cat 3 since they have cut off times that I might not have made. It was very enjoyable. I'm happy with the decision.
Then it was the 4 race series in Jacksonville. They had two new courses along with the old one. The new courses included some steep climbs so I rode my geared bike. I rode the two races on the old course with my single speed.

This is one of the new courses on my Orbea Alma 29er.


















I camped in the same site as last year at Return on the Jedi.












The only difference in the picture is Jake's new ramp. He blew out his ACL and had surgery to repair it. He can't jump into the back anymore. I suspect that's how he injured it in the first place.










I raced STXC on Saturday. There were only two single speeders so here I am with my second place ribbon. I raced XC on Sunday and, again, raced Cat 3. This is the course that I bonked on last year and had trouble finishing. This year it was hot but not as hot as last year. I paced myself on the long climb and thoroughly enjoyed the Jedi trail to the finish. I have decided that I am a Cat 3 racer. I would rather enjoy the races than suffer on the longer and more technical courses.

I don't have any races scheduled in July. The Pistis Racing Team STXC series starts in August. It is a five race series in Grants Pass. That should be a good workout for me to start getting ready for cross season. I'm looking forward to racing cross this year.