enduro rider, I was on minute 11. There was probably only about 3-5 riders ahead of me. The trail was definitely NOT burned in as they say. I was really having fun until the section the A riders had to do twice. The first time thru I was really getting turned around, there was some arrowing I found odd. I saw a lot of arrows pointing down when there was no down hill, and it seemed like if I followed the arrows I would end up turning way too late for the turn and have to curve back to get on the trail. I tell you I was really bummed at the end of that section only to find I had to do it again. 2nd time was a blast. nicely burned in trail, but as I was riding it I noticed how weird some of the arrows were. I do not like to get off the trail, I am there to ride, and finish knowing I did not cheat, so I do my best to follow arrows.
In the sections that had alot of criss crossing trail, by the club, I guess the only thing to keep people from blowing down the wrong trail is more ribbon but that is ALOT of work. There was section towards the end where the arrows just stopped. I went back to the last arrow I saw and completely stopped and could not see a single arrow. I scanned from side to side several times and could not see anything. There was about 4 of us searching there for several minutes until we found the trail. Dont know what happened there but I doubt it was just a bad arrow job, I think someone came in there and pulled them down. There is no way you would have missed that.
I was having a bad day to start. As I turned on my Watchdog to program it I found that I had cracked the display and couldnot read most of the info. Not the outside but the actual layer that has the 7 segment display. I was going to resort to my watch and trip but then noticed that on the route sheet there was no times beside the distances. That is the first time I ever ran across this. I didnt know how to figure it out so I was pretty screwed. Guess who had the only computer on minute 11. Thanks to my buddy Katoomer who didnt want to ride with me I rode this one blind.
After all the problems I had, I was really not happy with the event, but then I realized most of it was only my fault and I will have my computer fixed and learn how to figure in the times if they arent givin to you before the next race.
Great race, awesome trail, nice pit area, easy access, club members seemed cool, and a great time of year I will definitely redeem myself next year.
Does anybody know how I did? I left immediatly 3 hour drive and have to get up Mondays at 4 am.
later jeff