Team Velo Wrench Cycling: October 2011

Team Grassroots Racing had a great (and fun!) weekend of racing at Northstar at Tahoe in Truckee, CA. Aaron, Vince and Brandy all raced the final race of the 2011 Sierra Cup MTB series, the Sawtooth Ridge Challenge.

Aaron and his family, along with Brandy headed up to Truckee on Friday evening in order to acclimate to the elevation a bit, and also to pre ride the course on Saturday. Vince arrived at the cabin Saturday night after closing the shop.

Sunday morning we arrived at Northtstar about an hour before the race was to start. We picked up our numbers, did last minute preparations and also warmed up. We could not have asked for better weather, just cool enough in the morning to not let us over heat on course, and the wind held off until after the race was done. Beautiful weather!

Race Start time was 9:30am, Aaron and Vince’s categories started together, and Aaron jumped out fast to avoid traffic up the 2.0 mile climb that was the first part of the race course. Brandy started a couple minutes later. She took a bit of a spill ¼ mile up the climb in the deep gravel. But she remounted and soldiered on.

Course consisted of a multitude of things that would test skill and endurance. There was over 1054 feet of climbing, stream & mud crossing, tight switchbacks, fun flowy sections, steep rocky sections, and lots of soft loose dirt.

Vince ended up a DNF for the race. He endo’d and got a very nasty gash on his knee. After getting a bit of medical advice, it was decided he should not continue. He has vowed to be back next year, and kill it! Awesome Job Vinny!

Aaron had a good race, and even with a flat on the second last, he finished second and third overall in his division for the entire series. Not bad for a guy who had hip surgery earlier this year. No doubt Aaron will be back to contest the whole series, and we know he will win it! Also, Aaron has qualified for the 2012 MTB National Championships. Great Job Aaron!

Brandy ended up winning her race even with two little wrecks. With her win at Sawtooth and her second place at Sky Tavern, Brandy is the Northern California/Nevada District Cat 3 Women’s 19-39, MTB Champ for 2011. Brandy vows to be back fitter and faster next season, to contest more of the Sierra Cup Series, and defend her jersey.