Race season is imminent… March is here. In previous years, I started my season in February. Because of cyclocross and the Brazil Stage Race, I opted to start a little later this year. Also, I have had the same spring line-up of races for the last couple of years. I always do at least one new race per year that I have never done. This year, I’m more than surpassing that!
The Gunnison Growler has been a race I’ve really enjoyed the last 2 years. A lot of my friends are doing it and when they ask me if I’ll be back, I have to give them a semi-regrettable “no.” The same goes for the Teva Games. What am I doing over Memorial Day instead of these two fabulous Colorado events? A 7 day mountain bike stage race. It’s called the Transylvania Epic Stage Race. Anything with the word “epic” is good in my book, especially if the word “epic” is not overused. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure frat boys have “epic” nights on the weekend, but their gauge of “epic” won’t register on my scale, and likely my definition won’t register on theirs!
So 7 days, and East coast style riding. I have only ridden on the east coast twice, and it was in Seven Springs, PA for Collegiate MTB Nationals. …and although it was XC distance (15-20 mi), it was definitely epic.
hahaha
That was 4.5 years ago… time sure flies.
Fortunately, TSE is in May, not October so snow won’t be an issue but mud will! The women’s field will also be amazingly talented. It’ll be awesome to race with such a great group of women.
I’ll be posting more about TSE as the date gets closer – beta on the different stages, training, etc. For now, my prep is involving spending time doing copious amounts of cross training for full body strength. Very technically demanding courses…especially for 7 days will require more upper body and core strength. I’ve been focusing on strengthening my upper body in the gym (I haven’t been to the gym in years) and doing a lot of yoga. When the trails surface for 2011, I’ll spend a lot of time riding rocky, slower paced trails. I’m excited for some east coast flavor in my 2011 season!
