Prescott Punisher Arizona State XC Race #6

Prescott was host to the MBAA race #6, dubbed "The Prescott Punisher". This area has some really great riding. Sandy singletrack through Pine Forests. Large granite boulders, tree roots, elevation, views....I could go on and on. My point is I was pumped to return to this terrain even though my last race here did not go so well. Prescott has a cool vibe and this really cool brewery that I seem to get sucked into over and over.

My girl L.A. and I arrived extra early in order to do some volunteer work before the race got started. The weather was perfect, 70s, calm, sunny, and some of the bluest skies I have ever witnessed.

The morning went by quickly and as usual start time arrived before I was really ready for it. I had been able to ride a few sections of the course and had a vague idea of what I was in for. We were to do 5 laps so I had some time to learn the terrain during the race.

11a.m. arrived and we were off and racing! I grabbed a crappy start as we struggled through the gravely sand pit that was the start line. A quick parade lap around the start/finish zone and we were finally out into hardpack single track.

As the trail turned uphill I began to move forward and was shortly into 4th place or so as we climbed a moderate double track climb for the next several minutes.

We were going UP up UP and then it was finally time to start one of the many awesome downhills. The trail snaked quickly downward with huge bermed turns, some dips, and a super slickery gravel type consistency, very fast and very sketchy.












By the end of lap 1 I had moved into third and struggled to stay within reach of Mimmo and another rider.









The three of us rode within sight of each other for nearly an hour. All the while the gaps between us grew steadily. The course was very fast in most spots and pretty technical in others. Not like anything I had raced on yet. The first 10 minutes was really fast long ups and long downs, but the second half of the lap was very techy, tight, and twisty with shorter, power climbs. There were a couple big jumps on the downhills too so I was of course airing it out a couple times per lap :)


The BONTRAGER 29-2 tires have become my new "go to" tires for all conditions. They grip great on the loose stuff and still roll plenty fast on the hard stuff....I like em! Going to ride them every race for the rest of the season.

The TREK SUPERFLY was perfect for this course. 29 inch wheels gave me tons of grip on the loose surface and confidence on the downs. The superlight frame puts all my power into turning the wheels so I crest climbs faster and fresher.





Eventually by lap 5 I lost sight of everyone and rode in by myself. I had been pushing hard hoping to catch 2nd place somewhere but it just never happened.















Third place would have to do and I was not unhappy with that. I felt great, rode well, and for once would not have changed a thing about this race. It was a great day on the bike!

After the race we enjoyed the sunshine, people, and yes the brewery! Truly a day to remember.