Brought to You by Kyle: August 22-23, 2009: A Weekend of Firsts

I began the weekend with something that is becoming too common— my alarm going off way too early. It was 5:00 AM to be exact. I arrived at the staging area for the race at 6:45. I was right on time. If there is one thing I’ve learn this summer it is that waking early is worth breathing the fresh, cool, summer air. As I stepped out of my car, the firsts started. The race was the New Mexico State Championship Road Race. That’s right I had never gone to a road race before. Firsts number two: I was volunteering, not racing. Now I have volunteered at races before, but today I was registering and handing up bottles in the feed zone.

There was some women that were glad to see me in the feed zone. Much to the blog reader’s surprise it had nothing to do with my killer good looks or witty charm. No, these mother, wives, and girlfriends were glad I was there because they had no idea what was happening. They couldn’t tell masters from juniors (or something like that). I told which groups were coming and when to expect each category. After the race, I hunted down all the people to whom I handed bottles. Nina was off socializing or doing whatever it is that fast women like her do after races. Hopefully, she got her bottle. I must say, I enjoyed myself, but it was time to leave for another first.

I rode Otero and Tunnel Canyons for the first time. The two canyons are connected with most of the trails in Otero canyon. I must say it was the call. These trails were sweet. The best trails I have ridden in New Mexico. I had a blast. The canyons should be renamed to Perma-grin Canyons. The climbing was great—sustained but not too long, technical but not unrideable. There were some short, punchy climbs in the lower part of each canyon. All the trails flowed well. The descents were mostly fast with few places that required the use of pesky, cumbersome brakes. The descents were also rocky but not too rough and had ample line options in many sections. The views were also great. The one downside was that part of the trails butts up against Kirtland AFB land. However, tire tracks make it apparent that few people are deterred by this.

My last first came on this morning’s road ride. I noticed the left side of my bar flexing when I got in the drops somewhere in the middle of the ride. I thought that I would check it out after the ride. Well, after the ride was not soon enough. Turning up the last climb of the day, I found a small but deep pothole. I was on the hoods and my left hand gave way. My bars snapped. Half the group pulled out their cell phones and snapped pictures. I rode home with my hands in the center of the bars and using my rear brake for all my deceleration needs. It looks the metal has oxidized (I hesitate to say corroded because the bars are aluminum). They’re white now, instead of black. I have no idea what would do that.

Broken Bars: